Latest news with #ceremony
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Yellowstone star Josh Lucas marries meteorologist Brianna Ruffalo in Vatican City ceremony
Actor Josh Lucas and partner Brianna Ruffalo are officially hitched, just one year after getting engaged in Italy. The Yellowstone star and the US television meteorologist tied the knot on July 18 during a breathtaking wedding ceremony held in none other than Vatican City. 'Mr and Mrs,' Ruffalo wrote on Instagram, sharing a carousel of dreamy black-and-white images from the ceremony. 'Incredibly blessed to receive this sacrament together inside the heart of the Catholic Church and holy city.' Lucas, best known for playing the 'other guy' in Sweet Home Alabama, wore a classic black tux while Ruffalo stunned in a strapless lace gown. In the comments, he left a sweet note to his new bride: 'I love you. Easily one of the greatest days of my life. I am so so grateful.' Over on his own Instagram, the 54-year-old actor gave fans a behind-the-scenes peek at the nuptials, thanking everyone who helped pull it off. 'A huge thank you to deeply talented @caterinaerrani_photography and to @weddings_italy @paolo_nassi @JinaneKafrouny who helped make the dream of wedding in the #vatican come true,' he wrote alongside a candid shot of the couple walking the cobblestone streets of Vatican City. 'Many many people to thank for this to come.' Their wedding comes almost two years after the couple first met – and just over a year after getting engaged on another trip to Italy. 'Almost 2 years ago this fall, and with no expectations, Josh walked into my life,' Ruffalo shared at the time. 'And we knew almost immediately we had each found our person in a way we've never experienced – on every level.' 'This was the easiest and best question I've ever answered,' she added. 'So, here's to forever with my love, my best friend.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The 5 Most Important Decisions You Need to Make as You Start Wedding Planning
Before you start making appointments or booking vendors, follow this expert-backed advice. After getting engaged, it may feel tempting to immediately start browsing venues, shopping for your ceremony look, and considering color palettes. However, it's important to take a moment to pause. 'Before the mood boards and gown appointments, before the tastings and playlists, the first month of wedding planning is where the real foundation is laid,' says Tionna M. Van Gundy, the CEO and founder of Wedicity. 'Whether a couple has six, 12, or 24 months, those early decisions influence everything that follows.' Some of the choices you make during this time period may change: Guest lists get shuffled to make room for new friends, budgets go up (and sometimes down), your aesthetic goes from timeless black and white to a color-forward approach. But others, like your major must-haves, your planning team, and your venue are less easy (and likely) to the Expert Tionna M. Van Gundy is the CEO and founder of Wedicity. Chanda Daniels is a luxury wedding planner. Sarah Brehant is a wedding planner and the founder of Sarah Brehant Events. Lisa Jaroscak is the owner of and lead planner at Elegante most successful couples take a holistic approach that allows the decisions on this list—the who, what, where, when, and how—to inform each other as they begin to build the groundwork for their big day. 'The early days of wedding planning can feel overwhelming, but they're also full of possibility,' says Van Gundy. 'These first five decisions form the framework of everything to come, and when made with clarity and intention, they set the tone for a celebration that is not only beautiful, but deeply personal and well-executed. The magic is in the details, but it starts with the right foundation.' Below, the experts break down the five critical choices to make in the first few months of wedding planning. Read on for everything you need to know. Related: The 8 Most Common Wedding-Planning Questions Couples Ask, According to Experts The Number of Guests Though the final list of names you use to create an escort display may differ from the one you make in the earliest stages of your planning process, you need to begin with a basic idea of how many people you plan to host—whether that's 10, 100, or 500 'Your guest count is the single most important decision you'll make in the early stages,' says Chanda Daniels, a luxury wedding planner. 'It impacts nearly every aspect of your wedding venue—capacity, catering, rentals, and your overall budget. Many items are priced per person, so knowing how many guests you're inviting is essential.' Without at least a rough idea of how many people you plan to invite, you can't move forward with other key decisions. 'Your list, even in its roughest form, is the driving force behind capacity, layout, catering cost, and the overall guest experience,' says Van Gundy. 'Before falling in love with a venue or crafting your dinner menu, you need a guest count range. The difference between a 75-person wedding and a 200-person affair is vast, logistically, financially, and emotionally. From seating charts to invitation counts, this number is a cornerstone of planning and can impact the overall investment and how the event is experienced.' The Budget Before you can start daydreaming about floral installations or welcome baskets, you need to determine your budget. 'This is the foundation of everything else,' says Sarah Brehant, the founder of Sarah Brehant Events. 'If you don't know your ballpark (even if it's a wide one), it's like shopping without knowing your credit limit—stressful and confusing. We lovingly call this the unsexy phase of wedding planning — budgets, spreadsheets, guest counts. It's not the Pinterest-worthy part, but it's absolutely essential to building the day you're dreaming of without the chaos.' The other critical part of your budget conversation is who will be contributing to your wedding fund—and how: Maybe your in-laws want to pay for the photographer, or you have a godmother willing to write a blank check. 'This is not always an easy conversation to have, but it is an important one to make sure everyone is on the same page,' says Lisa Jaroscak, the owner and lead planner at Elegante Events. Your guest list and budget will work in tandem as you move through the rest of the process. 'Establishing a realistic budget is crucial, especially if this is your first time planning a wedding,' says Daniels, who recommends consulting with a planner to align your per-guest cost with your budget. 'A planner that works with higher budgets will have deep industry knowledge and can provide a realistic per-person cost based on your location and expectations,' she says. 'Once you understand the average cost per guest, revisit your guest list; you may need to adjust it to match your ideal budget. Having this clarity is essential before touring venues or hiring your core vendors.' The Look and Feel Clarifying the type of wedding you want to have is another key during the early stages of the planning process. 'Destination versus local, intimate versus the-more-the-merrier, onsite ceremony versus offsite ceremony—this decision will really impact how your planning process moves forward and sets that tone for what the mutual goals are for the vision of the celebration,' says Jaroscak. Brehant encourages each partner to write down their top three must-haves, and then compare their wishes to define shared priorities. 'That conversation is more valuable than any Pinterest board,' she says. 'A wedding isn't just a checklist—it's a reflection of your values and vibe. If creating a visually stunning space and an unforgettable guest experience are top priorities, that should drive where your budget and energy go.' A clear vision can also help you properly scale your spending, allowing for last-minute changes and spur-of-the-moment adds. 'Think about whether you want a single-day celebration or a full wedding weekend,' says Daniels. 'If you choose the latter, create a separate budget for pre- and post-wedding events, like welcome dinners or farewell brunches. This helps prevent unexpected costs, and ensures every experience is well-planned.' The Planner An experienced planner can become an invaluable part of all of these discussions, helping you dive into realistic cost breakdowns, define the design aesthetics you find most appealing, and determine a timeline. 'From securing the right venue to balancing competing priorities, a planner is a guiding hand through every layer of the process,' says Van Gundy. 'The earlier they're involved, the more value they bring, from negotiating contracts to aligning the aesthetic thread that runs through the entire celebration.' While this might feel like an unnecessary expense to couples worried about their overall spending, incorporating an expert's wisdom can pay off in the long run. When interviewing planners, look for someone who understands your vision—and your finances. 'Review their portfolio to see if they've produced weddings that match the aesthetic you're drawn to—it's important to work with a creative person who can execute your vision authentically without forcing them into a design style that isn't their own,' says Daniels. 'And use this rule when selecting your other creative partners as well.' However, avoid anyone who tries to upsell you: 'As your planner, my job is to help you avoid the financial detours that don't serve your vision,' says Brehant. 'This is also why finding a planner you trust early on is everything. You need someone who can help you make smart, grounded decisions now—so the fun, creative stuff down the line actually works and doesn't derail your vision (or your budget).' Whether you choose to work with a planner or not, this is also the time to think about who else in your life you want involved in the planning process (your brother: yes; your know-it-all aunt, maybe not). 'Be cautious about who you invite into your planning circle, as sometimes having too many people involved can mean a lot of opinions, confusion, and frustration,' says Jaroscak. 'It is a lot easier to add people as you go versus having too many cooks in the kitchen. Keep your planning circle core to who supports you in being happy, and the key-decision makers.' The Date and Location After your planner, your venue is the first major wedding commitment you'll make—and one that defines nearly all your future decisions, from how many musicians you can hire for your band to where you'll post for newlywed portraits. 'Venues book up fast, especially for popular dates,' says Brehant. 'Once you book it, you have a concrete date and can finally start reaching out to vendors with real information. While the rest of the planning process doesn't need to start until 10 to 12 months out, the venue process usually needs to begin ASAP in order to have the best options.' While it's not impossible to change your mind about a venue during the process, you're likely to incur a number of added costs associated with breaking your contract. 'Consider more than just aesthetics: Think through flow, weather contingency plans, what's included in the rental, and how it aligns with your guest count and vision,' says Van Gundy. 'Ask yourselves not just what you want the wedding to look like, but how you want it to feel. That feeling, joyful, romantic, bold, classic, is what guests will remember most.' Up Next: What Does Full-Service Wedding Planning Really Mean? Read the original article on Brides Solve the daily Crossword
SBS Australia
2 days ago
- Politics
- SBS Australia
New season of Parliament opens in Canberra - with old hands and newcomers
"I just want to say that it augurs well for this Parliament because the weather today is spectacular. The calm on that lake, the sun, the clear skies, in a remarkably cold time for Canberra." That's Australia's Governor General, Sam Mostyn, welcoming the cohort of new members to Canberra in a formal ceremony days ahead of the official start of Parliament. Among the new arrivals is Matt Smith - a stand-out among Labor's coterie, at more than two metres in height. The former basketball player is now in Canberra after taking the far north Queensland seat of Leichhardt from the Coalition for the first time in almost two decades. He's a vocal advocate for the far north, and has made clear on his own social media that adjusting to life in Canberra has not been without challenges. "Now I'm going for a walk here in Canberra. Obviously the Chihuahuas aren't here with me, but it's cold. It's so, so cold... Look, if there was ever an excuse to go to far North Queensland, because right now at Trinity Beach it's 20 degrees and you could be watching the sun come up over the ocean would be beautiful." Then there's New South Wales One Nation senator Warwick Stacey, who dropped out of high school and headed to France where he worked as a handyman and English teacher before joining the British army. He eventually settled into a job as a kidnap and response consultant, advising clients on ways to navigate kidnappings, and even planning and implementing a ransom delivery to Somali pirates. Ahead of the federal election in May, Senator Stacey told 2GB radio his past life experience offers him an important point of difference from other politicians, and keeps him connected to voters. "When I was trained at Sandhurst, the motto of Sandhurst is serve to lead. And as a leader, you put your men, your people before yourself, and that is certainly not being done by the so-called leaders that we have in Parliament today. They're not putting Australia and Australians first." These new faces are among about 40 politicians who are entering parliament for the first time. During an event for new and returning politicians hosted by the Governor-General at Government House, Prime Minister Albanese reminded newcomers to take their responsibilities seriously. "It is such a privilege to sit either in the House of Representatives or the Senate. And something that none of us should ever take for granted. There are always far more people wanting to be in this position than can fulfil it, and it is an honour each and every day." And while he skipped the ceremony at Government House, National Party's Barnaby Joyce has echoed this sentiment, telling Seven's Sunrise working in politics is a privilege not to be taken lightly. "I had to split firewood and check the cattle before I headed off for a while. But look, it is really important. It's an incredible honour to come in the door here. It's an incredible honor to work here and you've got to understand part of the ritual is government house." Alongside those new to parliament house, there are some old hands as well. Goldstein MP Tim Wilson, for example, is no stranger to politics, and will return to parliament as the only Liberal to win back their seat from a 'teal' independent at the 2025 election. Both major parties are stepping into Parliament with a few items already on the agenda. Back in May, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made it clear what his first task would be. REPORTER: "What is the first item on the agenda for you?" ALBANESE: "A 20 percent cut in student debt, as I promised." Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth has already flagged the government wants to introduce a bill to protect penalty rates for award workers. The legislation would ensure workers on award wages can't have their penalty rates reduced in return for higher rates of base pay, if that would leave individual workers worse off. "We know there are a number of cases on foot in the commission where worker's take home pay could be reduced. And we want to make it clear in law that these penalty rates and overtime rates should be protected because we don't want people earning less and working harder." And Liberal Senator Dave Sharma has told Sky News improving productivity will be high on his party's list. "We need to fix our productivity. We need to improve our living standards. We need to get government spending under control. We need to balance the fiscal books again. We will work with Labor constructively on all of those if they're prepared to actually grasp the net and deal with these challenges." Also looming large is the prospect of new childcare safety laws. Legislation to strip childcare centres of federal funding if they do not meet national safety standards will be brought to federal parliament when it resumes. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has told Sky News the government is also working with states and territories on developing a national register of childcare workers. "We've got different states and territories with their own schemes for working with children checks and reportable conduct. They do not talk to other states and there is no system of oversight." The new term will see Labor with an increased majority, holding 94 of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives after a landslide election win. The win has Prime Minister Anthony Albanese returning to Parliament in high spirits. "Look, we have a clear plan for the second term of government, and I will work constructively with the Parliament as I did in the first term. And what I want to see is a positive agenda going forward, and we'll see how we go." Opposition Leader Ley says the coalition are ready to support policies in the national interest, including new childcare legislation. But she says they also return to parliament ready to put up a fight. "Australians deserve the strongest possible opposition. Now, Mr. Albanese is giving interviews and he's suggesting that we should just get out of the way. Well, we won't be getting out of the way. If they bring forward legislation that is not in the national interest and it is not in the interest of Australians, then we will fight them every step of the way."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Selena Gomez Hit Pause on Wedding Planning Until Taylor Swift RSVP'ed, Says ‘Source'
's wedding preparation has reportedly been put on hold until responds to the RSVP. The former Disney star and her fiancé, Benny Blanco, might have a September ceremony in Montecito. As it's her special day, Gomez has wished for her best friend, Swift, and her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, to attend the nuptials, according to sources. Selena Gomez wants both Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce to attend her wedding, says 'source' Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift's friendship goes way back to 2008, so the 32-year-old singer wants her best friend to attend her and Benny Blanco's wedding, which is reportedly scheduled to take place in September. According to sources, she wants to treat Swift and her beau, Travis Kelce, like 'royalty' on her D-day. Rob Shuter recently reported that Gomez has hit a pause on her wedding plans as Swift has not RSVPed yet. An insider said, 'Selena refused to send out a save-the-date until she knew Taylor was free. It's not optional. Taylor has to be there.' Not just the 35-year-old artist, but her NFL athlete boyfriend, Kelce, has also been added to the guest list. The source claimed that Gomez 'adores' Kelce for 'the way he treats' his girlfriend. Hence, the 'Emilia Perez' star would want to make them feel special and 'celebrated' on her wedding day. Reportedly, the bride-to-be has set each detail keeping her friend's convenience in mind. She wants Swift by her side from 'the welcome cocktails to the final toast.' Moreover, the event might be a private weekend ceremony with 'chill but amazing' vibes. Aside from Swift and Kelce, Gomez and Blanco may also invite her 'Only Murders in the Building' co-stars and his A-list colleagues. Fans can also expect many popular faces at the nuptials. Additionally, it is not confirmed if Swift will perform at the wedding. 'But if she does… it'll be the moment of the night. Selena would love it,' the source concluded. The post Selena Gomez Hit Pause on Wedding Planning Until Taylor Swift RSVP'ed, Says 'Source' appeared first on Reality Tea. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Princess Charlene of Monaco joins husband Prince Albert and their children, Jacques and Isabella, to celebrate his 20-year reign
The Prince and Princess of Monaco were pictured beaming alongside their two children during a ceremony to mark the Head of State's 20-year reign. Prince Albert, 67, and his wife Charlene, 47, were accompanied by their 10-year-old twins, Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, as the royal family celebrated the joyous occasion at the Palace Square in the principality. The royal couple looked to be in good spirits despite ongoing speculation about the state of their marriage, including how the glamourous mother-of-two sought solace from the French president's wife, Brigitte Macron, following whispers of marital misery. Yesterday the glowing couple appeared to put all controversy behind them as they posed lovingly in a series of sweet snaps to commemorate the day he was bestowed power following the death of his father, Prince Rainier III in July 2005. In one image, the Prince could be seen leaning over to plant a sweet peck on his wife's face, while in another the doting father made the same gesture towards his young daughter. Princess Charlene looked elegant in a baby pink dress and the stylish royal teamed the look with a pair of dazzling white pointed heels, while her make-up was pared back with only a touch of eye shadow and a rose pink lip. Meanwhile her blonde hair was delicately coiffured with a middle parting and tucked behind her ears. Equally impressing was her mini-me Prince Jacques who was the spitting image of his mother in a sharp navy blue suit and matching tie. He perhaps took a style note from his powerful father, who also donned a full blue suit. The prince looked exceedingly sharp in a royal blue blazer with matching trousers, a pressed white shirt, stripy red tie and polished black leather loafers. Princess Gabriella looked as marvellous as her mother in a white dress and matching slippers. Her hair was styled with a thick plait and a gorgeous white flower ornament which was pinned above the right side of her forehead. The happy family were also accompanied by members of the Princière family who joined them for a series of photos to mark the prestige occasion. Prince Albert also addressed the people of Monégasque during a speech of thanks, of which the large crowd captured the memorable moment using camera phones. In one image the family stood together to cut a grandiose red and white cake, which they offered to happy guests. In another, the family of four could be seen walking around the square to greet the excited crowds. Earlier this month, Prince Albert celebrated his 14th wedding anniversary - when he tied the knot with the then Charlene Wittstock in two lavish wedding ceremonies that cost a combined total £53million. With a glittering 850-strong guest list that included Sir Roger Moore and Prince Edward, the religious ceremony on July 2 followed the civil nuptials a day earlier. But even on their wedding day, the controversies that tend to follow the Monegasque Royal Family appeared. The couple's uneasy kiss - and the fact that at one moment Charlene was in tears - perhaps betrayed the trouble that had already taken place and the further angst that was to come. Days before the big day, rumours began to circulate that Charlene had tried to flee the country on three occasions with a one-way ticket to Johannesburg. A Parisian news magazine reported that Charlene had been stopped at Nice airport after allegedly learning a 'distressing' revelation about her future husband's private life. A senior Monaco detective claimed at the time: 'Charlene had her passport confiscated so that the Prince's entourage could persuade her to stay.' The rumour mill in France went into overdrive. Charlene had, it was suggested, heard talk of an illegitimate child, allegedly conceived when she was dating Prince Albert in 2005. But the Princess would go on to dismiss the 'hilarious' rumours. She said: 'Why would he go through all this effort to have our dearest friends come join us, for us to be reluctant?' And they spent the first night of their honeymoon in South Africa - the nation that Zimbabwe-born Charlene represented at the Olympics during her swimming career - in separate hotels. Prince Albert has also fathered several love children - two of which the prince has acknowledged. Meanwhile, Princess Charlene has been known to disappear from the public eye on multiple occasions, reportedly due to 'deep fatigue'. The princess took a prolonged medical hiatus in South Africa which saw her spend most of 2021 away from her husband and children. This meant she missed the seventh birthdays of her twins - Jacques and Gabriella - and her tenth wedding anniversary. Charlene also travelled to a Swiss clinic that allegedly specialises in mental health and addiction issues. In May, the royals joined other Catholic monarchs including the King and Queen of Spain and Belgium for an audience with Pope Leo XIV. Princess Charlene along with Queen Letizia of Spain and Queen Mathilde of Belgium are allowed to wear white in front of the Pope because of their faith. They are each one of only seven women in the world who have 'the privilege of the white'. Called 'le privilege du blanc' in French or 'il privilegio del bianco' in Italian, the special tradition is extended solely to designated Catholic queens and princesses and is reserved for important events at the Vatican, such as private audiences, canonisations, beatifications, and special masses. Normal protocol for papal audiences requires that ladies wear a long black dress with a high collar and long sleeves and a black mantilla.
