- LIESL & NORMAN
Date: 7 NOVEMBER 2009
Theme: UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE AT THE BAY HOTEL – CAMPS BAY
Just when you think that your perfect someone is not out there anymore, destiny throws a surprise at you that changes your future forever. This is how it was for Liesl and Norman who met unexpectedly at a cocktail lounge in Cape Town. One-hundred and thirteen roses later, a lunch that lasted from 12nm to 8pm, and a sms saying... “wag tot ek jou hart steel” from Norman, it was clear that they were meant to be together.
They were getting ready to go away for the weekend to celebrate Liesl’s brother’s birthday. Liesl was, on a Saturday morning outing, enjoying her monthly pamper session of a pedicure and manicure. Norman regularly called to find out when she intended coming home. Norman had originally planned a dramatic proposal, but Liesl’s tardiness and making full use of her “me time” provided the ideal opportunity for a very personal, meaningful proposal. Norman surprised Liesl with a ring that he had been perfecting for 6 months with the jeweler. Norman went down on one knee and asked Liesl to spend the rest of her life with him. The moment, overwhelmed with emotion and love resulted in tears flowing, loving embraces and Liesl shouting a big ‘YES’.
With happy hearts and thoughts of spending a lifetime together, smses of congratulations and well wishes started pouring in. Already chilled champagne was waiting at the home of Liesl’s parents in Plattekloof, to toast this promise of eternal love to each other.
The wedding was held at The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay on 7 November 2009. Guests were escorted and seated in the Ceremony Venue with the exquisite fire place feature, where a white screen with 2 elegant flower arrangements lit up by mirror and gentle lighting at the front, creating a chic backdrop for the nuptials, accompanied by the Hungarian Trio playing soft classical music.
Liesl entered looking like the perfect princess in a white Paul van Zyl gown, encrusted with Swarovski crystals and diamante beads, and glided down the aisle to her eager, stylish Groom. She recalls not walking slowly as she was being dragged by her emotional father who probably wanted to get to the alter so that he could cry in peace.
The ceremony was nothing short of a fairytale, a dramatic start to the rest of their lives together. Liesl and Norman had a very specific manner in which the ceremony had to be performed. The minister, Ds Gert Painter, was personally asked to conduct the ceremony as him and his wife Mollie has very close ties with Liesl’s Family. It was important for them, that the message from the Minister not only speak to them as the couple getting married, but also to guests who are also married or friends in relationships. The purpose was to make them fall in love all over again. This purpose was served and, after the wedding, guests said that they viewed their spouses and partners with more love and admiration than when they had woken up that morning.
After the ceremony guests enjoyed delicious hot and cold canapés at the
Sandy B deck, with the spectacular views of the ocean, while sipping on
ice cold glasses of champagne, and whiskey on the rocks for the gents.
Being serenaded by the Hungarian Trio, Liesl and Norman walked into a
room filled with bubbles, clapping and crying. The subtle glow of
candles, aromatic white roses and the sound of people enjoying
themselves provided the room with the romantic, classic atmosphere which
the couple were looking for.
Guests were then escorted and seated in the elegant and stylishly decorated Rotunda. Liesl and Norman finally arrived and took their places, as Mr. and Mrs. Smith, for the first time, at the main table, seated with their parents. As the merriment continued, Goat’s milk cheese tartlets were served as starters, followed by Lemon sorbet. Main course comprised of Lavender glazed rump of lamb with herbed basmati rice and sautéed vegetables, and the meal was completed with the decadent trilogy of chocolate; a pistachio and chocolate brownie, served with white chocolate ice cream, and dark chocolate mousse. Coffee was served with personalised chocolates, and the cuisine was concluded with Cheese platters, offering an array of South African cheeses and preserves, washed down with specially selected wine from Warwick, Rupert & Rothschild and Durbanville Hills wine estates.
With the wedding customs concluded, guests took to the dance floor and continued to celebrate the night away. The evening ended in a jovial mood with many laughs and exceptional moments being shared with family, friends and colleagues.
The newlyweds describe their experience of their wedding day as magical. “The venue and decor, was perfect and incredibly romantic. Every detail was just the way we envisioned it, to reflect our love and commitment made to each other and sharing this amazing day with friends and family.”
“We had the most amazing wedding and it would not have been possible without the support of our amazing team of service providers. If it was not for Hester Smit of Camps Bay Events, I would have had a nervous breakdown. We all were so calm on the day and everyone commented on how well organized the wedding was from beginning to end. This was because of you Hester, thank you! Also, to Nadine from Theme Creations, for creating our fairytale setting, she is so talented, and blew everyone away with her vision and passion for what she does! Esther, for our stunning photo's and going above and beyond for us...WOW...you blew us away. Vicky and John Goslin, for capturing every moment for us, I have no words to describe your support and professionalism, your reputation speaks for itself, thank you! Wade, for our delectable cake and petit fours...yum! Paul, thank you to you and your fabulous team for making my spectacular wedding gown and making me look like the princess that I felt like. A very special Thank you to Liesl’s parents. Your generous budget and ‘only the best for our little girl’’ attitude made our day special and we were glad to be able to share that with our friends and family. Thank you to everyone who made our wedding an event that people are still talking about and the perfect celebration for Norman and I to begin our married life together!”
Tips for brides-to-be!:
Spend more money on the things that really count, like the brides dress, food, photographer and videographer. Although a cake is a feature, don’t spend obscene amounts of money on something which you are going to end up taking home and eating for the next 3 months.
Relax, everything will come together to unveil the most spectacular day of your life.
Enjoy your day. It goes by so quickly, so it’s important to take the time and enjoy the magnitude of the day.
How has married life been so far:
Married life has been fabulous. I love being a wife and taking care of my husband. To wake up every morning next to the man that I love, and knowing that I get to do that for the rest of my life is the most amazing feeling.
Recommended suppliers :
Venue: THE BAY HOTEL – www.campsbayevents.com
Co-Ordinator: HESTER SMIT – manager@campsbayevents.com
Photographer: ESTHER REID - www.exquisiteproductions.co.za
Videographer: VICKY GOSLIN - www.vickygoslinproductions.co.za
Dress: PAUL VAN ZYL COUTURE - www.paulvanzyl.co.za
Jeweller: JACK FRIEDMAN - capetown@jackfriedman.co.za
Hair: CANDICE-LEIGH ARNOTT - info@candiceleigh.co.za
Invitations: ELSJE DESIGNS - www.elsjedesigns.co.za
Décor/Flowers: THEME CREATIONS - www.themecreations.co.za
Music: KOBUS NIEUWHOUT
Wedding Cake: WADE’S CAKES - www.wadescakes.co.za
Chocolates: Chocolate Graphics - www.chocolategraphics.co.za
- SACHA & JOHAN
- The wedding invitation
Venue: Lombardy Estate
The engagement
It was the end of a long week; I arrived home to be greeted by my boyfriend and a bottle of Champagne. I found it a bit strange but hey a girl never needs a reason to drink Champagne! My suspicions were alerted however when he proceeded to blindfold me and lead me upstairs.
He removed my blindfold to reveal the most spectacular sight. A thousand red roses! The most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. Aside from the gorgeous ring he produced when he bent down on one knee and asked me if I would be his wife. I was ecstatic but also in complete shock.
The Wedding
After only a couple of months of planning the big day had arrived! Much to my surprise I awoke that morning after a peaceful night's sleep. Very much in converse to the rollercoaster ride I'd experienced leading up to the wedding, plenty of drama, laughter, excitement and of course, tears. We knew exactly what we wanted in terms of the theme of the wedding, so we did the decor ourselves.
The morning of the wedding was spent frantically running around making sure our venue, Lombardy estate, looked perfect before the guests arrived. Then it was time for our big moment. I walked down the aisle, with butterflies in my stomach on the arm of my very proud father who shook a very nervous looking groom's hand.
Suppliers:
VIDEOGRAPHY - Frans Du Plessis www.frans.co.za (not the greatest website,but an awesome video)
WEDDING STYLIN & DECOR - Once upon a party - www.onceuponaparty.co.za
FLORIST - Fresh Look natural creations - Sanja 083 261 8790
CAKE - Gerda Jacobs - www.gerdajacobs.co.za ( The best carrot cake I have ever eaten)
____________________________________________________________________________________
LEIGH & CHARL
Wedding Date: 11 October 2008
Wedding Venue: The Secret Garden, Pietermaritzburg (www.secretgarden.co.za)
- Cake
Our engagement story
Well, the year we got engaged (2006) we were together for 7.5 years and living together for 4. It was my 23rd birthday and the whole day, Charl sms’ed and mms’ed me the cutest messages. It was so sweet. We went to his gran’s house for supper. She nearly gave away the whole surprise. We were watching EGOLI just after supper and she told us about this couple that got engaged on a plane and then the plane crashed. She said the ring fell out the plane and all the passengers died. The next thing I know, Charl asked if I had enough airtime on my phone. I asked him why and he said because you will have to phone your family, while putting his hand in his pocket to get the ring. I then said to him: “Don’t do this to me.” Because I thought he was joking. He then said ok, if I don’t want to marry him, then he’ll just keep the ring. Of course I said I did and he gave me my beautiful ring. I immediately started phoning my parents and sisters. It was a very special evening.
- Decor
It all started at 5.20 on Saturday morning. We got up and my stunning bridesmaids ran a bath for me. Afterwards my sister started with my nails. I had a very nice surprise at 8.00. My bridesmaids had arranged a breakfast with all the ladies attending my wedding. It was very nice to be able to chat to all of them. This was arranged instead of a kitchen tea. After a stunning breakfast, we left to go to the hairdresser, which took longer than we had expected and when we arrived back to the B&B, the photographer was already waiting for me. I started panicking because I was running late. My sister did my make-up and I loved it. It looked so nice and natural. Then I got dressed. A couple of tense moments where I was in tears and smudged my make-up, but my sister was at hand to repair the damage.
The photographer took some beautiful photos of me and my bridesmaids. Then we were ready to go. PANIC: I couldn't find my garter. Almost forgot to put it on. Off to the chapel to meet my love.
- Arriving at the Ceremony
- Here comes the bride!!!
- Kiss the bride
- Charl & Leigh
- First Dance
The rest of our evening was filled with lots of laughter. Our guests enjoyed the food, had LOTS to drink and were on the dance floor most of the time. We had the best time ever. The funniest thing, and one of the most special, was that we were the designated drivers and had to cart our very drunk family home, putting them all to bed (or at least helping them take their underwear of and getting them into a shower) before putting ourselves to bed. But this was excellent. We were in giggles for about an hour afterwards.
Tips for brides-to-be:
Before you leave for the ceremony, take some time to yourself.
Accept that there will be problems and high emotions on the day. Make sure you have someone level headed to deal with the problems and take lots of RESCUE. LOL.
Take some time at the reception for you and hubby. Take in the atmosphere and enjoy how much fun everyone is having.
How has married life been so far: I must say, not much different. Accept that we talk about stuff more often, like planning our finances and stuff. I am really enjoying TTCing though. LOL.
Recommended suppliers
Venue: The Secret Garden (www.secretgarden.co.za)
Everyone still comments on how great the food was. The venue is beautiful.
Photographer & Videographer: Zhark & Nelene le Roux (husband and wife)
They were excellent. My album is stunning, I have all the photos on CV and every time I watch my DVD I cry. They added the perfect songs to the “video”. This just makes it more special. Unfortunately they did their last wedding shoot 3 weeks after our wedding. They are now working for God and spreading his love and message to everyone. They are wonderful people.
DJ: Eddie Peddle (Steady Eddie) (soundzone@telkomsa.net, eddie@soundzonekzn.co.za, www.soundzonekzn.co.za)
He kept our guests on their feet all night. Everyone had so much fun. We played exactly what we wanted to hear. His wife helped so much with getting everyone ready when they were needed. Also very special people.
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