Our journey together started in the same setting as to where THIS new chapter in our lives has begun - A Beautiful Wedding.
Edmund and I met on March 27th, 2014 the night before one of my closest friends and his cousin's wedding day - I was the bridesmaid and he was the groomsman.
We both went about the day as normal - fulfilling our duties and witnessing the beautiful union being ordained in our midst.
At the end of the day, we both went our separate ways and did not take much note of each others presence - or did we???
The day after the wedding we connected on social media, started chatting and eventually exchanged contact numbers.
And as the cliche goes - the rest was history! :)
Little did we know that the bridal couple (my friends, his cousin) planned all of this and made a vow to ensure that myself and Edmund connect and kindle any slight form of spark between us.
This couple received a special shout-out during my wedding speech. If it was not for the dedication, persistence and perseverance - our love story wouldn't have been as beautiful as it is!
It was August 28th, 2018 - my birthday.
A month prior to this, we purchased our first home and Edmund had moved in.
The plan was to go for dinner at a restaurant nearby and possibly do something the weekend with a few friends - or at least that's what he told me.
I arrived at our home and was welcomed by his beautiful smile and some old school RnB love songs playing in the background.
He told me to sit in the lounge, enjoy the snacks he plated and poured me a glass of our favorite bottle of red wine.
He had prepared a three course meal and wanted to serve me all night as it was my special day.
As the evening progressed we chatted, listened to music, joked around and of course indulged in every meal he placed in front of me - that he cooked ALL BY HIMSELF (for the first time).
Then... it was time for dessert.
I was asked whether I would prefer chocolate or vanilla - I responded "Vanilla".
The next moment Edmund came in with a tray, placed it in front of me and in the bowl was a black box.
I didn't know how to respond - I giggled and teared up at the same time and asked "What's in there?!"
He laughed and said I should open it and when I did, it was a ring with a beautiful sparkling diamond in the centre.
At this point he was kneeling in front of me, said a whole lot of words but all I heard was "Robyn, will you marry me?"
And of course I said YES, giggling and crying at the same time.
The evening ended with our parents and siblings joining in on the celebration - and of course they all knew what the day had in store.
It was the best birthday ever and the most beautiful proposal - over and above my expectation.
It was such a special setting - committing to this journey together, in our new home!
We were blessed with a week away honeymoon to the beautiful Plettenberg Bay.
This was a wedding gift from family members.
My wedding gown was an imported Justin Alexander designer gown from the Sincerity collection.
A lace detailed, fit and flare gown which features an illusion jewel neckline, embroidered beaded lace details and a chapel length train. The back of the gown had a sensual plunging illusion keyhole with lace detail which elegantly completed the look.
I fell in love with this gown the first time I saw it on Tying the Knot Bridal Boutique's Instagram page.
The gown arrived in studio the evening before my consultation - it was meant to be!
When I stepped into the gown, I looked at myself in the mirror, I looked at my Mom across the room, I smiled, I teared and then I knew - I found my dream dress!
I included an extra long chapel length veil with lace accents on various sections of the veil. This totally complimented the lace detail on the gown as it "filled the blanks" beautifully.
I chose rose gold pearl accessories and a nude pink sandal to compliment the bridal look.
My hair was done by Amphora Beauty and Hair Salon - a textured yet soft, pinned up hairstyle with a rose gold pearl accessory.
My makeup was done by OnQMakeup - a "less is more" bridal look with an elegant glow and subtle lip colour.
We pride ourselves in giving every bride a truly unique and intimate fitting experience.
Our wedding ceremony was held at the Dutch Reformed Church in Windmeul, Paarl - a beautiful, traditional church with a staircase that leads to big brown wooden doors and the colour stoned windows that looks magical at night.
Our wedding reception was held at the picturesque The Venue @ Pearl Mountain Estate in Northern Paarl.
It was love at first sight on the day we had our first viewing of the venue.
Edmund and I never wanted a big affair - we were looking for an intimate simplistic feel, clean lines and a blank canvas, a venue that's charm took you away once you walked in, a place that signified us and finally that will allow our guests to savor every moment of the day/ evening.
We found all of the above at Pearl Mountain Estate.
Lorretta Alley, owner of LA Organized as well as the Marketing Manager for the estate, welcomed us with such professionalism and poise and right there we knew we were in good hands.
LA Organized coordinated our special day and did a fabulous job!
What makes this venue even extra special is that we can always go back to the restaurant and relive the moments of our most memorable day.
Pearl Mountain is situated in Paarl and less than an hour from Cape Town. It’s a magical mixture of contemporary design, sumptuous cuisine and breathtaking views.
My decor and flowers where coordinated and designed by the gorgeously beautiful Liesl Lambrechts, owner of Artica Designs.
I wanted a very romantic, slightly vintage theme for my decor and flowers.
I love candles, lots and lots of candles! I felt that it'll create the exact romantic ambiance I wanted during the reception.
Soft/ blush pink and white dhalias, white hydrangeas, blush pink and white roses, pink tulips, pennygums and olive leaves where the signature flowers for the day.
These were all put together in crystal glass canisters, cylinders and bowls to add the extra elegance and compliment the romantic theme.
Liesl and her team did exactly that!
She brought all my mood boards and pinup boards to life.
She did an amazing job and it was an absolute great pleasure working with her.
That special moment, your wedding day or birthday, kitchen tea, baby shower - we can make it an unforgettable memory!
Pastor William Coraizin
Our special day was captured by the amazing Aldo Meyer along with his sweet wife and assistant, Giselle Meyer.
Our cakes were designed and baked by Jaydee Joubert, owner and baker at Cafe Frenchie in Northern Paarl.
All our wedding stationery was designed by a family member who did an amazing job.
Our stationery was printed by Lezanne's Designs.
Initially Edmund and I weren't too sure whether it will be necessary for a DJ as our crowd was not the dancing crowd - at least that's what we thought.
We decided to arrange and hire the service anyway, and it was the best decision we could have made.
Our service provider, Kings Sound and Lighting got the crowd dancing ALL NIGHT!
Our guests had a great time on the dance floor - Edmund and I never danced as much as we did that night.
The evening was great FUN!
We pride ourselves in giving every bride a truly unique and intimate fitting experience.
Pearl Mountain is situated in Paarl and less than an hour from Cape Town. It’s a magical mixture of contemporary design, sumptuous cuisine and breathtaking views.
That special moment, your wedding day or birthday, kitchen tea, baby shower - we can make it an unforgettable memory!
