Xhavier Taylor was my high school crush and now I get to call him my husband!
We met at our school talent show and he stole my heart with a purple fizzpop. Or so he thought.
Nine years later he pops back into my life, 10 months later he proposed and two years later we finally tied the knot.
I became Mrs Taylor and I have never been happier!
Our wedding ceremony was beautiful. The Church was simply decorated with white flowers. I had the honor of walking down the aisle with my hero, my dad. The vocalist sang, "Make you feel my love" by Adele. As I walked I looked at our family and friends and greeted them the widest smile. I did not shed a tear because I was over the moon excited to marry Xhavier. I think at one point I wanted to run down the aisle to get to him faster. The mass proceeded so smoothly, so perfectly.
When we were officially introduced as Husband and Wife, that right there, was the highlight of my day!
The night of our wedding, we stayed at a bed and breakfast in Stand. The next morning we drove to Mossel Bay and stayed at the Nyaru Game Lodge where we hiked, quad biked and had a picnic surrounded by thick bush and wildlife.
My look was very much me! A bit of bling, a bit sexy, but also comfortable.
Dress and Veil - House of Silk, Century City.
I visited a lot of bridal boutiques and fitted on more than 20 dresses but when I fit on MY DRESS, I just knew.
It has a sweetheart neckline with diamante and pearls. It is lace and ivory in color with a tail. A corset back and I chose a thin belt that finished the look.
My veil was four meters long with a lace edge.
Hair - Carlton, Blue Route Mall.
This was a tough one. I had about three different trials for the same style and finally I found a hair magician.
I chose long curls, swept to the side with a diamante hair accessory.
Makeup - Laikyn (Mac Makeup Artist)
Because I hardly wear makeup, never owned foundation, blush or primer. Only eye pencil and mascara.
I had no idea where to go or what to do. I had my engagement shoot makeup done at Mac in Cavendish, Claremont and loved how natural it looked. I googled a few Mac makeup artists and found one! She was amazing.
Shoes - Charles and Keith, Canal Walk.
This was easy, red with diamante.
Earrings - House of Silk
Hair Accessory - Lovisa
Bracelet - Lovisa
My accessories had pearls and diamante similar to my dress.
Lingurie - a full on panty from Woolies to keep the tummy in!
We got married at St Anne's Catholic Church, Steenberg
Our reception was held at Bontevlei Venue, Stellenbosch.
I did not have a specific health and fitness regime. My husband and I were always very active. We are hikers and attended gym regularly. Leading to the wedding day we were a bit less active than usually because we had done all arrangements by our self. It was difficult to go to gym after a hectic day of work and planning. We had been to the dentist for a polish though!
For our reception we chose an Italian theme because it is our dream destination and we love Italian food.
My favorite color is red and his is purple so of course we chose these colors. The table names were Italian cities and from the candelabra hung red and purple flowers. Purple lights were placed around the venue and a large flower arch was placed behind the main table. We had round tables with white linen and white tiffany chairs. At the entrance stood two large candelabra's hung with red olives. A chalk board read 'Ciao, Welcome to the wedding of Xhavier and Celeste'.
Florist - Juleigah Naidoo
The groomsmen wore black suits, white shirts, black ties and black shoes. They also each had their own superhero cufflinks.
The handsome groom wore a black suit, a white tuxedo shirt, a black bow-tie and black shoes.
Suites - Cosmo Fashion
Shoes - Mr Price
Red lace dresses
By The Fashion Lott
Father Babychan
Photography - Jessie de Bruin and assistant Lauren.
Xhavier and Celeste
Our MC and friend, Jonathan Mclean led the proceedings at the reception
My Husband and I were chauffeured in a black 1956 Rover by Danie van Rooyen (he is a gem)
Our Wedding party was chauffeured in a red VW kombi by Apollo Kombi Hire.
The Venue provided the catering and drinks.
We had starters like pizza's and brushetta's when guests arrived, the main course was buffet style with pasta's, roasts, vegetables, savoury rice a and potatoes and the dessert was berry panna cotta, an Italian dessert. The food was amazing.
The cake was a naked vanilla cake with buttercream and berry compote. It was decorated with red grapes, blueberries and strawberries. Made by SO cakes by Shehnaaz Omar.
My creative Husband and I designed and printed all wedding stationary.
We did save the dates, invites, order of mass pamphlets, menus, thank you cards and table names.
We hired lighting but sound was provided by a friend. The DJ was also a friend.
A group of five learners from Steenberg High School's jazz band performed outside the venue as guests arrived, to keep them entertained while some photos were taken and canapes served.
