We are actually high school sweethearts. We first noticed each other in a class debate about eight years ago where we were ferociously opposed. I decided to take him on in a debate of which I didn’t even understand the topic! He, on the other hand, had read numerous books on it… Alas, I lost. Afterwards, as he gently explained it to me, I fell head over heels in love. We got to know each other a lot better on an exchange program in Germany and it was a done deal.

So how did he pop the question ? 

I knew he had bought the rings, but they were being restored in Cape Town and Petrus was working terrible hours, so I didn’t expect anything on the Wednesday evening he proposed. Then, my friend Monique called and said she had something to discuss. She sounded so worried, I immediately canceled Petrus and my date and went off with her. He organised with my mom to pack me an overnight bag which she had dropped off with my friend. Monique and I drove to the nature reserve, where he was waiting, flowers and picnic  basket in hand. We drove all the way to a secluded beach at Rooiels, where he proposed by candle light under the full moon. He arranged with a chef at a restaurant to stay late, so afterwards we had a lovely meal.

What  were the highlights of your wedding day?

The very special service done by my uncle and the marriage ceremony by my grandfather- who also christened me when I was 27 days old! Of course Petrus’s speech had all our guests in tears…

Any advice for brides-to-be?

Involve everyone- make it a special family affair filled with laughter and fun.  Include everything that you as a couple love.

Where did you get most of your ideas and inspiration from?

I love arts and crafts, so I dove into all my art journals I have been making since early high school and just brainstormed with my mom.

Any time saving or organising tips?

Write everything in the same book- till slips and random pieces of paper with important information on- is not the way to go.

Any hints for other brides on how to keep your wedding budget friendly? 

One word: Handmade!

Were any of your family members or friends involved in the wedding and what were their contributions?

EVERYONE was involved- my friends had to cut out 4000 fabric flags- and then stitch them, mosaics, my mother made us a wedding quilt, mother-in-law made all the cookies and tablespreads, the grandmas did the wedding cake and ‘poedingtafel’, my dad and Petrus built the sail, my sister was in charge of admin, her boyfriend soldered and made all the fairylights- it was a family affair!

Did your wedding preparations include any DIY projects?

Close to everything was handmade. I took a metal smith course, and made Petrus’ wedding ring, cufflinks for him, my dad and brother, flying bird rings for all the grandmothers, mothers and bridesmaids, embroidered pins for all the involved, ribbon and measure tape brooches for all the female guests and shortbread packets for all the men. We had the 400m of bunting, handmade and printed placemats, the extensive poedingtafel and handmade ‘outydse’ wedding cake- my grandma had all her days with me to get those roses right!

How does your wedding reflect your personalities?

It’s fun, fresh and creative.

What are you looking forward to now that you are married? What’s next for you as a couple?

We are loving the married life and changing our apartment into our dream home is a wonderful process- Petrus pulls out the drill on a weekly basis!