We have been together for 10 years when we finally got married. We met while still at school and have been together ever since, through all the ups and downs.
We had the wedding in Hluhluwe in Kwa-Zulu Natal where my parents live. As it is quite a drive for all our guest living in Pretoria, we decided to make it a weekend wedding.
We had our ceremony at 5h00 in the morning with sunrise in the veldt in a beautiful "kraal" my parents built for us at the farm where they live. We had only our closest family members their which made for a very intimate wedding, followed by a champagne breakfast.
After the ceremony and breakfast my husband and I, with all of my family members rushed to the venue (2km away from where we had the ceremony) to quickly put together the last of the décor. Between my husband, myself and my parents we made all of our décor, so we could have every detail exactly as we wanted it.
My hair and make up artist came to get me around 11am for a surprise massage my mother booked for me. What an all round amazing experience - Bianca came by the house earlier in the week to pamper myself, my mother and grandmother with Mani's and Pedi's, and for me a massage. After this the big work started - getting everyone's make-up and hair done and ready for the "ceremony" at 16h00. (We never told our guest we had already gotten married the morning at sunrise)
My brother - who was my best man (no bridesmaids) had an exam to write that morning (In Pretoria) - so he was booked on a flight to Richardsbay and my cousin on his way to Richardsbay ready to collect him. According to all our calculations he would arrive at 15h45, just in time for the wedding. But murphy's law he missed his flight due to getting off at the wrong Gautrain station, my mother almost in tears, my grand mother and my make-up and hair stylist all in a flat spin, I am sitting there trying to think of a plan.
Okay wait we know people who owns private airplanes who live in Hluhluwe - problem they can't get a fly plan on such short notice, myself also almost in tears now call my fiancé (husband in fact) He wants to rush right over to come and help - gran jumps on the phone and reminds him he may not see me before the wedding.
So nothing to be done, but re-schedule the next flight, we continue with the wedding. New arrival time for my best man to the wedding 9pm.
We have everything planned out perfectly - except I haven't met my DJ yet (will he play the right songs? the ones I emailed him 500 times?) All works out fine - Eric (my husband) makes his grand entrance on a bike (my mother and gran has asked him not to do any tricks or wheelies) he comes in on the bike riding only on the back wheel!! Luckily they are not witness to this. Where I am waiting to walk in I can hear the guests cheering and encouraging him to go again. I could barely keep my laugh hiding behind a tree to wait to go in.
Finally my music starts, my father takes my hand and starts walking me down the isle (I realise I can't see anything through my veil, knowing very well there is a step going down the isle, I nudge my dad and whisper : "Se as ons by die trappie is, ek kan niks sien nie", all the way laughing at myself for not checking before.
We make it down to the front and yet again my father hands me over to my husband (the second time that day), the minister comes forward, please give the rings and you may kiss the bride. We look at the guests as the minister leaves to sit down again, all looking at us, like what has happened now. Our MC comes forward and announces that we have in fact been married for 10hours - now laughs and cheers coming, whistling and applause, I peek a glance at my mother - tears streaming down her face - happy tears I think to myself.
We went out for group photos - as we only had 40 guests we involved everyone and also took pictures with the family, quick hurry up we need to get going if we want photos in the veldt with sunset. Ready for action the photographer and us marching into the bush to get the perfect shots.
Tarah did an amazing job with the photo's - she was so pro-active and off the photo's I had previously sent her, knew exactly what we wanted. She caught our most beautiful day perfectly. Next, here I go on the bike (hubby of course wants a photo of the both of us on the bike) I had my doubts, but all went well, I didn't fall on my face and it made for an amazing photo.
Photo's done - now we wait - hiding behind the back of the venue for the sun to completely set so we can make our grand entrance with all the guests holding sparklers - more stunning photo's. As we made our entrance our song started playing (so proud of my hubby, I wanted our song, but a bit faster so we could really dance to it, he spent the week before the wedding downloading apps on his phone to remix our song to exactly what I imagined, it was perfect) We opened the dance floor with sparklers in the back ground and guests cheering and clapping. Everyone joined in for the second song, it was exactly what we have envisioned.
Now on to the formalities. We decided that we would have no main table and that we would leave seats open at each table and just rotate between our guest - getting a chance to sit with everyone - as we knew from the start that we want our guests having an absolute blast.
We had starters (big thank you to the caterers - these guys did an amazing job all weekend round) Some speeches to follow and then after mains and dessert - finally my best man and cousin was due to arrive from the airport. My uncle running to me saying we need to make a big deal (as both of them don't like attention on them) We immediately got the DJ to play "We're glad you came" and myself and Eric went out side to wait for them, as they came "speeding" around the corner into the parking lot, my uncle gave the DJ a heads up and the song started playing loudly, on either side of them we made another entrance and took them straight to the bar for a penalty shot - all the while guest laughing and clapping, encouraging them to down their penalty shots.
After this it was celebration time and everyone was on the dance floor, making conversation around the bonfire and just enjoying themselves. As the night grew darker, bits by bits of the guest started leaving - as with all weddings you always have your "kan nie dood" guests who will stay until kicked out, luckily for us our venue had no time limits or extra payments and the few left hit the dance floor and partied until almost sunrise (some one thought it good to karaoke) this was not part of the plan, but DJ to the rescue whipped out some mikes and was truly entertained by all of the guests now singing along. Such a big thank you to the DJ (Boebies from Pongola) who did an amazing job with the music and keeping the guests entertained and going the extra mile for us.
Finally time to go to bed, after an evening full of perfect memories with amazing people.
Bright and early Saturday morning - breakfast for all the guests (some we had to wake or they would sleep until sunset) Now time for a beach trip. All the bakkies loaded and everyone ready for a beach day.
We headed out to 9 mile beach - were the sand is warm the water cold and the beach completely secluded. Reaching the beach was another story, only 4 x 4's could climb out the up hills and dare the steady down hills. We were a line of about 8 bakkies, reaching the gate to the 20km ride down to the beach, my uncle gets out of his car and starts directing everyone were to be (as there is no passing on this road, so if you get stuck you must hope there is a 4 x 4 in front of you to help) When everyone is set and in place we start the journey. Kids laughing and loving the adventure, all the men getting out at each difficult point and all deciding what is the best approach. A sight to see. One or two problems with getting stuck, but I must say I think the men enjoyed the getting stuck and trying to make a plan to get out more than what they would admit.
Once we arrived at the beach we spent the day swimming (and of course a trash the dress shoot), braaing and just having fun. While some took power naps, the others played with the kids, jumping over waves, or running across the sand.
While all was enjoying themselves we sneaked off to do a trash the dress shoot. (Amazing photo's done by my sister in law (to be). This was such an amazing experience, and such beautiful photo's. On the beach and running into the water - we had so much fun taking these photo's. While busy taking our photo's we realized we had an audience that have suddenly arrived on the beach - they also cheered and wished us the best of luck.
After everyone was done swimming we all moved over to the braai area where my uncle and cousins stood ready to feed everyone. Just behind the braai area was a big sand dune. My youngest cousin ran to the top and came down on his boogie board - this quickly drew interest and when I looked up - I saw my mother, coming down on the boogie board standing on all fours. Now everyone needed a turn, and every time the tricks got better and better, coming down backwards, on one foot, holding a beer and of course my brother and cousin trying to come down on one boogie board together, of course bailing and rolling down most of the dune, sand storm approaching some one yelled.
Much laughs, sun burns, sea and sand made for another perfect day. Back to the venue for a spit braai.
Once back at the venue everyone headed off to shower and get ready for the spit braai. No DJ this time, Eric's brother brought his guitar and ensured for much entertainment. We all gathered around the bon fire and sang along to all the songs he played. The kids thought it well to take to the dance floor, everyone else soon to follow.
My brother and cousin (the sand storm) took up singing (not knowing any of the words, making them up as they go) ensuring many laughs and a good time. We had supper (yet again well done to the caterers), such delicious meals, I took my plate and sat in the corner - warning any one not to come near me, as the previous night everyone wanted to congratulate us and we didn't have a bite to eat, not wanting to miss out on the perfectly prepared meal again.
More dancing and laughs and jokes, well into the early hours of Sunday morning. More wood on the bonfire and more song requests on the guitar. Such a lovely time was had by all - the most perfect weekend we like to call it.
Sunday morning breakfast and then the long road home. We saw off our guests and went straight home to sleep. Some guests still at the house we made a duck. My mom came to wake me and said she was leaving to take my gran to the hospital. Luckily she got to Richardsbay on time - as when they got their the doctor told my mother that gran had a heart attack. All settled in at the hospital my mother came home - change of plans for the honeymoon. We spent the Monday and Tuesday travelling to Richardsbay to visit gran in the hospital, went in visiting times and then explored Richardsbay, we went to the harbour and went into all of the pubs and restaurants - back to the hospital gran would asked if we had some prawns yet, heading back to the habour to find prawns. We spent hours at the harbour walking around, eating and celebrating married life.
Wednesday gran was transferred to the Umhlanga hospital, we followed, again spending time with gran - telling her all about what we did the day and what we ate that was good (by now she was craving prawns, Eric trying to think of a way to sneak some in to her) We walked down the beach at Umhlanga and went to all the pub & grill's we could find. Having such a lovely time. Finally Friday gran was ready to be released, we picked her up and headed straight home, all the way talking about the wedding and everything we have done with our time in Richardsbay and Umhlanga. To this day gran still likes to joke and say we gave her a heart attack because we took so long to get married.
We get home to find some of our guest who lives in Richardsbay have returned and are ready to carry one with the celebration. We had a wonderful relaxing weekend and Sunday morning hit the road home with heavy hearts. Sad that it was over, but ecstatic that we had such an amazing weekend and week, and we were finally married.
Finally home - for the first time as MR & MRS*
Asked afterwards - I can't remember which part of the day was the most memorable - all the happenings seemed so perfect.
If I have to start at the beginning of the day I would definitely say the moment my dad brought me into the "kraal" watching everyone as they watch me walking toward my husband to be. I would never forget the look on each and every face. Then of course my hubby standing in front waiting for me to get to him.
It was also very special to me that my grandmother brought us the rings when it was time.
Taking photo's with the sunrise was unforgettable, it was one of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen - as if it was specially sent for us. And our timing was perfect.
Getting the last few things ready on Friday, seeing everyone working together, helping were they can - so I could relax and go for another massage.
Finding out my brother (best man) missed his flight is something no-one will ever forget, we laugh about it now, but on the day it was not very funny. At least he made it (see photo attached) and was able to spend the whole of Saturday with us as well.
Eric making his grand entrance on the motorbike would be an everlasting memory and story to tell in the years to come.
Our first dance, I will forever hold dearly in my heart - as it was exactly what I imagined it would be. Eric's brother singing the first part on the guitar before the chorus starts and the DJ taking over.
Dancing into the night, hanging around the bon fire and singing well into the night, enjoying our special day with all our family and friends.
The whole beach experience and the chance to do a trash the dress shoot on the beach. The photo's came out amazing and will forever be cherished.
To the point if asked, the most memorable moment would be to see how many people care for us and joined us on or big day (weekend) It made it the best wedding weekend ever and something we will never forget.
First few days we were in Richardsbay (as per story above) Exploring at the harbour and visiting all the pubs and grills. For the following few days we went to Umhlanga - walked on the beach and to the pier and searched for exciting places to try new dishes. See attached some photo's.
For the ceremony on Friday morning in the veldt - I did my own make - up and hair - very light and natural make-up and curly, taken to the side for my hair, with a tiara given to me by my grandmother on my 16th birthday, one she received on her 16th birthday, with blue stones. My something old and blue covered. Jewellery I only wore a single sterling silver chain and a beautiful silver bracelet with blue stones.
Hubby and I also wore matching blue Tommy takkies for the morning. I had two dresses made, the one for the morning was simple and flowy, it came out exactly the way I imagined it.
For the main wedding - I went with simple and elegant, only light make up and loose curly hair with a stunning head piece with pearls. Colene did such a wonderful job with my hair and didn't leave my side until I was 100% happy, she also did mom's, gran's and mom in laws hair for the day, and did an excellent job.
My jewellery I wore was a sterling silver chain with one pearl and pearl earrings to match which I borrowed from my grandmother.
My shoes were ballet shoes (white and silver) flats, I also took a pair of high heels in bright pink (see attached photos)
My dress was very plain and elegant, long and flowy - a design I have had in my head since hubby first proposed. The lady who made my dresses did an excellent job and captured exactly what I had envisioned.
We got married on the farm were my parents live in the veldt in a beautiful "kraal they built for us.
The main Wedding was 2km down the road from the farm at Amorello Bushveldt Lodge, where all our guest slept over for the weekend as well. This I a beautiful venue in the centre of the bush, we decided on this venue as the first time we saw it we both looked at each other and realised this venue offers both what I like and what my husband likes. We had the wedding under the moonlight on the wooden deck only the seating area partially covered by the thatch roof.
The rooms were all very spacious and neat and are all called by animal names, as Zebra, Buffalo, Elephant, ect.
Amorello Safari Park
https://web.facebook.com/search/top/?q=amorello%20safari%20park
Eating right to avoid skin break outs.
I went for three facial in the 2 months prior to wedding, such an amazing experience.
I didn't do any teeth whitening.
Daily face cleaning after washing (wet wipes with tree tea oil)
I also started treating and colouring my hair 3 months prior to the wedding at Eugene. He is also the one who found the beautiful head piece for me. He did such an amazing job with my hair and always made me feel 100% happy before leaving after a colour :)
Wednesday before the wedding Bianca came out to the house to spoil my mom, gran and me with mani's and Pedi's, I also got a massage and we did a trial run for my make-up.
She spent the whole day with us, laughing and talking. She is such a wonderful person and did an amazing job with all of us - she even said she would be on stand by if any of lost a nail during the final arrangements before the wedding - luckily this was not necessary. We did scare her with our feet on Thursday though - as we were running up and down to get stuff done and when we looked again my mom and I said together "what would Bianca say?" (see photo attached)
https://web.facebook.com/antonbiancagerber?pnref=friends.search
All of the décor for the wedding we made ourselves.
We had wooden tables, with no table cloths, only hessian runners. Centre pieces we cut stands from a tree and had on them purple bottles with dries grass and white bottles with pieces of lavender. We also had some small candles with the centre pieces.
Each seating placement was hand made and tied with a grass string. The table arrangements at the entrance was also all hand made and put up with small washing pegs on a beautiful frame my father built (see attached photo's)
Over the dance floor (which was open / no roof) we hung fairy lights, and at the side of the dance floor we made DIY lanterns with fairly lights in. (See attached photo's)
Everything came out as we wanted and I could not have been more perfect. Our DJ had a smoke machine which he started with our first dance together with all the guest holding sparklers and candles, making our first dance very memorable.
For the morning ceremony Eric wore a blue shirt (as we asked all the family to wear something blue) and a brown short pants, with the matching blue Tommy takkies.
One of the groomsmen (my brother) was not able to attend the morning ceremony (see more in story above). Eric's brother (his best man) wore a blue shirt, as asked of all family members, but we had no set dress code for the groomsmen for the morning ceremony.
For the main wedding Eric wore a white shirt and black and white tie, with a jacket specially made for him in white, which he saw on a picture and immediately knew that this jacket is what he wanted. He paired that with a neat jean and a pair of black boots. He looked so handsome and he was ecstatic with his choices.
Our best men both wore the same jeans and black boots as Eric, they had black shirts, paired with white vest (which they picked out themselves) We never got a picture of the two together in their matching out fits as my best man only showed up after 9pm, but they both looked a fantastic and enjoyed getting the chance to pick out their own clothes for the wedding. We also got them thank you boxes, with a flask (their names engraved on it, a cigar and a Zippo lighter (also with their names engraved on it) - see photo's attached
I had no bridesmaids - I only asked my brother to be my best man.
Our minister in whose church we grew up in agreed to travel down to Hluhluwe to wed us the morning and play the part of surprising the guest the afternoon with the news that we have already gotten married the morning early (more in the story above)
His wife came with him and they spent the weekend away from home as a mini holiday.
He did an amazing job, we left everything over to him and he surprised us with the most beautiful verse and sermon. His timing was impeccable, due to us wanting to take photo's at the exact moment the sun rose.
We couldn't thank him enough for all he has done for us in making our special day even more special.
Tarah a photographer / school teacher from Matubatuba came through to meet us the day before the wedding and chat about where and when we want the photo's taken. She came out early Friday morning to take photo's of the sunrise ceremony and did such a beautiful job, going the extra mile for us.
Myself and Tarah have been emailing for weeks before the wedding sending her some pictures of what we liked. She came back while we were finishing for the wedding and took amazing photo's at sunset. She made us feel so comfortable and made the whole photo taking experience FUN.
I received my edited photo's in record time and couldn't believe how beautiful they came out.
We had no video's taken and also did not do a photo's booth. Tarah took random pictures of all our guest when they were least expecting it - ensuring for some memorable photo's and some good laughs.
She did such a fantastic job and I would truly recommend her to anyone.
https://web.facebook.com/tarah.boshoff?pnref=friends.search
MOM, my mother was my rock - she ran around all day ensuring everything would run smoothly. All while still spending time with me while getting ready and making sure everyone knows were to be at what time.
I would not have been able to do it without her. We still laugh to this day as she made one slip up (my mother never forgets anything, but nerves and running around that day made her forget one small detail), she made a platter for us to eat while getting ready and had gotten some champagne. While running between the house and the venue trying to get the last things in place she completely forgot about the platter and the champagne. Feeling truly bad (we were teasing her) she managed to find some champagne and a bottle of sprite and some crackers some where and all had something cold to drink and a bite to eat.
My father and grandmother also played a very big role in making sure everything was like I wanted - helping to put up the fairy lights and making sure the centre pieces were perfect. Going into the whole day and the week leading up to the wedding, I must say, was such a delight to see my family jumping in to help. My poor uncle so afraid of heights got up on the ladder to help hang the fairy lights, my aunt running around with my centre pieces to get them to the tables.
I did not have one specific planner, but many family making my day calm and enjoyable. I love them all to bits and couldn't thank them enough.
Eric came in on a motorbike - more in the above story. While I was getting ready I could here him driving up and down! Mom and gran freaking out about the wheelies and tricks.
All went smoothly though and no one got hurt, he made a very exciting entrance and all the guest surely enjoyed it. It was actually mom's idea -as she said why should only the bride get to walk in with all eyes on her? She was right - giving Eric the opportunity to make his own grand entrance was the best idea ever.
Right before his entrance, his brother gathered all the guests and asked them to move into the venue and get a drink so long, as he was looking for Eric who has gone "missing". All the guests went in and got a drink, when Eric came in on the motorbike on one wheel.
After getting off the bike he "angrily" walked across the venue - straight to the bar (we have arranged with the barman to get shots of water ready for him, looking like vodka), another surprise for the guests, his best man "seemingly" trying to calm him down, guest wide eyed wondering what has happened. My music started playing and Eric and his brother walked to the front all "calm" now. I made my entrance walking through all the tables and past all the guests, trying to not fall as I could see nothing through my veil.
As I was getting ready close to the venue, me, my mom, gran and father hopped in his Isuzu double cab and drove to the venue - my dad calls his Izusu - Suz - so I can now say that I went to my wedding in Suz.
Barend from KZNSpit caterers did all of the food over the weekend. They prepared a three course meal for us on Friday night, which everyone was raving about. On Saturday morning they prepared breakfast for everyone before we all left to go to the beach.
On Saturday night they prepared a spit braai for us and again the food was of the highest quality and taste. They again prepared breakfast for everyone on Sunday morning before all had to take the long road home.
They were a truly professional, friendly and amazing team who made the food a lasting memory. None of the guest could stop talking about how amazingly good the food was.
www.kznspit.co.za
Our wedding cake was made by Robyn Swart. I showed her one picture and added or removed a few details - she did exactly what I asked for and to the highest standard. It looked beautiful and tasted great. (See photo's attached)
https://web.facebook.com/robyn.swart.7
My save the dates and wedding invites were all digital, which I made myself.
All the name placements and table arrangements were hand made.
We love dancing and have been dancing together since the day we met - so didn't need to take any dance lessons. Our first dance was so memorable, exactly how I imagined it.
We got a DJ from Pongola, his name is Boebies. I met him for the first time officially after our first dance. He did such a great job at keeping the music up beat and lively. The guest could make requests and he even went the extra mile and took out mikes so that my guests could later karaoke. He did all of the lights as well as the smoke machine.
He truly went the extra mile and stayed until the last guest left.
