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“This is heaven”: New details from JLo as she describes wedding to Ben Affleck

<p dir="ltr">Jennifer Lopez has finally revealed the romantic details of her wedding to Ben Affleck after the newlyweds married in a beautiful three day ceremony which she described as “heaven”. </p> <p dir="ltr">"This is heaven. Right Here. We're in it now," JLo wrote in her third letter, OnTheJLo, since the pair said their vows in an intimate ceremony in Vegas on July 17, just three months after being engaged (for the second time).</p> <p dir="ltr">Those words were written by Affleck for the film <em>Live by Night</em>, which he also directed, and one he said again on the evening of their wedding reception.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He also said it the night of our wedding reception in his speech, and I thought...how perfect.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Affleck first proposed to Lopez, now known as Mrs Jennifer Lynn Affleck, 20 years ago. </p> <p dir="ltr">The singer had previously shared stunning images of the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/finally-jlo-shares-pics-of-her-three-stunning-wedding-dresses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">three wedding dresses</a> which are each estimated to cost around the $1 million mark.</p> <p dir="ltr">Now her third newsletter since saying “I do”, JLo has revealed that “this was perfect timing” for the pair to get married. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Nothing ever felt more right to me, and I knew we were finally ‘settling down’ in a way you can only do when you understand loss and joy and you are battle tested enough to never take the important things for granted or let the silly insignificant nuisances of the day get in the way of embracing every precious moment,” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We find ourselves in that long-desired time of life: having gratitude for all that life has shown us, even its trials and tribulations. That night really was heaven.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She said guests were worried because of the unsettling weather with thunder and lightning occurring every night of the week, and on top of that people caught a stomach bug. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The truth is, I never had one doubt. All week I felt the calm and easy certainty that we were in God’s hands,” JLo wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">But on August 20, the sun shone on the love birds with JLo happy that after all these years she was celebrating her marriage to a man she truly loved. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The twenty years between those dreams of youth and the adult world of love and family we embraced that day, brought more to this marriage than either of us ever could have imagine,” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We weren’t only marrying one another; we were marrying these children into a new family. </p> <p dir="ltr">“They were the only people we asked to stand up for us in our wedding party. To our great honor and joy, each one did.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Twenty years ago, when they were meant to get married, they spoke about Marc Cohn’s ‘True Companion' as the perfect wedding love song.</p> <p dir="ltr">The song began to play after the last child walked down the aisle with JLo describing it as “a song we first listened to together what seemed both like yesterday and forever ago — and life came, strangely, beautifully, mysteriously, divinely full-circle.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Later Ben told me that the chords of the song and seeing Marc Cohn both shocked him and allowed him to feel the way both roads we had walked found their way, inevitably, inexorably, and perfectly together. </p> <p dir="ltr">“And when he saw me appear at the top of the stairs that moment it both made absolute sense while seeming still impossibly hard to believe, like the best dream, where all you want is never to awaken. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I would have had many of the same thoughts probably had I not been focusing so hard on not tripping over my dress, but when I got close enough to see his face, it made the same wonderful sense to me. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Some old wounds were healed that day and the weight of the past finally lifted off our shoulders. Full-circle — and not at all the way we planned it. Better.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After the reception, the newlyweds finally shared a “yummy brunch by the lake” before she signed off wishing everyone to find the same love she has. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Years ago, we had no idea the road ahead would mean navigating so many labyrinths and hold so many surprises, blessings, and delights,” she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It all culminated in this moment, one of the most perfect of our lives. We couldn’t have been happier. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I wish all of you the same kind of happiness...the hard-earned kind that’s all the sweeter for the journey that came before it.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We love you guys ...forever... OnTheJLo.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Dramatic pics of huge brawl outside wedding reception

<p>Footage has emerged of the moment a wedding reception in Sydney's north shore descended into chaos, as guests became involved in a brazen fight.</p> <p>The video, which was uploaded to Reddit, shows dressed-up guests throwing punches in the affluent suburb of Mosman on Saturday night. </p> <p>A spokeswoman for NSW Police spoke to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/wild-moment-brawl-erupts-outside-mosman-wedding/news-story/7053e194aad0997ecbe22f878690ada4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> and said officers were called after reports were made of 30 guests becoming involved in a fight. </p> <p>“This is after a wedding. Not sure the context but the groomsmen and guests were fighting among themselves,” the person behind the camera said.</p> <p>In the now viral video, guests have taken off their suit jackets as four women and four men fought on the busy road, halting traffic. </p> <p>One male guest is seen throwing a woman to the ground before running after another guest. </p> <p>A separate fight, directly adjacent on the open highway side of the intersection, involved at least another dozen revellers. </p> <p>One man is seen on the ground in front of a stopped white car, prompting three others to rush over to check on him.</p> <p>Another man is captured on video with no shirt, and is seen grabbing someone from behind and hitting their head on the asphalt.</p> <p>Meanwhile, another man – who appears to not be a guest at the function or involved in the fight – attempts to direct traffic around the brawl. </p> <p>The police spokeswoman said that when police arrived, most of the guests had left the scene and “those remaining were reluctant to make a complaint”.</p> <p>“Following further inquiries, police last night [Sunday, February 20] spoke with a 26-year-old man who told police he’d suffered a broken nose as well as injuries to his face and ribs after being knocked unconscious during the affray,” she said. </p> <p>“Inquiries are continuing to identify those involved.”</p> <p>Users on Reddit were shocked by the footage, with one person commenting he that they work “at the Yacht Club next door” and “probably served those people drinks before the wedding”.</p> <p>Crime Stoppers have urged anyone who has any information about the incident to come forward. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Reddit</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Kate and Wills attend COP26 reception, winning praise from Her Majesty

<p><em>Image: Getty </em></p> <p><span>Prince William and Kate Middleton led a royal reception as they met with world leaders at COP26 in Scotland on Monday night.</span></p> <p>The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stunned the crowd wearing co-ordinating blue outfits as they stepped out to host a reception for the Earthshot Prize Awards in Glasgow.</p> <p>The royals spoke with guests as key members of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, and the winners and finalists of the first Earthshot Prize Awards, at the Clydeside Distillery.</p> <p>The couple were all smiles at the event. At one stage, Kate, 39, was seen attempting to give dead larvae – which is used as livestock feed – to her husband William, 39.</p> <p>Prince Charles, Camilla, and Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson also attended the event, which was part of the broader COP26 talks.</p> <p>At the event, the guests all paused to watch and listen to the Queen’s speech as she addressed the world leaders from Windsor Castle, as she was not able to attend the event on Doctors' orders.</p> <p>She said she “couldn’t be more proud” of her son Prince Charles and grandson Prince William in their climate crisis fight – but Prince Harry was notably missed from her praise.</p> <p>The Queen also paid a touching tribute to her late husband Prince Phillip’s decades long climate fight. A spirit which she said now lives on in Charles and William.</p> <p>“It is a source of great pride to me that the leading role my husband played in encouraging people to protect our fragile planet lives on through the work of our eldest son Charles and his eldest son William,” said the Queen.</p> <p>“I could not be more proud of them.”</p> <p>The monarch said it was fitting for the COP26 talks to be taking place in Glasgow, as it was once the heartland of Britain’s industrial revolution. She paid homage to those who have enthusiastically taken on the climate crisis in their own lives, including the younger generation.</p> <p>It comes after Buckingham Palace announced this week that the Queen will only be undertaking “light, desk-based duties” as she recovers from illness. Wearing a green dress and butterfly broach, she instead spoke to the summit via video link.</p> <p>Addressing the world leaders via video, Her Majesty added: “In the coming days, the world has the chance to join in the shared objective of creating a safer, stabler future for our people and for the planet on which we depend.</p> <p>“None of us underestimates the challenges ahead."</p> <p>“But history has shown that when nations come together in common cause, there is always room for hope.”</p> <p>The Queen also urged the leaders to “rise above the politics of the moment” and ”achieve true statesmanship” when addressing the climate crisis.</p> <p>She ended her speech telling the world leaders that “the time for words has now moved to the time for action”.</p> <p>“Of course, the benefits of such actions will not be there to enjoy for all of us here today.”</p> <p>“But we are doing this not for ourselves but for our children and our children’s children, and those who will follow in their footsteps.”</p>

Family & Pets

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"How dare you": Novak Djokovic reacts to frosty reception at Wimbledon

<p>Novak Djokovic has won a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title and sixth Wimbledon crown on Monday morning (AEST) with a four-set victory over Italian slugger Matteo Berrettini with rival superstar Roger Federer hailing the achievement as a "wonderful performance".</p> <p>The world number one triumphed 6-7 (4/7) 6-4 6-4 6-3 to move level on 20 majors with Federer and Rafael Nadal.</p> <p>His victory has put him three-quarters of the way to the first calendar Grand Slam of all four majors since 1969.</p> <p>“I could definitely envisage that happening and I hope I will give it a shot. I’m in great form and played well and having my best form at Grand Slams is my number one priority,” said Djokovic.</p> <p>This was Djokovic's sixth victory at the All England Club, who was playing his 30th final.</p> <p>The win has been added to his previous achievements, as he has won nine Australian Opens, two Roland Garros and three US Open titles.</p> <p>Should he win a fourth title in New York in September, he will become just the third man in history after Don Budge (1938) and Rod Laver (1962 and 1969) to complete the calendar Grand Slam.</p> <p>“It was more than a battle. He is a true Italian hammer, I felt it on my skin,” said Djokovic of Berrettini.</p> <p>Of sharing the majors record with Federer and Nadal, he added: “It means none of us three will stop. Roger and Rafa are legends, they are the reason I am where I am today.</p> <p>“They showed me what I needed to do to get stronger, physically, tactically and mentally. Over the last 10 years it has been an incredible journey that’s not stopping here.”</p> <p>But despite his incredible efforts, Djokovic was not the crowd favourite.</p> <p>Earlier in the tournament he was given a frosty reception, with spectators leaning towards Berrettini.</p> <p>Tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg noted “these are some loud ‘Matt-e-o!’ chants” while Adam Peacock tweeted: “Novak could be playing a parking officer and still have minority support.”</p> <p>However, the top seed wasn’t going to be affected. After saving two break points to hold for 4-2 in the third set, Djokovic insisted he couldn’t hear the crowd.</p> <p>“I can’t hear you,” he said as he cupped his ear with his racquet.</p> <p>One English TV commentator said: “That’s a very strong hold and that’s full of character. Who do you think you’re dealing with here? The best player of all time.</p> <p>“To come here and win five times, ‘You still don’t love me? How dare you’.”</p> <p>Another commentator added: “That’s exactly the conversation he’s having.”</p> <p>In a post-match press conference, Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic said: “The crowd, it’s normal they were for Matteo, they want him. But still he (Djokovic) is amazing. He doesn’t want to go. Like in the movies. You have to kill the guy 27 times &amp; still he gets up &amp; you have to kill him again &amp; he gets up, he gets up. He just, you can’t.”</p> <p>Ivanisevic also said he thinks the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) debate in men’s tennis is already closed in favour of his charge, but added: “If he wins the US Open, I think it’s over.”</p>

News

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Donald Trump denies knowing Prince Andrew as royals gather at NATO reception

<p>The royal family has welcomed US president Donald Trump and his wife Melania at Buckingham Palace.</p> <p>Queen Elizabeth II was joined by her children and other royal family members as she hosted a reception for NATO leaders at the palace on Tuesday night. Prince Andrew was notably absent amid growing controversy surrounding the scandal involving sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.</p> <p>In a press conference in London prior to the reception, Trump denied knowing Prince Andrew despite being photographed with him on several occasions.</p> <p>“I don’t know Prince Andrew. It’s a tough story, it’s a very tough story,” Trump said. “I don’t know him.”</p> <p>The two men were pictured together in 2000 with Trump’s then-girlfriend Melania Knauss and Epstein at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.</p> <p>In June this year, the Duke of York shared on his Twitter account about a breakfast meeting he attended with Trump during the president’s state visit to the UK.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">🇬🇧🇺🇸On Day 2 of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USStateVisit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USStateVisit</a>, The Duke of York &amp; Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/theresamay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheresaMay</a> welcome President Donald Trump <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> to St James’s Palace for a UK/US Senior Business Leaders Group Breakfast Meeting. <a href="https://t.co/NfvniwmQKX">pic.twitter.com/NfvniwmQKX</a></p> — The Duke of York (@TheDukeOfYork) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDukeOfYork/status/1135851552495865857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Prince Andrew, the second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, stepped down from his royal duties last month after his interview with the BBC was widely criticised for failing to address his longtime relationship with Epstein.</p> <p>In an interview aired in the UK on Monday, Virginia Giuffre reiterated her allegation that she was trafficked to have sex with the prince on three occasions between 2001 and 2002.</p> <p>“This is not some sordid sex story,” Giuffre said. “This is a story of being trafficked, this is a story of abuse and this is a story of your guys’ royalty.”</p> <p>Buckhingham Palace denied her allegations. “It is emphatically denied that The Duke of York had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Virginia Roberts. Any claim to the contrary is false and without foundation,” the palace said in a statement to <em><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/12/03/politics/donald-trump-prince-andrew-photos/index.html">CNN</a></em>.</p>

News

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Meghan’s regal makeover for Buckingham Palace reception

<p>Prince Harry and Meghan have teamed up with the Queen to host a star-studded reception in Buckingham Palace.</p> <p>The Duchess of Sussex had a regal makeover for the prestigious event, drawing comparisons to her sister-in-law Duchess Kate with her polished curls.</p> <p>Meghan donned a double-breasted powder pink Prada dress for the Queen’s Young Leaders reception.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Hats off to <a href="https://twitter.com/emynash?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@emynash</a> tonight! Best quote of the night from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrinceHarry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrinceHarry</a> speaking to <a href="https://twitter.com/QueensLeaders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@QueensLeaders</a> winner from Namibia on where he and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeghanMarkle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeghanMarkle</a> went on their honeymoon “ No, we didn’t go to Namibia. I’m not going to say where, with Emily Nash scribbling away furiously! “ 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/bjr4RW0kx1">pic.twitter.com/bjr4RW0kx1</a></p> — Carolyn Durand (@CarolynDurand) <a href="https://twitter.com/CarolynDurand/status/1011727387074220032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>Guests at the reception included David Beckham, Sir Lenny Henry and the chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, former Prime Minister Sir John Major.</p> <p>The Young Leaders programme, now in its fourth year, celebrates the achievements of young people across the Commonwealth who have made a positive impact on their communities.</p> <p>This year’s cohort of changemakers includes those who have advocated for a range of issues including supporting those with mental health problems, access to education, promoting gender equality, food scarcity and climate change.</p> <p>The Queen’s Young Leaders programme was launched in 2014 in honour of Her Majesty’s lifetime of service to the 53 countries in the Commonwealth.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkgFgdSHbzy/" target="_blank">A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal)</a> on Jun 26, 2018 at 1:30pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In April, Harry was appointed as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, which will see him support the work of young people across the 53-member states.</p> <p>Meghan will join him in this role and the newlyweds are understood to be planning a number of foreign tours to member states.</p> <p>The Buckingham Palace reception is the Queen and Meghan’s second joint engagement this month, after the pair travelled to Cheshire.</p>

News

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Princess Mary stuns at New Year’s reception

<p>Princess Mary looked breathtaking as she attended the traditional New Year’s reception at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen on Monday evening.</p> <p>The future Queen of Denmark looked regal in a crimson gown and tiara as she joined her husband Prince Frederik at the event that was hosted by his mother, Queen Margrethe.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="680" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7266381/1_498x680.jpg" alt="1 (69)"/></p> <p>Mary’s elegant gown featured short sleeves and was cinched in at the waist, flattering her figure.</p> <p>She also wore her hair in an up-do, adding a silver tiara and diamond earrings to finish off her look.</p> <p>The tiara has been in the Danish royal family since 1869 according to The Court Jeweller.</p> <p>Mary also wore another symbolic accessory – the Order of the Elephant. The Order is Denmark’s oldest royal order of chivalry and is worn on a chain-link collar on January 1, knowns as The Knight’s Day.</p> <p>Furthermore, Mary donned a brooch depicting an image of her mother-in-law, the Danish Queen.</p> <p>Frederik attended the reception in traditional military regalia.</p> <p>The New Year’s reception is a centuries-old tradition which is attended by the Danish parliament, top officials and court management.</p> <p>Mary and Frederik have just returned from visiting Mary’s family in Australia, where they spent the Christmas season with their four children, Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.</p>

Beauty & Style

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5 Aussie holiday spots with bad reception

<p>It’s fair to say that as a society we’ve become addicted to our devices. So when we’re on holidays we probably welcome the chance to switch off for a moment.</p> <p>Here are five Aussie holiday spots where you can take a break (enforced) from your devices and enjoy some the most beautiful sights of the Sunburnt Country.</p> <p><strong>1. Kimberley, WA</strong></p> <p>Incredible scenery, abundant wildlife and indigenous culture combine to make the Kimberly one of the most fascinating regions of Australia to explore. But, as with any place this far out of the bush, it’s not the easiest place to find some reception. That being said, there’s so much to see and explore you’ll definitely not suffer from technology withdrawals.</p> <p><strong>2. Wilpena Pound, SA</strong></p> <p>Five hours north of Adelaide, there are times where Wilpena Pound can certainly feel like a world in and of itself, and you won’t be relying on Google Maps to get there. The wilderness provides a serenity you simply won’t get looking at your smartphone.</p> <p><strong>3. Ningaloo Reef, WA</strong></p> <p>If snorkelling, fishing, swimming with a whale shark or simply lounging on the beach without getting distracted by your phone sounds like your dream holiday then Ningaloo Reef is the place to go. Many part this region have poor reception, but with so much to see and do, and the opportunity to relax and unwind in paradise you won’t care.</p> <p><strong>4. Southwest National Park, TAS</strong></p> <p>Tasmania is rugged, untouched beauty that few parts of the world can match and Southwest National Park is one of the best examples of this. You won’t be able to update your Instagram, but you will enjoy one of the most beautiful corners of the world.</p> <p><strong>5. Kakadu National Park, NT</strong></p> <p>Few places in the world have as much cultural history and significance as Kakadu National Park and even though you’re only about 90 minutes from Darwin at times you will feel as though you’ve walked into a different part of the world. Mobile phone reception is limited, but that gives you all the more time to explore and appreciate impressive sandstone formations, abundant wildlife, plentiful forests and billabongs.</p> <p>To see images of these incredible destinations scroll through the gallery above. Have you visited any, and how was your experience?</p> <p>Share your story in the comments.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/06/adorable-baby-koala-explores-world-for-first-time/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Adorable baby koala explores world for first time</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/05/a-spiritual-oasis-in-the-outback/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>A spiritual oasis in the outback</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/05/4wd-adventure-on-the-gibb-river-road/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">4WD adventure on the Gibb River Road</span></em></strong></a></p>

International Travel

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5 old-fashioned wedding traditions that have disappeared

<p>If you think back to your own wedding or the photos you’ve seen of your parents or even grandparents weddings, things might have been a bit different to the modern day wedding extravaganzas we’ve grown to expect these days. Week-long celebrations, degustation menus, bridesmaids and groomsmen in the double figures and dresses with a price tag in the tens of thousands are common place for couples who tie the knot today. It wasn’t always like this however with the traditional wedding of the early 1900’s a very different affair. Here a seven traditions that have fallen out of favour with the modern bride.</p> <ol> <li><strong>The weekday wedding</strong> – In the early 1900s, a Saturday wedding was not only considered unfashionable but also very bad luck. Wednesday was the day of choice for the tradition conscience bride with Mondays and Tuesdays also acceptable.</li> <li><strong>The late afternoon service and dinnertime reception</strong> – Lunchtime weddings were in vogue in 1903 and considered far more “proper” than their afternoon counterparts.</li> <li><strong>The optional reception</strong> – As late as the 1960s, couples were still opting to forgo the reception, opting instead for a receiving line and refreshments at the end of the service.</li> <li><strong>The DIY, inexpensive event</strong> – If couples did opt to have a reception, a simple spread of cake and punch usually sufficed. And the bride and groom sourced their serving staff from the family. This practice was so common that newspaper wedding announcements even listed which family members served as staff.</li> <li><strong>The importance of the honeymoon and home</strong> – Forget expensive rings and receptions, the traditional bride opted for the standard gold wedding band and put their funds towards a honeymoon and their first home. Wedding diaries from the 1900s often included several pages for recording details of the first marital holiday together along with space for details of the first home but didn’t include space for details about the ring or reception as these weren’t deemed to be especially important.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/04/oldest-bridesmaid-walks-down-the-aisle-at-100/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>100-year-old bridesmaid is warming hearts</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/04/three-generations-wear-same-wedding-dress/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>One wedding dress, three generations of women</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/03/bride-ditches-wedding-dress-for-grandmas/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Bride ditches expensive wedding dress for grandma's 50-year-old gown</strong></em></span></a></p>

Relationships

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Bride brings wedding to mum in home for Alzheimer’s

<p>For most brides on their big day it’s important that their special inspiration is there for them. In Julia Napolitano’s case this special person is her mother.</p> <p>So when Julia’s mother was unable to attend her wedding, the bride brought the wedding reception to her mother.</p> <p>Linda, 66, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in October 2009, she no longer recognises her family and lives in an assisted care facility in Wisconsin.</p> <p>Julia, 30, an only child, wanted her mother to be present for her big day and her husband, Justin Phillips, 28, agreed.</p> <p>Silverado Oak Village was open to the idea of having the wedding reception there at the aged care facility. Both wedding guests and residents at the reception enjoyed drinks, snacks and cake provided by the facility. The bride’s father even did a brief little dance with his wife.</p> <p>The newlyweds shared their special day with the people who are most special to them and even after the big day, Julia Napolitano says it seems to have had a positive effect on her mother who has evidently been in better spirits since the wedding.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/01/rouge-wave-at-sydney-figure-eight-pools/"></a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/no-one-buys-the-silence-of-the-lambs-house/">No one is game to buy the Silence of the Lambs house</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/01/rouge-wave-at-sydney-figure-eight-pools/"></a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/112-year-old-reveals-the-secret-to-a-long-life/">112-year-old reveals the secret to a long life</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/01/rouge-wave-at-sydney-figure-eight-pools/"></a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/trick-to-close-snap-lock-bags-in-two-seconds/">Trick to close snap-lock bags in two seconds</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/01/rouge-wave-at-sydney-figure-eight-pools/"> </a></strong></em></span></p>

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Jilted bride opens up wedding reception to homeless families

<p>A jilted bride whose would-be-groom backed out of the wedding a month before the big day has kept her reception booking, deciding to invite local homeless families for a free meal and entertainment.</p> <p>29-year-old Dana Olsen, from Seattle in the US, transformed her personal adversity into an incredible act of generosity, organising the special dinner in conjunction with Seattle shelter Mary’s Place. Almost 100 children and their families were treated to a catered dinner, an open bar of kid-friendly drinks and live music on January 16.</p> <p>The night was made all the more special as families were given dresses, suits and jewellery by the shelter, free of charge, and local stylists and makeups donated their services. Everybody, especially the children, were reported to have had a blast dancing the night away.</p> <p><img width="494" height="207" src="https://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/meal-1-e1445258135203.jpg?w=748&amp;h=313&amp;crop=1" alt="Jilted bride invites city's homeless to enjoy her luxury wedding reception" class="img-align-none wp-image-5448199 " style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><img width="500" height="285" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/14299/2_500x285.jpg" alt="2 (125)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>While Dana did not attend the event, she has seen the photos and said she’s delighted she was able to cheer up so many people.</p> <p>“If I'm going to have a really bad weekend, at least I want to help someone else have a really good day,” Dana said. “In some small way, I can take this horrible thing and try to turn it into something positive."</p> <p>Mary’s Place executive director Marty Hartman praised Dana for her generosity.</p> <p>"It’s so wonderful that Dana would take a moment like this, that could have been very sad, and turn it into something that gave so much joy," Marty said.</p> <p>"We are so grateful to her, and her wonderful mum Karen, for sharing this party with the homeless women, children and families of Mary’s Place and giving them a night to remember."</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2015/11/kindness-leads-to-happiness-research/">People are happier when they do good</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2016/01/why-its-hard-to-remember-peoples-names/">Why it’s so hard to remember people’s names</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2016/01/quotes-about-self-improvement/">Inspiring quotes from the world’s most successful people</a></em></strong></span></p>

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10 shocking confessions from hotel workers

<p>If you’ve ever had a bust-up with a hotel receptionist, say a silent prayer of thanks that it wasn’t with one of the people featured in this article.</p> <p>Hotel workers have taken to Whisper, an online community that allows users to post anonymously, to reveal what really happens behind the front desk.</p> <p>From leaving sheets dirty to outright lying to guests, these confessions will leave you stunned and probably a lot more generous when it comes to tipping the porter.</p> <p>We’ve put together a collection of 10 of the most shocking confessions that were posted online. It’s important to remember they don’t represent the whole hospitality industry. </p> <p>Scroll down to read the confessions:</p> <p><img width="500" height="719" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/13618/hotel-1_500x719.jpg" alt="Hotel 1" style="float: left;"/></p> <p><img width="500" height="719" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/13619/hotel-2_500x719.jpg" alt="Hotel 2"/></p> <p><img width="500" height="719" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/13620/hotel-3_500x719.jpg" alt="Hotel 3"/></p> <p><img width="500" height="719" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/13621/hotel-4_500x719.jpg" alt="Hotel 4"/></p> <p><img width="500" height="719" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/13622/hotel-5_500x719.jpg" alt="Hotel 5"/></p> <p><img width="500" height="719" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/13623/hotel-6_500x719.jpg" alt="Hotel 6"/></p> <p><img width="500" height="719" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/13624/hotel-7_500x719.jpg" alt="Hotel 7"/></p> <p><img width="500" height="719" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/13625/hotel-9_500x719.jpg" alt="Hotel 9"/></p> <p><img width="500" height="719" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/13626/hotel-10_500x719.jpg" alt="Hotel 10"/></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/01/beautiful-animal-pictures-to-make-you-smile/"><strong>Beautiful animal pictures to make you smile</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/01/images-of-animals-smelling-flowers/"><strong>Beautiful images of animals smelling flowers</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/01/bear-lion-tiger-friendship/"><strong>Unusual bond between bear, lion and tiger</strong></a></em></span></p>

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