Tell us about your proposal: We woke up on a Saturday morning, with no plans for the day. We went out for breakfast at our favourite Italian deli down the road, where Yuri told me he had booked a surprise weekend away for us at the beautiful Babylonstoren farm in Franschhoek winelands. We enjoyed an amazing couple’s massage at their spa and wallowed around the swimming pool for a few hours. On our way back to our hotel room after having lunch at the restaurant, Yuri said he had heard about a little boathouse somewhere on the estate and wanted to go explore. We asked the staff if we could use one of their golf carts, and off we went to explore. When we arrived at the lake and could see the boathouse from afar, I noticed there were white balloons and umbrellas set up outside. I told Yuri to turn around as someone was clearly having a private party and I didn’t want us to intrude, but he insisted we go and take a look. We parked outside and got out to admire the view when I saw beautiful bunting that spelled out “marry me” hanging from the top of the boathouse. (My brother and sister-in-law had driven out to the boathouse while we were inside the spa to set everything up!) When I turned around there he was with a little black box and before I knew it I had a beautiful ring on my finger! We drank champagne on the little blanket that had been set up on the wooden floors, and went for a paddle on the lake to watch the sunset.
What advise would you give out to a couple planning their wedding? It can be easy to get wrapped up in wedding fever! But always keep the bigger picture in mind: It’s a day that celebrates your love for each other. Don’t allow silly things to stress you out, or other people to tell you how your wedding day ‘should’ be ééò It’s a reflection of who you are as a couple, not anyone else. Most of all, have FUN planning your wedding because it’s a very special and exciting time that will bring you even closer together.
Most memorable moment? When I woke up on the morning of our wedding day and jumped into my parents’ bed (just like the old days like when I was a little girl!) and the three of us drank hot coffee, talked about the day ahead, and listened to the pouring rain outside. Walking down the aisle with my dad to “Somewhere over the rainbow” playing and I’ll never forget the sight of my handsome groom waiting for me at the end of the aisle! After having our couple shoot (after the ceremony) our photographer gave us 10 minutes alone together on the wooden deck by the lake, while she made her way up to the reception hall where our guests were waiting to welcome us. The sun had just set and we spent a few quiet minutes together and actually take-in everything around us, and everything that had just happened. It was so special to spend this time alone together, as the rest of the evening was just one big party with our friends and family!
