Anna and Richard’s sleek and sophisticated wedding
Twenty four years ago, on my first day of pre-school, I was introduced to Richard Downes. His mum allowed him to dress himself, so he was in her necklaces and gumboots. His story is that I chased him around the playground trying to catch him in "kissing catchers", while I personally think that I was trying to get at those necklaces. Growing up we passed each other at the odd swimming gala or school "disco". I went on to live in Cape Town for seven years, but just over three years ago fate bought us back together: I moved back to Natal, and after meeting Richard for coffee, I knew he was the one I wanted to be with.
Last December we moved into our new home together. Amongst moving boxes and furniture, Rich asked me to open a moving box. When I did, balloons came flying out, and at the bottom of the box was a heart that said, "will you marry me" under a ring box. I turned to Rich and he was down on one knee. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.
My sister got engaged the day after me, so the planning of our weddings turned out to be A LOT more fun. We both shared so many ideas, and things I never thought of, she had, and vice versa. SA Weddings was one of our favourite websites, and we made use of it often. One of my favourite things to do before the wedding (and still now) is viewing the "real weddings" section.
I have always known what I wanted for my wedding. Since I was a little girl, I dreamed of an all-white wedding, with all my bridesmaids dressed in black.. So, the planning was actually really easy.
I'm quite shy, so the thought of our 200 guests staring at me walking down the aisle was a little frightening for me. I remember saying to myself "don't cry, don't cry", but as I got to the end of the aisle and I saw Rich, all my nerves went away completely. I will never forget getting to the end of the aisle and just giving Rich a big kiss on the cheek.
As I mentioned, I knew I wanted an all white wedding with LOTS of candles and white roses, so everything was mainly based around this.
I was never one hundred percent set on a certain style, or fit, but after eye'ing out a skirt design from Casey Jeanne, I knew I had to have it. We then decided to do quite a modern take on the top with the netting and lace. My bridesmaids' dresses were black, with big tulle skirts, so I decided to tie in with them by having a black ribbon around my waist.
Being an all white wedding, roses and hydrangeas were the perfect choice. They complimented each other so well, and helped to create my dream wedding look
I am the owner of a local sleepwear company called Anna-Louise. I gave my bridesmaids, mum and mum-in-law sleepwear sets and gowns which we wore the night before the wedding and on the day whilst getting ready.
Lana Del Ray – Young and Beautiful. Our first December holiday, Rich and I went on was to the Maldives. From the moment Rich and I started dating, I knew he was "the one", but that New Year's Eve the theme on the island was The Great Gatsby, and I remember dancing to Young and Beautiful with Rich and thinking, this is what our first dance song will be one day.
Enjoy every moment. It is the best day of your life, and the actual day goes by so quickly, so enjoy being engaged, enjoy planning your wedding. It is so magical and special
We spent a week in Azura Quilalea which is an island off Phemba at the top of Mozambique. It was heavenly and so relaxing.
The story of your wedding day deserves to be a beautiful signature of who you are and your journey together.
Each function takes on a life of its own and we, at Settings, help the process by supplying decor items, linen, crockery, cutlery and glasses, or tables & chairs to suit the th...
