Our wedding day was a day I had dreamt of and hoped for my whole life. I am incredibly blessed that all my prayers were answered and I was given Johan to spend my life with.
Our wedding day was originally 3 July 2021 but due to Covid19 we had to postpone our big day. However, we decided to get married in anyway as this date was special to us. So we got married via a pastor in front of family and it was still so very special. Our actual wedding ceremony and day was then moved to the 8 August 2021 which included all our original plans.
The night before our big day was spent with our bridal party. I had a pamper night with my four bridesmaids practicing our dance moves, laughing, remembering fond memories from the past and ending the night off with a special letter written from the heart from me to each of my bridesmaids which ended in joyful tears. My groom spent his night with his four groomsmen soaking up the last night of his singlehood, chatting about a moment in his life he never thought would happen.
The morning of our wedding day, I woke up with such excitement for what would lay ahead. A day I had waited for a long time. We went straight into hair and makeup done by the very talented Tarryn Harding and Tracy Nel. We had a lovely selection of eats and drinks to celebrate this moment. Each bridesmaid, the mother of the bride and myself were there to experience this moment in full bliss.
We were then taken to our stunning venue, Running Waters Wedding Venue. There we went into our beautiful honeymoon suite to dress for our big moment. Ron Harding was our talented photographer and videographer who captured every special moment of our day. My dress, the mother of the bride, bridesmaids and flower girls were all dressed by the talented Johan Wolmarans. I was left to last to reveal myself to my bridesmaids and my parents.
I had written letters to my husband to be, parents and my in-laws to read while they were getting ready too. My father and I were driven to the chapel by my father-in-law and we then stood waiting for our big moment down the aisle. My mother had the honor of putting my veil on just before I walked. My flower girls, ring carriers and bridesmaids each walked down to Demi Lee's version of "Can't Help Falling In love With You" My brother then walked down the aisle to the start of "A Thousand Years" with a board that had the scripture, " I have found the one whom my soul loves" then my father and I came in at the build of the song. This is a moment I will never forget! I remember looking at my dad who looked so incredibly proud and then at my husband to be who was in tears at the sight of seeing me. My dad then hugged and kissed me as he gave my hand to Johan my husband to be. We sang and danced in worship to "Good Good Father" and "Turn It Up", exchanged our vows and took communion which was our first act done as a married couple.
We then signed the register and walked out the chapel only to be greeted by all our guests throwing white rose petals, blowing bubbles and receiving from our flower girls booties and a horse shoe to wear around our necks. These items symbolize fertility and good luck/blessing in our marriage which is tradition. Guests, family and wedding party photos then took place while we were taking photos, our guests enjoyed canapes and drinks.
After all that it was time for the reception. We joyfully walked in for the very first time as Mrs and Mr Verster and was amazed by the fantastic job done by our venue! We had a fun and light-hearted MC who cracked jokes every moment he could. Speeches were given by our maid of honor, best man, both myself and Johan which we toasted with a lovely sparkling wine.
As our mains went out, guests got to enjoy their food while watching a very special Father and daughter dance. My father and daughter dance consisted of 3 generations (my niece, my sister and myself) all portraying myself at a certain stage of life to the song Butterfly Kisses. This was a moment that made for tears especially with our lady guests.
Not long after that it was then time for the first dance as husband and wife. It started off with myself and Johan dancing to "I get to love you" which was romantic and full of meaning as this song embodied our relationship. Then it changed into a more up beat song which was the cue for my bridesmaids to join in and dance. This got our guests pumped to join and we all had fun dancing the night away.
Later on that night, we had the cake cutting. We fed each other the most delicious chocolate sponge cake with butter icing and chocolate ganache. The single ladies got in line to catch the beautiful bridal bouquet made by The Decor Hub and the single guys got in line to catch the garter which Johan had to go fishing for on my leg. These moments were full of fun and laughter.
As desert was being served, our guests and my groom were then entertained with a special dance especially made for Johan. My bridesmaids sat him down on a chair and he waited for the show. It was a fusion of Shakira and the late Selena. I made use of a veil, rope and my love for the Spanish culture all mixed into a belly dancing/cumbia dance routine. This was the first time he had ever seen me dance like this before and loved it!
We ended the night off with wedding cake, photo booth sessions and a lot of dancing. Finally we made our way up to honeymoon suite, shared a bottle of bubbly and had sweet dreams.
Our wedding day was truly everything I had ever wanted and more. I married my best friend and I can honestly say he was worth the wait!
For our honeymoon we decided to explore different places in South Africa as our country has so many hidden gems and such beauty. I loved every moment doing wine tasting, tour bus trips, train rides and just exploring like tourists these different restaurants, historal sites and stunning landscapes. None of it was planned. We just got into our car and drove which was an adventure in itself.
It was important for me to still look like myself on my wedding day just the best version of me.
I went for a more classic and elegant look. I had my hair up for the chapel and later on had some of it down for my 2nd and 3 outfits. It was styled by my sister who was also my maid of honor (Tracy Nel) she truly made the vision I had for my hair come alive.
My makeup was done in such a way that it enhanced my natural features still making me look like a bride and more importantly looking like myself too. The lovely Tarryn Harding did myself and my wedding party.
I also wanted to add a glamorous touch to my appearance by having my lashes done by Shanel Halgreen from the Brow Room.
I had 4 looks that day/night all designed by Johan Wolmarans. For my wedding gown I wanted long lace sleaves, fitted with a trial. This was my dream dress and adding the veil to it moved me to tears seeing myself like that for the first time. As a bride. Made it so real.
My second dress was also lace and crystals but had a mermaid look to it ending in a puffy bottom. These bottom part was able to be removed to reveal a shorter dress which I used in my dance.
Lastly my selena inspired outfit which I danced for my husband in. This outfit was a spin of the late selena iconic outfit but more bridal. I had it done in an off white and gold pattern with a belt and veil to complete the look.
My wedding shoes and earrings were a gift from my parents. Both from Don Marco which suited my look perfectly.
My something new, blue, old and borrowed came from my sister and mother in the form of hair accessories and pearls (from my granny who is no longer with us)
Each moment and item used had meaning and was carefully thought out.
Our wedding was a the beautiful Running Waters Wedding Venue. A venue with a very luxurious feel to it with crystal chandeliers and chairs. I was so incredibly happy with the service received! We received delicious canapés, main course and a desert which was beautifully and skillfully done.
The suites at our venue were all booked for guests while others drove home.
I had my colour touched up, nails+toes and lashes done just before the wedding.
Our flowers were done by The Decor Hub. Our wedding flower was a rose. I have never seen such beautiful and big roses like that before. The amount of effort and time put into our arrangements was amazing.
Our decor was done by Extreme Hire. She incorporated our wedding colours (emerald green, white and gold) and the crystal mirror look into the table settings. We also had a photo booth for our guests.
We had beautiful elegant furniture. White couches for guests to sit on during cocktail time. Crystal chandeliers, huge mirrors and fairylights hung.
We had a smoke machine and different lights which a red light was used in my dance for the groom.
The groom wore a black and white tux. The groomsmen wore black suits and white skirts. We were going for a timeless look. All hired by Heinz in Style.
My bridesmaids wore a long sleave emerald green dress with a slit. Designed by Johan Wolmarans.
Our marriage officer was Paul from Father's house and the pastor who did our wedding service was pastor Mike also from Father's house.
Our wedding photographer and videographer was Ron Harding and he was assisted by Max. They captured every special moment of our big day and really worked with such professionalism.
I had a very specific vision for our big day and planned each detail of the day. Eben from running waters was our wedding co-ordinater. He took that vision and made it a reality from the chapel to the venue and food.
My brother in law drove me to the venue to get ready and when it was time then my father in law drove my father and myself to the chapel which was actually in the venue too.
Our food was done by Running Waters and their amazing team. We had waitresses and waitors who served each course and the bibbly to our guests. It was fabulous!
Our delicious cake was a 4 tier chocolate sponge cake with chocolate ganache and butter icing. White roses and greenery were placed as decoration on the cake. Made by exquisite cakes.
Our thank you gift was a keyring and coaster in emerald green with our wedding scripture and initials JK❤️
Made by Herman
Our Dj was Wayne and he did a fantastic job mixing both youthful and more mature tastes into the night.
All dance routines were worked out and taught by myself. We had fun learning together and adapting it as we went along.
I was a dancer in school so I jumped at the opportunity to teach and perform with my bridesmaids, father and husband to be. Memories that I will cherish forever!
