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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

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    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.

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    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/

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    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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    In Venues

    Alternative wedding venues for the eco-conscious

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    If you’re living your best eco-friendly life, then a wedding venue that suits your lifestyle is a must. Although in South Africa it may be difficult to find a 100% self-sufficient, off the grid, carbon emission-free venue that also has a glam location, there are other options. Most of these options do require some flexibility, though. If you realistically want a sustainable wedding venue, you’re going to have to make it an outdoor affair.

    A garden

    If you or someone you know and love dearly has a gorgeous garden that can host a wedding, you’re sorted. Having a wedding in a garden gives you endless opportunities to create the setting of your dreams. Picture it: Strings and strings of solar powered fairy lights overhead, battery powered candles line the tables, in the distance, a bar serving guests drinks with paper straws, a solar-powered generator silently powering the entire event. There’s not a scrap of plastic in site and all your bins double into compost heaps. Even better? Have your wedding in the early afternoon so that you can take full advantage of all the warm and natural light. All is right with the world. Ps. we know the house which this garden belongs to may not be off the grid, but we forgive you. 

    A forest

    Yes this may seem a bit far fetched, but think of Bella and Edward’s wedding in Breaking Dawn, just without the werewolf-vampire drama. A wedding in a forest, surrounded by nature is an authentic way to celebrate your wedding. Everyone is so set on the popular trends but don’t you want to look back on your wedding day and be glad you went a different route? Add some authenticity to your day by opting for a wildly different venue. There are a number of forest wedding venues across South Africa, where you can say “I do” to the sweet sounds of song birds overhead. Some venues may include an indoor reception area so you can still have the best of both worlds.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    The forest knows of your love. It has heard your laughter, shared in your joy, felt your excitement and reveled in your love. It enjoys your moments together, just soaking it all in. It never forgets, only grows more lush and alive as love grows. The breathtaking nature scenes of Nikki and Sean’s love story captured by Art Photo. ° We love that our entire venue is surrounded by nature! ?? ° ° #overbergwedding #deuijlenes #oldbarnvenue #forestwedding #barnandforestwedding #nature #forestmagic #weddingstory #weddings2019 #realweddings #reallove #brideandgroom #weddinginspiration #beautifuldetails #foreverlove #weddingday #prettythings #awakenyoursoul #bestdaysofourlives #crazyadventures

    A post shared by Forest & Barn Wedding Venue (@deuijlenes) on

    A farm venue

    Yes technically this is a four-walled structure but not everyone wants an outdoor wedding. With a farm wedding venue, you get to enjoy the great outdoors and the great indoors. A classic, rustic mix is ensured with this style of venue. You get all the creature comforts of a traditional venue, with some wild Mother Nature thrown into the mix. Either your ceremony or reception area will be open-air with the other under a structured roof. A big body of water, manicured lawns and rose gardens make up the perfect farm venue feel.

    Image: Unsplash

     

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    In News

    Couple hosts Zoom wedding with 150 guests

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    Weddings across the globe are being postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. One American couple refused to let the COVID-19 pandemic get in the way of their nuptials.

    Meryl Epstein and Mike Simmons from New York have been self-isolating in the Florida Keys since March, according to Insider. 

    The couple who met through a dating app used another online platform to celebrate their wedding. The couple spoke to Insider and explained what their original wedding plans were and how these were foiled.

    Simmons said: “We’ve got lots of friends who are artists and performers, and the idea was to bring a bunch of those people together in our New York City wedding.

    “That kinda got switched around when everything in the world changed.”

    Epstein explained that the wedding was intended to be casual and non-traditional and that the couple were scouting rooftop venues in the Big Apple.

    “We were looking at more of that kind of loungy vibe, looking at different rooftops and things like that. We wanted it to be very New York and very intimate,” she said.

    “Obviously our plans had to shift with the current state of events right now, with COVID-19.”

    On a holiday to the Florida Keys the couple decided to rather extend their stay and self-isolate from there. The money that would have gone into the wedding has been used to finance their stay. The couple also settled on hosting a virtual wedding rather than cancelling or postponing their plans.

    Simmons explained: “It was a decision to kind of rethink how we were going to make this happen in 2020, and that’s when the idea started to come up that we can do it using technology.”

    The couple had also discussed the idea of eloping. They experienced the best of both worlds with their virtual wedding: a destination wedding with all their family and friends.

    Their virtual wedding also meant that their guest list could include 150 people, over 22 different time zones.

    The couple planned every detail as meticulously as possible. The virtual wedding, which was held over Zoom, included a dress code, speeches, live music and assigned “seating”. There was also a soundcheck, rehearsals and a “social distancing photo session” with a UK-based photographer over FaceTime beforehand.

    Epstein explained that planning a virtual wedding is just as stressful as the real deal.

    The couple made use of Zoom’s breakout rooms as their wedding tables. Each “table” was named after a different location in New York City. The couple had guests spend time together in smaller groups in assigned rooms after the ceremony. Guests were also given the chance to join in on the bride and groom’s room.

    A photographer went from each table(breakout room) taking photos and screenshots of the occasion. The couple requested that instead of gifts, their guests donate to a New York based non-profit, City Harvest, which is feeding New Yorkers in need.

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Engagements

    Baby octopus retrieves woman’s engagement ring

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    If you lose your ring in the ocean, you most likely would be sad but accept that you’ve lost it forever, right? It seems impossible for a mere human to scour the ocean floor in search of one ring, no matter how big the diamond. But for creatures who are native to the sea, it may be a bit easier.

    Annika Parkinson-Dow was swimming in Howe Sound off Bower Island in British Columbia, Canada on Friday evening, April 26. The shining bioluminescence was visible, and this led her to run her hands through the water. Little did she know that her  engagement ring had fallen off in the ocean.

    When she eventually realised, she was already back on dry land. Of course, she was upset. The ring was an heirloom from the 1930’s. “I was pretty sure that there was absolutely no chance [they’d find] it, a needle in the haystack. I wasn’t even sure of the exact spot that I lost it,” she said to CBC News.

    The ring. Credit: CBC news / Annika Parkinson-Dow

    Trying her luck, she asked a few divers to have a look in the ocean. They searched for an hour, but gave up as the water conditions were unfavourable.

    As they decided they would call it quits, they caught sight of a baby octopus and as unbelievable as it may sound… the little octopus led the divers to the ring!

    Scientists have reported that octopuses have a keen interest in shiny objects. So, it may be possible that the baby octopus found the ring and intended to keep it as part of a little collection of rocks and shells.

    It would be nice to think that the octopus intentionally led the divers to the ring, knowing that’s what they were looking for. However, it’s more likely that it was a massive coincidence. Either way though, it’s an amazing story for Parkinson-Dow to tell for the rest of her life!

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Emotional

    Friends surprise couple with wedding celebration video

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    The coronavirus pandemic has postponed wedding plans across the globe for the foreseeable future. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate love!

    Johannesburg-based couple Kyle Hyam and Gaby Trathen were meant to get married this past weekend on April 26. However, they were left heartbroken that they had to postpone their big day.

    “Initially it was a tough decision, but when President [Cyril] Ramaphosa forbid social gatherings and closed borders the decision was made for us – it was out of our control, which somehow made it easier,” said Trathen to Times Live.

    “The entire celebration will now be moved to 2021, when travel bans will hopefully be lifted so all our international guests can join us and large gatherings are permitted.”

    Despite the day being cancelled, their friends and family decided to help put a smile back on their faces and still celebrate.

    “Although friends and family could not celebrate with them the way we had planned, we decided to ensure they had something happy from us all on what would have been their wedding day,” said Hyam’s sister, Taryn Wiebols.

    Friends and family from across the world all sent in videos of themselves dancing to Pharrell William’s Happy. The song was chosen to encourage the couple to not let the current tough situation get them down.

    “The song ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams has an overall theme that nothing can bring you down if you believe in the power of love and happiness. We danced to this song in our homes all over the world. We danced in our kitchens, lounges, cars, on rooftops and even in the rain,” said Wiebols.

    “This is now ‘Take 1’ of their wedding party. We are so ‘Happy’ they have found each other and we cannot wait to celebrate ‘Take 2’ in person when it is safe to do so.”

    A friend in Australia edited the clips together into one fun, uplifting video. Watch it here:

    Feature image: screenshot from video

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