One day. Two ceremonies. Two locations. Two outfits. The Rugby World Cup Final!
Derek and I aren't the average couple. Being inter-racial and different faiths, we thought that the only way to have a wedding was to honour both our families in faith. This sparked the idea to have 2 weddings. A completely traditional Tamil Hindu Wedding as well as a Christian Ceremony followed by a reception. How we managed to pull this off I still don't know but we did.
The wedding started with a bang with everyone getting ready for a 10.30am Temple wedding. This ceremony was just under and hour and the gracious MC was ever so kind as to update the guests as well as us with the Rugby final scores. A few family photo's and hugs later, it was in the car and off to Umkomaas, streaming that last few minutes of the Rugby World Cup final and eating breyani that the caterer from the Temple had so kindly packed for us for the road.
And then South Africa wins! What a moment - probably the best wedding present we could ever get. The cars around us all had their hazards on and were hooting with joy. People with their heads out the window screaming with joy at us. The atmosphere sent goosebumps down our spines.
With no time to spare, we arrived at the Venue Fontana and managed to get some gorgeous photo's in our indian outfits to contrast the venue. It was then time for Derek and I to part again to change outfits. My mum, two bridesmaids, photographer, make up artist and myself had so many laughs and precious moments in the pamper room, it's something I'll keep close with me for a very long time.
We ran an hour behind our invitation time - but luckily so did most of our guests. My sister fluffed my dress and handed my my boquet before my dad put his arm out for me. Nerves ran through my body - as if I didnt marry Derek just a few hours ago. It felt like I was seeing him for the first time all over again. As we walked past our guests I had the faintest smile, as if my Granny and Uncle who had passed away had just given me a kiss on either cheek. I could feel nothing but happiness.
As guests mingled and had their canape's. We jumped into the photographers car and off to the Forest we went for our photo's. A few stumbles and a lot of laughs later, we parading through our beautiful reception venue. Anxious for the festivities to start.
Everything after that was just magic. It wasnt what I had been dreaming about the past couple months. It was so much more! Thanks to the friends and family that came from far and wide. And I do mean far and wide from Australia and the UK. I now understand why brides glow, it's not the make up or the dream dress. It's the people who come to share in the special day.
We have not gone on honeymoon yet! We decided to wait till a month after the wedding to go on Honeymoon to Mauritus. There is an amazing hotel we saved for called LUX Grand Gaube and we are literally couting down the days till the 02 December 2019!
My wedding look went from one extreme to the next. Woolworths did not fail me when I went looking for my Lingerie. I found a matching bra and undies set from Studio W that made me feel comfortable the entire day.
The temple wedding I had a traditional south indian look. This consisted of a red and green saree that had me mesmirised. A plait with hair jewels to match the traditional jewellry that went with my outfit. Hair was done by a family friend who also provided all the jewely and Make up was done by Kendal Mcphearson from Nixon Make up.
The second half ot the day I did a complete 180. Out of the saree and into a dress I still get butterflies when I look at. My dress was a collection dress that as made for me from Jeanelle La'mour Bridal. Kendal from Nixon make up created a hairstyle and make up look that went so well with it, I had to hold back a tear when I saw myself because I couldnt believe it was me! Jewellry was from my favourite Jewelry store - Lovisa!
Our wedding had 2 locations. The first being a Temple (Shri Sithevinayaga Sivasaathana Thava Saiva Sangam) on Felix Dlamini Road. It was the temple my Paternal Grandfather helped start. So it was a great honour to get married there.
The festivities continued to the Venue Fontana in Ilfracombe Umkomaas for the Christian Ceremony with Pastor Dubs. This led into the reception. Accommodation for the immediate family and bridal couple were provided on the venye. Guests stayed nearby in Alante Lodge in Amanzimtoti
Located on a family farm along the Natal South Coast, the Fontana family recently transformed their farm tractor barn into a rustic, yet elegant wedding venue. Sliding wooden barn
Working full time and planning a wedding doesnt always allow for spa days. But I didnt manage to squeeze one in at the Fleur de Lis Spa in Umhlanga. I was treated to a full body massage as well as a steam facial. I left there glowing.
My daily regime consisted of drinking enough water through out the day. Washing my face twice a day and getting atleast 8hours of sleep every night. Gym (Crossfit Shumba) was challenging as we didnt have time during the week. But we eventually managed to fit it in twice a week, inbetween the dance classes and yoga lessons.
Decor for the wedding at the Temple was provided by Vans Catering and Decor. There was not a drape that was out of place or a tealight that burned out before the guests arrived.
Decor and Florals for the second ceremony at the Venue Fontana were supplied by Leane Maharaj from Exquisite Events. She understood exactly what we wanted and she had exceeded the expectations we had. Out table arrangements were simple greens to compliment the branch chandeliers we had above the guest tables. Hanging greens and edison bubles suspended from the ceiling above the dance floor made the reception venue feel like I was dreaming.
Before guests walked into this stunning set up, they had a chance to mingle on the lawns in front of the venue. Here they had benches and couches, starters from Indian Delights, Prosecco from the the little Prosecco Van from the Venye Fontana and a little bonfire sorrounded by some lawn games.
Derek the groom had managed to find his dream suit at Markhams. The suit fitted him as if it were made just for him. The best man Hennie had complimented Derek by wearing a suit he already had in navy blue. They wore matching ties and pocket hankies. As well as chappies and lucky star themed socks!
My sister and best friend had very excitedly accepted the offers of bridesmaid and maid of honour respectively. They wore gowns that were different shade of blue that complimented them so well. The dresses were made by a private dressmaker and the designs were chosen by the bridesmaids.
Since we had gotten registered prior to the wedding (so we could keep our original anniversary date) we did not require a Marriage officer.
The Priest who conducted the Temple Ceremony was very insightful. He explained everything we did to us as well as the guests through out the ceremony. He was also the Marriage Officer who registered us earlier this year.
Pastor Dubs from the Linc Campus Church in Salt Rock Balito had touched each and every person with his humble words at the second ceremony at the Venue Fontana.
Lauren Setterberg! What an amazing and talented human being. There aren't enough kind words to describe her. She captured the most special moments and had us laughing throughout the day even when things were going a little pear shaped, she still got us to smile. I'll always have a special place in my heart for this soul.
Pixel Photobooth added some more memories to the reception. The guests loved this and the team from Pixel made sure it was so much fun!
The Venue Fontana offered an On the Day Co-ordination service which helped everything go so smoothly.
Cars are always a big thing with indian weddings. The fancier the better. And luckily for me, my cousin has so graciously offerred to chaffeur me to the Temple Wedding in his uber cool BMW 2 series. Derek arrived in his own car - VW Scirocco driven by his Dad.
Transport to the Venue Fontana for part 2 was my father.
As far as catering goes - when it comes to the indian community, your function was only as good as your food. And Indian Delights did not dissapoint. They provided a scrumptious selection of samoosa's as starters. Mains consisted of Lamb Breyani, Chicken Tikka & roasted veggies and a vegetarian pasta. This was followed by Soji (semolina pudding) as well as the wedding cake.
Our wedding cake was so much fun. Jess from Cakes to Perfection up in Gillits was the sweetest person (no pun intended) I've ever come across. Her attention to detail and flavour was out of this world. Our cake consisted of 4 layers. Bottom tier was chocolate with a chocolate ganache filling, the middle two, lemon and lemon curd and the top tier was the most divine carrot cake I've tasted to this day. All of this was buttercreamed and ombre'd in the dusty blue to pop at the reception venue!
Nicolette Bandiah-Mamdoo owner of Creativeland Design Studio is perhaps the most sincer and insightful human being. We gave her a few colours and idea's and she gave us an array of options which were so difficult to choose from. She provided everything from the wedding invitations as well the digital copies, wax for the seals, menu cards, welcome sign and seating chart. She also framed an invitation for us to keep so we always have a remembrance of it.
Derek and I have always been so eager to try latin and ballroom dancing. When we got the chance to start at the Durban Dance Center in Musgrave, we jumped at it. Our first dance as Mr & Mrs Van Daal was so different and unique, I have to thank Peta Doughall (owner) for putting in so much time and effort with us. It really paid off when we heard everyone cheering us on. She also helped choreograph a medley of a dance for myself and my cousins to open the dance floor to guests. (We will rock you - Queen, Thriller - Michael Jackson, Grease Lightening - Motion Picture)
All this was followed by a dancefloor that only stopped when the DJ had to go home. Rudi Prigge from Heartbeats Wedding Dj kept us going throughout the night. He played everything from dance hit 80's to the latest and greatest. What an atmosphere he created with the uplighters in this warm orange hue around the reception venue.
Located on a family farm along the Natal South Coast, the Fontana family recently transformed their farm tractor barn into a rustic, yet elegant wedding venue. Sliding wooden barn
