Innholdsfortegnelse for You Weddings 2016 i You Weddings

COUPLE: Bianca Le Grange and David Johnson VENUE: Zorgvliet Wine Estate, Stellenbosch BUDGET: R320 000 GUESTS: 240 A Stellenbosch wine farm set against the Helshoogte Pass with stunning views over the Boland was the perfect backdrop the day singer Bianca Le Grange (34) married actor, writer and director David Johnson (35). The pair first met at the Ghoema Awards in 2012, began dating late in 2014 and it wasn’t long before the couple were married in front of family and friends on the gorgeous grounds. But the day was not without drama – hours before the wedding ceremony the couple went to a mall in Stellenbosch to buy a few lastminute items. But they lost each other among all the shoppers and Bianca ended up leaving David behind at the…

COUPLE: Hlubi Mboya and Kirsten Arnold VENUE: Hlubi’s parents’ home, Pretoria BUDGET: Not available GUESTS: 250 It was a fabulous fusion fest – a traditional Xhosa wedding with a Scottish spin as the bride and groom made every effort to honour each other’s heritage on their special day. “I love this guy. He’s my best friend,” actress Hlubi (38) gushes about Kirsten (37), a financial consultant. The couple have been together for just over 15 years and Kirsten’s best man, Dirk Fourie, loves telling the story of how the groom had been smitten with the TV star since seeing her on the soapie Isidingo. “Every time she was on, Kirsten would ask me to lower my volume and up her volume!” Dirk says. Hlubi says she and Kirsten, who enjoyed…

COUPLE: Michelle Gildenhuys and Emo Adams VENUE: Ashanti Estate, Paarl BUDGET: Not available GUESTS: 80 Nine years after they first met and fell in love, Afrikaans singer, comedian and TV star Emo Adams and Michelle Gildenhuys, a model and entrepreneur, exchanged wedding vows. To honour each other’s faiths, the bride, a Christian, and Emo, a Muslim, held two wedding ceremonies. Hours before their lavish wedding ceremony and reception at Ashanti Estate, at the foot of the picturesque Klein-Drakenstein in Paarl Valley, Emo (37) and Michelle (28) had already tied the knot in a Muslim ceremony in Cape Town. Emo was blown away at the sight of his bride in her gorgeous Diaan Daniels gown. “When I saw her in this dress, I thought ‘Damn, bliksem, I am so blessed and…

COUPLE: Kelly Mac Lachlan and Tyrone Davies VENUE: Tsitsikamma, near Witelsbos (between Plettenberg Bay and Humansdorp) BUDGET: About R60 000 GUESTS: 11 It was pouring with rain as they travelled from Plettenberg Bay to their wedding ceremony in a Tsitsikamma forest. But the gloomy weather turned out to work in their favour – once it stopped raining the cloudy sky created a magical, romantic atmosphere for their special day, which Kelly (27) said they wanted to be simple, practical, unique and raw. Kelly, a physiotherapist, met Tyrone (29), a construction planner, in 2007 while visiting Madagascar, where he worked. After eight years together (including a five-year longdistance stint) the Port Alfred couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony along the Garden Route. And it was unique – the reception…

COUPLE: Anja Pieters and Josua van Zyl VENUE: Roodezand Farm, Tulbagh BUDGET: R120 000 GUESTS: 80 After meeting though mutual friends, Cape Town couple Anja (31), a designer, and Josua (33), an industrial broker, dated for about six years and things were getting serious, the bride says. But she had no idea if and when Josua would pop the question. So his proposal was a surprise and eclipsed her wildest dreams. “We were on holiday in New York City in 2013 and decided to take a little boat out on a lake in Central Park. Not suspecting a thing (in fact, I was giving him a hard time about his rowing skills), he dropped onto both knees in the boat, which nearly tipped over, and asked me to spend the…

COUPLE: Pippa Stewart and Max Lund VENUE: The Glades, KwaZulu-Natal BUDGET: R300 000 GUESTS: 180 After six years together, events planner Pippa (30) and wine sales manager Max (32) had a special weekend-long wedding celebration with friends and family. The Cape Town-based couple wanted a bright bohemian wedding festival at their chosen venue, The Glades in the KZN Midlands, and opted for greenery with rustic, but modern touches to fit in with the theme. The ceremony was held under the towering trees in a forest and they decorated the lawn outside the reception venue with carpets and old furniture. The couple built stalls serving refreshments – everything from coffee to craft beer. “The entire day had a relaxed feeling, it was fun and playful and people felt happy,” Pippa says.…

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12 MONTHS • Set a date for your wedding and decide on a theme. • Draw up a budget and decide who will pay for what – see our useful budget guide on the opposite page. • Book venue and marriage official. • Gather ideas using a Pinterest board, scrapbook or file. 11 MONTHS • Draw up a preliminary guest list. • If using one, book a wedding planner. • Get quotes from service suppliers. 10-9 MONTHS • Finalise your guest list. • Begin looking for your wedding dress or having it designed. • Pick the bridesmaids and groomsmen, talk to them about their duties and plan their outfits. Decide if you are having flower girls and ring bearers and finalise their outfits. • Book a caterer, photographer, florist, wedding…

Diaan Daniels BRIDAL ATTIRE AND FASHION DESIGNER Many a local celeb has tied the knot wearing a custommade Diaan Daniels gown. And there’s no slowing down this Joburg-based designer who has created the outfits for more than 10 Top Billingfeatured weddings – he’s just launched his ready-to-wear bridal label, Devoted Collection, locally and internationally and presents My Droomtrourok, a reality series on the DStv channel VIA. www.diaan.co.za Kgomotso Ndungane WEDDING PLANNER Kgomotso studied and worked in IT, but after planning her wedding to rugby star Odwa Ndungane in 2012, she sold her IT firm to plan weddings, starting Oak Celebrations in Durban. High-profile weddings she’s planned include those of deputy minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries Bheki Cele and our cover couple, Lwazi and Stephanie Mvovo (page 8). www.oakcelebrations.com Erlo…

COUPLE: Bailey Schneider and Socrates (DJ Sox) Georgiades VENUE: Elandskloof Farm, Greyton BUDGET: Not available GUESTS: 150 Family and friends flew in from all over – Greece, Switzerland, London, Los Angeles and Zimbabwe – to witness the union between media personality Bailey (33) and Socrates (43), a professional DJ. A lavish Greek church ceremony was followed by an English ceremony and reception in Greyton the next day. “We had traditional Greek dancing, smashed 1 000 plates and burned whisky – it was incredible,” Bailey says about the reception which continued until 5 am the next day. “It was a highlight to have all our friends and family in one room to celebrate with us,” she says. “The energy was tangible and you could feel the love.” “Words cannot describe how…

COUPLE: Semone Ramsing and Courtnall Skosan VENUE: Monte de Dios, Pretoria BUDGET: Not available GUESTS: 73 They met through mutual friends four years before their wedding and, after just a single conversation that day, knew they were destined to be together. “Things happened to work out perfectly for us to have built a relationship we are willing to take into eternity,” the Lions rugby star (24) says about Semone (25), a sales and PR professional and third-year industrial and organisational psychology student. The Johannesburg couple wed after a threemonth engagement. “We were both at a place where we knew what we were looking for and weren’t going to settle for anything less than the best that God had for us,” Courtnall says. His favourite parts of the day? “To have…

COUPLE: Vanessa Bell and Craig Madigan VENUE: Webersburg Wine Estate, Stellenbosch BUDGET: R600 000 GUESTS: 110 Almost three years after they met on a wine tour with mutual friends in Stellenbosch, Craig and Vanessa, both 34, returned to the winelands to wed. Vanessa, an attorney from the Eastern Cape, and Craig, a state manager from Sydney, Australia (where they now live), say they wanted a day filled with fun and good food and wine. The bride’s father, Rod, walked her down the aisle to Higher Love by James Vincent Mc-Morrow – the bridal couple’s favourite song. Vanessa and Craig then exchanged their personal and emotional vows. “I love you. Very simply, very truly,” Craig told her. “I am forever changed because of who you are and what you mean to…

COUPLE: Danielle Fortune and Bradley Habana VENUE: Ashanti Estate, Paarl BUDGET: Not available GUESTS: 150 The vintage and French-inspired day was bride Danielle’s “fairy tale wedding come true”. Danielle met Brad (37) four years ago when he worked for the Springbok Supporters’ Club and she worked for the Newlands Supporters’ Club. They were friends for a year before they began dating, says Danielle (29). The couple, who now live in Qatar in Southwest Asia where Brad works as a sponsorship specialist, come from sporting families – he’s rugby star Bryan Habana’s older brother and she’s the daughter of former provincial cricketer Neil Fortune. “My father walking me down the aisle was emotional for me – I’m a real daddy’s girl!” she says. “And Brad shed a tear when Isabella (their…

COUPLE: Jani Steenkamp and Petri Cronjé VENUE: The Rose Pavilion, Plettenberg Bay BUDGET: Not available GUESTS: 120 After a spectacular proposal, it was a given that their wedding would be special. Jani (23), a law student, and Petri (26), a 4x4 tour operator, got engaged while on holiday at Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River. “Petri knew I wasn’t one for a traditional proposal,” Jani says. “He popped the question while we were doing a tandem jump – we were midair, surrounded by beautiful rainbows and the sound of thundering water. This man clearly knows how to sweep me off my feet!” she says. For their wedding, the adventurous couple wanted to incorporate elements of everything they hold near and dear and share them with their loved ones. “I love…

R10 000 AND UNDER Tip Bling hair accessories and flower coronets instead of tiaras are on-trend. Tip A V-neckline with a detailed bodice is a showstopper and a good look for the reception. UNDER R15 000 Tip A mix of lace and chiffon makes for an elegant, modern look. Tip If your dress has a lot of detail, wear one or two simple, but statement accessories. UNDER R20 000 Tip V-necklines, drop waists and A-line cuts are great options for plussize figures. Tip Beautiful fabrics that make for stunning drapery can flatter any figure. UNDER R25 000 Tip Transparent details are very trendy, especially on the lower back. Tip To really show off your shoes, opt for a pretty three-quarter dress. R25 000 AND UP STOCKISTS: ACCESSORIZE 021-447-7718, ANELLA WEDDING…

COUPLE: Stephanie Olyn and Lwazi Mvovo VENUE: Netherwood Farm, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands BUDGET: Not available GUESTS: 180 Eight years after Lwazi met Stephanie and instantly fell in love, the Springbok rugby star married the love of his life and mother of their two daughters, Esihle (4) and Lwando (1). The couple celebrated their union on a misty day in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Business studies student Stephanie (28) chose the theme of 1950s-inspired Hollywood glamour and it was indeed an elegant celebration with a beautiful mix of antiques and modern elements. When Lwazi (30) saw his stunning bride enter the venue chapel he had a broad smile on his face. And the bride says, “I can’t imagine a happily-ever-after without him and our two girls. I felt like the happiest woman in…

COUPLE: Juliana Vasconcelos and Janez Vermeiren VENUE: Groom’s parents’ home, Constantia Valley BUDGET: R150 000 GUESTS: 40 Many couples take months, sometimes a year or more, to plan their perfect wedding. TV presenter Janez Vermeiren (38) and model Juliana Vasconcelos (28) planned theirs in a week. They scheduled their wedding for January 2016 but when they found out Juliana was pregnant with their second child, they decided to postpone it. However, they forgot to tell some of their overseas guests and when they realised friends from Australia were still on their way to South Africa for the wedding, they decided to just go ahead with their nuptials on the original date! And they wouldn’t have had it any other way. “I don’t like being the centre of attention,” Juliana says,…

COUPLE: Roxy Burger and Neil Shraga VENUE: Forest Hall Estate, Plettenberg Bay BUDGET: Not available GUESTS: 135 After eight years together, TV presenter and celebrity blogger Roxy (29) and IT director Neil (32) celebrated their union in Plettenberg Bay. “We met at high school, so I guess you can say we are high school sweethearts,” Roxy says. “But we only began dating when I was at university.” The ceremony, held at a 150-year-old manor house, was officiated by Roxy’s close friend and one of the bridesmaids, Selae Thobakgale, who shared a touching message, “Today Roxy and Neil are doing something amazing. It is pure, it is beautiful, it is miraculous, it is love, it is a celebration of love,” Selae said. Roxy’s musician father, Basie Burger, played the guitar while…

COUPLE: Sanana Mubebo and Lerato Mogale VENUE: Oakfield Farm, Muldersdrift, Johannesburg BUDGET: R150 000 GUESTS: 120 When Sanana (29) and Lerato (31) saw the chapel at the Oakfield Farm venue in Muldersdrift, they knew immediately this was the spot for their wedding. “It had a lot of natural light and the garden was lush and beautiful. We fell in love with it,” says the bride, who originally hails from Zambia. And the day was indeed perfect for the Cape Town couple who met on a church retreat in 2011. “Standing in front of the altar, nervously waiting for her and then seeing her enter with her mother, was one of the most memorable parts of the day for me,” says Lerato, who is from Soweto. They chose the wedding date…

COUPLE: Hayley Harker and Davino Lazarus VENUE: Tokara Wine and Olive Farm, Stellenbosch BUDGET: R70 000 GUESTS: 76 When Hayley (28) moved from Cape Town to East London to complete her internship year as a doctor, she just wanted to “serve her time” and return home. But then she met Davino (32), a financial advisor. “I was attracted to how selfless he was, how much fun he was to be around and how safe and special he made me feel,” she says. Needless to say, she still lives in East London, but they chose to have their wedding in Cape Town, close to her family. After the ceremony at Eben-Haëzer Chapel in Paarl, the couple had an intimate reception on a wine farm in Stellenbosch. They stumbled upon the venue…

COUPLE: Anele Mtetwa and Noah Nyawo VENUE: Oliver’s Restaurant and Lodge, White River, Mpumalanga BUDGET: R290 000 GUESTS: 110 She’s always loved the idea of a glitzy yet vintage wedding, incorporating her favourite colour, gold. And that’s exactly what Anele (24) got when she wed her high school sweetheart, Noah (28), in a gorgeous affair in White River, Mpumalanga. After seven years of dating, the KwaZulu-Natal couple got engaged two years ago, on Anele’s birthday. She was pregnant with their now one-year-old daughter, Thandolwethu, at the time. “I was six months pregnant and my hormones were raging when he arrived home late that day,” she says. “But he brought lots of chocolates (my biggest pregnancy craving) and before I could say a word, he was down on one knee, presenting…

COUPLE: Hayley De Vantier and Robin Nixon VENUE: Rockhaven Farm, Elgin BUDGET: Not available GUESTS: 90 Four years after their office romance blossomed over coffee chats at a Cape Town advertising agency, photographer Hayley (29) and Robin (32), an advertising strategist, got engaged while on a trip to the Wilderness. “We were walking on the beach at sunset when Robin dropped back. I turned to see where he was and he was down on one knee holding a beautiful red box,” she says. In the box was a ring with an oval cut ruby set in a halo of diamonds. “Very similar to Princess Di’s,” she says. “He kept it simple and sweet and asked me if I would be his wife. I said yes and immediately popped the ring…

Tip If it’s part of your dessert table, let your wedding cake take centre stage on a cake stand. THERE are few things as synonymous with weddings as cake. Those majestic tiers, intricate details, rich sponge in decadent flavours and creamy filling – it makes one happy just thinking about it. The opportunity to have your perfect cake usually only comes once in a lifetime so it’s important to know how to get exactly what you want. Ideally cakes should be ordered a year in advance and no later than three months before your wedding. Begin your search by asking for recommendations from friends and family with similar taste to yours. If you don’t find the perfect cake, go through the portfolios of bakers online or in magazines such as…