Our love story begins in a traditional way with a "Blind date" but with a modern twist - the online dating App: Tinder. Dale and I "matched" within hours of me being on Tinder for the very first time. We quickly hit it off and arranged a coffee date the next week. Dale drove all the way from the North of Johannesburg to meet me at a restaurant in the South. Conversation flowed easily and our coffee date turned into supper.
For the next few weeks we continued to see each other regularly. On the 30th June 2016 Dale officially asked me to be his girlfriend by changing the words of the popular song "Shut up and Dance with me" by Walk the Moon, singing it to me while he played the tune on his guitar. From then on Dale continued to dazzle me with his romantic side.
Exactly 6 months later on the 30th December 2016, Dale proposed to me at sunset on Llandudno Beach in Cape Town. I wasn't expecting it at all, but Dale had every detail planned. The evening was nothing short of magical. We enjoyed a delicious picnic that Dale had packed and a romantic stroll along the water's edge. At exactly the right moment, Dale got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. The answer was "YES" of course!
Our wedding day was the most magical day of our lives! We have so many highlights and memorable moments, I'll share some with you.
Getting ready for the big day with our closest friends was a wonderful way to start the day. They provided lots of laughs and helped us feel relaxed and prepared for the days events.
Having my dad walk me down the aisle was a very special moment. I was nervous and teary and he provided the emotional and physical support to get me to the alter to join the man of my dreams.
Seeing Dale waiting for me with tears in his eyes was another memorable moment of the day.
The ceremony went by so quickly but the highlight was looking into each others eyes and saying our vows. It was as though everything around us disappeared and we were the only people in the room.
Hearing such touching words during the speeches, from our parents, best man and matron of honour was moving. It was particularly moving to hear such loving words from my husband.
Our first dance was incredibly special, all eyes were on us, but we only had eyes for each other.
Spending the evening dancing with our loved ones was the perfect way to end the days celebrations and a huge highlight for us.
Dale surprised me with a three part honeymoon to include: mountain, beach and bush.
For the mountain part of our honeymoon we stayed at The Cavern in the Drakensburg. We had a private villa to ourselves and were treated with amazing food and breathtaking views.
After our mountain getaway we headed for Mauritius! This part of our honeymoon was nothing short of Paradise. The weather was perfect, the sea was crystal clear and we had a large variety of restaurants and activities to chooses from. From sipping pina coladas on the beach, to snorkeling surrounded by hundreds of brightly coloured fish, this was trip of a lifetime!
To end off our incredible honeymoon we went to the 'bush". Dale rented a house in the Mabalingwe Game Reserve. Here we were treated with unbelievable animal sightings right from our balcony. These sightings included a visit from a large elephant herd with calf in-tow.
My wedding look was inspired by the Victorian era. It included lots of lace and beaded details. I modernised it by choosing a more fitted wedding gown and wearing minimal jewelry. I was given the honour of wearing an exquisite long veil made of Brussels lace, that has been in Dale's family for more than 100 years! My hair was done by my talented sister in a classic up-style with soft curls. I went with a very natural make-up look, soft smokey eyes and subtle pink lips. Bianca@everyevent did my make-up with the help of Gayle Davies for the bridesmaids and mom's make-up.
Dale and I got married at Providence Country Estate in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands. The venue has a romantic, elegant country feel, set in a spectacular garden with a charming ivy covered chapel which is beautifully nestled in a grove of Pine Trees.
Providence Country Estate is owned and managed by the amazing duo, Kevin and Fern. With over twenty years’ experience in the wedding and restaurant industries, they went above and beyond to make our fairytale wedding a reality.
Most of our guests stayed for the weekend at a variety of accommodation in the Midlands area.
I have always had a healthy, active life style, the lead up to our wedding was no different. I decided to stop playing Netball and Touch Rugby a few months before, in order to ensure I was injury free for our wedding. So to keep fit I joined a variety of gym classes.
I increased my water intake to keep hydrated and my skin glowing and had a few sunbed sessions. This was especially important due to our wedding being in winter.
A few days before our wedding, I treated my hubby and I to a spa day to help us relax before the big day.
Our chapel and reception room were decorated with romantic, white, with pops of pastel in the flower arrangements and touches of wood and greenery to tie in with the elegant country feel.
The Groom and his groomsmen looked dashing in their 3-piece medium grey suits - the perfect colour to contrast Heather’s gorgeous ladies in their array of pale pastel full-length dresses. The groomsmen wore black bow ties, while Dale wore a black tie. The suits were rented from Top Hat Suit company.
Each of my 5 bridesmaids wore a different colour pastel infinity dress made by Glitter and Glamour creations. The infinity dresses were stunning and allowed for the bridesmaids to customise their style to suit their individual body type and preference.
The Original Infinity Dress can be worn 27 different ways, making it the perfect bridesmaid dress for all figures!
Pastor Stephan Pohlmann officiated our wedding.
We were very fortunate to have the incredible Rentia Smith photograph our wedding.
Alan from Rand Video was our videographer.
Bonnie Fletcher from Providence Country Estate helped with the planning of our wedding, decor, flowers and stationery. She did an exceptional job and took great care in all the detail.
Providence Country Estate provided us with their well known mouth-watering cuisine and made the most decadent cake.
The ceremony included a small band that lead the congregation in two of the bride and groom’s favourite gospel songs (In Christ Alone and Your Love So Great). This was a particularly special moment for us as it was our first act of worship to their Lord as a newlywed couple.
Alex from DJ Worx provided us with all our sound requirements and was our DJ for the reception part of the day, where we danced for hours.
The Original Infinity Dress can be worn 27 different ways, making it the perfect bridesmaid dress for all figures!
