The highlight of my wedding day was walking down the aisle and seeing my Groom from under my veil. The happiness of joy from the tears on his face seeing me walk to him is a moment that will be held in my heart for the rest of my life.
Jonathan and I met in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, titled one of the seven natural wonders of the world by UNESCO’s heritage sites. This is where our relationship and our courtship began. Since Vietnam we traveled to Cambodia, the Philippines and lived in Thailand. We wed in South Africa where Jonathan is from, so in this sense, our entire time together has been a honeymoon. We spent two days after our wedding ceremony on his motorbike traveling around seeing all of the Cape and it was a simple testimony to the minimalist life we share. Enjoying time with one another. I am happy to say, our honeymoon will never end.
In wanting to look as natural as possible I did my routine makeup look and hair. I wanted to be the woman he asked to marry as the bride walking to greet him. Keeping my look simple and classic was key in making sure the ceremony revolved and was centered around what matters most, the two of us joining our life as one. My wedding gown was custom made by Philippines wedding gown designer, Emil Ocampo, and my blue shoes were a gift from my mother, created by shoe designer extraordinarre, Manolo Blanick. My earrings were on loan by my mother in law, elegant pearl studs. And my crown was the one I received when I was titled and crowned, Miss Vizcaya Swimwear 2017 in June 2017 in Miami, FL, USA.
Jonathan and I were married at Newton Johnson Wines in Caledon, South Africa, a lovely wine estate that hosted our ceremony and reception. Our guests lodged at Livesey Lodge, Port Del Mar Guesthouse, and Arabella Hotel. Fantastic locations for anyone visiting or looking for a getaway.
My mother in law gifted me and my mother a nail spa day at Sorbet. A fantastic way to unwind and enjoy the events leading up to the wedding day. My beauty treatment consisted of using OWAY organic products and skin care products by Eminence, an organic skin care line.
Our flowers were arranged by The Flower Scene. I am so happy we decided to choose them for our day.
Website: http://www.theflowerscene.co.za/
The groomsmen wore white buttondowns and black pants. I hand selected ties from my father in laws robust collection of ties. It was a fantastic way to piece in family and friends. My Groom wore a Blue Suit of the David Jones Collection, his vest and bow tie were borrowed from his brother. It was a lovely display of using what we have, something borrowed, something new, something old and something blue.
I wanted my bridesmaids to feel joy and be happy in what they wore on the wedding day. Instead of a traditional palette and dresses to choose from, I asked them to all where something they already owned. It was a beautiful surprise to see how all their dresses flowed together as if we had planned it in advance. Needless to say, all my girls felt happy and that made me happy.
Jonathan and I were fortunate to have Jonathan’s father, Johan De Jager, as our officiant and presided our wedding. It added a bonus on our wedding day that we will be fond to highlight and tell to our children one day.
Our engagement and wedding photos were taken by Monette Grobler of Monette Grobler Photography. It was a joy and a pleasure to work with her as she has an eye for capturing magical moments and transforming ordinary into extraordinary. Please visit her website https://xplorio.com/kleinmond/monettes-bridal-studio/ or see her on Instagram and Facebook by using @MonetteGrobler
