The moment when my dad first saw me, hair, makeup and everything done to perfection. I burst into tears the second he did!
Walking down the isle seeing my husband to be waiting patiently to make me his wife was probably one of the few times I've seen him tearful.
Having photographs with my husband, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to express our true feelings and emotion in such a way that we can look back on for the rest of our life. Although sometimes the photos look staged, I can promise you it all comes naturally and smiling has never been so easy.
Sitting on the balcony in my wedding dress sipping on some bubbly when my husband and I got back to our honeymoon suite after our perfect wedding night. Looking into the starry sky and feeling so content with all that had happened in the last few hours.
We left for honeymoon the very next day after our wedding. Amakala was our chosen destination. It is situated in the eastern cape between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth. We stayed at Bush lodge, a 5 star lodge with a private swimming pool on the deck, an outdoor shower and the most amazing view from the bath tub looking out onto a watering hole where you could spot a variety of animals drinking. All our meals were provided for and the food was outstanding. We enjoyed game drives, watching the sun set and even a horse back ride through the wildlife.
This time together is precious, signing your new surname and being able to say "husband" a lot, were two things that truly made it feel different to any other getaway.
I had a real princess dress that I had dreamt of my entire life. From the very first fitting I knew it was the one. It for me like a glove without me having to do any alterations what so ever. It was an Enzoani dress purchased at Loretta Designs. An A line gown that features a plunging neckline on a gorgeous chantilly lace bodice. The lace continued to cascade gently onto the dreamy tulle layers of the skirt.
My hair was beautifully done up in a low twisted up style. I had a long veil that was my something borrowed and it paired perfectly with my dress. My make up was done naturally and simply. It was important for me to feel comfortable in my own skin. I didn't want to look too different to what I look like on other days.
Rika van der Veen did both the hair and makeup for all the bridesmaids, mother of the bride and groom as well as the bride. She was truly a pleasure to have around, her gently and calm presence was just what I needed to keep me relaxed.
I wore one of my late grandmothers gold bracelets as my something old and a pair of earrings from Liberty in Love as my something new.
I had a cascading bouquet which was exquisite.
I wore SI Giorgio Amarni. A sent that will forever remind me of my wedding day.
In 2005, a new bridal collection emerged and quickly rose to compete with top brands by merging traditional and modern European styles into exquisitely hand crafted gowns.
Fort D Acre. A reserve between Port Alfred and East London in the Eastern Cape. The bridal party stayed at the reserve in a 4 star lodge.
Drink lots of water!
Stay true to yourself, don't wish to be anyone else!
The groom and his groomsmen worn navy suit pants from Woolworths. The groomsmen wore old Khaki white shirts, navy bow ties and suspenders from Truworths. The groom wore a matching jacket and blue tie from Woolworths, a brown belt and shoes from Tread and Millar and a Polo white shirt. They all looked very handsome.
My bridesmaids wore beautiful dresses from superbalist. They had a slit to above the knee and the top half was sparkly. The dresses were extremely comfortable and can easily be worn again.
Sophie Smith Photography. She is absolutely incredible. All of our photos show true emotion. She was reliable and within 2 weeks she had the pictures sent to our email. An absolute pleasure to have around for our special day.
Lea Davies and Debbie Johnson were the most incredible wedding planners. I did not lift a finger for anything. All was taken care of by them so that my mother and I were able to sit back, relax and enjoy the day from start to finish. We trusted them fully which allowed them to arrange the most exquisite display of decor both at the ceremony site as well as reception.
A wedding planner is something you want if you are the type of person who can allow for things to be taken care of for you. I am so grateful to have had such lovely, honest and talented planners to make my day perfect in every way.
Karen Morgan was our caterer. She has been a friend of ours for many years. There is nothing she cannot do or cope with. She works wonderfully and I've only ever heard good things about her food.
Anne Dryer, another very good family friend made our delicious carrot cake. We decided on a smaller sized cake than usual and we ended up freezing the bottom layer of the cake and having it weeks later while opening wedding presents and sipping on tea. This is a wonderful idea. It allows for you to enjoy some of your own cake.
The wedding planners took care of this. The hymn sheets for the ceremony were beautifully designed and printed in blue. The seating plan and menu cards were done to match.
We couldn't have asked for anything more. Our decor was done to perfection. the tables had everything you needed on them and more! The flowers consisted of a variety of roses modern and old, peach, pink, cream and white lizianthus, foxglove, sea holly, white, blue and green hydrangeas, dahlias, flamingo tails, dusty miller, grey mock gum, lots of asparagus fern, white statis and forget me nots. Our colour theme was a dusty grey blue. The table seating was wonderfully laid out and the dance floor was in the middle which constantly kept everyone involved and in spirit. Gary Botha was out DJ. He plays live music which was a huge hit, especially during canapés.
We did not have dance lessons however we did watch some youtube videos and practiced at home in the evenings a week or two before the wedding. We danced to the song Perfect by Ed Sheeran.
In 2005, a new bridal collection emerged and quickly rose to compete with top brands by merging traditional and modern European styles into exquisitely hand crafted gowns.
