Craig and I met at an Alpha course over 7 years ago. He was a leader on the course and I was a young girl going through a tough time. Being 3 years younger than me, I didn’t give Craig a second glance as I was completing my degree and he was still in High School, getting detention! A year later I joined the Alpha youth team and so did he. After months of non-stop hounding from Craig; a phone-call from 8pm to 5am the next day sealed our fate and we’ve been inseparable ever since.
Craig had planned an amazing game drive for us on the 22 July 2017, or so I thought. We were supposed to be at the venue at 6am that morning. At around 5:30am, I walked upstairs all ready to leave, just to find a sleeping Craig in our guest room. Wondering if I had maybe gotten the wrong time or day; I stood in the doorway and was like Craig are we not supposed to be leaving now? A half asleep Craig jumped out of bed, and responded yes I’ll be ready in 5 minutes. With barely brushed hair and teeth we left my parents’ home in a hurry.
I was hoping that this would be the day that he proposed but I thought, surely he cannot pop the question, without taking a shower or brushed his hair properly?!
Thankfully we arrived at Kloofzicht Lodge and Spa on-time. Instead of going on a game drive; Craig surprised me with a private hot air balloon wildlife, sunrise experience. As soon as we were at our highest peak, Craig took both my hands and said “Kaylene I brought you above the world, to let you know that I’ll always put you above myself and everyone else for the rest of my life.” He then got down on bended knee (in the hot air balloon) and asked me to be his wife. Of course I said YES!
The planning process was particularly difficult as my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer. But yes, we definitely made use of SA Weddings!
Pinterest… Which became my best friend throughout the planning process
My dad walking me down the aisle and of course, saying our vows and sealing our commitment to each other.
This was a particularly difficult aspect, because Craig and I differ quite a bit. He is a more laid back kinda guy and I on the other hand love the finer things in life. Our theme needed to incorporate both these aspects of our personalities. We went with rustic meets chic elegance.
Although I wanted something bridal, it needed to be sexy and elegant. The bridesmaids were a tough choice because they were paying for their dresses. Although I wouldn’t have chosen the bridesmaids dresses for myself, it worked out pretty well.
Our wedding planners chose the florals for our wedding, but we wanted this to be the main focus of the décor. They did not disappoint!
None.
Till the end – Jesse Ware (Me before you version). Because we are hopeless romantics and this song spoke volumes to us.
Craig: After the bridesmaids had come in and the doors of the church opened and I saw Kaylene for the first time on our wedding day. The light was shining behind her and it literally looked as though an angel was walking towards me.
Ignore any family drama that arises. Don’t settle for anything and don’t be a people pleaser – This is your day after all. (Lessons I wish someone had told me before).
Yes, We rented a house in Zimbali, Ballito. A must when wanting to relax and enjoy each other as a newlywed couple!
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