You said yes ...

My beautiful sister tied the knot with her soul mate at Zevenwacht wine estate this March. Their fairytale wedding and evident love for each other inspired me to write about weddings this month. No longer a one day affair, the occasion started the Friday before the big day when my mother, sister and I spent a luxurious day at Mangwanani Spa (situated on the grounds of Zevenwacht, overlooking the city). What better way for a bride to spend the day before her wedding sipping champagne in a jacuzzi and being pampered. As the sun rose on a perfect and wind free day in Cape Town, the preparations for the big day started. Brothers, sisters, family, friends, caterers, event organisers, all ready to play their role. Of course a wedding would not be a wedding without the crazy, chaotic, happy blend of all these people. Before we knew it, the beautiful bride was gliding (father by side) down the aisle, bringing tears to eyes of the special group invited to share in their extraordinary day.

The ceremony was set in a charming lush green garden overlooking a beautiful pond. After personalised vows, I do’s and the kiss, guests were enthused to the reception area. Imagine snow white entering a mystical world after being out in a lush green forest. Contemporary with traditional and a hint of dazzle was the evident theme. The reception was amazingly decorated in warm and bright reds with hints of glitter and sassy black. The beautifully made tables displaying vibrant menus on striking stationary and the table numbers a unique picture frame of the happy couple drawing numbers in the sand on Melkbos beach, the famous Table Mountain in the background. Next to the unique table numbers guests could find glitzy silver pen’s to write their messages to the couple on the back of the pictures.

The menu displayed an outstanding series of delectable dishes. As far as weddings go, the formalities all took place in style interlaced with heaps of fun and concluded flawlessly with the wedding cake. The three tiered beauty sat, waiting patiently on its throne. Guests looked on as the knife moved smoothly down through the heavenly chocolate cake, filled with Belgium chocolate mousse layers, enrobed in a white chocolate ganache. Dark chocolate ganache dripping off the sides and adding to the bright red roses decorating its beauty. From the reception down to the food and gorgeous presentation, their wedding was a fairytale that has left a lasting impression, a day they will talk about for years and years to come.

For my beautiful sister and new brother in law I would like to wish the very best. May you always be as happy as you are now, and may your love for each other grow with each passing day.

And to the future brides out there. Many things come to play in planning this momentous day. It is a wonderful feeling when it all comes together and falls into place. Nonetheless, putting together the wedding of your dreams, will take time and careful planning. I have spoken to many people and can speak from experience when I say that a wedding can be stressful and tough to bring together not only two separate identities but also two separate set of ideas and desires of the perfect day. Especially if you want a romantic intimate brunch of 40 guests and your partner’s ideal wedding is that of a raucous party of 250 guests. The most important thing is to work together as a couple. Few couples realise what a special and important process and a precious lesson a wedding can be to them. Your wedding is about who you are together and this is exciting! Share your ideas, register different responses, look for a way to combine them and most importantly enjoy being together.

With so much inspiration in books, catalogues, websites and stores, planning your ideal day becomes an innovative and exciting project. For the budget stricken and experimental adding as many DIY details to your day will save you money and make your wedding unique. Introduce your own personal style starting with the flowers and colours and the dress which will then be carried right through to the themed menus and signature cocktails.

Weddings also offer a fantastic opportunity to spend time with loved ones, especially those who live far away. This brings me back to weddings no longer being a one day affair. Dinner parties before the big day and day after celebrations with breakfasts et cetera are fast becoming the norm. Couples no longer want one day, but choose to spend this special time getting together with family and friends they don’t get to see often. And remember they have all come together because of you and to share in your happiness. What a wonderful honour.

A final word, and a piece of advice someone gave to me is to “be in the moment”. As you take each step towards your new life together, make every second count, absorb the love and support that surrounds you and just breathe, there will be never be another time in your life like it.

Happy, happily ever after.