Our wedding day stretched over two days - two anniversaries = two anniversary gifts YAY! Due to religious reasons we got married in St Cyprians Cathedral on Friday, 22 September 2017, with our immediate family present. The day was more emotional than we expected - more than a few tears were shed. We loved having that special moment with those closest to us. The ceremony was followed by a trip to Hartswater and a braai at The Venue, Hartswater - where our second ceremony and celebration would take place.
Saturday, 23 September, was such a beautiful and relaxing day. We both felt like most of the intense emotions were felt and expressed the day before, which made the day feel more happy than emotional. An amazing breakfast with our family started the day right and then just a real relaxed vibe getting ready - I was lucky enough to have my cousin, Maxine Christians, do my hair and make-up. She is beyond talented and it made getting ready so pleasant.
We opted for a "First Look" photo shoot which gave us that extra alone time together to soak it all in. Seeing my handsome husband in his tailored suite - looking at me like I was magic :) The feeling is indescribable. The "First Look" shoot was the best decision - because it left us so much time to spend with guests during the cocktail hour. Spending time with family and friends was definitely a highlight of our day.
Our Honeymoon was spent in Kwa-Zulu Natal - Umhlanga and Howick. We decided to keep it local and go somewhere we've never been. While we have visited Durban before, we knew that KZN had more to offer - the ocean and mountains. The few days in Umhlanga were fun - we kept busy sight seeing and going to the many awesome spots in the area for sun downers. Our favourite activity was the Segway tour at Moses Mabida Stadium - so so fun!
The best part of the Honeymoon for both of us was the little self-catering cabin in Howick. On top of a hill, with nobody for miles around and limited signal, we built a fire every night and made dinners together. This was the most relaxing and romantic time - unforgettable. We will definitely go back.
My dress designed by, Orijinel by Elmerane van Ryneveld, was such a fun experience for me. I've known Elmerane for a few years and shes made dresses for me before - which meant she understood my body type and what I like but most importantly what I don't like. I trusted her to guide me through the process. The shape/style of the dress was always going to be a more relaxed version of a fit and flare with a sleeve and a very small train. However, the material changed a few times - which affected the style. Elmerane was so patient with my indecisiveness and made every fitting so much fun. The final product was a nude lined dress with geometric and flower beaded lace. I couldn't have asked for a better collaborator for my dress.
My cousin, Maxine Christians, did my hair and make up. She arrived from LA the Friday before the wedding. We had no make-up or hair trial. I left it all in her capable hands - she is beyond talented.The make-up we decided on was quite natural. I generally don't wear much make-up and I did not want to be unrecognizable to my husband on our wedding day. We had some discussions about my hair via Whattsapp. We decided on something elegant and not too contrived. It also needed to last through the night - because I planned on dancing :) - on the topic of dancing - my shoes were also a gift from Maxine. The most comfortable Steve Madden (Irenee) sandal in rose gold. I'm a pretty simple girl - so the only other accessory I had was a pair of rose gold and pearl earrings from Lovisa.
I am from Kimberley, and really wanted to get married at home. We couldn’t find a venue we liked in Kimberley, when my best friend Carmen suggested The Venue in Hartswater. We made an appointment to see the place and immediately fell in love with the open space, large garden and veranda. It was perfect.
Immediate family stayed at The Venue from Friday to Sunday and all our other guests stayed in guesthouses in and around Hartswater and Jan Kempdorp - two quaint towns with beautiful accommodation.
We found that conventional gym wasnt working for us anymore and decided to try crossfit. We found a box close by, Crossfit Resuelto Bloemfontein, and immediately became hooked. We really tried to get as healthy as possible before the wedding - we didn't put too much pressure on ourselves though. The idea was to feel healthy and strong.
I did do a few hair treatments and facials - but those are generally part of my normal routine.
We found that conventional gym wasn’t working for us anymore and decided to try crossfit. We found a box close by, Crossfit Resuelto Bloemfontein, and immediately became hooked. We really tried to get as healthy as possible before the wedding - we didn't put too much pressure on ourselves though. The idea was to feel healthy and strong.
I did do a few hair treatments and facials - but those are generally part of my normal routine.
We also visted African Stone Spa in Bloemfontein a few times during the year of planning - for some R&R. Sometimes much needed R&R - wedding planning is not for the faint hearted :)
The Venue doesn't need much to make it beautiful - this was one of the main reasons we loved the place. Nigel Londt from Kimberley did our decor. I made a vision board which was sent to him a few months before the wedding and we trusted him to bring our vision to life.
We had rose gold, gold and copper flower pots on the table with different flowers and greenery arrangements in them. It was perfect. Simple but different. Nigel executed our vision exactly and outdid himself
My husband had a bespoke suite tailored at The Modernist Tailoring in Bloemfontein. He decided on a chocolate brown three piece suite with the same colour tie and shoes - monochromatic is his thing :) He looked so handsome.
We didn't want the groomsmen in a full suite and came across a picture of David Beckham in a navy blue pants and brown blazer. The groomsmen had blazers made in Johannesburg and bought the same navy blue pants. The look was finished off with a brown tie in the same shade of their blazer and brown shoes.
The shades of brown complimented the nude lining of my dress.
My sister was my Matron of Honour and the best person to stand up next to me on my wedding day.
My sister was my Matron of Honour and the best person to stand up next to me on my wedding day - she was so supportive during the planning process.
I was in Johannesburg for work a few months before the wedding and found a dress at YDE, Mall of Africa, that I believed would work in terms of the metallic theme we had decided on for the day. It fit her perfectly and we decided to hold on to it - something to tick off our list. In the end we did not find anything we liked more and decided that would be her final dress.
I had two flower girls who wore dresses I ordered from Wish. It had a rose gold sequinned top and flowy white skirt. The girls looked adorable.
Bishop Oswald Swartz, Bishop of Kimberley and Kuruman, took us through marriage counselling and subsequently married us on the 22 September 2017. Reverend Heather did a blessing ceremony on the 23 September 2017 with all our family and friends as witnesses. The entire experience was amazing.
The photographs were VERY important to us and for that reason we got Eye Poetry from Bloemfontein to capture our special day. Part of the package was an engagement shoot which was a good way to get comfortable in front of the camera as well as get to know the photographers, Sumari and FJ, better.
The Venue has a coordinator on site - Mareli is amazing and always helpful. With her overseejng everything the day ran smoothly.
No transport was required. The ceremony, photos and reception were all at The Venue, Hartswater.
The food was prepared by Andrew, the chef at The Venue. We had a delicious feast table during cocktail hour, a chicken salad wrap starter, lamb shank and seasonal vegetables for main and chocolate mouse for dessert. All our favourite things to eat :)
Neither of us really like or eat cake - we decided to forgo the cake. We did have a table filled with our favourite cookies for guests. These were gifted to us from Aunty Shireen and Uncle Tom - very close friend of the family. She is a baker extraordinaire.
We decided to go digital. We created a gmail account and sent emails with all the details, save the date, invites and accomodation options.
This worked for us since we had guests come from all over the country and world.
The party was EPIC!
Our DJ, Garth Jacobs, listened to us in terms of what we wanted and what we did not want. Since we have a very particular taste in music. I actually sent him a spreadsheet with different sets he should play - including artist, album and year of song release. I'm sure he thought I was crazy - still he delivered on the day.
We had a wedding singer to entertain the guests during the cocktail hour - some guests didn’t even know someone was singing live. Tuks is just that good.
Our wedding song was Can't Help Falling in Love by Haley Reinhart (original by Elvis Presley). We decided against lessons and just held each other close enjoying the moment.
