My entrance into the wedding hall was truly the most magical moment for me. With a cloud filled aisle created with the effects of a dry ice machine and a shower of fireworks to light my way, I stepped into the hall on the arms of my very nervous and emotional dad. To look up and see my future reflected in the loving face of the man I fell in love with at the age of 16 was more than any girl could asked for. It truly was a culmination of all my childhood dreams come true and the testimony of the love Brandon and I shared over the past 10 years. I was walking towards a man who has watched me grow from a shy 16 year old young girl into a woman of 26 and has loved me through every crazy and eventful moment of our journey together.
Unfortunately, due to work commitments we could not have a honeymoon. But are planning to treat ourselves with a holiday to celebrate our 1st anniversary.
My look was a traditional tamil bride with a modern twist. Dressed in a hand beaded and decorated red, gold and pink bridal lengha from Rosewoods, my hair was accentuated with pink and white roses embedded in a messy plait. I have always been more of a tomboy growing up so instead of heels, I wore my All Stars takkies under my gown to the surprise of my husband who loved the added effect. My hair and make up was done by Kaveshnie from Blushing Beauties Make Up Studio in Durban.
The wedding ceremony and reception was held at the Kendra Hall in Durban.
I don't really use a alot of makeup or have a huge beauty regime but my mother in law booked me into a bridal pamper day that included a full cleansing facial with a radiant glow mask. I had a full manicure and pedicure treatment at Perfect 10 located at the Gateway Theatre of shopping in Durban.
The entire decor and stage was created by the amazingly creative hands of Koogan Pillay Set Designs, an award winning event planner in Durban. Kobash and her team were amazingly accommodating of both our vision and budget and was able to create a magical setting for us to become man and wife. Our colour scheme was gold and white to accententuate the red and gold of our bridal garments. Our stage theme was inspired by the tree of life from the movie Avatar with white and green wisteria hanging over us interspaced with crystal chandeliers, white butterflies and crystal boobie to finish the fairy theme stage. We had huge bronze roses scattered behind us and at the front of our stage. With warm white lighting and white ABS flooring covering the entire stage, it was a breathtaking sight.
My husband and I were both dressed by Rosewoods in Durban with matching bridal garments. His was traditional burgany sherwani coat with intricate gold embroidery across his right arm and on the front of his coat. A champagne colour pantaloons and shawl finished the effect that made him look like a regal and dashing Arabian Prince.
What is a wedding without breath taking photographs to capture every sweet moment. It was truly money well spent when we chose Tyrone Govender Photgraphy to cover our event. Our wedding took place amidst the torrid storms and rainfall that devastated the Durban community in April 2022. Given the heavy rainfall, we were unable to do an outside bridal shoot as initally planned. But with the creative eye of Tyrone and his team, we were able to find incredibly beautiful spots within the Kendra Hall to capture our solo bridal moments. From the sweeping staircase to the intricately carved temple doors and walls, Tyrone was able to capture some truly epic pictures that did the event and us justice.
I know people might question my sanity or reason for doing so, but I chose my mother in law as my wedding planner. She had previously planned many successful international company events and intimate family occasions that were truly epic. She was the one person outside of my husband and parents that truly understood me and my personality and was able to plan and create the most beautiful event that surpassed all of mine and my husband's expectations. All we had to do was look beautiful and enjoy a stress free wedding of our dreams. The proof of her success can be seen in the smiling faces of both myself and my husband.
Our choice of vehicles was a Audi S3 for my husband and a grey BMW I8 for myself. It was the next best thing to a flying carpet....lol.
The food was a traditional hindu vegetarian meal prepared and served by Maharaj Caterers in Durban.
Our traditional Burgandy and gold wedding cards were made and printed by Criton Printing in Durban.
Our sound, lighting and master of ceremony was done by MC Donavan and his amazing team. The Pyrotechnics and fireworks was delivered by Nicholas Pillay and his team from Demigods sound and entertainment.
The pyrotechnics which included dry ice clouds and fireworks for our entrances and bubbles when cutting the cake really helped to create the overall enchanted fairytale theme we had wanted. This was made possible by the incredible teams above.
