A sneak peak into Grant & Merushka's fairytale wedding
Grant and I had a fling at the end of my Grade 11 school year. It never became anything serious and was quite short-lived. Our families were not strangers, so I did not feel so comfortable continuing anything and besides, I felt like he was so much older than me. Six years later, our paths crossed again at a mutual friend's braai. We did not greet one another, as I was sitting with my girls and he was hanging with his boys. I must admit, though, I was intrigued and could not deny that he was looking very good. It turns out; he also felt the same way about me. We were, however, eyeing one another all night... Both our thoughts were ''We have unfinished business'' *giggles*. Later that night, he approached me and started conversation. This lead to him asking for my number and this is how it all started.
We were on a family vacation in the United States of America from mid-June 2017 to mid-July 2017. This was an awesome vacation since both I and Grant have never been in the USA. We had spent a week in New York upon arrival, followed by 4 days in Disneyland, Orlando. Thereafter, we drove to Miami for a week. In between, we managed to go to New Orleans for two days and then we went to Las Vegas for another week. In Las Vegas, while walking down the Las Vegas Strip, Grant told me that me and him would be spending some alone time that evening since he would like to treat me to a romantic dinner. That evening Grant took me to the Eiffel Tower Restaurant in ''Little Paris'' in Las Vegas. When the waiter had escorted us to our table, I could not believe my eyes. We had a table with the Bellagio Fountain right below us! The view was breathtaking! We then ordered our drinks and food while chatting along. I was so stunned by everything around me and of course the delicious food on our table, that I did not suspect anything strange when Grant told me he is going to the men's room for the third time ever since we had arrived. Upon his return, he ordered dessert for us to share. Sharing dessert has been our thing ever since we started dating. As soon as the waiter brought our dessert covered with a cloche, I could not help but think ''What special dessert is this now?!''. When Grant lifted the cloche, all I saw was red rose petals and a ring with shining diamonds. The words in chocolate sauce, ''Will you marry me?'' started my tears of joy, shock and utter happiness. In the background, a professional photographer snapped her camera, capturing this special moment. Grant then went down on one knee next to me and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. Without a doubt, I took him in my arms and said ''YESSS, of course I will!'' Thereafter, whilst sipping on French champagne, we spent a few minutes talking about how my ring was in almost everyone's possession in the 2 weeks prior and how he had planned everything and about all the help and support he had gotten to pull the proposal off. My close family and friends knew ALL about this before we even went on this trip to America. Grant knows how madly in-love I am with sunsets. So to end this special proposal off, he had us take the elevator 46 stories above the Las Vegas Strip just so that we could watch the most beautiful sunset together on the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck. It was the most exquisite sunset I have ever seen. This was indeed the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable day!
My wedding planners were Zavion Kotze-Brereton, Kim Grimes and John Kotze-Brereton from Zavion Kotze Events Company (ZKEC). Getting them as our planners was the best decision we ever made. The ZKEC Team literally took care of and assisted with every aspect during our planning process. And because of this, planning our wedding was a very pleasant and memorable process.
Most of my inspiration came from one very talented and creative human-being, Zavion Kotze. One would swear he was born for this profession. We brainstormed a lot and because of his 15-years’ experience in this industry, we could easily communicate about various ideas we had for our special day. Most of all, we got along very well and naturally fed off one another’s creativity.
My dear Mother in-law had attached small pendants with images of my late Mom and aunt on my bouquet. The moment my bouquet was given to me after I had gotten dressed, was just everything. Of course, I burst into tears at her thoughtfulness and also because she knew just how much I needed the most important lady I ever had in my life to be present on our special day, in some or other way. This was so precious to me.
The theme of our wedding was ‘’Paris in Spring Time’’. This originated from us getting engaged in ‘’Paris’’, Las Vegas.
My wedding look was timeless elegance with a touch of glam. I basically chose elements of two dresses and had my dress custom-made in Romania. Romania because they have the BEST lace!!! The lacework and subtle beading is what made my dress simply unique. All my accessories were silver and pearl to compliment the classical, modern-vintage theme of our attire.
My bridesmaids’ dresses had to fall into the same category in terms of the theme. Their body-hugging, dresses were elegant, mermaid-styled and had the most beautiful beading and subtle hints of pearls.
Zavion Kotze Events Company styled our wedding venue into a fairytale space. Within a gull glass marquee was white gloss flooring, a combination of white gloss square and round tables created a beautiful blank canvas. On top of the tables were crystal décor items, luxurious rose gold candles and flower arrangements in shades of white, pink, purple and green. Only 10% of our entire floral masterpieces in the glass marquee were sourced in South Africa since most of the flowers were out of season. A full ceiling of fairy lights in addition to the candle light created a warm and romantic atmosphere. Above the dance floor were seven dreamy, hanging floral arrangements, where we danced the rest of the evening away.
None.
I found love (Cindy’s Song) by Bebe and Cece Winans
This was our first dance song because Grant sent this song to me just after we became an official couple to tell me how he feels about me. Ever since then, it became ‘’Our Song’’.
One moment I will never forget, nor will my guests, was the moment I walked down the staircase towards the glass chapel. As they opened the door for me to start walking down the stairs, rain started pouring from the skies. As soon as I and my Dad had entered the glass chapel, the rain stopped. The weather then stayed calm. As soon as I and Grant had made our vows, out came BRIGHTEST of sunshines. I could not help but smile and know deep inside, that was my Mom in heaven and our Creator blessing us so dearly!
Do not sweat the small things and leave room for error. Even on the big day, I would say, let things happen as they should happen. Most importantly, the day literally flies by, so whenever you can, just pause to take a moment to appreciate and acknowledge everything that is happening around you. The night before the big day, mentally and emotionally prepare yourself to not let any unnecessary drama affect you. Trust me, it is not worth it.
Unfortunately, we did not get to go on honeymoon. God-willing, we will be able to do so soon.
Our alluring invitations and social stationery is for those who truly desire to set themselves apart by making the perfect stylish statement!
The Bridal House, is a wedding dress boutique based in Bryanston & Waterkloof, and is home to an exquisite range of wedding dress collections.
This amazing mother and daughter duo have been featured in many magazines and have won prestigious awards like 1st place in the 2014 Good Food And Wine Show Wedding Cake Challe...
