It is so difficult to pinpoint moments when every moment was so special. Well, lets say this was a union of two cultures... Afrikaans (Bride) and Portuguese (Groom), so we called it a 'porrakaans' wedding translated to give a 'porra n kans'. lol.
Another highlight was that we wanted to be different and so for the bouquet throw and we changed it to a very spanish tradition of having many long colourful ribbons attached to a ring around the bouquet and whilst the bride holds the flowers up high and is blindfolded. The girls dance in a cirlcle trying to ensure the bride doest grab their ribbon. The groom assists the bride by cutting the ribbons off as she grabs them. the last lady standing is the deserving winner of the bouquet.
Another highlight, the garter throw, we also changed. We locked the garter in a golden birdcage and in a box of 50 keys, one would open the lock attached to the birdcage. Luck was upon our wedding when the first single guy (with his eyes closed) drew the first key which opened the lock. We then attached it to his pants and it took about 35 keys later for him to open it.
We also had a special traditional hour of dancing in beautiful and mysterious masks and colourful gear called the Hora Loca (crazy hour) and all those who are normally too shy to dance are in disguise and dance like crazy for 1 hour. This was special.
Finally, walking out of the church for the first time as husband and wife.
We went to Canada and visited Toronto and Vancouver. It was very cold and very exciting. It was the first time I saw snow falling from the sky.
My hair was done up in a classic romantic up-do by the very talented Jolani Priem which included a diamante hair piece embellishment.
My make-up was done by the very talented Christina Hornsby. My make-up was done in soft neutral and pastel colours with a touch of shimmer.
My wedding dress was hired from the Bridal Company in Fourways and it was a traditional sweet-heart ball gown with a corset detailed in pearls and diamonds.
The shoes were simple ballroom dancing shoes, HOWEVER, this lasted for a very short time. After the ceremony, I changed into my old faithful blue sneakers. This was appropriate since the flower girls also wore sneakers with their little dresses.
We stayed at the St Andrews hotel in their superior suite. The accommodation is very close (3km) to our wedding reception held at the Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club in Linksfield. Our wedding ceremony was held at the beautiful Rosebank Catholic Church... the most beautiful church in Rosebank (yes there is only one church in Rosebank).
Whilst some of our guests joined us at the St Andrews hotel, most of our guests hired accommodation close by from AirBnB.
Wow, I was very average at planning weddings since this was my first, but the beauty regime leading up to the event was mainly organised by my fabulous bridal party. As part of the bachelorette's, we enjoyed a fabulous thai massage. My wonderful mom also spoilt us to a much-deserved spa session at Solstice Spa in Krugersdorp.
My charming husband Filipe da Silva bought his deep navy blue suit from Edgars. His white long sleeve undershirt was matched with a pale grey tie. He looked so handsome. Filipe wore customised wrist cufflinks (with our names) that were a gift for him.
We acquired the groomsmen suites from Edgars. They really have a great variety and plus they tailor suits to fit. Bonus. They wore white long sleeve shirts with grey waistcoats and grey pants and black shoes.
The girls wore different dresses according to their personalities. The colour was all in dark navy blue. We purchased their dresses at YDE (Young Designers Emporium). Some dresses were modest and others bold, all that make up my beautiful friends and chosen sisters.
Father Tony Nunez of Rosebank Catholic Church.
Our photographer and videographer were Van Bower studios.
Yes, my husband... Filipe da Silva. Although he is not a wedding planner by trade, was really 'on the ball'. If you want to know if I had to pay him... yes for the rest of my life!!! with pleasure. Otherwise, the venue Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club do have their own in-house functions planner so they take care of setting up the venue on the day. I just have to say that the food prepared by their chef from the UK is absolutely the best.
We used our own car which was the Merc. It cleaned up pretty well.
As mentioned before, the Chef at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club is unbelievable. My husband and I agreed that the 2 most important components of our wedding would focus on great food and entertainment. We were not disappointed and it was a standing ovation for the food.
The small 1 tier wedding cake was very disappointing so will not mention the supplier, but, we did have cakes that saved the day which was sourced from Chateaux Gateaux. If you buy in bulk, the prices are very reasonable, for a first class taste.
My husband and I are both designers by trade although that is not was we practice now. We did our own stationary which was very simple white with touches of gold. Our printing of the stationery was done with great efficacy and care by Raz Printers in Rivonia.
My husbands sister Maggie who is a dancer help choreograph Fil's and my first dance together. We needed it. She was spectacular and she choreographed the bridesmaid's dance as well.
Our entertainment was the one and only 8th Avenue Productions. They are the live performers for the popular Rodizio's Restaurant. They play all sorts of music with a focus on Latin and Portuguese music. We watched them perform at Rodizios and begged them to share our special day. They were like an extension of our family at the wedding. To some extent, they made our wedding, by bringing everyone together from all backgrounds on 1 dance floor, for 1 purpose.. to celebrate the gift of living.
