Highlights
Main highlight was HIM…he is every love song, every romantic comedy, every quirky pick-up line, every romance novel and just everything, because he is always right there waiting for me and this day reminded us of why we became one and united in heart, mind, body and soul.
We opted for a traditional wedding with a twist of modern and a hint of unconventional, because thats what we are as a couple.
We kept most parts of our wedding traditional but took some details out to give it a modern feel and since we are a very unconventional couple that does not like to conform to worldy standards, I believe that in itself is a highlight.
A special highlight was seeing his side of the family that traveled from all parts of the Western Cape just to spend the weekend celebrating with us and my side of the family made it too, irrespective of the distance that they had to travel.
A particular highlight that I did find ironic, however was the gail force wind that stood up as soon as I started to walk down the aisle with my dad. The loved ones that could not be there to share this moment with us crossed my mind at first and secondly this familiar wind also reminded me of the day that my husband and I met at Makro, I recall this wind making its appearance just before I set foot into the store and bumped into my guy.
A bee was buzzing around me as I was getting dressed minutes before being escorted out of the room to the alter, at the time I dismissed it and continued getting ready, just to find out from my husband after the ceremony and during our picture session that he was stung by a bee while waiting for me to arrive and how he was not sure if he was allergic to it but the only thing that he kept telling himself throughout the pain was that he must be strong and hold on so that he could marry me!! On a more serious note however, my husband does not believe in superstitions about supernatural influences but I read up about omens involving ‘bees on ones wedding day’ and it sure meant good things!
Our Pastor Niel, went out of his way to give us a really beautiful message on our wedding day and took numerous hours out of his busy schedule to coach us about how to avoid showing one another (“shelfish love”) https:youtu.be/CMcHtSjtNBY and so much more valuable advice.
I especially enjoyed every last bit of bonding that my maid of honour and I shared, there was no better way than to spend the last few hours of being single, the night before than with her by my side laughing, confiding and jamming the night away.
I was also fortunate enough to have all the most important woman in my life get their hair and makeup done with me on the morning of my wedding. We shared lots of laughs and precious moments together and I also remember the beautiful message from my makeup and hair stylist concerning this big step in my life and how nothing else matter but us locking eyes as we walk toward each other and the sweet melodies playing in the background, apparently she was observing us as a couple when we often made trips to the venue and could not help but mention how the sparks flew when we are in each others presence.
Another highlight was watching everyone enter the building from the dressing room window and it felt like they were truly there for us out of pure love support
Memorable moments
I do recall the laughter and happiness on my mother-in-law’s face everytime stories are told of us as a couple and the look of love in her eyes whenever her son’s name is mentioned during our getting ready session.
The captured moments of my father in law and husband while getting ready with the boys and how meaningful it was to capture those specific moments, was something that even I want to cherish because of how special their bond is.
I also remember a bright ray of sunshine, shining over my dad and I as we walked down the aisle toward my husband-to-be. My dad held my hand so tightly for the very last time before giving me away and having to slow me down just so that he could have that one last stroll with me, I felt the warmth in his hand.
As I was walking, I could not take my eyes off my soon-to-be husband and I had all sorts of emotions bubbling from within, which then led me to believe that, this is what butterflies surely feels like…
Looking at the pictures today, I also noticed seeing the tears of joy roll down the face of my mom and grandmother and I share the same sentiment on the day as well as when I look back now at the beautiful memories that were made.
The last highlight was, the birds chirping and everything looking luminous and radiant but nothing compared to my handsome husband, that took my breath away and made everything disappear all around me as though he was the only person standing in the garden.
A real tear jerker however, was the only racing thought about marrying the love of my life that I had been waiting for, the only guy I had ever been with in all my years on this earth and how this must all just be a fairytale or dream come true.
The short period of waiting that we had to put aside before seeing each other on the day couldn’t compare to all the days we yearned to be with each other, either due to distance, studies, family commitments or work but we would soon spend eternity with one another in just a matter of hours.
Mind you, I had to submit an exam on the day, but that could not even stop me from marrying the love of my life!
Lastly, I fell alseep in the car on way to our first mini moon destination and woke up snuggled next to my husband wrapped very nicely in pjs haahaa… so caring isn’t he!
We are still in the process of planning our big honeymoon destination, since there are so many beautiful honeymoon destinations abroad, we find ourselves quite indecisive about this one.
We did however, have a couple of mini moons, the first one started on the night of our wedding day, at the Intle Game Lodge as a starting point. I loved this idea that my husband had! He secretly spent so much time arranging something that would accommodate my work and study schedule including his own and irrespective of how short lived it was, it turned out to be extremely fun and quite the adventure because my he decided to keep me guessing all the way! We ended up at a Private Game Lodge and I couldn't get enough of the scenery, wildlife and seeing my husband in his element made every moment an experience that I would love to live again and again.
Wedding look- Wedding look was chic and classic style
Hair- old Hollywood waves with a side swept fringe, for a retro feel and a crown for a royal statement
by Jo Marie Van Rheeder
Makeup- cool smokey eyes makeup with long lashes for a dramatic, yet natural in length look and feel chic, kryolin make-up and revlon plum colour lipstick by Jo Marie Van Rheeder
Modern sweetheart neckline wedding dress by Enzoani Blue collection, imported from Southern California with a matching long lace veil that became the trail to my wedding dress which had a unique hand cut and stitched leaf pattern around the edges to give off the appearance of lacy autumn leaves around my dress. I also had a tiny detailed slit in front of my right leg covered by lace to give off a peeping leg as I walked. During the reception I wore the detachable long lace sleeves for the evening that came with the dress, to give off the illusion of a new look.
White closed toe wedding shoes by Pierre Cardin
Lingerie by Naughty but nice, temptations and a boxed little number by nightlight.
jewelry-
Accessories- Crown, Don Marco evening chain and earrings, wedding ring by Browns Jewellers and wedding band by Fischers Jewellers.
Wedding look- Wedding look was chic and classic style
Hair- Old Hollywood waves side waves with a side swept fringe, for a retro feel and a crown for a royal statement
done by Jo Marie Van Rheeder
Makeup- Cool smokey eyes makeup with long lashes for a dramatic, yet natural in length look and feel, kryolin makeup and revlon plum colour lipstick done by Jo Marie Van Rheeder
Modern sweetheart neckline wedding dress by Enzoani Blue collection, imported from Southern California with a matching long lace veil that became the trail to my wedding dress which had a unique hand cut and stitched leaf pattern around the edges to give off the appearance of lacy autumn leaves around my dress. I also had a tiny detailed slit in front of my right leg covered by lace to give off a peeping leg as I walked. During the reception I wore the detachable long lace sleeves for the evening that came with the dress, to give off the illusion of a new look.
White closed toe wedding shoes by Pierre Cardin
Jewelry- Don Marco evening chain and earrings, wedding ring by Browns Jewellers and wedding band by Fischers Jewellers.
Lingerie by Naughty but nice, temptations and a boxed little number by nightlight.
Accessories- Crown, flower bouquet done by florist at the wedding venue.
Lombardini Game Farm in Jeffreys Bay. Our parents and intermediate family stayed on the game farm with us on the night before the wedding and the other guests stayed on the night of the wedding at Seashells and Island Vibe accommodation just a few minutes away from the lodge.
Bridal beauty regime leading up to your wedding- The idea of dieting for my wedding did not sit well with me and so instead I opted to take care of my beauty from within, cutting down on junk food and consuming vitamins and mineral daily, going fro regular checkups with my skin specialists to keep the hormone levels from getting out of hand and showing on my skin, I often went for walks with my fiance from time to stay in shape and we both went for teeth whitening but our product only arrived a week after our wedding!
A winter wonderland forest theme in the middle of autumn! (that's all I'm saying!)
Groom- Navy blue suits with waistcoat and burnt orange tie rabbit tail grass, with orange rose boutonniere
Groomsmen- Navy blue suits with waistcoat and blue-black tie, rabbit tail grass, with orange rose boutonniere
The bridesmaids wore an Egyptian inspired goddess dress with long sleeve, open shoulder loose fitting sleeves, a tiny bedazzled waist belt with gemstones around the waisteline area and a flowy mid-level section, they were free to choose their own comfortable colour heels.
Pastor- Niel Kemp
Marriage officer- Annatjie Marais
Photographer- Amy Bode and partner
Standby Venue Photographer- Adri Kringe
Videographer- Jacques Cloete
Wedding food- The owner of the venue and staff
Wedding cake- Janelle Stokker
Mr wedding card
Reception was MC'd by Charlton Tobias (Dj on Algoa Fm), he was also the sound technician
The setting at the reception was warm and romantic.
Yes we had dance lessons with Michel from Dance Dynamics
Live band- Therese (vocalist), David Houghton (classical guitar) and Graham Beyers (saxophone)
