I had a vision about this day and many people were sceptical. Patrick and I pulled off not only an incredible fairy tale wedding we created an experience that made memories for a lifetime. Our wedding could not have been more perfect. The wedding was filled with laughter, happy tears and lots of love and that was what we wanted it to be not only to us but to everyone who attended. Our entire evening was perfect from the weather to the reception to the friends and family who shared it with us. Have a small intimate wedding was definitely the top point of our wedding. Getting to spend quality time with people who make an impact in our lives as a couple was super special.
As you might have noticed Patrick and I like to do things a little different. We opted for a “buddymoon” as so many of our friends were already in Italy it seemed perfect. Eight of us hopped on a plane to Croatia and we loved every second of it. From the friendly people to the outstanding food, cliff jumps, history tours, waterfalls, beaches, cocktails and once in a lifetime night club experiences Croatia is a must in our opinion for everyone.
Classic and sophisticated.
Hair was tied back in a soft bun. This was done by fellow wedding guest and close friend Tamzyn Claasen looked incredible and was exactly what I wanted.
Makeup was natural accentuating my featured and done by makeup artist wedding guest and close friend Cecile Bester. Using M.A.C. makeup.
Wedding dress was from the Pronovias collection, I had the cliché moment of buying the first dress I tried on and absolutely fell in love with it. I wanted something comfortable and a dress that made me feel incredible and this gown definitely did it for me.
Jewellery, I wore my late grandmothers diamond earrings and my others silver bracelet she got from her mother as a 21st birthday present. Simple but so sentimental and special.
An acquaintance of mine got married at the villa five years ago and I remember always thinking I would love to do something similar, we got in touch with her and the villa and even though she had a much smaller wedding party we arranged extra accommodation close by. Italy was very romantic and Verona with Romeo and Juliet what more could you ask for with the perfect setting for a destination location.
The idea for the wedding came about as a combination of fairy tales. We had attended 19 weddings together and wanted something completely different and unique to us. Simple, yet elegant and a longer celebration, and so the idea was born. We wanted our closest family and friends to gather at a villa in the small town of Villa Bartolomeo, south of Verona and in the heart of the Lombardy wine fields. The wedding was reminiscent of “the good old days.” The ancient villa provided the perfect backdrop for the ceremony.
I was spoilt with a few spa treatments by friends and family which was really relaxing and enjoyable. I eat healthy to make sure my skin was looking look and to feel good. Made sure I had a glowing tan and a smile on my face.
We wanted a minimalistic wedding. Our main focus was friends, family, love and having a good time. The flowers for the table and ceremony was hand picked from the garden of the villa on the day of the wedding. My Mother lead the décor with her amazing creative eye and love for everything pretty. We really did go for “less in more” and loved it. The venue itself was part of our décor as the backdrop of our dinner table. Italy is so rich with history it all added to the décor.
Groom and groomsmen had custom made suits with special details.
This was done by A.M BeSpoke located in the Sandton JHB area.
My maid of honor, which was my sister purchased her stunning sequence dress from YDE Sandton.
My girl friends assisting with hair and makeup each received a gown from Cotton on.
Gail Gilbride in Italy
Marilyn Michau in JHB
We did not have a videographer which was a joint decision. Our photographer had to be special as we were having a special wedding. We once again did not want traditional. We wanted something fresh and unique. I looked into destination photographers and actually only got one quote before seeing some of Hanri’s work in Paris as a friend was the model. Initially I thought she resided in Paris and would be perfect as she is South African and we could understand each other
The English speaking Manager at the Villa assisted with recommendations of vendor however my husband and I did all the planning together from start to end.
I was in the Italian country side I walked across the road to the chapel ;-)
Catering & food: Pergola https://www.facebook.com/PergolaHotelRistoranteCatering/
Cake: Pergola https://www.facebook.com/PergolaHotelRistoranteCatering/
Traditional very professional Italian Hotel.
I was lucky enough to have my menu hand painted by a friend and then just had the original duplicated. All the name tags and rest of the stationary was designed by my sister Carla Krogh or hand written by my Mom Sunette Krogh who learnt how to master calligraphy in the month before the wedding! Special touches to have everyone involved.
Patrick had a big knee operation 3months before the wedding so we were working on making sure he can walk by himself by the wedding date. Unfortunately we could not attend dancing lessons and we made the most of our incredible special shuffle. Patrick was on his feet and danced the night away I am happy to report! We had a playlist that took Patrick and I over a month to compile. We started off with beautiful classical Italian music for dinner time and some club hits when we opened the dance floor. Personally we did not miss a band or DJ we were happy with our choice to do it ourselves.
