My most cherished memory of my special day?! Being married only 3 weeks now, the memory and special day is still fresh in my mind and heart. From the early morning start of getting ready with my mom, mother in law and bridesmaids, photographer and videographer in and out, hairdresser helping us look gorgeous, to the co-coordinator telling us that it’s almost time and seeing my dad waiting to walk me down the aisle. it all felt like it happened so fast, but if there was one moment that made "time stand still" for a few moments in my bubble, was my most cherished moment.... walking down the aisle, holding my dad's hand so tight as some nerves set in, i looked up to see the best man (brother in law), groomsman (my brother) and my husband with red, water filled teary eyes looking back at me with the biggest smiles. This was a beautiful and blessed moment for me. i felt loved and truly blessed to have these men care so much.
The highlights... well there are many. I will start with, getting ready with my mom's and bridesmaids in the honeymoon suit, walking down the aisle with my father, all my amazing guests just being there to share every moment of the day, saying our vows to one another, my dance with my father, our 1st dance, the speeches and lastly the party after, where everyone had a blast.
Yes! Most definitely did go on honeymoon.
We went to Thailand for just over a week.
We started in Phuket and stayed at the Thavorn Palm Beach Resort , Karon Beach.for 4 nights and from there moved to Phi Phi Island for the last 4 nights. We stayed at Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort.
Both places were stunning and surrounded by nature.
My wedding look was elegance with a touch of sexy.
My dress was an elegant yet sexy trumpet sweetheart style, with beading, buttons, pattern designs and a lace up back.
Hair was almost Viking down style with a fish plat on top, and curled lose hair. We added silver pins for shine and decor.
My shoes were silver open heels.
Jewellery a pair of dangle earrings and matching necklace with a silver bracelet.
I also had 2 garters, deep red and a white one.
The white was the throw away, my red is in the wedding memory box :)
Dress: Missteeq bridal and dress boutique
Shoes: Spree
Hair: Samantha Lloyd - Running with scissors hairdressing
Jewellery: Lovisa
Accessories: All over
We got married at the beautiful, nature and garden style Makiti Wedding Venue, near the cradle of humankind in Johannesburg.
We did have some guests stay over, mainly family and the wedding party. There are farmhouses and chalets on the wedding venue's property.
With only 4 months to plan, as my husband’s family are relocating back to the UK, there was not much time for beauty regime.
Saying that though, I tried to keep to my normal routine of a little yoga in the morning and remembering to eat something haha.
I did sneak a little back neck and shoulder 45min massage in, thanks to a voucher i received from my brother in law for my birthday.
I still however have another awesome voucher I received, so will be feeling fresh again, after the wedding and honeymoon.
I was going for an autumn warm feel, elegant and incorporating my favourite colours to the theme.
River Chapel:
Two big flower arrangements (Deep red, black lilies with baby’s breath and forest green leaves)
Red carpet
Two pews for the arrangements
Vines around the river deck
White cloth for the draping of the arch.
Flowers around our register table - same colour theme and style as pews.
Reception Hall:
Flower arrangements along our sweetheart table (main table)
Two arrangements and pews from Chapel, moved to either side of the main table
White trees with fairy lights as the centre pieces on the tables.
Burgundy tie back for chairs
Fairy lights on ceiling drapes and main table back drop.
My gorgeous husband and his groomsmen were dressed by Euro Suit and accessories from all over.
*Long sleeve white cuff-link shirt
*Charcoal pants
*Charcoal waistcoat
*Cuff-links
*Burgundy/Wine red ties
*Black belt
*Black shoes
My beautiful bridesmaids were dressed by Bridal Alchemy and accessories from all over.
Burgundy/wine red infinity dresses
A hair piece
Silver pumps or flat shoe.
I decided on the look and theme colour for the ladies.
We had an amazing, comical marriage officer. He really created a calm, full atmosphere.
Thank you so very much Rev Patrick Stevenson.
We had two amazing professional guys, we are so happy to have as friends for many years.
Photographer - Jean-yves Martin
* In bloom photography
Videographer - Ruan Engelbrecht
* EPS Studios
We had an amazing in house coordinator, who is, and was an absolute legend and star. From the planning, set up, organizing as well as looking after us and the guests on our magical day.
Ananda you rocked babe!!
I drove myself and mom to the venue in the morning, the bridesmaids drove together, and the men (groom, groomsmen, and fathers) drove together.
Makiti Wedding Venue, prepared and served our lovely food.
Our beautiful chocolate wedding cake was designed and made by Sweet Joy - Creating dream cakes.
Stationery was designed and printed by me.
I used Canva.com to design everything.
I also need to thank and give massive credit to my wonderful cousin Kyle Richardson.
Owner of Red i Branding.
He made the following:
Our welcome board, from pallets and 3D letters,
Our guest book was made from laser cut wood, in a heart shape with glass, so we could drop a message into the "book".
Our frame for the pegged instax photo's we had.
Our pallet wall for your seating charts.
The party was a blast from 50's music all the way to today's music filling the room and creating a fun, crazy entertaining atmosphere. The hall filled with all our amazing guests, dancing, laughing and showing off there dance moves to all types of songs.
Our Dj was an in house Dj names Storm and he was incredible.
About dance lessons ... well for a husband with two left feet, our first dance was perfect! Without any lessons.
