Earlier this year, a few incredible wedding industry professionals collaborated to give one lucky bridal couple the wedding of their dreams! Suene and Dane were that lucky couple and won their entire wedding - how incredible?!
Let's take a closer look at their love story.
Our love story began when a “soutie” and “plaasmeisie” met in grade 9. We formed an amazing friendship and got to know each other through the beautiful and difficult seasons in life. He the sportsman, she the academic, we were eventually elected head boy and girl of the school.
Finally, with the possibility of going to different universities, the realization came… Suené was going to miss Dane, more than you should just a friend. So one night, he gathered up all his courage, and hoping not to be ‘batted’, went in for the kiss. It was earth-moving, toe-curling, firework-exploding! Needless to say… Dane got out of the ‘friend zone’.
We had the most fantastic times together during our student years at Stellenbosch, and learnt being apart was not an option for us. Then came the tough one. Suené had to do her community service year 12 hours away! What a challenging year it was, met with great sadness with the loss of a parent and two grandparents, but it’s wonderful how love can ignite hope and joy.
If the nine years we’ve been together is any indication of what is to come – bring it on!
The proposal came very unexpectedly. Dane had organized a couple photoshoot. The shoot was done by a school friend. She drove all the way from Mossel Bay to Cape Town for this amazing moment. It was going well and the photos looked amazing. The photographer then told Suené to look out over the water. At this stage the photographer threw Dane the ring and he went down on his knees.
As Suené turned around she saw Dane on his knees. She was initially in shock but as soon she realized what was going on she said YES and jumped into my arms. The rest is history.
Everything was amazing from start to finish. Chelsea is someone we found easy and free to relate to. She was very organized and made us feel totally as ease. The process was as smooth as can be and she had everything under control. She gave us all the options and the things we didn’t even think about, which made deciding what we want easy as pie. Everything that we had envisioned and more came to life.
We wanted a fun, easy-going and comfortable celebration. We mixed and matched ideas and really used every available resource to explore our options (pinterest, SA weddings, wedding expos, family and friends’ suggestions, etc.)
It was an absolutely beautiful and unforgettable day. Our wedding day was truly a collection where each moment was more special than the last. However, the one picture perfect moment for us both was our last dance of the evening. It ended a perfect day and the most memorable and enjoyable evening. It was amazing to slow things down and just take in the fact that we are now life partners.
It was a mix and match semi-boho, semi-rustic, whatever makes you happy, simply because we chose what we liked most in the different components.
Comfort is crucial! If you are not confident and comfortable, it puts a dent in your night. I really wanted something different for my bridesmaids’ dresses that’s flattering on multiple body shapes and that the girls can actually wear again. As for my dress, I used my matric farewell dress as inspiration; a soft flow, lace and open back.
The team was just amazing: Nico (N-Concepts), Nadia (Troues in die wynland) and Mable. We wanted to go for rich sunset colors and natural elements in the decor.
N-Concepts were amazing… they made giant letters from vines “S & D” which hanged against the wall. We also made our guest gifts; which was a spekboom in an enamel mug with our logo and wedding date on (just incase they let our love fern die, or hopefully plant it out – to still have something to remember the day by)
Riana Nel – Timbuktu
It’s been our song since we started dating
The first time we saw each other down the wedding aisle. Nothing more needs to be said, but the moment you see the person you are going to spend the rest of our life with, your heart definitely skips a beat and it feels as if the whole world melts away in that moment.
Have fun!!! Don’t get “divorced” 5 times before your wedding day, because of silly issues. There are going to be things you don’t agree on, so meet in the middle (yes ladies, it’s your husband-to-be’s special day as well).
Remember it’s one day, you have the rest of your lives to look forward to and in 20 years from now, all anyone will remember is the food, music and atmosphere, so don’t get too caught up in the type of candle or font of the seating plan.
We had a tight budget, so we only went away for the weekend to a little farmhouse outside Robertson and it was still more than amazing. We are currently saving up for a big second honeymoon (coz who says you can’t get the best of both?!)
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