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    As the coronavirus pandemic worsens across the globe, more and more brands are jumping in to do their part. Many bridal brands are now offering their skills to make a positive difference in any way they can.

    Sewing surgical masks

    Many bridal designers have joined the fight against coronavirus by repurposing their workshops to produce non-surgical face masks that they will donate to hospitals in need. High-fashion designers like Naeem Khan, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Prada, Chanel and Christian Siriano are just a few of the big names who have joined the call. Smaller bridal companies are also participating.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ujhP_K-We/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Bridal retailer Davids Bridal and popular craft store JOANN have paired up to produce non-surgical masks for hospital systems and senior living facilities across the USA. They plan to donate 50 000 masks every week.

    “It’s such a privilege to support frontline medical personnel who are so selflessly fighting this pandemic. David’s Bridal is actively committed to protecting these heroic individuals and we are deeply grateful for the partnership with JOANN to make this happen,” said Jim Marcum, David’s Bridal CEO.

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    Honouring healthcare workers

    To celebrate and honour all the hard work healthcare workers do, Pronovias is offering engaged healthcare workers the world over the chance to wear a Pronovias gown, free of charge. Any hospital-employed bride-to-be, from doctor to nurse to janitor, is eligible. This forms part of their Heroes Collection, which is dedicated to all the healthcare workers.

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    Lady Gaga’s favourite designer, Brandon Maxwell is working with milliner Gigi Burris, jewelry designer Eva Fehren, celebrity stylist Micaela Erlanger and shoe brand Margaux to donate complete wedding outfits to three brides whose weddings have been affected by the coronavirus.

    “As a company who has been fortunate to play a small part in so many women’s special days, we realise the current crisis and the economic repercussions from it may have already deeply affected you,” Maxwell wrote on Instagram. “In times of darkness we must look to the light, and we believe an optimistic moment to look forward to is important.”

    Feature image: Instagram / Louis Vuitton

    As the coronavirus pandemic continues to turn wedding ceremonies across the world upside down, some couples are having fun with the circumstances and doing the best they can to lighten up the situation. This Falkrik based couple decided to celebrate their “not wedding day”.

    Laura McKinlay and Ruaridh Macmillan were set to be wed on Saturday. Of course, their plans fell through as a result of a national lockdown. Instead of letting the uncontrollable circumstances get them down, the pair celebrated what should have been their wedding day by holding a mock wedding.

    To keep things light, they called it their “not wedding day” and wore silly outfits for the ceremony. McKinlay sported a bed sheet for a veil while Macmillin strutted his stuff in his pyjamas. Like many other couples these days, they hosted on online ceremony for their loved ones to join in on their celebration.

    “So…yesterday should have been mine and @rua2 wedding day. But #covid19 had other ideas. However, thanks to the immense skill, generosity, kindness and love from everyone in our lives, we had the most amazing NOT Wedding yesterday, hosted online”, wrote McKinlay in a post on Instagram.

    “We wore formal casual – Pjs and bedsheets for a veil! We set up a make-shift altar in the living room with our Christmas tree lights round it, I carried an orchid in a jar from @marksandspencer as my flowers,” she added.

    McKinlay said they spent the rest of the evening having a drink with their neighbours through the fence, and were spoiled with some Chinese takeway from their neighbours too!

    “True it wasn’t the original day we had planned, but it will stick in our memories as one of the happiest days we’ve ever had. Stay safe people, this isn’t forever,” wrote McKinlay.

    Of course, a day like this deserved a breakfast for champions! Macmillian posted a picture of their “not wedding day” breakfast to Instagram.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Hqe70h0oX/

    Images: Facebook / Laura McKinlay – Violinist

    Amid the coronavirus pandemic, people the world over are being forced to change their plans. A number of celebrities like Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, Princess Beatrice and fiance Edoardo, and Emma Stone and fiance Dave McCary have had to either postpone or cancel their big day.

    While Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriquez have always been vague about their wedding since they got engaged in March 2019, they have announced that they are re-evaluating their plans. With the uncertainty of the current time, the couple has planned out various scenarios of how their big day can go forward.

    “We had a meeting on Zoom with our core group of people,” Rodriguez told Entertainment Tonight. “Kind of just going over what the next 12 months look like and we have three or four different variations of how that can look. It’s such a fluid world. Usually when you underwrite a year – whether in terms of scheduling or financially – you never think that it’s going to just stop like this. So, we’re having to be very fluid, think on our feet and just think very proactively.

    “At the same time, I think the most important thing for everybody is to practice great discipline and stay at home. We have to do this together and every person counts. The way we’re going to beat this thing is together,” he added.

    Feature image: Instagram / Jennifer Lopez

    Flowers are always a good idea, as they bring colour, texture and smell lovely too! With all the incredibly beautiful flowers out there, it’s hard to choose the right ones for your wedding tables.

    While roses have been used for ages, we never get tired of looking at them. In season during South Africa’s summer months, they are readily available in most parts of the country and are available in so many different kinds and colours that you are spoiled for choice.

    Think romantic, playful and sensual. We take a look at modern trends on how to make your tables pop with roses:

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    Image: Pexels

    Queen Elizabeth turned 94 yesterday, 21 April. Traditionally, her birthday is officially celebrated in June every year. The magnificent celebration, referred to as the ‘Trooping the Colour’, is an enormous feast and was due to take place on 13 June this year. This year, however, Buckingham Palace have announced that the event will not go ahead due to the coronavirus outbreak.

    In honour of the royal icon’s birthday, we take a look at her and her husband, Prince Philp’s remarkable love story.

    The two got married on 20 November, 1947 at Westminster Abbey, meaning this year they will celebrate their 73rd wedding anniversary!

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    They met at a royal wedding when Queen Elizabeth was just eight years old. They fell in love after a second encounter when she was 13 and he 18, and began exchanging letters. In 1946, Philip asked King George VI for his daughter’s hand in marriage. The rest, as they say, is history.

    The wedding did not go without incident, however. Elizabeth’s tiara snapped on the morning of the wedding, and Philip was stopped for speeding through central London on the day of the rehearsal dinner (19 November). He reportedly said at the time: “I’m sorry officer, but I’ve got an appointment with the Archbishop of Canterbury.”

    When she was just 25, Elizabeth’s ascended the throne on 2 June 1953 after her father’s death. Prince Philip was the first to swear allegiance to the new queen, describing himself as her “liege man of life and limb”.

    The two have been by each other’s side for many years now, and are a beautiful example of a strong and steadfast marriage. He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years,” said Queen Elizabeth II as she described her husband on their golden anniversary in 1997.

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    Their marriage is the longest of any British rulers ever, and we wish them many more happy years to come and the Queen a happy birthday.

    Source: History Extra

    Image: Instagram

     

    As time goes on, people are becoming much more aware of the products they use and its impact on the world. The call for more ethical practices in the fashion and beauty industry is one that is quickly gaining momentum.

    If you’re on a journey of lessening your harmful impact on the world, an easy way to start is with the makeup products you use.

    What is cruelty-free makeup?

    Cruelty-free makeup brands don’t test on animals at any stage of their development. They also don’t contract other parties to test on their behalf and, in most cases, don’t sell their products in countries that require animal testing. If a brand is sold in China, for example, its most likely not cruelty-free because of the country’s policies.

    Cruelty-free products are tested through a variety of alternative methods like using human and animal cell cultures that have been grown in laboratories, human tissue that has been donated to science, or through computer modelling.

    You can easily spot if a makeup brand is cruelty free. The makeup components will typically have a logo of a bunny printed on it somewhere close to the ingredients list.

    If the brand is vegan, that means there are no animal products included in the items either. A brand can thus be cruelty-free but not vegan. If you’re vegan, look out for non-vegan ingredients like lanolin, beeswax, glycerin, elastin and squalene to find out its status.

    Where can I find it?

    In South Africa, there are a number of popular brands that are also cruelty-free, like Wet n Wild, Urban Decay, NYX, Catrice, Smashbox, Essence, LA Girl, Oh so Heavenly and Physicians Formula.

    Brands that still employ animal testing or employ third parties to test on animals include Maybelline, Benefit, Clinique, MAC and L’Oreal.

    Feature image: Pexels

    It’s never too late for more love, and once you find it nothing will stop you from keeping it! This 91-year-old couple proved just that as they tied the knot in the middle of the coronavius pandemic.

    Jeanine Sprague and Don Sandin made it official on Easter Sunday, (which also happened to be Sprague’s birthday) despite the worldwide health crisis. The St. Petersburg couple told the Tampa Bay Times that they wanted to ensure they were legally married in the event that one of them needs to be hospitalised.

    “We just decided a couple of weeks ago. Because of the circumstances that are going on in society, we just felt that we should legalise our relationship, so we would be protected,” said Sandin to the Tampa Bay Times.

    The couple had their first date on New Years Eve 2018. It was a five course meal, after which they viewed the fireworks over Tampa Bay from Spragues apartment. For their Easter Sunday wedding, Sprague wore the same outfit that she did on their first date.

    Of course the wedding was kept small. They held their nuptials in their pastor’s St. Pete Beach backyard. The announcement of their wedding however, was much bigger. Along with a photograph of the couple which was sent out, was a recording of Sandin singing ‘I’m getting married in the morning’ from My Fair Lady.

    “I had been singing it ever since we decided we would get married,” said Sandin.

    Both previously widowed, the couple believe they have a good understanding of each other. They said they have the same beliefs and have lived in the same times. “It’s a very easy relationship. We have the same stories. We lived in the same time,” said Sprague.

    Image: Twitter / garner pete

    A destination wedding is probably one of the most difficult types of nuptials to deal with, under the current circumstances. Social distancing and international travel bans essentially ensure that these weddings can’t happen.

    At this point, you’re most likely extremely worried about what to do with regards to your destination wedding. Lisa Sheldon operater of I Do Island Weddings & Honeymoons in Janesville and president of Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialists Association, told Boston Globe that it might be a bit of a tough situation.

    She said that the honeymoon side of things can be quite flexible. However, “it’s a little bit harder when it’s a destination wedding. This is a day that a couple has dreamed about for a long time and planned and spent money on. It’s already an emotional trip — and then to have something like this come in and affect it. . . . That really is out of their control,” she said.

    Her advice was to cancel as much as possibly as quickly as possible, in order to get refunds. When the health crisis is contained and things go back to normal, everything can be rebooked.

    Many airlines and travel agents have adjusted their policies to allow for cancellations at this time. There is more flexibility now, as suppliers are aware that everything is not in the control of travellers.

    Some have advised to change the location to one that is more local. However, in South Africa, no gatherings are allowed so this would not be a viable option.

    Unfortunately, the best you can do is chat to all your suppliers as quickly as possible, and attempt to have everything postponed. People will be very understanding during this time, so we’re sure you don’t have that much to worry about.

    What’s most important right now is that you consider the health and safety of yourself and your guests. You wouldn’t want to put anyone in to harm’s way. It is an unfortunate turn of events, but things will turn out fine if you put your best foot forward!

    If your destination wedding is planned for much later in the year or next year, you may want to have a chat with some travel agents and keep your eyes peeled to the news. You never know, it may still be possible to carry on as planned if the situation surrounding the spread of coronavirus takes a turn for the better.

    Image: Unsplash

    Wedding shoes are an essential part of the look, and men are not to be excused from dressing the part. Depending on your style, and suit of course, there are many different options when it comes to men’s shoes.

    From vintage to modern and everything in between, there will be something out there for you. Remember, out are the old rules of shoes having to match the belt or having to be the same colour as the trousers.

    We say in with the new, go for what makes you look and feel amazing and remember: bolder is better.

    Here are some trending ideas to inspire you when going shoe shopping:

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    Image: Pixabay

    The man, the myth, the legend – Nicolas Cage is a Hollywood icon for reasons far beyond his acting abilities. His meme-able face and unique film choices have cemented him in pop culture as a truly memorable character.

    One aspect of Cage very few have turned to? His love life. Nicolas Cage has actually been married a whopping 4 times. Let’s take a look at his past relationships.

    Patricia Arquette:

    Credit: Pinterest

    The story of how Cage and Arquette met is a wild ride. Back in the late 80s, Cage and fellow actor Crispin Glover met Arquette at a deli in Los Angeles. Both of them told her they wanted to marry her, naturally.

    To prove himself and his commitment, Cage tasked Arquette with creating a list of tasks for him to complete. Arquette had quite a bit of fun with the list, selecting seemingly impossible finds like J.D. Salinger’s autograph (a rare occurrence throughout his career), a black orchid (which doesn’t exist), a Lisu tribe wedding costume, and a Bob’s Big Boy statue.

    Instead of a black orchid, Cage showed up at Arquette’s home and spraypainted a purple one black. “She wouldn’t come out, but I could see her peeking down from the top floor. In my very showy way, I whipped the orchid out of my pocket. Then I whipped out the paint can and started spray-painting the orchid black. She was freaked out. I rang the doorbell again and she came down. I just gave it to her and got back on my motorcycle and left,” he told Playboy in ’96.

    Cage’s intensity made Arquette wary and the relationship fizzled out. Years later in 1995, the pair met again at the exact same deli. It was love at first sight again, and Arquette quickly proposed while dressed head to toe in black vinyl, carrying a big purple wedding cake. Two weeks later, they married atop a cliff in Carmel, California with only Carmel’s former police chief and a pod of sea otters as their witnesses. Seriously.

    However, the marriage was not meant to be. The pair officially split in 2000 after 5 years.

    Lisa-Marie Presley

    Credit: Pinterest

    Soon after his split from Arquette, Cage began dating Elvis’s daughter Lisa Marie Presley in 2000. Presley had just come out of her marriage to Michael Jackson. They married in August 2002 after two years of dating. However, by November 2002, a mere 3 and half months later, they filed for divorce.

    Presley explains that the pair were kindred spirits but they were like “tyrannical pirates”, which caused the end of their marriage.

    “It was kind of one of those things where you marry someone hoping — I mean we’d already had — we’d been together for two years before we got married, so — it was one of those things where you’re marrying hoping that you’re going to either stabilise it or it’s going to, you know, accentuate all that was going on prior to what was problematic,” she said in an interview with Larry King. “So it kind of did the latter, that’s all.”

    Alice Kim:

    Credit: Pinterest

    In 2004, Cage walked down the aisle yet again, this time with a fan of his. He married waitress Alice Kim two months after meeting her at the restaurant she worked at. The pair were married for 11 years and share a son together. They divorced in 2016.

    Erika Koike:

    Credit: Pinterest

    The shortest marriage Cage had was also his last. He wed makeup artist Erika Koike in Las Vegas in 2019 after a year of dating but filed for annulment after 4 days. He claimed that he was too drunk to comprehend that they were getting married, and was also unaware of Koike’s criminal history. The makeup artist has appeared in court for three DUI’s and domestic violence against her previous husband.

    Feature image: Pinterest