For a bride who has just lived her fairytale wedding- every moment of my day was a memorable moment. From the moment I woke up on a dewy Saturday morning and slipped on my gown labelled "Bride" I knew- today is going to be perfect!
Whilst enjoying the breathtaking view from the balcony of my Velmore Hotel suite I felt like royalty getting my hair and make up done by reputable women. Stepping into my gown, hypnotised by all the different laces, smiling at my train and how it completed my look as a BRIDE- hoping Yusuf would fall in love with me 100 times over today.
Then after much anticipation; after our religious ceremony, we were joint in matrimony.
I felt the butterflies in my stomach flutter about as I walked down the aisle towards the love of my life. It was a unique moment; as I allowed my brother, mum and dad to officially give my hand to Yusuf.
The MOST memorable for me was the surprise entrance arranged for me by my brother- the most exquisite bridal horse and cart- an entrance fit for a princess!
We flew off to the Island of Muaritus for 7 days, in the city of Posta la Fayette, Radisson Blu.
I always pictured myself as a 'vintage' bride but at the same time I needed a modern twist. My dress was inspired by 3 different dresses; all these dresses had different aspects which i imagined when put together would create my dream gown.Lace always mesmerized me; and in order to create my image, many different laces were used. My gown boasted a lengthy cathedral train; with a subtle but floor length veil to complete the look. My dress designer, is reputed to be one of the best in her field- and most definitely Renata Kuzak Couture has lived up to her reputation.
To compliment my royal wedding gown; my hair stylist Sandy (Company Duchess of Mane) and I opted for an up style to show off the lacy textures of my gown and to assist in accentuating my facial features. The up do was complimented by a vintage pearl crown that spelt out the word ROYAL.
I envisioned my make up to be subtle but glamorous. That is exactly what I got from the amazing Raeel Amod who flew down all the way from Durban to make me look flawless and confident.
I was particular about my accessories and needed to be sure it would compliment my gown; hair and make-up. My shoes were purchased from Dune London, and my Jewelry was purchased from Swarovski.
The whole event took place at the Voortrekker monument, a heritage site. Overall the atmostphere was that of a lovely garden wedding thereafter moving into an evening delight for ballroom dining where guests were served a four course meal.
I did a 60 day gym fitness challenge which targeted my body fitness level as well as my eating habits. This worked great as it helped me control my stress levels leading up to the big day as well as getting my body in shape. I was motivated by a personal trainer KhadijaK fitness and health.
I was regular with my facial laser and deep cleanse facials. I also got my teeth sparkling and fresh by doing the "Smile" teeth whitening at my local aesthetic beautician, followed by manicures and pedicures to be all round neat.
My decor portrayed my overall vision of vintage and royal! The focal colours were maroon and gold. The hall was draped in velvet maroon and overtones of gold. Flowers filled the glass tables along the catwalk aisle in shades of maroon.
Catering for 1200 guests can be quite tricky when having expensive decor taste, but I was lucky enough to get all my requirements fulfilled.
A ceremony called the "nikkah" took place outside in a marquee, while Lindtt hot chocolate shots, infused water and indian savouries- samoosas and bajias were served to the guests during their mingling.
I made a showstopping entrance with my exhilarating horse and cart and two sisters.
As the sun set, the guests were moved to the main hall for indoor dining, where they were seated at round tables covered in light gold brocade table cloths and gold under plates followed by vintage gold cutlery. serviettes and water bottles were personalized with our personalised emblem consisting of our initials (M&Y). Gold and Maroon wine glasses added a pop of colour to the tables. Whilst gold candelabras completed the table look by adding a romantic touch to the hall.
The tables on either side of our high gloss ramp were glass and were specially reserved from Bride and Grooms family.
The flowers were in deep maroon and were arranged on the glass tables along side the ramp to create to give a royal look.
The lighting in the hall promoted a romantic tone with fairy lights as drapes on the ceiling and lit candles on the centrepiece candelabras. As the bride and groom made an entrance a spot light shone on them on the ramp.
The columns of the hall were draped in deep maroon velvet material to give a touch of a medieval royal look.
The stage was that of a rose garden, framed with red roses and a beautiful golden Chase that we as the bride and groom sat on.
My wedding Decor was co-ordinated and handled by Designer Weddings.
The groom was dressed in a classic black tuxedo with a velvet lapel. The shirt was white with metal buttons that matched up to the tuxedo perfectly. The shoes were metallic black and completed the attire perfectly.
The tuxedo was purchased from Khaliques suites.
The groomsman were dressed in navy blue suites with white shirts.
My photographer and videographer were the most important service providers because they capture every important moment. I was anxious to choose someone who I can be comfortable with and be myself in front of the camera. I also wanted to make sure that the photographer I chose would understand the sentiments of my big day and capture all the moments that I would cherish.
The videographer I chose accompanied the photographer in capturing all moments from dressing up, to a private photo shoot at the Voortrekker Monument Botanical gardens and also capturing moments at the venue itself.
My Planner was Ahmed from Designer Weddings which took the responsibility of handling my decor, flowers, stage and food for the main reception. He was the core role-player for the entire function. Which was coordinated perfectly.
I was surprised to have my main entrance in a bridal horse and cart; i was escorted to my garden function and Nikkah in the horse and cart. I was escorted in a Peugeot RCZ to my main reception which boasted an elegant personalized monogram of our initials on the car bonnet.
The food was prepared by a traditional Indian Chef. It was a 4 course meal which consisted of a starter of a greek salad on each table, a creamy soup, followed by chicken roulade covered in a creamy lemon butter sauce and completed with crsipy potatoe. Two sweet dishes then followed, which are known as sujee and gajar halwa. The main course was famous Indian Biryani (mutton) accompanied by fried papad and raito.
Dessert stations were live, which included coffee stations, pancakes, and candy floss freshly prepared. Tables surrounding the live stations also displayed tantalising koeksisters; mini cakes; Krispy Kreme doughnuts; strawberry towers and decadent cheesecakes.
The wedding cake was a 3 tier red velvet cake frosted with cream cheese icing and covered in deep gold plastic icing decorated with red maroon edible roses. It was a towering vision!
The cake was organised by my wedding co-coordinator.
