We actually met at Latinova (the Club), two years before we started officially dating. We were supposed to meet up for a date but I completely forgot about it and stood Marco up! I then got into another relationship so we didn’t really see each other, but we did stay in touch over whatsapp.
Eventually, when that relationship ended, Marco agreed to go on another date with me (this time insisting that he picks me up, of course), and it was amazing. It was definitely worth the wait!
After 2 and a half years of dating he took me to Venice, but, much to my disappointment, he did not propose there. We then went to Cape Town that December, yet again, no proposal. It was 2 months later, on our 3 rd anniversary, when he took me to a little retreat just outside of Fourways, organized a private dinner outside our room, and presented me with a large (too large to be a ring box) box as an anniversary gift. Inside the box, under multiple layers of tissue paper, was the ring box! He had to go to extraordinary lengths to keep the proposal a surprise. I’m the kind of girl who searched through his socks while in Venice to see if he had hidden a ring somewhere!
It turned out being the perfect proposal. He was so nervous and tongue tied, it was incredible adorable and I still tear up when I think back to that night.
I loved every minute of it! I am the typical “I’ve been planning my wedding since I was 13” kind of girl. And being a wedding photographer, I love the creative process that goes into creating a beautiful day. I did use SA Weddings, to have a look at some photographers’ portfolios. It took us ages to find the perfect photographer as this was one of the most important aspects of the day.
This definitely came mostly from international photographers’ blogs, and Pinterest of course. I feel so spiritually connected to the ocean that after finding the perfect venue, Strandkombuis, everything else fell into place. Since I was a little girl I knew I wanted to get married on the beach, with the sand between my toes, so Marco knew he’d have to buy into that idea, and loved it just as much as I did.
Definitely seeing everyone come together. All our loved ones from all over the country and even different parts of the world, coming together to celebrate us. It was incredibly humbling and special.
This was the Fresh Beach Boho theme. Being a photographer, these weddings always speak to me the most, and it fitted perfectly being on the beach.
I wanted something that would flow naturally in the wind and mimic the movement of the waves, and I wanted it to be comfortable and light. Elli-Nicole was incredible and gave me exactly what I was looking for. The quality of the dress really made a huge difference as I didn’t have to fiddle with it the whole day, it just sat beautifully and moved exactly the way I wanted!
Our colours were mints and pastel peaches. I didn’t trust anyone with the flowers except for Anli Wahl. I gave her some concept photos and explained what I wanted and when she showed up on the day with the flowers I burst into tears! The soft, organic beauty was perfect, and she exceeded all expectations!
Yes! Almost everything was done by me. I designed the invites, menus, thank yous etc. I even made the bunting myself!
Be My Forever by Ed Sheeran and Christina Perri. Well, just listen to the song! It’s amazing. It’s fast and upbeat, which meant we could do a nice fast boogie, and the name of the song is perfect. Marco is my forever.
Marco’s face. Watching him the entire day I realized he had not once lost his smile. He had the biggest grin on his face the throughout the day and it made me realize how lucky I am to be able to make this incredible person as happy as he makes me.
Take it all in. ALL OF IT! Even the fights you have with your mom. When it’s over you will miss every moment and it only happens once so make sure you remember it. When the day finally arrives, slow yourself down. Try to get into a kid-mindset, taking everything in and noticing everything as if it’s happening in slow motion. I did this, and I remember every minute of our wedding day.
We went to Thailand. First Koh Samui and then Phuket. It was incredible being away for the first time as husband and wife. Just when you think you cannot feel any closer to the person you love, on honeymoon it really does amplify that feeling. And I still feel like we just keep getting closer and closer.
