Our wedding was definitely well worth the wait...the turn out was beyond our wildest dreams!
When I think back to 1 May 2018, I can remember every moment of the day which started with waking up in the beautiful most beautiful surrounds of the pinotage room at Meerendal wine estate. From the moment I opened my eyes,I knew this was going to be one of the best days of my life!
From what I had heard it’s really such a crazy busy day but my experience was complete peace that was hovering over me, I knew the spirit of God was in the atmosphere and with us, it felt like a sacred day where life would truly change forever...
Not only was this day already perfection just for the fact that I would be marrying the love of my life and also my best friend Rory but I was going to be doing so in the presence of our families and closest friends which alone was a blessing I cannot describe how thankful I am that everyone could be there to share this special moment with us.
Walking into the ceremony I couldnt contain myself, the emotion thinking about what was about to take place totally consumed me.
I felt so blessed and overwhelmed that all I could do is cry! Have you ever felt that blessed??
This was totally my experience as I made my entrance to meet my future husband but my Dad was awesome as well as our coordinator Jo gave me great support and brought me back just in time before a complete make up disaster! The moment I wont forget was walking into the most beautiful ceremony with Nan a friend of mine singing a significant christian song by Chris McLarney called “God of Miracles” this still makes me cry each time I hear this song. Her voice sounded like and angel and the most meaningful song of worship and praise asking the Lord to send his supernatural love truly is what we and our guests got to experience on our special day. I was so so nervous but the moment I got to the end of the isle where Rory was waiting (with hand in pocket) I realised that he is all I needed to focus my attention on. When I look at our memories captured of the day, all you see is such Joy... there was so much LOVE in the room! Ah man what a blessed day!!!
Rory usually the introvert surprised me most with his cheerful and confident approach to all the agenda items which I thought would make him cringe! This was definitely a highlight for me ❤️ The speeches!!!!! WOW, just WOW ... so touching!
Our 60 guests were all close enough in proximity as well as in relationships to us to truly know us, the venue Cassia at Nitida wine farm in Durbanville was so beautiful and just perfectly suited for the seating arrangement idea we had for our reception. We formed a close U shale seating arrangement which allowed our guests to speak directly to us. This was so special... I will never forget the words spoken to us, the laughs, tears and biblical scripture shared with us. So much wisdom shared over good wine and dinner.
Looking back I think our decor was just perfect, people say “that was so Rory and Alendra” our entertainment was on another level - blew our minds away! We had the most amazing Band play all our favourites (old and new) and they sang a special song Rory and I had listened too on Youtube for months on end leading up to our big day by the talented Allen Stone, a bob Marley cover “Is this Love” Our day was truly everything we had hoped and prayed for!
I felt like I was in a fairytale! Every moment was so well planned, my Husband planned it all and kept it a surprise.
I knew he has amazing taste so this was a gamble I was so willing to experience lol
We left the day after the wedding and hit the road where we reminisced about the day and spent 7 hours on our way the first secret destination- The Fernery Lodge which is deep in a forest with a beautiful waterfall as your view from your cabins window. The team treated us like ROYALTY! The service was outstanding. We did some adverture tours but mainly spent some much needed down time and laughs together.
Next surprise stop was filled with spas and luxury at the Arabella hotel and spa which is based in Hermanus. This was a pleasant surpised and well planned, we spent another 3 days here until a very short drive home feeling pretty relaxes and Married,,,
I wanted to look like myself as much as possible, my hair was in waves and left loose. My dress hired with my own idea of sewn sleeves added to it. My sister Arianne did my make-up she is a senior artist and is brilliant!! I scored big time here ...
Shoes from Luella (i still cant find them anywhere- partied a little too hard maybe?). earrings from Forever new.
We got married at Nitida wine farm, we were so fortunate to truly enjoy the day as a one stop shop and limit travelling between places. Our ceremony took place in the lavish Saffron room which allowed the right level of intimacy and set up. We enjoyed Canepes in the courtyard which is just outside of the Saffron room and we were able to draw the curtains to our reception area which truly blew us away! Overlooking the pond with an open look and feel, glass doors all around with a cosy fire place. 15km away from where we stay, guests didnt need to drive out too far and they could call an uber to get home safely and enjoy some wine. A few out of towners stayed in and around the CBD and winelands areas. Although so close to home, this venue truly does take you to a magical space!
All intention was to get fit and shed for the wedding!!! So much hype but this didn't go as planned lol!!! Definitely a stress eater it seems... I did however continue crossfit but more to manage my stress, fix a tooth which needed the dentist for over a month, start an acne treatment for my skin,have false lash extensions for the very first time!! That pretty much sums me up. Rory on the other hand bought a spinning bicycle and managed to lose 2 sizes on about 4 weeks (rolling my eyes) men!
Decor was navy, rose gold and loads of greenery with white flowers. We had a sky of fairy light which hung over us and tons of candles lighting up our tables. Just exquisite!
Rory has his suit made, this was referral from our friend whom we got engaged at their wedding in Dec 2016!
Rorys suit was black, fitted and just gorgeous. Classic black and white with a captain america pocket watch lol
His shoes costed a mini-fortune from Bogart man. Shirt from Fabiani and happy socks and undies.
My nephew was the ring bearer, he had a mini grooms suit made- just adorbs!
I didnt have a wedding party.
Pastor Nathan Seale and wow what an amazing sermon! The message shared touched so many lives .... so many marriages and those thinking of taking this next step.
Two talented teams which I highly recommend! Both super fancy using drones and yet so reasonble with regards to theor rates. Truly gifted!!!
Photography- moody and magnificent, such special moment and the turnaround time for our beautifully packaged photos in an engraved box in less than a month. Justin from Inlite Studio also a photographer at Hillsong Church.
Videography- Junaid Jacobs, producing a 1 hour wedding video as well as a 7 minute cinematic film (CANNOT WAIT TO SEE THIS)
We planned the day ourselves and ensured everything is in order leading up to the big day.
I decided to not have a wedding party or maid of honour, I was catching up with an ANGEL one day and she selflessly offered her time and services to us for the day. Jo Blake you rock! She ensured the day ran smoothly supported us every moment of the day. Definitely would recommend a strong planner, friend or somebody who can oversee the finer details for you on the day to allow you a stress free and enjoyable day!
We are a huge family, we all decided to assist eachother. Rory drove himself in his little 2 seater mini coupe and My Dad and mom drove me to the wedding. Super special!
The venue did all the food, we brought in the wine and offered as cash bar as well.
Cake was beautifully made by Lepetitfoursa in somerset west. Another referral from my awesome friend Trish (who also assisted me with ordering mine :-))
Another referral from Trish! (Engagement wedding of our friends) Dale Narsi Designs, such a great guy and sooooo patient! Stationery was absolutely gorgeous, our invites were stunning with beautiful rose gold foiling at an unheard of cost per unit. Thank you DALE!
Well a couple of dances in our lounge before the day count as lessons lol!
Our sound and lighting- Cape Audio with a friend ours Marlon who helped us arrange all the technical requirements as well as some lighting. We had a DJ as well as an amazing Live Band called N2 band, they are a jazzy feel with real classics. The DJ played more of the latest party tuned. The dance floor was in the centre of the tables and every person old and young couldnt get off the dance floor!!! Its was a party of note! BEST DAY EVER
