Having all our family and friends fly from all corners of the world to share in our forever day with us was incredibly humbling. Guest came in from Australia, Singapore, Canada, Argentina, Spain and Venezuela.
Having my youngest brother walk me down the isle to my mother who gave me away was probably the most touching moment for our family as he was my partner in all mischievous childhood memories, and my mother being a single parent always took on the roll as mom and dad.
My groom, my ultimate high school crush, and now my husband. He swept me off my feet with his letter to me before the ceremony. He is the most patient and kindhearted man in the universe and seeing him at the top of the alter was the most exciting and surreal moment - I was literally walking to my forever.
Both Wesley and I had all 6 of our nieces and nephews play a roll in our ceremony, we have such a special relationship with each of them and wanted them to join in with the celebration of our union.
We explored the exciting and vibrant country of Turkey.
First we spent a few days in Istanbul, visiting the famous Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Galata Tower, Bospherus Strait and Taksim Square where we indulged in local foods and drinks.
There after we flew down to the south coast of Turkey to Bodrum. This was a high light as we stayed in a beach resort and had an all inclusive package. The resort had its own private beach where bar waiters would rotate around guests and bring refreshments and where we swam in the majestic Mediterranean Ocean.
Wesley and I took a bus trip to visit the UNESCO World Heritage sight of Pamukkale and took a dip in Cleopatra's pool. What an experience that was, learning about the salt springs and the history that comes with it. Turkey is most certainly a "must see".
I wanted a classic, elegant look. Something that would be timeless.
My hair was styled the same way my mother had hers done on her wedding day to my late father,
done by Kim Reveley from The Lounge.
My makeup was done by the most amazing artist, we kept to a more natural look with warm browns to compliment my dark hair,
done by Tarryn Leigh Harding.
My stunning wedding dress is from Olivelli Northcliff Johannesburg, the gorgeous gown was designed by Fara Sposa. The Olivelli Team was beyond accommodating with my travelling back and forth from Port Elizabeth,
My beautiful heels were purchased online, JJs House,
My jewellery was a mixture of new and old, the earrings were the set my mom wore on her wedding day, the opal necklace was my wedding gift from my husband, the hair clip was something borrowed from my sister/MOH.
The veil was one I had made for my sister for her wedding day, which will now become a family heirloom.
My MOH, Bridesmaids and mother had the pleasure of staying at Abalone Guesthouse in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth. The accommodations were beyond spacious and comfortable.
Our hosts Christine and Glynn were so thoughtful with arranging bubbles and snacks for us throughout the morning. The beautiful, lush green garden played such a wonderful backdrop in the pre-wedding photos with my bridal party.
Olivelli is a wedding attire boutique offering exclusive, world class wedding dresses; coupled with a memorable and unique fitting experience. Exclusive, unique and p...
Our ceremony was held at Pearson Street Congregational Church in Port Elizabeth. The beautiful, old stone church and grounds was perfect for our photos after the ceremony.
The reception was held at The Granary in Stanley Street Port Elizabeth. We wanted something urban and modern for us to have our reception in. The open ceiling and half plastered, half face-brick walls made it prefect for us to play around with and make the setting relaxed and romantic.
Our aim for table decor was to be minimal and not cluttered. We wanted the tables to look elegant with a few flowers, rock roses and candles and have the wooden tables add to the urban look of the venue.
Lynley Cusens from Floral Creations and the Hire Warehouse was an angel sent from above. Her passion and knowledge is a huge blessing to any bride. She takes the vision of her bride and executes it perfectly whilst staying within budget. She is honestly the best of the best within the PE region.
Woolworths was the choice in mens attire. My handsome groom and his groomsman all looked so handsome in their black, fitted suits.
Gelique in Pretoria made the stunning maid of honor and bridesmaids dresses. I was first introduced to Gelique when my sister got married and the quality of their work is exceptional. I ordered all 4 dresses online and they came out perfectly!
At Gelique we believe that your bridesmaids should look stunning and feel gorgeous on your big day!
Lloyd Dillon married Wesley and I. This was so very special as Lloyd went to high school with us and he and Wesley have been close friends for many years.
Ron Harding from Ron Harding Photography captured our wedding photos. He and his wife are a dynamic team and I would recommend 100 times over.
Tarryn gets the bride camera ready with her amazing talent of makeup artistry and Ron has this ability to see the most precious moments and captures them perfectly.
We did not get a videographer and we have every faith in Ron to portray our special day perfectly in his photos.
Wesley and I planned the wedding from beginning to end, we of course we had our mothers and my sister assist throughout the process.
Executive Caterers did our harvest table and set menu for our guests. They were so accommodating with dietary requirements and the compliments from our guests were profound. The quality of their ingredients are superb and the presentation is top notch.
Our yummy 3 tiered wedding cake was done by Pastry Works - the only choice for specialty cakes in PE as far as we are concerned. They are so easy to work with and their team honestly makes the most deliciously moist cakes. We served the wedding cake as the dessert, needless to say our guests enjoyed it so much there was none left to take home!
We turned to Papermaster for the printing of the wedding program, seating chart, table numbers, and menu. Their creativity and attention to detail was just wonderful.
DJ Shane Barnes was just absolutely sensational. He had the dance floor full the entire evening. He made sure their was a balance of English, Afrikaans and Latin music to keep all our guests well entertained. He also made sure to play songs that were of sentimental value to me and my family that represented my late fathers favorites.
