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Shoneese and William

Photography: Val Meyer
Venue: Morrells Boutique Estate

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Tell us your love story, how did it all begin?

I worked with William’s brother for about a year. For a few months his brother would always try to convince us that we should meet and that we would be perfect for one another. We ended up being at the same place once or twice and then eventually one night we met at a braai that his brother was hosting. Less than three weeks later we moved in together, 9 months later he proposed and by one year together we were married. Two months after we were married we found out that I am pregnant. So it’s been a whirlwind, fairy tale romance for both of us.

How did he propose?

William booked us for a weekend away at the African Pride Hotel in April last year. He took me to get my nails done and we spent the day having lunch and dinner in Melrose Arch, milkshakes at the Fire and Ice hotel and coffee afterwards. When we went back to the hotel room I changed into my pajamas and took off all my makeup. Once I was tucked into bed he pulled a ring box out of his pocket, which he had been carrying the whole day, waiting for the perfect moment and gave the sweetest proposal speech.

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How did you find the planning process?

I was extremely unprepared as I never imagined I would ever be lucky enough to get married. William was great in that I told him my vision and he took over the planning and found the perfect venue and everything else we needed for the wedding. The venue made it really easy to decide everything within a few meetings.

Where did you draw your planning inspiration from?

I really love books of all kinds and neutral, warm colors. Pintrest was a big help and the venue Morrell’s Boutique Estate was the perfect combination of French vintage style that we instantly loved. The venue is so beautiful on its own that very little needed to be done on our part.

What was the most memorable and special part of your wedding day?

The most memorable and special part of the day was the moment the chapel doors opened and we finally got to see each other after so much anticipation and excitement. We both just burst into tears once we saw each other.

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What was your wedding theme (if you had one) and why did you choose it?

The venue itself is a vintage French themed Estate, so we naturally went with that as our theme. There was Parisian music playing throughout the venue and old vintage books and neutral colored flowers and ornaments displayed throughout. We choose this because we knew it was different to anything our families would have experienced and it was very much the relaxed, classic romantic atmosphere that reflected us best.

What was the inspiration behind your wedding dress as well as the bridesmaids' dresses?

The inspiration was the fact that this would be the first “western, white” wedding in my family as they are traditionally Muslim. I just wanted something that fit me well and was lace and vintage styled. I also really wanted a long veil. The venue inspired a lot of what ended up being my dress. The bridesmaids wore different shaded of beige as I loved how it fitted the theme.

Your décor and flowers: Do you have a specific reason why you chose what you did?

We didn’t have too many flowers but it was important to me that the décor incorporated a lot of vintage books and ornaments. It just felt magical to have books, bird cages and ceramic white bunnies and birds decorate the tables.

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Did you incorporate any DIY items?

Yes, William’s mother hand painted three large frames that were displayed throughout the venue. She also gifted us a large canvas drawing of myself and William that the guests could sign as our wedding guestbook.

What song did you choose for your opening dance and why?

We chose Flashlight the cover version done by You Tube sensation Leroy Sanchez (originally by Jessie J). The words fit how we feel about one another and it’s a very slow acoustic version of the song.

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What is your favorite, will-never-forget memory of your big day?

Both of us crying once we met at the altar. We didn’t care about anything else we just stood there and hugged each other while everyone waited for the ceremony to start.

Any advice for other brides-to-be/grooms-to-be who are busy planning their big day?

Plan together, we didn’t feel it necessary to involve my bridesmaids or our parents too much. We wanted to spoil our guests but also soak up each moment, so we made sure to exclusively plan together so that we got the wedding we wanted and not someone else’s vision. And budget! Try to stay within budget and don’t let the vendors talk you into spending more than what is needed.

Did you go on honeymoon and if so, where did you go?

We spent a week in Ballito Bay at a beautiful bed and breakfast with the best German chocolate cake.

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