I would say the most memorable moments of our wedding day's were the two families coming together. My husband is originally from Mexico City and I'm from South Africa, so from the beginning we knew we had to have two weddings to take in consideration the family there and the family here. Our first wedding was in South Africa (Makojalo) the 12 of October 2019 were Alonso's parents had the privilege to experience our culture and our beautiful country. Our second wedding was in Mexico, Cancun a small Island called Isla mujeres (MIA hotel). It was the first time my parents would meet his parents so my nerves were all over the place. Taking in consideration language barriers and maybe culture differences, but for a better weekend I could not have asked, the amount of love, support and festiveness between the two families made it an experience I will never forget. Everyone involved in the wedding from the photographer, DJ, decor( wedding planner) and venue were very professional and gave me more then what I could have ever dreamed of.
No we did not go on a honeymoon.
Paying for two weddings were more then enough.
We where very specific on the 2 different looks for the wedding. Mexico we wanted to have a Bohemian / Moroccan feel I wanted everybody to feel as comfortable barefoot and relax as possible.
South Africa on the other hand we wanted to make it a bit more posh, bush "into the woods" feel. Where everyone can dress up and feel special for one night
My hair was taken to the side, extensions and flowers where added. it was done by A Little Off The Top in Potchefstroom
They where very professional and affordable, and came out to the location of the wedding.
I had no accessories on only the earrings (studs) my husband gave me on the wedding day.
My shoes I got at Edgards, they where cappuccino and gold, cork high hills with straps for comfort.
When it comes to the lingerie, unfortunately the dress didn't allow any lines so there was no lingerie involved.:)
My dress however consisted of 2 layers:
Floor length dress made from beaded and sequinned Chantilly lace fabric. The dress has a short nude fabric lining. From the thigh down the skirt is semi-transparent. It is a form-fitting dress with a extra high slit and a structured corset-like bodice.
The back of the dress is made from illusion tulle with a drawstring closure to singe in the waist.
The dress has a modest train.
The dress is covered in hand appliquéd off-white floral lace, and has of-shoulder straps made from beaded fabric and lace appliqué.
Over this dress is a detachable Off-white tulle skirt with a subtle sparkle. The skirt has a extra long train, layers of different length and lace appliqué. The skirt has a slit that is open to the waist to expose the slit of the dress below.
The wedding took place at Makojalo, its a wild farm 2km outside of Potchefstroom.
We rented the whole farm for the weekend, the immediate family could sleep over either in the luxury tents or beautiful guest house.
The Friday night we had a family gathering (braai) to get Alonso's family acquainted to my wild Afrikaans family.
Saturday morning me and my bridesmaids had a special breakfast away from everyone in the garden, whilst the groom and the rest of the families where situated in the dining hall (old horse stables).
Sunday morning everyone was gathered around the dining hall for our last breakfast together, before we all departed our separate ways.
I believe each bride knows their bodies by now, and you know what works for you. I tried to focus on loosing weight, so I exercised as much as I could, and tried to eat healthy.
I have a very difficult skin but I found the best thing that worked for me was Celltone. it not only takes the lines away but also rejuvenate the skin.
I used Activated Charcoal powder to whiten my teeth, its much more affordable then going for a bleach at a dentist.
Kamelia Bloemiste was in charge of the Decor, flowers, lighting, harvest feast and reception food. We wanted to combine the old farm with a magical woods element.
Church: In the church we had old brass hanging foot lanterns with white candles along the isle. Various white flowers and green leaves where decorated on the signing table. In the front of the church there where 4 pots with various white and green leaves and flowers. The chairs in the church where white Tiffany chairs simple but no decorations needed. 3 very big windows provided us with natural lighting, looking out onto the wild farm.
Harvest feast: The harvest feast was a verity of different foods and drinks. The feast where on 2 Mahogany tables situated close to a grass area where the drinks where in stainless steel baths. Makojalo provided the couches and old chairs on the grass area for everyone to get together.
White candles where all around the area lighting the way to the reception.
Reception: The reception's theme was into the woods.
As you enter the reception there was a table with decorations, a bird cage for the gifts, a sign for all the guest to write a bucket list for the bride and groom. Fairly light where all over the table with beautiful flowers.
The dining table where in a U form where as the Bride and her parents and the groom and his parents could face all the guest.
Decor on the tables consist of only green leaves, old brass candle holders white candles and eatable gold coins. We had white and black cutlery, a gold menu and a treasure chest with eatable purls and gold coins. We also wanted to incorporate the Mexican and South African alcohol, we me added 2 separate 5 mm bottle's one with tequila in and the other with mampoer.
Behind the main table was a white flower drop, with a lid up deer head. All around the hall was green and white flowers hanging from the walls, including the 3 chandeliers in the middle of the hall.
My flowers consist of Cala Lily's, Spider Mum, Chrysanthemum, and white roses, as far as I know. There was also a verity of various green leaves.
We also had a dried ice machine to create a cloud effect, when the guest walk in.
The various suppliers where:
Kamelia Bloemiste (Decor, flowers, and food) - Abrie 072 804 9841 - Located in Klerksdorp
Johnny Snowball - (DJ) - Johnny - 083 379 3407 - Located in Potchefstroom
A&E Decor (Cutlery) - Anne Lize Denobili 018 290 7650 - Located in Potchefstroom
Studio on 2 (Gifts for groomsmen and bridesmaids) Anne Marie Prince 084 253 2405 - Located in Johannesburg
August Photography (photographer) - Eugene 082 747 5345 - Located in Potchefstroom
Low Fog Machine - Robbie 082 924 0353 - Located in Klerksdorp
Jolache Couture (Brides dress designer) - Jolandie Fouche 079 910 7991 - Located in Potchefstroom
The Groom and the groomsmen all rented their tuxedos from SmartGuy & SmartBride. The groomsmen where all dressed in the traditional penguin suit with a white handkerchief and bow tie.
The Groom also had a penguin suit but with a soft gold Cravat.
The Brides father and grooms father had a plain penguin suit with a gold handkerchief.
Smartguy & Smartbride - Anna Marie 082 264 8722 - Located in Potchefstroom and Johannesburg
My Bridesmaids had on off the solder hombre evening dresses, where of Harkielief provided the dress's and Esjes design added lace flowers, diamonds and decoration on the back
Harkielief - Sune Crafford 082 459 7931 - located in Potchefstroom / Port Elizabeth
Esjes Design - (couture designer) - Shani 082 689 2750 - Located in Potchefstroom.
Minister Ferdie from my NG Church in Potchefstroom.
August Photography (photographer) - Eugene 082 747 5345 - Located in Potchefstroom
Eugene and his wife Karina are amazing in what they do. Very professional and kind to work with. They provide you with different packages, where you can choose what works for you. My package included a Photo-booth, an engagement shoot, a coffee table book and all my photos on his website forever. http://www.augustphotography.co.za/
They are willing to travel various distances and if we had our way we would have taken them to Mexico as well, if they weren't booked at that time.
I would recommend if you get the photo booth get the one that prints out the photos, it might be a bit more expensive but people tent to like it more.
Abrie(decor) and Makojalo(venue) both where in charge of the wedding day and the proceedings.
I got ready in the Honeymoon suite which was right next to the reception and church, so I didn't need any transport.
The food was prepared by Kamelia Bloemiste (Decor, flowers, and food) - Abrie 072 804 9841 - Located in Klerksdorp
The cake was prepared by Angeline - in Potchefstroom 072 139 2016
We have a printing business so we did all of our own stationary and menu's. Ivyline in Potchefstroom did all the gold foiling.
It was a beautiful reception. Alonso did take some dancing lessons only to learn how to dance like we Afrikaans people "sokkie sokkie". Chris Steyn my dancing coach taught him the basic steps and then we just practiced as much as we could.
My DJ and MC of the wedding was Johnny Snowball, he was also in charge of the lights and smoke machine.
