Our friendship began in high school. I guess we both instantly knew that there was cosmic connection. Our friendship survived via social messaging services until we got an opportunity to spend more time together during our university years after the completion of my post grad studies. Our love grew and grew from what we both admit was a slow start.
The day began with me receiving flowers and a mysterious box in the morning. The box contained a clue and a red dress which marked the start of the next chapter of our story together. Later that morning, I was picked up with no clue of the destination. I was whisked to the Virginia Airport in Durban. We boarded a helicopter. A tour of the Durban proceeded. The end destination was the scenic Inanda Dam Mountain where he popped the question. Perfect scenery! Perfect Day!
The entire experience was truly unforgettable for us.
Since I was a little girl, I began planning and imagining my wedding day. From the very first day I met Prenesen at school, I knew my life would never be the same and he was the one. My imaginary wedding now had a prince charming.
Prenesen and I dated for 9 years before we decided to tie the knot. Over the years we shared ideas on how we would like our special day to be. We decided to get married on quite short notice, but thankfully we have very similar taste so planning the wedding fell into place quite quickly and easily.
Given the pandemic, we settled for a small intimate wedding with 60 of our closest friends and family. From the day, we started planning until the day we walked down the aisle, the entire experience was magical for me. I love planning events and getting my creative juices flowing so planning our wedding with Prenesen was magnificent.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we did most of the preparation by ourselves; from gift thanks, to invites, to the traditional trays and I think this was actually great because everything was reflective of who we are and our guests appreciated the little personal touches. I will not trade those long nights, early mornings and hours of online shopping for anything.
The entire wedding weekend was magical for me to be honest. I love it when a plan comes together and with the Grace of God, the entire wedding weekend went off without a hitch.
The Friday night was my Henna Ceremony and I think one of the biggest fears of a Hindu bride is waking up the next morning and your Henna has a light appearance. So I think one of the moments that stood out for me was waking up the next morning with dark beautiful Henna.
The Saturday night was the Hurdee ceremony, which is seen as a purification ceremony before the wedding. My Hurdee ceremony was full of fun, laughter and lots of dancing. The father-daughter dance was definitely one that I would never forget, my dad and I danced to a hindi song "Pappa pari hoon mein", which means I am my father's angel.
The wedding day: It was my dream come true, it was everything I imagined and more. As we approached the venue, the first person I saw was Prenesen. He looked back at me and showed me the perfect sign with his hands, I then became the blushing bride, lol. We walked down the aisle together to a song I picked when I was 16 years old, Aaye Ho Meri Zindagi Mein, which means you came into my life. The wedding ceremony was traditional and perfect. Our first dance as husband and wife was beautiful. We danced to "PERFECT" by Ed Sheeran. Prenesen and I, pre-recorded speeches that was played after the wedding ceremony to thank our friends, family and services provided for making our day special and memorable.
The post wedding ceremony was abit tearful at all Hindu wedding. The bridal family and the bride becomes quite emotional when the bride leaves home. I was no exception, there was tears but I had a wonderful man by my side that wiped them and said, "it will be okay, i will take care of you I promise".
If I had to choose the most magical part of the entire wedding experience, I would definitely have to say the groom. He is everything I ever hoped for and more.
We would like to thank all friends and family that made our wedding ceremony a success.
Langebaan, Western Cape
Bridal outfits and accessories for the wedding and pre-wedding ceremonies was designed and purchased from New Delhi, India. The bridal hair and mark-up was done by Merasha Mahabeer. The Henna was done by "Mendhi by Genisha."
Mount Edgecombe Conference Centre, Durban
Bridal beauty regimes (prior to wedding): Done by Groom due to Covid-19 precautions.
Groom beauty regimes (always): Done by Bride.
The floral garlands were provided by Strini Govender (0828859665). The garlands were a stunning mix of red and white roses with baby breathe stems in between. All floral and partial stage decor were done by Mount Conference Centre. The additional items that the bridal couple opted for were provided by Xclusive Decor. Each element of the decor was strategically selected by the bridal couple that co-ordinated with traditional indian bridal colours.
The groom was dressed in a traditional kurta suit. The colours were cream, gold and red as per the traditional bridal colours. The outfit was simple yet stunning. All bridal outfits were purchased from New Dehli, India, pre-Covid.
Guru Sammadan Sarugaser.
Our marriage officer was our officiating priest. He was brilliant. He made us laugh and kept the ambience of the wedding light hearted and warm. He also kept the guests captivated by providing concise explanations of the significance of each aspect of the Hindu wedding.
The photography and videography was done by Yajur Chotai Photo & Film. No expense was spared to ensure that we got the best coverage of our magical event.
No. We had each other.
Bride: Ferrari California
Groom: Mustang
Post wedding: Mercedes AMG C63
Catering by Mount Edgecombe Conference Centre.
Being a traditional hindu wedding, MECC provided a delicious vegetarian meal with an Indian dessert. A tea and coffee station was set up for guest to enjoy during the wedding ceremony and this was accompanied by sweet and savory snacks.
All stationery were designed by the bride, with some assistance from the groom! There were printed and digital invites for all the events of our wedding weekend.
We had a DJ and live performances by Malin Kisten from Luxmi Stars (also Master of Ceremonies). The music was strategically selected by the bridal couple to complement the significance of each ritual performed during the wedding ceremony.
