I met Jan-Peet through a mutual friend in 2009. In 2014 we saw each other again at the same friend's farewell party. We chatted about how we need to make more money and then joked about how we would rob a bank, but that we would make it enjoyable for the people by handing out lucky packets - we are both very playful and silly. A week after Jan-Peet texted me and that's when we started dating.
We went on holiday with my brother and friends to Thailand. On the 8th day we went to Koh Phi Phi and that evening we walked on the beach when Jan-Peet asked me to go with him into the shallow waves to look for seashells. I knew that we would not be able to see much in the water and that the beach itself would be a better option, but I entertained his request anyway. The next moment he told me that he found one and went down on one knee. I was so unsure of what was happening until I saw the ring. He told me that he wants to spend the rest of his life with me and asked me to be his wife. Tears of joy streamed down my face and of course I said yes!
I will definitely never forget the following moments: seeing myself in my wedding dress with gorgeous hair and makeup. Seeing my bridesmaids reactions when they saw me in my dress for the first time. Seeing me beautiful mother in her attire -
She walked me down the aisle. Finally seeing the love of my life waiting for me at the altar with tears in his eyes and dancing our first dance in front of our guests. Doing a successful dance routine with my brother. Our photographer's (Wynand van der Merwe) little "freak out" sessions every time he took an amazing photo of us. The delicious food served by our venue, Bell Amour. Seeing our beautiful cake table done by L's Creations. The crisp beer brewed by our friend, Riaan Schemper, as a wedding gift. The illusionist that blew our minds by combining two cards before we entered the reception area.
Yes, we did! We went to the Uroa Beach Resort in Zanzibar and then we headed to Vanilla Hotel in Nosy Be, Madagascar.
When we got engaged I believed that there are only a few styles of wedding dresses, for example the mermaid dress or ball gown, until I saw a dress on Pinterest that is typically meant for me. I adjusted it a bit and had one of my bridesmaid's mother make the dress for me, together with my veil and garters. My makeup was done by Morné Marx Hair and Makeup and I went for something more "natural" as that is what Jan-Peet likes. My dress had no bling so I decided to be a bit more daring with my teardrop earrings, tennis bracelet and J & N rings. My shoes are from Aldo and they are flats. They were incredibly comfortable throughout the whole day.
We got married at the stunning Bell Amour in Kameelfontein. Some of our guests (wedding party, parents and friends) stayed over at the venue as they have 12 rooms available, excluding the honeymoon suite.
We got married at the stunning Bell Amour in Kameelfontein. Some of our guests (wedding party, parents and friends) stayed over at the venue as they have 12 rooms available, excluding the honeymoon suite.
I used Brilliant White's teeth whitening kit every week until the wedding and tried my best to workout at least 3 times a week and to stay away from fast food. I went for regular facials and made sure that I scrubbed and cleaned my face on a regular basis.
We did most of the decor ourselves. We had a playful theme. Our menus were cootie catchers and our centrepieces consisted of white branches with silver and magenta origami cranes that I folded. Our florist completed the tables with greenery and made green, magenta and white bouquets for me and my bridesmaids.
The groomsmen wore black tailored suits and my groom wore a grey tailored suit made by tailor from Civic Tailors and Outfitters in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
My one bridesmaid's mother made all the bridesmaid's dresses. Each bridesmaid had a different shade of grey long skirt and a white top - they got to choose their own style of top in order for them to not look identical. This style of dress was also inspired by Pinterest.
We made use of Ds. Charl van Rooy from Randburg.
Wynand was absolutely wonderful. He is amazing at what he does and definitely has a passion for it. We enjoyed seeing him "freak out" when he took an awesome photo. The venue moved a couch to a small area which is part of the reception area which we used as a photo booth. Wynand took the photos there as well of all our guests.
Nope. I am a bit of a control freak and enjoyed planning the wedding myself with the help of my husband and bridesmaids.
We made use of our own vehicles to and from the venue as everything is in one place.
The food was prepared by Bell Amour and it was delicious! We have been told prior to the wedding to make sure that we eat and we sure did!
Our cake, cake pops and cupcakes were created by L's Creations.
We got all our stationery as a gift from a very talented graphic designer named Annemari Maree from Imaginex.
We used DJ Kings who kept us entertained. Jan-Peet taught me how to dance - we decided to keep it simple and natural. My brother and I had a more intense dance routine which consisted of waltz, swing and foxtrot. We had a friend, Annelise Homan, assist us with the song and the moves.
I am a fun and creative photographer based in Gauteng, South Africa.
