Our day began with dramatic thunder & lighting, but as the ceremony commenced, sunshine broke beautifully over the Paarl skyline.
We were overwhelmed with gratitude & joy.
Every second of our special day, was intensified by the presence of all who we hold dear.
There are no words to describe the emotions we feel, reminiscing, on what was truly, the most spectacular day of our lives!
Karangwe Portfolia, Kuname River Lodge! We have always dreamt of a bush getaway, and this experience far surpassed our expectations! Every single team member had the widest smile, and made us feel like celebrities. We where fortunate to experience the "Big 5", as well as spectacular bird life, fauna and flora! An enduring memory, and an experience we will never forget.
I wanted a timeless, elegant look - something that would remain relevant forever. The Wedding Boutique is where I found my perfect dress. I was assisted by the most beautiful soul, Tiana. My veil was perfectly designed, and completed the overall picture to perfection.
I feel blessed, that two of my closest friends where able to bring my "vision" to life so effortlessly.
Anzel Marais, my bridesmaid, oldest friend, and hair - stylist on the day, allowed me to relax completely, with confidence that she knew exactly what I wanted, and what would suit the overall picture.
My only brief to make-up artist extraordinaire, Robyn, was let’s “GLOW GIRLFRIEND” - Robyn had creative carte blanch, and in my opinion, her work far exceeded my expectations.
I am a very sentimental person, and on the morning of our wedding, whilst getting ready, I decided to wear a necklace, that had been worn by my great-grandmother, grandmother and mother, on their wedding days. My final touch, were Chandelier earrings I found at Lovisa. Lovisa is always a treat for a special occasion.
Something that I will always hold dear, is a matching set of handkerchiefs, gifted to me by my late grandmother. I had one of these with me, while walking down the aisle. The other I gave to my groom, with a hand written note, asking him to wear it close to his heart, in memory of my precious granny, Norma Emily Hart.
I was not sure what style of shoe I wanted, but came across them, by chance, at Steve Madden. I knew, instantly, that these where "the shoes"! Elegant, rose-gold, strappy, diamanté stiletto’s, allowed me to feel like a princess, as I danced the night away.
We were beyond fortunate, to secure the use of BELAIR PAVILION, owned by good friends, the Plumbly family, who welcomed us with open arms. To spend our special day, surrounded by magnificent jasmine, as far as the eye can see, was pure magic. A rose arbour and emerald green, manicured lawns, plush enough for a queen's run-way, made the most spectacular photographic backdrops. This dream venue has to be one of Cape Town's best wedding venues ever.
BELAIR has more than enough on-site accommodation. Being on the venue for all our preparation, made for a relaxed and stress free experience. Abundant accommodation is available at many surrounding farms, hotels, guest houses & AirBNB's. BELAIR is so close to Cape Town, but feels like fairyland.
I believe in an overall, balanced lifestyle. Besides a demanding career, I maintain body and mind, by training at least 5 times a week. On two of these days, I train with Neal Richardson, at Fit Box Durbell.
For the months leading up to our wedding, I had skin and aesthetic treatments with Dr Hilla and team, at the Aesthetics Lab at Century City. Dr Hilla is the Queen of total skin health.
Where possible, I believe teeth whitening is a great finishing touch - I was in the excellent care of Dr Marc De Groot, of De Groot Dental.
My ombré bridal nails were done by my dear friend, Roxy Baynes, of “Roxy’s Nails”
EVENTS COORDINATOR: Trunk events
FLOWERS: Authentic planning
LIGHTING: Paramith flowers
DJ: Shaun Westwood
CATERING: Concept food catering
STATIONARY: City Print Sea Point
DANCE CHOREOGRAPHER: Jacques Carstens
CAKE: Sheena Henry
My handsome husband, and his groomsmen wore perfectly tailored suits, custom made from stretch WOOL fabric, with a subtle natural sheen. Perfect for a smart, formal look. Bespoke wedding suits made by ZEDMEN - Crystal Towers, Century City.
My three beautiful bridesmaids shimmered in long, emerald-green, sequined dresses from FOREVER NEW.
Later, they changed into shorter, comfortable, emerald-green, spaghetti strap, sequined dresses from FOSCHINI.
Pastor Alwyn Carstens from the NG Kerk Welgelegen.
Our team of photographers and videographers (yes, a whole team) made us feel like the most extraordinary couple on Earth. Their diligence, and immaculate attention to detail, were quite mind-boggling. All I can say, is WOW !
VIDEOGRAPHER: Jacques Brits Films
PHOTOGRAPHER: Danelle Stofberg Photography
Thank Goodness for huge mercies. Trunk Events are absolutely worth their weight in gold!. We could never have done this on our own. There is just SO much to do and remember before, and on, your wedding day. So, let the experts do what they do, and enjoy a stress-free build-up and a beautiful day.
My entire wedding crew were fortunate enough to have stayed at the wedding venue the night before, and of, our wedding.
My Cinderella Steve Madden stilettos, carried me from the Belair Manor House, to the beautiful chapel on the property.
Sheena Henry created our MASTERPIECE, 3 tier, pistachio wedding cake.
City Prints - Sea Point
Our DJ was the one-and-only Shaun Westwood - Owner of Cape Town night club, Zsa Zsa.
Our "First Dance" choreographer was Jacques Carstens.
Jacques designed just the right dance, to suit our awkward "two left feet".
Based in Bellville & CBD for Ballroom, Latin, Wedding, Matric Farewell & Langarm dance lessons.
Sheena Henry is a Cape Town based Cake Designer in Bespoke, Luxury Wedding Cakes
We are fuelled by passion and ambition to approach every wedding with creativity and meticulous attention to detail.
Tracy Branford of Trunk Events offers a very personal service and plans all the weddings of her couples with a very hands-on and loving approach.
