saweddings.co.za
saweddings.co.za
×
saweddings.co.za

SA Weddings

{{currentUser.first_name+' '+currentUser.last_name}}

x

Lounette Els

Married on May 5, 2018 in Gauteng

 

Voting has closed for Bride of the Year 2018

Click here to open the 2018 competition page

Magical Moments

 

As most brides, I feel the most memorable moment was walking down the aisle to see my husband crying just as much as my dad and I.

The entire day was an emotional one, but a happy loved filled day. It really set in when we exchanged gifts during the day. His words and promises were beautiful.

We also had friends attend the wedding who travelled from overseas. Having everyone there to celebrate our union and share in the joy was such an amazing feeling.

The Honeymoon

 

Our honeymoon, which was meant to be a surprise, was in Mauritius. I am not a true fan of surprises... so I nagged my husband for weeks to tell me what he had planned. But he was adamant that it should be a surprise. I think as the wedding got closer, the excitement just got the better of him and he accidently told me where we were going. Bless his heart!

We were in a perfect honeymoon bubble for a week. We spent our time sipping cocktails, enjoying the sun and the ocean. We booked excursions for 2 days to explore the island. But further tried to do as little as possible and just be in the moment with each other. It was paradise.

Got honeymoon blues when we came back!

Wedding Gallery

 

My Special Day

My wedding dress was not something I expected or envisioned for my wedding day... but man oh man what a dress! It was probably the 4th dress I tried on that day and it just felt right. And by the look on everyone's faces when I walked out, I knew it was the one. Adding the veil, I had a picture of spanish bride walking through a catholic church in my head.My dress was called Hannah from Maggie Sottero. Heart shaped bodice with swarovski beading and pewter accents. The back had a lovely train with scalloped lace detail at the bottom.

My hair and makeup was done by a lovely friend. We went for a classic romantic look with soft curls and a subtle braided detail. My eyes were shaded with gold and plum to fit the colour theme. My accessories consisted of a bracelet, hairpins, dangling earings and necklace all made by Kathleen Barry.

My aunt made me two garters- one to keep and then one for the garter toss. The one I kept was made with plum satin, pearl beads and ivory lace. It was really special.

The Venue

We got married (ceremony and reception) at Shepstone Gardens in Houghton, Johannesburg. This venue is straight out of a fairytale.

Unfortunately space is limited at the venue, so accommodation was only available for the bridal pair. Most of our guests arranged Uber rides which worked perfectly.

Shepstone Gardens and The Great Hall

Shepstone Gardens and The Great Hall

Shepstone Gardens is a haven of botanical serenity that will transport you into a different world; your dream come true.

My Groom And His Groomsmen

My husband work an all black suit with plum tie. The grooms men wore black trouser, suspender, plum shirts and bowties.

Beautiful Bridesmaids

My sister (maid of honour) wore a dark plum evening dress that was designed and personally made . My brother (bridesmaid :) ) wore a dovegrey suit with a plum shirt.

Marriage Officer

Stephen van Basten officiated our wedding. Our ceremony was short and sweet, filled with a special message of love and faith.

Reverend Stephen van Basten

Reverend Stephen van Basten

I would love to assist you to get married and set you firmly upon your journey to living a beautiful life together.

My Captured Moments

Nadia from Wildfower Photography captured our special moments, as well as Hour 72 productions (videographer).

The Wedding Planner

The wedding venue included a coordinator for the big day. Nadia from Shepstone Gardens did a lovely job ensure that our special day ran smoothly.

Food & Cake

We had By Word of Mouth do our catering. They provided a Harvest Board for the guests. Our menu was tailored with a french theme.

We also made our wedding cake part of the dessert by constructing "cake sundaes".

By Word Of Mouth

By Word Of Mouth

By Word of Mouth (voted Best Caterers in Johannesburg) has built a reputation for producing the most talked about, polished events and parties in South Africa.

Wedding Stationery

We had I Do Creative Concepts design all the finer details of the wedding. From invites, wedding programs, menus, signage etc.

Wedding Services Used

 
By Word Of Mouth

By Word Of Mouth

By Word of Mouth (voted Best Caterers in Johannesburg) has built a reputation for producing the most talked about, polished events and parties in South Africa.

Shepstone Gardens and The Great Hall

Shepstone Gardens and The Great Hall

Shepstone Gardens is a haven of botanical serenity that will transport you into a different world; your dream come true.

Reverend Stephen van Basten

Reverend Stephen van Basten

I would love to assist you to get married and set you firmly upon your journey to living a beautiful life together.

Bridal Manor

Bridal Manor

Bridal Manor is an exclusive bridal shop that specialises in selling imported couture designer wedding dresses.