When I got out of the car at the deck where the ceremony was held, our little ring bearer, Christiano and his dad met me with the biggest smiles on their faces and Christiano pulled me down for a hug. I felt so special. The look on my dad's face was one I haven't seen many times before, I don't think I have ever seen him so proud. As the song I walked in on started,
(I get to Love You - Ruelle) I couldn't keep my tears back, I started to cry as I walked down the aisle and so did my husband-to-be. We were so overwhelmed with this day that was finally here, we waited 8 years to get here and this song lies so close to our hearts and our story. When Christiano brought in the rings, he couldn't wait to give my husband the rings, made sure he got a hug and then did not want to go back to his parents, it was so sweet.
During our first dance, we stepped on my dress 3 times and by the third time, I just threw it over my shoulder and we kept dancing without a worry in the world. It was also the very first time my father danced with both his daughters.
We went on honeymoon for a week after the wedding. Not too far, we stayed in the Western Cape at Kol Kol Mountain Lodge, Beach Blanket Babylon Garden Route - Springer Bay and Aloe Ridge Self Catering Accommodation.
I wanted to keep things as natural as I could, hair messy, but elegant and make-up soft, but beautiful. Karin Chan from The Art of Make Up did all make up and hair for the bridal party. She did an amazing job with all of us. My wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses were made by Vanessa from Bester's Bridal in Knysna.
My earring were made by Glitzy Glam Jewelers in Johannesburg and I actually had them made a year before we got engaged. They were marcazite stones set in silver with a moonstone in the center.
My wedding ring was designed by my husband and the help of Goldfish Jewelers in George. A pink morganite set in white gold.
We got married at Mizumi Forest Estate in Wilderness. Guests did not stay over. My husband and I stayed at Chara Lakeside Lodge Wilderness.
Mizumi Forest Estate is a unique Zen style lodge with the most breath-taking views over three of the lakes in the Garden Route
I started with a healthy eating and exercise plan at The Firm in George, about 6 months before my wedding and it helped me a lot. I used Isabella Garcia skincare products and made sure I drink a lot of water to keep hydrated and my skin clear. I went for a moisturizing facial (Placecol in George) and hair color (Fuzions Salon) 10 days before my wedding and had lash extensions (Sanquine Spa in George) and my nails done 2 days before my wedding.
We did not make use of much decor as the reception was set in a clear marquee tent in the forest under the stars. We did not want to take away too much of the natural beauty of nature around us. Tables and table centerpieces was done by Fancy Functions in Mossel Bay. Flowers and table centerpieces were minimal, but we loved it. Done with light shades of pink and white lisianthus as the main flowers, lots of ivy and greenery. Flowers was done by Sandra from Lily and Lime Florist in George. Music and lighting was done by Mix Academy in George.
I made my confetti myself from cut-outs from dried, pressed leaves in different colors. It was in the shapes of stars and hearts, with elements of green, yellow, orange and red. All to be environmentally friendly, no mess and no clean-up needed afterwards.
The Groom and groomsmen wore black suites with white shirts and the groomsmen had burgundy ties and the groom a black tie. Suites was done by The Suite Studio in Hartenbos. The groom and groomsmen also had T-shirts done for them with a Game of Thrones theme, done by C'est la Vie Design.
The bridesmaids had T-shirts done for them while getting ready, with a Friends theme, done by C'est la Vie Design. Their dresses was made by Bester's Bridal, long, elegant burgundy dresses with stretch laze and mesh. They looked beautiful.
Pastor Chris du Preez from Wittedrift Plettenberg Bay
No planner. Did it all myself
Johan van der Westhuizen was the Chef at Mizumi Forest Estate at the time and he did an amazing job with the catering.
Nina's Cafe in George did our Chocolate Ganache Cake.
Wedding invites was from my own design with a tree cut out with a laser cutter in wood. We sent all the invites by post and went completely old-school with the invites.
Design for the Menus and seating chart was done by Nadia from Aluna Rabbit Creatives.
We took dance lessons for 3 months at Absolute Dance Studio in George. DJ Alton from Mix Academy in George did our Sound and Lighting with a playlist done by my husband.
Mizumi Forest Estate is a unique Zen style lodge with the most breath-taking views over three of the lakes in the Garden Route
