Everyone always says your wedding day will be the best day of your life... I could never have imagined the magic that was the day we started our "Happily Ever After".
We tracked the weather forecast for weeks, were so worried that the rain would ruin our day. Instead, it was the most beautiful fairytale setting we could have asked for, and our guests had so much fun.
Instead of honeymoon we started by travelling the ancestral land of my husband's family. A truly romantic way to learn deeper about his roots.
We would certainly like to go on honeymoon still, and we are hoping for later this year since we used up all our leave days getting married in December 2018, ha ha ha ha.
Strangely, I've never been able to imagine exactly what I would look like on my wedding day, because I love so many different silhouettes of dresses. However, I had to make sure that the dress I chose doesn't swallow up my small frame, but I get a chance to accentuate my figure.
I went for a trumpet dress with an illusion neckline, all the way from the Czech republic. I felt that the tulle skirt was a little plain, so I added a lace border to the bottom, which just made all the difference.
My make-up and that of my bridesmaids as well as my mom was done by an amazing artist Aviwe and her team of magicians. They were so great with getting us in the festive wedding mood too.
My wedding accessories and jewellery were very special as they were bought by my cousin who came all the way from London with her family for my wedding.
When looking for a venue, we could not consider any venue that took less than 250 people. We both have big families and many close friends, and we really wanted to be able to have as many of them as possible.
Finally we found Toadbury Hall, a little piece of heaven in Muldersdrift with the most beautiful lawns and giant trees. Instead of using the hall which takes about 200 people, we opted to do a garden reception. we put up a marquee that would hold all our 300 guests, and still have enough space for a dance floor.
We stayed the night in the magnificent honeymoon suite overlooking the swimming pool, gardens and lake.
In all honesty, leading up to the wedding, everyone was making sure that I was eating enough. People close to me know that with the stress of preparing for a major event, I usually lose my appetite, and get so busy that i forget to eat. We didn't want to risk my dress being too big for me! So there was no beauty regime, just remembering to eat.
I had some of the best service providers I could wish for. As someone who has been an event organiser in my younger years, I value quality suppliers whom I can build rapport with.
Decor was done by the fabulous Rakgadi from RPM events, along with her assistant Chelesile and their team.
Something I learnt from a good friend regarding wedding flowers: do a board of the arrangements you like, agree with your decor person which ones you will go for, and then order at the Grandiflora flower market in City Deep. It's a fraction of the cost of a florist, meaning you can get more/ larger arrangements for the money you're paying.
My husband had the most incredible suit, custom made by Olebogeng, owner of the House of Ole boutique. It was ivory metallic jacquard, hand painted and accessorised with a velvet bow-tie and sequin pocket square. I've never seen anything more exquisite on a man.
The groomsmen had grey check suits with white shirts, and dusty pink bow-ties and pocket squares to match the bridesmaids.
My bridesmaids were gorgeous, wearing long flowing dusty pink dresses, with beautiful lace detail. Each were custom made with their own neckline, so that each lady can have a unique dress to keep after the wedding. They were made by Niki of Niki Couture. She's a true professional and master of her art.
Our marriage office was Fr. Tom Segami of the St. Peter Claver Catholic Church.
Our videographer was Nick of Smith Films and his team, and our photos were done by Shakespear of Student Photography.
Hubby and I planned our own wedding with the assistance of Melissa, the venue's wedding co-ordinator, as well my sister, bridesmaids and friends.
Because we were already based at the venue, having stayed over the night before, we didn't need wedding transport as such. we did book a 6-seater golf cart for ease of transporting the bridal party around the venue for the service and taking pictures.
Dudu Mntambo makes the best wedding cakes, period!
She made the cakes for both my traditional and civil wedding ceremonies. She has the perfect combination of great design and amazing flavour. I make sure to refer everyone I know to her.
Palesa Mokopo designs really beautiful stationery.
The music and sound at our wedding is part of the reason that it was such a magical and unforgettable day.
Our friends who are incredible jazz musicians played my wedding entrance song on violin and piano. I walked to Pachelbel's Canon in D, played by Jackey Masekela (violin) and Thandi Ntuli (piano). This was an amazing gift.
After the service, while guests had canapes, the worship band from Good News of Hope ministries played some hot jazz tunes and love ballads to keep the guests moving.
Joshua of Moving Sessions ensured that sound equipment was top notch, and he was also the DJ for when the party started.
For our first dance we chose a kizomba dance, which we both love very much. If ever you need lessons, check out Tash and Ed from Baila Afrika.
