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    In News

    Couple drive ‘wedding mobile’ to collect food donations for needy

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    Long Island couple Sara Pagano and Brian Fenley  were meant to marry the first weekend in May but were forced to postpone due to the ongoing pandemic. Instead, they will put their time and money to good use by helping others during this unprecedented time.

    “With all of the positive energy we have received from friends, family and neighbors, we want to channel that into an opportunity to celebrate love in a different but significant way and give back to help our community in need,” the pair explain on Facebook.

    “Covid-19 has intensified food insecurity on Long Island, and on Saturday May 2 we are putting on our festive wedding attire and hosting a food drive to benefit Island Harvest and our local families here on LI.”

    They plan to dress up, decorate their pick-up truck into a ‘wedding mobile’ and drive around their city picking up food donations for Island Harvest Food Bank.

    “We haven’t really even though about ourselves. We’re worried about the fact that we’re still having jobs and money and a place to live and food,” Pagano explains. Because they are in a priviledged position, they want to do all they can to help those in need.

    People wishing to donate to the food bank but cannot or do not feel safe dropping it off may sign up online. This couple will then pick up the donations and deliver it to the needy. Food insecurity has heightened amid the coronavirus pandemic, making donations even more important.

    “These people are just there, they’re just trying to find out what their next meal is,” Fenley said.

    “Since they cannot walk down the aisle this weekend, this amazing couple ❤️ Sara Pags and Brian Paulie ❤️ are channeling positive energy into raising food and funds for Island Harvest Food Bank to help us feed local families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We invite everyone to join these would-be newlyweds as they share the love across Long Island in helping us make sure that no one goes hungry. ❤️” wrote Island Harvest Food Bank on their Facebook page. 

    Feature image: Facebook / Island Harvest Food Bank

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    In Celebs

    Prince William and Kate Middleton celebrate 9th wedding anniversary

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    Prince William and Kate Middleton celebrated their 9th wedding anniversary yesterday, April 29. The pair commemorated this special day in quarantine at their Anmer Hall Home with their family, due to restrictions in place on account of COVID-19.

    The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge thanked people for their kindness and well-wishes on their anniversary via Instagram. The post was a throwback to their wedding ceremony on April 29, 2011. In the photo we see the newlyweds in the doorway of Westminster Abbey, after they had just exchanged their vows.

    “Nine years ago today – thank you for all your lovely messages on The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding anniversary!” read the caption.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_jrQkllbKE/

    Of course, more congratulatory messages came pouring in underneath the post, with a comment from Princess Eugenie making an appearance too.

    People reported that the royal couple spent the day video-calling their family and having quality time with their children.

    In celebration of their anniversary, The Royal Family Channel on YouTube also posted a video.

    Watch it here:

    Image: Instagram

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    In Advice

    The legality of Zoom weddings in SA

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    Globally, the popularity of Zoom weddings is increasing by the day. With the coronavirus pandemic essentially ensuring that no physical ceremony can take place, couples have limited options and therefore opt for online nuptials. However, the question of legality never seems to be brought up.

    There are certain requirements for a legal and valid marriage in South Africa. Some of these include:

    1. You must ensure you are both legally allowed to marry, and must understand the legal consequences of marriage
    2. You have to present all the required documents (including ID documents of both partners, divorce orders from previous marriages or death certificates if applicable) to the officiant
    3. Your marriage officer must be authorised in terms of Act No. 25 of 1961
    4. Your marriage must be conducted in the presence of at least two witnesses
    5. The witnesses and the marriage officer must sign the marriage register after the solemnisation of the marriage, and you as the newly-weds should be given a handwritten marriage certificate

    If we consider the last two points, we might notice that these are more difficult to fulfil while self-isolating.

    When the nationwide lockdown began, Minister Aaron Motssoaledi of Home Affairs said that no marriage certificates would be issued during the lockdown. He said that those who want to get married should wait until the lockdown is over, and in fact even joked about it saying that “maybe the 21 days will also give you time to think whether you want to get married or not.”

    With marriage certificates not being issued, point number 5 is pretty much impossible to fufill with a Zoom wedding. Point number 4 may be equally difficult if you don’t live with at least two additional roommates (which most couples don’t).

    Point 4 talks about being in the presence of two witnesses. This does not specify that the witnesses have to be there physically, although it might make the most sense to assume that is what it means. If we stay on the safe side and assume the witnesses have be there physically, then you’re probably unable to fulfil point 4 too.

    In addition, it may be difficult to find an authorised officiant willing to perform your marriage, since marriage was so clearly warned against by the government when the lockdown started.

    As a result of these stumbling blocks, Zoom weddings may be a bit of a grey area in terms of legality. However, it’s safest (and most likely correct) to assume that Zoom weddings cannot be taken as legally valid in terms of the law.

    Either way though, a zoom wedding may still be worth it for symbolic reasons! It can be used to celebrate what your day would have been, or to simply bring everyone together as you planned to in the first place.

    Here are some zoom weddings for inspiration:

    Image: Twitter / @tarekjpeg

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    In Accessories

    Lashes for days and how to care for them

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    False lashes can make the world of a difference to your make-up look, but not many people know how to take care of them. Here are a few tips and tricks to help get the best wear from your lashes and make them last longer.

    Trim them

    Not all eye shapes are the same size and you may find your strip lash doesn’t fit. This is completely normal to slightly trim the strip with a pair of scissors. Besides looking more natural, they will also be way more comfortable on the eye.

    Skip the mascara

    With lashes that great, you don’t need to apply a coat of mascara. We’re not saying you can’t, but it will definitely help your lashes last longer without the added layers of mascara to remove once you’re done using them.

    Use tweezers

    A pair of tweezers are always handy to help you apply your falsies. It will help to accurately place the lashes as close to your natural lash line as possible without messing up the rest of your makeup.

    Never sleep with them

    Always, and we repeat, always, remove your lashes before going to bed. Similarly to removing your makeup, fake lashes are no different so take them off with the rest of your face before bed. It also helps to clean your lashes from any lash glue or other makeup that may have gotten on it during your wear before putting them back in the box.

    Apply after eye shadow

    It is better to apply your false lashes at the end of your make-up look to avoid getting any fallout eye shadow onto them. This will ensure your lashes looking fresh and new once your make-up look is complete.

    Practice makes perfect

    The only way to become better at applying your falsies, is to do it on a regular basis. You’ll find the more often you use it, the quicker you’ll be, and since they’re reusable, as long as you take good care of them you wouldn’t need to buy some for months!

    We love:

    Pinky Goat Lashes from R149.00 (Clicks)

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-1Uv4rlEA1/

    Huda Beauty Lashes from R335.00 (Huda Beauty Website)

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2PyfauAse6/

    Eylure Lashes from R85.00 (Dischem)

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-w5Ffdj-ZW/

    Ardell Lashes (Clicks)

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B87Si5eFwyk/

    By Yashna Balwanth

    Image: Unsplash

     

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    In Celebs

    Bizarre moments from famous royal weddings

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    A wedding is said to be the happiest day of a person’s life. If that person is royal, however, there are a few extra complications.

    The royal world has never been short of scandal and drama, even on wedding days. Here are a few wild moments from the years:

    Louis XVI didn’t attend his own wedding:

    Louis XVI was not happy that he had to marry Marie Antoinette, both of whom were in their mid-teens at the time.  So much so that he didn’t even show up to the wedding! Their wedding took place by proxy in Vienna, and Marie’s older brother Ferdinand had to stand in as the groom at the altar. The pair met for the first time weeks after their wedding when she arrived in Versailles.

    Their marriage was not an easy one. Seven years passed before they consummated the marriage, making them the laughing stock of the kingdom.

    Henry VIII created a new church so he could divorce his wife
    The Church of England was founded with a less-than-holy origin story. King Henry VIII wanted to end his marriage to Catherine of Aragon after their union failed to produce a son and he became interested in one of his wife’s ladies-in-waiting, Anne Boleyn. However, the Catholic Church does not allow divorce. King Henry VIII thus split from the church, built a new one and made himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England. 
    King Edward VIII abdicated the throne for love
    Britain’s Edward VIII became King in 1936 after his father died. However, he was already in love with an ‘unsuitable’ woman: Wallis Warfield Simpson. Simpson was already married, had previously been divorced and was -gasp- American.
    She got divorced but the royal family still could not accept her as an appropriate partner for the King. However, his love for Simpson proved too strong.  King Edward abdicated later that same year to be with Simpson, thus causing his descendants to lose their place in line for the throne too.
    The pair married in June 1937 but were shunned from the royal family for decades after.
    The Queen did not attend Prince Charles and Camilla’s wedding ceremony

    Prince Charles and Camilla’s relationship, which continued through his marriage to Princess Diana, was already a massive scandal on its own. Another huge scandal: his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did not attend their wedding.

    The Queen insists that her absence was a sign of her prioritizing her role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England over any motherly duties. However, the Queen and Prince Phillip did not approve of Camilla when she first began dating their son, and many reports suggest that disdain continued over the years, adding fuel to the fire.

    Sarah Ferguson wasn’t invited to Will and Kate’s wedding
    Prince William did not extend an invitation for his highly anticipated wedding to his aunt, Sarah Ferguson.
    “It was so difficult because I wanted to be there with my girls and to be getting them dressed and to go as a family,” Ferguson told Oprah. “And also it was so hard because the last bride up that aisle was me.”
    Princess Stéphanie of Monaco married her bodyguard
    Princess Stéphanie of Monaco fell in love with Daniel Ducruet in 1988. Only problem? He was her bodyguard. The two carried on a relationship in secret, even having two children out of wedlock before marrying in 1995.
    However, the pair split a year later after Ducruet was caught on tape having an affair, causing yet another scandal for the family.
    Megan Markle only had one family member attend her wedding
    Megan Markle’s family has received much coverage ever since her relationship with Prince Harry became public. Many family members went out against her to speak to the press, and created great scandal.
    Markle’s father was meant to walk her down the aisle but days before the big day, he was caught staging paparazzi photoshoots to garner positive press about him. As a result, Markle had only one family member by her side for her big day: her mother. Doria Raglan stood proudly as she watched her daughter say ‘I do’.
    The Prince of Hanover’s dad skips his wedding

    Prince Ernst August married long term girlfriend, Russian designer Ekaterina Malysheva in 2017 without his father, Ernst August Sr., in attendance. In fact, the father did not approve of the nuptials at all.

    “The decision was not easy for me because it concerns my son,” August Sr. said to a German newspaper. “But I am constrained to preserve the interests of the House of Hanover and the property, including cultural property, which has been its property for centuries.”
    The Prince refused to return an estimated $100 million worth of property he’d been given a decade earlier, causing his father to anger and skip the wedding.
    Feature image: Instagram / The Royal Family
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    In Decor

    Beautiful barn wedding decor

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    Rustic and romantic, barn venues have been trending for years in the wedding industry. The beauty of this venue is that you can really have fun with it.

    A barn gives enough of a blank canvas to truly allow your decor to stand out. That being said, you don’t have to do much to dress this space up from drab to fab. Some twinkling lights, drapery and floral installations goes a long way in adding to the environment.

    If you need help envisioning decor ideas, look no further. Here are a few spaces we are loving:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9p3Q0ondmo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_EnyRvHG3g/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_UzwWAHMhK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_c2AM8jsvA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_is2T6IL9P/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_ie1X6Hda8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7G3urjq2ri/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_QY8vVHZbZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B77mjujqMa9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_jWDmvqVM0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Unsplash

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    In Emotional

    Cancer patient (70) weds partner in hospital nuptials

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    Everything seems quite uncertain right now. One thing remains stable through all of this, however, and that is love. Not even the uncertainty that cancer brings could stop this couple from celebrating their love and making it official.

    70-year-old Roy Wilson, a man with terminal bone cancer, wed his long term partner, Joy Hird, in a hospital wedding. The pair had not seen each other in almost a month. Wilson was admitted to the hospital on April 1 and visiting restrictions were in place as a result of the coronavirus.

    The couple were married by Rev Simon Airey, the chaplain at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital where Wilson was being taken care of.

    Being diagnosed with terminal cancer was a wake up call for Wilson. The frightening news made him realise that there is no time better than the present, and so the pair decided to tie the knot. However, much like many other stories these days, there was a small hiccup surrounding the issue of coronavirus.

    Wilson began showing symptoms of COVID-19, and was concerned that this would be the end of his upcoming wedding. After a negative test result on Friday, April 24, everyone was relieved and things were back on track for the ceremony on Monday, April 27.

    According to a post by The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, the staff “pulled out all the stops to make the day as special as possible for the couple, creating handmade decorations and sourcing food.” They even ensured that a professional photographer was there on the day.

    Apparently, Rev Airey went out of his way to make sure the wedding could take place. Since the coronavirus pandemic has essentially halted all wedding ceremonies, it was difficult for him to provide a legal marriage. However, he managed to get special permission from the Archbishop of Canterbury.

    For all the efforts of the hospital staff, the newlyweds are tremendously grateful. “This has been a long time coming. It’s been a really special but emotional day. I’m absolutely exhausted but it’s been wonderful. We can’t thank the staff and chaplain enough for making this happen for us,” said Wilson.

    “What a day. It’s been absolutely lovely from start to finish, it’s certainly been a day to remember for us both. A big thank you to the wonderful hospital staff for all that they’ve done for us,” said Hird.

    Watch the sweet nuptials below:

    Image: Screenshot from video

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    In Bridal Shower

    Gracious grooms and their famous groomsmen

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    A gracious groom knows that the attention is not only on him. He has to share it with his glowing bride, of course! However, would the groom be happy to share more of the spotlight with his famous groomsman?

    Yes, apparently. At least in the instances we’ve seen, grooms are quite happy to share their special day with their famous friends! If you’re struggling to believe it, then we’re here to ensure you’re convinced.

    Here are some of our favourite famous groomsmen:

    David and Brooklyn Beckham 

    The father-son pair are perfect for the role of groomsmen. Their fun and positive personalities surely brought a lightness to Victorica’s brother Christian Adams and his partner Emma Strafford’s wedding in 2017.

    Credit: Instagram

    Joe and Kevin Jonas 

    While all three brothers are famous (for the same thing), Nick ensured his brothers Joe and Kevin (and Frankie) were by his side on his big day when he married actress Priyanka Chopra. Their nuptials included a Christian ceremony and a Hindu ceremony.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BrGBYwKFqM0/

    Prince Harry and Prince William 

    Each brother played the role of groomsman when the other got married. The Duke of Cambridge provided the utmost support for Prince Harry on his royal wedding day in 2018. Harry took on the same role 7 years earlier, when Prince William wed Kate Middleton.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BsL2lLilzzU/

    Ed Westwick 

    Best known for his role as Chuck Bass, from the popular teen drama Gossip Girl, Ed Westwick looked dapper as he stood as a groomsman at his friends wedding in 2016.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BKlZxNZg3Nu/?utm_source=ig_embed

    Joe Manganiello 

    Magic Mike actor Joe Manganiello was the groomsman at a wedding in Malibu in June 2017.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BVLknpdFkLj/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BVLmicmlBPr/

    Derek Hough 

    Professional dancer popular for Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) was the best man for his friend, Mark Ballas who also appears on DWTS. He joined a fairly large group of groomsman at the 2016 wedding.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BN23szlggXd/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BNh_K97AMSF/

    Nsync 

    When Nysnc member Chris Kirkpatrick said his “I do’s” in 2013, his band members (Justin Timberlake, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, and JC Chasez) stood by his side, despite the fact that the boyband was no longer going. The group looked happy as ever being by the grooms side.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BOiP0aYgo2T/

    Image: Instagram / Nick Jonas

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    In Celebs

    Joe Jonas plans anniversary surprise for Sophie Turner

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    The coronavirus pandemic has messed with plans for people the world over, even celebrities aren’t exempt.

    Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner celebrate their one year anniversary of being married on May 1. Last year, the pair shocked everyone by tying the knot at a Las Vegas chapel after the Billboard Music Awards. The ceremony was officiated by an Elvis impersonator and livestreamed by DJ Diplo.

    They followed up that impromptu wedding with a star-studded, elaborate ceremony in the south of France a few months later.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzetyV7BVll/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Initially, the pair had planned to go back to Las Vegas to honour their one-year anniversary. However, with the coronavirus pandemic, no one is doing much travelling at the moment.

    Speaking to James Corden on The Late Late Show, Jonas explained his new plan to bring Vegas to them.

    “So, if you can keep a secret, I would say I might try to recreate Vegas in our house. I have a DJ set up. We could do a night club.”

    Corden built on the idea, suggesting Jonas dress up as Elvis or even have the Elvis impersonator officiant join in on the celebration via Zoom call.

    Feature image: Instagram / Joe Jonas

     

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    In Advice

    Quiz: What’s the perfect colour scheme for you?

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    Recently engaged? Congratulations! Now, the fun part begins. Planning a wedding is hard work, but getting to choose all the elements that make up your big day is an incredible experience. It can also be overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’re here to help.

    The colour scheme will determine the style, atmosphere, all the decor and even the bridal parties’ attire. You should choose a colour that reflects who you are and that makes you happy.

    Take this quiz to get to know yourself better and learn what colours will work for you:

    1. You’re at a party where you don’t know anyone. You:
    a) Introduce yourself to some strangers and end up making new friends
    b) Grab a seat and sip on a drink by yourself, until you see the friend who dragged you here
    c) Will never go to a party if you don’t know everyone who will be there!

    2. When planning an outfit, you:
    a) Go for the show-stoppers and like to experiment with looks
    b) Have a few favourite go-to items you always wear
    c) Always go with neutral tones, subtle and plain

    3. When you argue with your partner, you:
    a) Make sure they know exactly how you feel and why
    b) Usually stay level-headed and discuss things calmly
    c) Avoid conflict and end up apologising first

    4. Your ideal weekend activity is:
    a) Going out on the town to all the vibey spots
    b) Having a relaxed dinner with close friends
    c) Staying in, watching movies and eating treats

    5. You met your partner:
    a) By striking up a conversation at a party
    b) Through mutual friends
    c) A family member set you up with a blind date

    So, if you’ve chosen…

    Mostly a:

    You’re an obvious extrovert, and love expressing yourself. You might like strong, bright colours and choosing warm tones like yellow, orange or red will work well at your wedding.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_DZWvcJJZ5/

    Mostly b:

    You are a confident, but relaxed person and don’t care too much for glamour. You might like cool, heavier colours like greens, blues and purples.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B0qq2E2oCta/

    Mostly c:

    If you are an introvert like the quiz suggests, you might be more reserved. A good colour scheme would be light colours, like peach, lilac, or pink to convey your calmness and tranquility.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bulkv8phEZZ/

    Combination of a and b:

    If you are a little bit of an extrovert with a logical, level-headed side, we think you’ll absolutely love dark, sophisticated colours. This gives you room for self expression, but without all the brightness.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9e9nliHv5i/

    Combination of b and c:

    If you’re an introvert but who likes to get out there, don’t let anyone hold you back. You’re not shy, but not loud either. An earthy, neutral colour scheme is what you want.  Go for whites, browns and greens.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-eCVVuH0KQ/

    Combination of a and c:

    If you’re one of those rare and wonderful creatures who seem quiet at first but actually get more expressive the more you’re comfortable, welcome. You might actually be a dark horse, and you might as well admit it. We recommend metallic colours like silver, gold or bronze for an edgy theme.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4PpGs_B48l/

    Image: Unsplash

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