WOW! Where to begin...
Getting ready for the day was very special and relaxed. I had put a lot of effort into the smaller details, from a playlist to keep us calm, excited and ready for the day ahead to the gowns and slippers we wore. All three of my bridesmaids and my maid of honour attended school with me and we have all been friends for over 15 years. Sipping on mimosas and chatting to my best friends and my mom throughout the morning kept me calm and excited!
What also made it very special was my mother-in-law and sister-in-law (who I had only met the Wednesday before when they arrived from France and cannot speak any English) shared the morning with us - I was quite nervous for this but it was amazing... they enjoyed the time with us even with the language barrier- it is amazing how well you can communicate with just a smile, a hug and a laugh.
My dad arriving to collect us once we were ready is one of my most special memories of the day. Both of us could not hold back the tears ... as he opened the door I think he was blown away... "Is this my beautiful Bosie... I cannot believe it" he said with tears welling up and the biggest smile I have ever seen!
Down to the chapel we went- the nerves were really heightened now...
As the music began, so did the chaos... 4 flower girls and 4 page boys all ranging between the ages of 6 months to 8 years proved quite a task to get down the aisle (even after the rehearsal the day before). It also provided some great entertainment for our guests and we can still not stop laughing at how that moment went down.
Being a bit of a control freak, I was in full manager mode telling everyone when and how they needed to enter...
And then, it was just my dad and I... the big moment was finally here... the tears started again and the nerves were racing.
We walked down the aisle with such grace and happiness... and there he was, the love of my life and best friend. As soon as I saw his face the nerves disappeared and the overwhelming feeling of love and excitement kicked in!
The ceremony was beautiful. My brother married us which could not have been more special… Having him up there with us, guiding us and blessing us will always be one of my most special memories.
We were lead out the chapel and along the dam wall by a young artist playing one of our songs on his guitar, with all of our guests in tow to the pool area for canapes.
We had a cheese wheel cake which went down a treat, one of the best Gin Bars I have ever seen and live music- what more could you ask for?
As we were having our photos done, the guests enjoyed this "chill area" and then made their way up to the reception venue- it was stunning, "rustic elegance" was the theme.
Our MC was amazing, funny and engaging, keeping us all in hysterics!
All speeches done were so well thought out, so sentimental and humorous at the same time. My dad, my bridesmaids, the best man, my husband and myself did our speeches flawlessly and kept the crowd on their toes, laughing and crying!
The party was great! The dance floor was never empty and all glasses were constantly charged.
I believe our guests had the most fun at our relaxed and entertaining wedding. The feedback we have received has been awesome!
In summary, this day exceeded my expectations in more way than I could ever imagine and will be a day that we will never forget!
We got married in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, at Umbhaba Lodge.
16 months before , my husband proposed to me over looking the 3rd largest canyon in the world- Blyde River Canyon. It was just the two of us, sitting on the edge of a cliff, gazing at the view with the Three Rondavels in front of us when he popped the question. Most beautiful setting and special moment in my life.
The next day we decided that Mpumalanga needs to be the spot where we tie the knot as it was now so special to us.
Umbhaba Lodge was the first wedding venue we went to look at (2 days after we got engaged) and we fell in love with its rustic, tropical feel- especially the beautiful chapel over the dam and booked it right there and then!
The African Tribal Suites are spacious with separate lounges and bedrooms, a fire place on either side, four poster beds, en-suite bathrooms, twin showers and sunken window bat...
We did not have a wedding planner... between my VERY talented mom and myself we pulled it off! I would like to take this opportunity to share just how amazing my parents are...
The love they give me is absolutely selfless and inspiring. They have supported me in everything that I have done throughout my life and been by my side, guiding me through all of life’s challenges and moulding me into the woman I am today. I am eternally grateful for this and love them both more than life itself.
They accepted my husband into our family from the very beginning. They have treated my step daughter as if she was their own granddaughter. They have supported my husband and my decisions along the way. They have been there for my husband as if he were their own son, loving him, forgiving him and guiding him. This list, showing their unconditional love and support, is endless.
We cannot express how grateful we are for everything that they have done.
Without them our wedding day would not have been possible and as amazing as it was.
My mom put months and months of effort into our special day and my dad constantly offered assistance wherever possible.
The day before the wedding (and the morning of the wedding) my parents were running around- setting up tables, putting on chair covers, hanging frames and hearts and sweeping and cleaning as they go! They were AMAZING!!!
The African Tribal Suites are spacious with separate lounges and bedrooms, a fire place on either side, four poster beds, en-suite bathrooms, twin showers and sunken window bat...
