We say goodbye to winter with this gorgeous wedding by Claire Morgan. Vikki and Rudi, former Sharks centre, tied the knot this February in the Austrian Alps. Family and friends from all over the world headed to Saalbach-Hinterglemm in Salzburg for the celebration.

We just love all the pictures in the snow; it’s magical. Unfortunately you won’t be able to recreate this here! But these pictures are just so gorgeous and inspiring, and it makes me want to travel to Europe.

Vikki and Rudi currently live in the south of France. We wish you all the best.  Thank you for sharing your special day with us.

To say that Rudi is romantic, is a bit of an understatement. Tell us your love story.

We first laid eyes on each other at  the launch of a new coffee shop in Cape Town, no words were exchanged but we both noticed each other during the course of that evening. A few evenings later we were introduced at a drinks party. We spent that night together, dancing and laughing until the early hours of the morning, totally absorbed in each other. Being the gentleman that he is, Rudi then called to ask me out on a dinner date. We started off our date at the Mount Nelson Hotel’s Planet Bar, where I received a long stemmed rose with every cocktail! After aperitifs we proceeded to Radisson Sky Dining Room for our main meal.He planned every course at a different venue across Cape Town. We spent the night getting to know each other, discussing our past, friends, passions and dreams. The roses kept arriving with every course…It was so becoming ! We had a reservation for dessert at another restaurant, but were both so captivated, that we missed our booking. On arrival at my car, I noticed two dozen long stem red roses in the front seat. Rudi had managed to sneak out and place them in my car during the course of the evening….That night we exchanged our first kiss goodnight.

Rudi was playing rugby in the UK for Gloucester at that stage, so he had to leave South Africa. The night he was leaving I felt my heart sink and knew deep down he should not get onto that plane… After about 20 voice messages, and many tears later, longing to hear his voice, he had arrived in the UK and called me. That’s where it all began. Everyday we were texting and emailing throughout the day, and at night we spent hours on skype. This was a solid base to our relationship, building solid communication. It felt quite old fashioned, but right. After a month of being apart, he whisked me off to London to spend a memorable New Years eve with his closest friends & family. For Christmas gave me a stunning Swarovski necklace, as his father is of Austrian decent it was a very personal & heart felt gesture. He searched all shops leading up to NYE in London and had the matching earrings especially brought in to surprise me for my Greek name day, on the 1st of January. He was my Prince Charming.

And the engagement?

Within 6 months I left my job, sold my house and relocated to Manchester where Rudi started a new contract with Sale Sharks. And after 2 and a half years of spontaneous travels, and many life changing experiences together,he swept me off to a last minute surprise holiday. He even packed my bags! Until we got to the airport I had no idea where we were going, then Rudi raised his champagne glass and told me we were off to EGYPT. I was totally moved; I have always felt a connection with Egypt and its history and art.

Once we landed a personal concierge collected us from the airport and escorted us to the Luxurious Movenpick Hotel on the banks of the Nile. After a romantic evening, in a floating restaurant with a violinist, he told me not to unpack..?
The following morning we grabbed our bags and checked out, hiding all signs of our destination, we pulled up in front of the Oberoi Zahra- The Luxury Nile cruise liner. IT WAS BREATHTAKING!  Rudi had even arranged a personal Egyptologist to take us through all the tombs and temples, the experience was magical.

On our second night on the cruise we were still in the town of Aswan. We had all gone across to Elephant Island with Fluka’s ( boats powered only by wind), where we watched tribal dancing, smoked Shisha;s and drank cocktails enjoying the nights entertainment.  All this time Rudi was off with the tour guide in the souks( local market place), I anxiously awaited his return! During dinner he kept excusing himself saying he was not feeling well, and just before bed time he mentioned he had another surprise for me… At this stage, after just 3 nights, I was all surprised out, as he had arranged a surprise for me everyday for the entire 2 week trip.

He guided me into the spa area, where he had bought me an outfit of Queen Nefertari, my favourite Egyptian queen. He told me to put it on for photos on the deck. After dressing, he came to collect me in full Egyptian attire, I could not help but giggle… he closed my eyes and lead me into a private chamber. When I opened my eyes, the room was laden with rose petals, candles, champagne, traditional Egyptian music.. The view will be imprinted into my memory forever, we were moored across from a temple that was lit up, while the moonlight danced on the Nile. Rudi knelt down to one knee, where he presented me with a papyrus scroll with words of promise and commitment, he then proposed. I wept…

He said that I deserved to be proposed to for 7 days, and not just one so he he planned a surprise for me everyday of the cruise.

Tell us more about the wedding. Why did you choose Austria?

Our wedding day was planned to be set in Austria in honour of Rudi’s late father, and to bring our family & friends from all over the world to an unforgettable location. The celebrations lasted an entire week, from tobogganing, snow boarding, après ski, hens & bachelors nights to relaxed evenings together beside the fireplace.

What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?

I would have to say it was after the photos, before the reception, Rudi & I snuck up to our room and just lay with each other,all dressed up in total bliss and happiness! Thinking of how blessed we are to have such amazing friend and family, and so much love surrounding us… Taking photos in the snow with our friends & family after the ceremony was also very special. We were all wearing  snow boots under our dresses, we were laughing while snow flakes were softly falling all around us.

Any advise for planning their weddings at the moment?

Be present in the moments leading up to the day, it’s not about table cloths, bridesmaid dresses or cake. It’s about celebrating your love for each other.  On the day nothing else matters. It’s about waking up and loving each other everyday from then onward, be grateful for having someone to share this ride with.

What song did you choose for your opening dance?

Feels like home to me by Edwina Hayes