Where to begin...
Oliver’s Lodge & Spa - White River.
A soft rain set in just before I was about to walk down the aisle, excited and nervous I took my dad's arm. I wanted that walk to last a lifetime, never have I felt so beautiful it was surreal but at the same time I could not wait to reach my Kevin, my husband to be.
The soft pitter patter of the rain on the guests umbrellas created a romantic and peaceful ambience as my dad lifted my veil, tears in his eyes as he handed me over to Kevin. I will never forget the look on Kevin's face and the emotion he displayed, I felt love at that moment like never before.
Walking into the reception, post photos, the applause and cheering! We immediately got hoisted up onto chairs for the Hora and the festivities began! I could not stop beaming and from there on the evening unfolded into the most incredible display of exactly what Kevin and I are about!
Our first dance - I dreamt about this moment for months! Every morning I would jog with our song on repeat - We were the king and queen of the moment just like I had imagined!
The speeches - As sat there at our beautiful table watching the room, the words of love, laughs and tears that were elicited from the speeches to both Kevin and I and then Kevin to our guests and to me.
These are just snapshots of a myriad of memorable moments of our day.
We set off to an incredible Macadamia and Rose farm called Summerfields in Hazyview. Located on the Sabi River, we had
an incredible experience, massages, candle lit dinners, laughs and a well needed retreat. Our room, the Forest Suite was nestled in a forest setting secluded, luxurious and extremely romantic!
Classic and elegant, an ivory fitted mermaid cut, with a high cut slit. The front of the dress was clean and elegant, the back was an extravaganza with an incredible, detailed lace train. My hair was set in a natural curl, scraped back on the right, set with pearl clip. I decide to go for a red lip which tied in beautifully with the simple 3 red rose bouquet.
A closed toe silver & translucent heel and later on in the evening I rocked a pair of Aldo sneakers embellished with rhinestones and embroidered with the word love!
I wore a simple drop earring a diamond tennis bracelet which had belonged to my grandmother. a very significant show piece.
Understated, timeless elegance.
Makeup - Angelica Aurel -Picture this Photography
Hair - Reg - Serenity Hair
Dress - Bride & Co
Shoes - Aldo
Our venue, Oliver’s Lodge & Spa in White River, held huge significance to me as I have been going there with family for over 20 years. This was also the first place that Kev and I went on holiday as a family of three with my stepdaughter. We got married under a gazebo in the garden where Kev, the little one and I had a magical dinner for three on that first, very special holiday. Our immediate family and retinue stayed at the lodge and most of our guests stayed in the surrounding area.
My beauty regime included facials at Laser Beautique in Morningside and weekly masks and scrubs. An ex-dancer and knowing what works best for my body I stuck to my favourite exercise regime, Barre classes, daily walks and meditation. I cut out sugar and gluten for 5 days a week and drank ton of water! My skin was glowing!
The venue is so beautiful not much was required. I hired a local florist who created stunning, elegant single white rose bouquets for my bridesmaids, white rose buttoniers for the groomsmen and a magnificent 3 red rose bouquet for me that was offset beautifully against my white dress.
The gazebo was dressed with fairy lights and greenery, an enhancement to the beautiful manicured gardens.
The tables were simple with white roses, greenery and candles galore!
My handsome groom and his groomsmen wore black pants with fitted white shirts and black braces from 'That Bloke'.
My bride tribe looked beautiful in black convertible dresses from Bridal Alchemy, each styled to their preference. They looked magnificent with their elegant black dresses and white roses.
Our ceremony was officiated by Ian Mann. It was incredibly special with a mix a Greek and Jewish traditions.
The food was expertly prepared by the Oliver's team. There is a strong Austrian/European influence in the cooking style coupled with South African flavours and seasonal produce. Known for their high culinary standard, they are a destination restaurant for locals and tourists in the area.
Our cake... our cake! We had a 4 tier creation made up of cake layers and acrylic boxes filled with flowers and fairy lights.
Cake - Olive Leaf Patisserie
Acrylic Boxes - Acryluso
Our reception was a wedding party like no other!
Our DJ was from a local company AVS.
Being and ex-dancer I choreographed our dance. Very special time!
