There were so many incredibly magical moments, and I feel I could write endlessly however, the most memorable were...
The ceremony! Saying 'I do' to my best friend was an absolute highlight.
During the ceremony the butterflies in my tummy were still going crazy... the first moment I felt absolutely calm was just after our creative shoot. Bradley and I had driven back from the field where we took pictures and video footage with Eileen and Michelle, our amazing photographer and videographer. It was just the two of us in the car. We arrived at the reception hall and took five minutes to ourselves to stop and absorb everything. It was a very special moment to stop and acknowledge that we had just started our beginning together!
Entering the reception and feeling the love and warmth of our family and friends as they celebrated the new Mr and Mrs Hilder was also a moment to remember.
"In Africa there is a concept known as 'ubuntu' - the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievement of others."- Nelson Mandela
Bringing everyone we love together to celebrate our marriage was beyond special.
Kylie from 'Just Honeymoons' booked us into an exquisite resort in Grand Gaube, Mauritius.
Veranda Paul Virginie is absolute paradise. Lazy days on the beach, cocktails and delicious food, catamaran cruises and exploring the markets of Grand Baie.
It was the perfect ending to our wedding bulid-up!
We found my dress at Bride and Co.. I fell in love with it. Despite looking for a princess dress, this dress was the one. No alterations even needed! Perfect!
My make-up and hair was done by Juliet Martin.. Juls and her assistant Pam were amazing! She helped set a calm and happy atmosphere throughout the morning.
I found my earrings at Forever New and my bracelet belonged to my aunt who recently passed away.. it was very special to be wearing it.
My shoes were from Cotton On, and my bridesmaid Kirsty and I 'bedazzled' them with ribbons and feathers to get the lush look I wanted.
Bellwood Stud Farm and Cottages in Nottingham Road. Bellwood accommodates up to 72 guests which was ideal for us, as we wanted our guests to feel relaxed and not worry about driving home after the reception. We stayed on Friday and Saturday night. On the Friday before the wedding we were lucky enough to 'christen' their new boma, where we enjoyed a get together with our family and friends. The staff at Bellwood are friendly, accommodating and so helpful!
I used a few treatments leading up to our wedding...
Firstly, my skin was kept clear and radiant using Kiehls products and evening primrose oil.
I used Cocobaci teeth whitening kit, which is all natural and had brilliant results.
To get my tan on I used Tan Can in Glenashley.
I was treated to a pedicure at Brigit Filmer Spa the week before our wedding and my nails were doe by the very talented Jackie Scott, from Polished Sunshine.
Lastly, keeping myself in shape, to look the best I could for our special day, was a huge priority. I attend group training classes with the awesome Neil Northey from 'I am Strength' in Durban North. Neil really pushed me to reach my goals..thank you!
Annie from Petals Fine flowers brought our vision to life.. she did all our table arrangements, bouquets, button holes, ceremony arch, and table candles and decor. Annie went above and beyond! She exceeded our expectations in every way! Thank you Annie!
We hired fairy lights, glass beaded plates, tulle runners and lawn games from 'By Jackie Weddings'.. Jackie was so efficient and helpful! Thank you Jackie!
Our wooden cross back chairs were hired from House of Hudson.
PETALS is a feast for the senses with its seasonal blooms and 'nothing ordinary' furniture.
Bradley and his groomsmen looked very dapper, wearing navy suits from Euro Suit, socks from Country Road, bow ties and tie from 'His Apparel' and shirts from David Jones, Woolworths.
Nicole Hoyer worked magic with my bridemaids' outfits. She was professional and precise and results were nothing short of magnificent! Thank you Nicole!
We met Collin Edmonds from Kloof Harvest Church when doing our premarital course. Collin was so helpful and delivered a beautiful, warm service. Thank you Collin!
Eileen from Bright Girl Photography captured our special day. I have followed Eileen on social media for years and choosing her was a no brainer. Eileen and her assistant Marista did our engagement shoot on the top of the Royal Hotel in Durban. Brad and I love city skylines, so the location was perfect. We were blown away by her photos, and so excited that she would be capturing our wedding day too. Eileen is not only incredibly talented, she made everyone feel so comfortable and happy! Thank you Eileen and Maritsa!
I have also followed Michelle Rabe's brilliant work for years through social media. Michelle was our videographer. She was so helpful leading up to our wedding and worked magic on the day! Thank you Michelle!
Absolute dream team!!! Thank you ladies!
CHC did all our catering! Our guests are still raving about the food when we see them! We started with a harvest table while the bridal party were having photos done. Once into the reception hall we warmed up with a delicious butternut soup, followed by lamb kleftico, chicken stuffed with figs and a cheese sauce, and finished with assorted cheesecakes, chocolate mousse, lemon meringue and warm chocolate brownies... mouth watering, right!?
I have my own cake business, so of course had to do my own cake! Find me on Facebook and Instagram.. Roxy's Cakes
AND..of course.. we had to have a biscuit bar! Bradley's favourite.. biccies and tea!! So as wedding favors our guests got to take home a little bag of yumminess. All made by myself (Roxy's cakes), family and friends.
We made our own stationery. My cousin Warrick Shannon, who specializes in photography and design, was very help helpful!
Best DJ ever!!! Stephen Heyns AKA The Wedding DJ kept our guests dancing the whole night! Wow! You were awesome!
PETALS is a feast for the senses with its seasonal blooms and 'nothing ordinary' furniture.
