He was the guy that seemed too good to be true. The boy next door that EVERYONE admired. Never in a million years did I think that, come almost 9 years later, we would be married. It all started at a popular waterpark down the coast. He was lifeguard and I, to begin with, was the stalker girl who used to gawk over him from nearby. Anybody who knew me, and maybe even some that didn't, suspected that I was swooning over him. After weeks of stalker tendencies I knew exactly what his job entailed (which later landed me a job at the same waterpark). Luckily my friend had landed a job at the same waterpark for the December holidays (coincidence?). This gave me more courage to get a little closer to him. My friend arranged a meeting and we connected almost instantly. It didn't take long for us to make us "official" and we have been inseparable ever since. He is by far the BEST person I have ever met. He is MY person. I, still to this very day, am head over heels for him and I am so grateful for having him in my life.
I had my suspicions that something was going to happen very close to the actual proposal, very accurate suspicions. He picked me up and he drove down a familiar road. At the end of the road was a cul-de-sac which had a beautiful view of the sea. It also happened to be the same place where we had many deep conversations, mostly about our future together and our expectations, as well as the occasional dispute. The place carried a lot of sentimental value. It was a place that we learnt a lot about each other and it was a place where, for some reason, we were at our most honest and vulnerable. My heart was racing and he couldn't stop shaking. He got down on one knee as I overlooked the ocean and he asked me to be his forever. Now most people that know me know that I have the tendency to be a bit of a joker, more so when in situations like such (I know I'm weird) so as a joke I said no. But I quickly laughed it off and said YES! (Duh!) But much to my surprise he didn't find it so amusing. ( again, I remind you, I'm weird that way) After trying to save myself from an almost-didn't-happen engagement and a little ... (remember that we are in the public eye) he put the ring on my finger and we drove off to find something to eat, where along the way I made oversized hand gestures to make sure everyone took note of THE RING.
Like most weddings, the entire day was memorable. For months during the build up of the wedding I was convinced that everyone else would be so emotional on the day and they need to prep themselves. Little did I know that I would of course be the one that struggled to keep it together. Reality struck when the hair was done. I was flooded by a sea of emotion. I managed to hold it together thanks to my trusty bridesmaids who kept it lighthearted and fun. The car ride to the chapel was another story. Those emotions came streaming in and I kept blubbering in the back seat. The emotions where overwhelming and I was barely keeping it together. I kept reminding myself that I cannot smudge my make-up before everyone has seen me. So with many deep breathes, I managed. When time came for me to walk down the aisle I clung tightly to my gran. She promised to give me away as my grandfather (he was going to have the honor) sadly passed a few months before. Walking into the quaint chapel filled with people that I treasure and love so dearly was for me one of the highlights. I was hit by a sea of emotions that radiated off all our guests.
I couldn't see very clearly and I was fully relying on my gran to get me to where I needed to be. In doing so, I thought that I was sharing some whispering words with my gran trying to inform her of my situation, but instead I was announcing it to the whole chapel. Turns out, I get really loud when I am nervous. All this didn't matter as soon as I laid my eyes on my groom. He looked as handsome as ever. And as soon as we had the opportunity, we grasped our hands tightly.
From there I was floating on a cloud. I was by far the happiest person in the world.
Yes, we had a small little getaway to the very tranquil Umzimkulu River Lodge in the KZN Drakensberg. It was absolutely breathe-taking and a place where we got to unwind and enjoy our company as newlyweds. The place was well kept and the honeymoon suite is a hidden gem. Their food is great, and their oxtail and mash is to die for. There's nothing better than snuggling up on a cold winters night in front of a toasty fire with your husband- it's good for the soul.
I hired a wedding dress from Chantel from CS Bridal Couture. It was a strapless sweetheart ball gown with minimal beading.
I wore flat white pumps from Woolworths. I kept it minimal with jewelry wearing only drop earrings that my Mother had bought for me a few months before.
My hair and make up was done by the extremely talented Danique Botes from Ihana Salon in Beach Road, Amanzimtoti. She really went over and beyond. She did a braided up-do which complimented my highlights that had been done. For make up she used colours that complimented my wedding colours of purple and bronze.
We got married at a beautiful chapel in Scottburgh, the Renishaw Chapel. It is a hidden gem and the scenery around made for beautiful photos.
I tried my best to eat a bit healthier weeks before the wedding, with the occasional gym session. I also tried my best to avoid putting make up on a month before the wedding and washed my face with a rooibos scrub every night. I went for a handful of tanning sessions on the sunbed to give myself that bronze glow.
We went for a minimalist yet classy look for our reception. We did most of it ourselves. Our floral decor on the tables we went for little bronze pots of succulents. We hired mirror bases for the centerpieces where we arranged a few pots of succulents and a glass vase with floating candles. Our linen was also hired and we went with black table clothes and purple napkins.
Our reception venue came already draped with fairy lights.
Groom and groomsmen wore a white button up shirt with beige chino pants. The groomsmen wore purple ties and the groom wore a black bow tie. The outfits were bought from local shops around the area.
My bridesmaids wore a dusty lavender to the floor dress with cape detailing on the back. My maid of honor wore a similar dress just without a cape. All three dresses were bought at YDE. The dresses were paired with matching bronze headpieces from Mr Price and matching earrings from Lovisa.
Nifty 50 did our photography and video for the day. They captured special moments and were very accommodating. They made use of a creative shoot with the wedding party which we thoroughly enjoyed.
Our reception venue's package was inclusive of the food. A delicious buffet style food that had a range of main meals for the guests to enjoy. Our reception venue was Lord's and Legends in Amanzimtoti.
Our cake was made by a local baker.
I am quite creative and to save costs I did my own stationery for the big day.
The DJ was also local and he did a sterling job. He got every guest up on their feet dancing. He catered for the diverse ages of all the guests. I couldn't get off of the dance floor.
