We love, love stories! How did you and your husband meet and how did he propose?
I met my husband at university in Pretoria. It must have been fate because we both came from the same home town and literally when to high schools right opposite each other.
He proposed in Cape Town at my absolute favourite wine farm, Blaauwklippen. He had organised a beautiful picnic in one of their gardens – I was spoilt with the most delicious food and of course wine! Blaauwklippen has such a special place in my heart so it was the perfect venue for this magical moment.
What was the favourite part of your wedding day?
It is hard to choose one because 2 so clearly stand out in my mind.
The first is the moment I arrived at the ceremony. I was overwhelmed at that moment, but as my husband came into sight standing under the magnificent tree I was completely filled with happiness.
The other moment would be as we had sat down at the reception and I took a moment to take it all in. I looked out at all of our friends and family who were there with us and was so grateful. I felt so lucky that we had such special people in our lives.
You fitted a variety of wedding dresses, how did you know when it was ‘the one’ and what did you love most about your wedding dress?
It’s hard to explain but when I knew I had found the dress I was overcome with a mixture of absolute awe and relief. I had found it, it was everything I wanted and more.
I walked out of the change room to show my mom and she burst into tears. She had seen me in a few dresses before this one but she said the combination of excitement on my face and the way the dress looked on me brought her to tears.
It was such a wonderful experience.
How did you decide on the look and feel you wanted to have as a bride?
We had booked our venue first- we had our wedding in the bush. I wanted to compliment this natural and exquisite venue and so I was looking for a dress that was elegant and classic but the closer you got the detail stood out. My only real want was to have a beautiful train. And found exactly that.
I was very much guided by Wendy with regards to everything else. It just all fell into place – I had found my dress a whole 12 months before the wedding. How awesome is that!
What advice would you give future brides when it comes to wedding dress shopping?
Be true to yourself. It is the most magical day but don’t use this day to wear something completely out of your comfort zone. You want to be comfortable in your dress with no concerns because that will show on the day.
You will look exquisite and feel like a princess – just like I felt on the day.
