Where and how did you meet?

We met four years ago when I was doing a work presentation but nothing ever came of it. After our initial meeting, Desmond was moved into my immediate team by our company. Even so, our relationship remained platonic until November 2012. Then our relationship transformed from professional to highly personal!

 

How did he propose?

Desmond’s initial wedding proposal had to be rescheduled; the ring was not ready at the time. As a result he had to make some compromises on the final day. He made me pack a bag without a word as to what he was up to, but I suspected he had the ring. We both got dressed up in our evening wear and he took me to a surprise destination – Signature, where we had our first date. I didn’t know if he was going to propose or not and couldn’t wait any more, so I just asked him. He told me he didn’t bring the ring because his plan didn’t pan out the way he wanted it to. But when I turned around he was on one knee. I cannot even remember what he said because I was so overwhelmed and happy.

 

Please tell us shortly about your wedding day.

We didn’t want a ‘traditional’ wedding. We wanted to be sure our wedding was a reflection of who we are, and we wanted to really connect with everyone there. We both love the energy and passion of the city, so when we saw Randlords, we simply knew that that was where we were going to host our reception. Rhema, our spiritual home, was where the ceremony was held. We also chose to have a small wedding with only close friends and family, and had to convince our families to buy into the idea of only 80 guests. And thankfully they did. We both wanted simple, clean lines at the wedding: from the cake to the table settings it had to be classy. Even though there were one or two glitches on the day (my wedding car didn’t arrive so my dad had to drive me in Desmond’s car) everything was exactly what we had wanted it to be and we got the experience we both wanted. I can honestly say that we thoroughly enjoyed our wedding – the perfect way to start the marriage we wanted to create.

 

If you could change one thing about your wedding day, what would it be?

I would have loved Desmond’s late dad to have been there to witness our day, but his mom presented us with an incredible portrait of his dad on the day, which simply added another unforgettable touch to an already incredible day.

 

What was the highlight of your day?

Our vows – they were not the standard rehearsed vows and each of our vows were different. Our pastor combined everything we had said we wanted our marriage to be about and ensured that we committed to it on our special day, which really made it unique and special for us.

 

How did it feel to finally stand next to each other as husband and wife?

I felt, and still feel, like the luckiest woman alive and he treats me like a precious gift every day.

 

Where did you go on honeymoon?

We had our traditional wedding the next day. And two days later we flew off to Madrid, Spain, followed by Barcelona and then Lisbon, Portugal, followed by a week at the beach in The Algarve, Portugal. The honeymoon was an amazing way to wind down, enjoy each other and get ready for the reality that awaited us at home.

 

What advice would you give to a soon-to-be bride?

Remember the wedding day is one day – your marriage has to last a lifetime. Make this day a symbol of what you’d like you life together to be about. Don’t forget this is not just about you, it’s about the man you are about to make your husband and it’s about your families becoming one.

 

Photography On Air Entertainment

Contact Leander 082 782 8718 | www.onairentertainment.co.za

 

Wedding management and design Corinne Makoka

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Wedding coordinator Corinne Makoka

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Venue Randlords

Contact www.randlords.co.za

 

Wedding gown Michelangela Boutique

Contact www.michelangela.co.za

 

Cake Annica’s Deli

Contact www.annicas.co.za