Bakenhof Winelands Venue in Wellington, near Cape Town. An avenue of Oaks, a beautiful tapestry of autumn leaves amongst vineyards with scatterings of olive trees overlooking the magnificent Wellington valley. This venue provided the facilities for us to complete all the essential preparations, pamper ourselves and party the night away, safely on the Estate.
Our large family comprising four sets of parents were incredible. Everyone had a task, from hand crafting the flower boxes to arranging the beautiful flowers & setting up the sound system. What amazing team work. Both coming from large families, Fred & I wanted a wedding that would highlight the importance of those special people who make up our family.
The morning of the wedding started with coffee, rusks and my family praying for me. It was incredibly special waking up and realising that, one of the most important days in my life had finally arrived. We sat on the deck of a dam overlooking the most gorgeous Wellington Valley. This gave me a sense of peace calming the ball of excitement bouncing inside me.
My sister Nicole who had travelled from Australia (maid of honour) was phenomenal. She was able to see that everything happened as planned whilst simultaneously keeping we calm yet excited. My bridesmaids popped champagne & provided an amazing platter for lunch. Talented Helga Stydom attended to make up, stylist Inge Leonard worked her magic with our hair whilst we danced to the strains of Ed Shereen. I truly felt like Cinderella on her way to the ball and into the arms of Prince Charming! How blessed can a girl be??
A super emotional moment was when my dad arrived to escort me to the chapel – I promptly burst into tears. Here was my ultimate hero whispering “my darling, you are marrying the best man”. I clung to my dad’s arm as at 4 pm the chapel bell tolled to announce my entrance into the glass chapel. The moment I saw Fred’s face I smiled, smiled and smiled. I couldn’t stop smiling. I was overwhelmed with extreme euphoria. A sense of intense excitement, joy and hope all combined into one. I simply couldn’t wait to hold his hand and make the best decision of my life. The ceremony was intimate and personal. Fred and I wrote our own vows and were fortunate to have an inspirational woman, Jean Keys, leading the ceremony. My friends had formed a string quartet and they played the most beautiful classical music which I had chosen. Being a musician, this really meant the world to me and the chosen music added to the perfect ambiance.
During Canapes my friends once again enchanted us playing French Jazz tunes on the deck as platters of snacks were served and we had the opportunity to mingle with guests and celebrate our union with those dear to us. I was both relieved and proud that the many hours put into my wedding planning had come to fruition – perfectly!
The reception was loads of fun and Fred and I both delivered a speech. I tricked Fred and told him that I won’t be singing at our wedding. However, singing is my God given gift and I felt compelled to share this gift with the person I love the most, my husband. After I said all my thank you’s I proposed a toast to Fred and then sang a song from “As it is in Heaven” leaving him speechless.
The evening continued into the early hours ….. Full scale sokkie-ing and the blisters on my feet still tell the story!!
A magical day, always treasured, never to be forgotten.