Ever thought that planning a fairytale wedding with no wedding planner in less than two weeks is possible...?
The answer is yes!
I first met my husband on Facebook Messenger on 5 April 2020, not knowing that on 14 May 2021, I will be marrying my soul mate. Crazy hey!!!! We had zoom calls every night, where we "interviewed" each other. He flew down from JHB for the 1st time on 30 April 2021 and asked my parents for my hand in marriage and proposed to me the Saturday night, 1 May 2021. When he got home to Gauteng, Monday 3 May, it hit him harder than he thought...
He is engaged to, as he described, this beautiful lady he has been praying for, but had no clue of how all of this was going to play out. We originally discussed, during that week, that we were going to get married at court in Gauteng.
That same week a very close friend of his, from Cape Town, phoned and asked what his plans were going forward. When he heard of the plans which Heinrich and I had made, he wasn't very impressed. Both of us clearly didn't totally think it through properly. His friend said, "how can you take your wife to be away from her family and hometown without giving her a proper wedding, letting her Dad walk her down the aisle, and having her whole family celebrate this special day with her? His word to my husband was "You are a man of faith right?" He said "yes". "Well let's make this wedding happen in Cape Town". And so it did!
I would say my highlight was walking down the aisle and meeting my future husband at the altar... realizing I don't really know this person, but it just felt right. I just knew.
I had been praying to find this husband of mine, and at the same time, he had been praying to find his wife.
I always dreamt of getting married on a wild farm or having an animal as part of my photoshoot. Well, that one came true... I had the opportunity to have my favorite animal, not just any horse, a beautiful show jumping horse (Lyric of Light), part of my wedding shoot.
My husband and I never had the opportunity to practice some dance moves together for the opening dance, I didn't even know if he really could dance. Neither did we choose a song, I just left that to him and went with the flow. But he surprised me, he chose the most beautiful song that had people in tears. And the opening dance was perfect, so romantic. Everything was perfect...
The anticipation while getting done with my bridesmaids and my mother, was also such an amazing feeling. All the support …… happiness filled my heart.
Everyone had questions because of the fact that we hardly knew each other, but when they saw us together they knew. I am quite close with my whole family so this was very important to them, who is this stranger taking our precious Sharika away from her family back to his hometown, Gauteng.
The look on my mom's face, seeing me happy was one of the most precious moments. She was really happy, I have never seen her like this before. Having my dad giving a speech like that, brought tears of joy. He has always had an intimidating presence, especially when it comes to his daughter.
There were so many other special moments, but these were the highlights. There is so much more to tell about this day, but I have to leave some space for mystery...
"I have found the one whom my soul loves" - Songs of Solomon 3:4
Unfortunately, due to my husband's work responsibilities, we were only able to have a 2-night getaway at Welgemoed Guest House in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town. It was pouring rain the whole weekend so we decided to stay indoors. My husband flew back that Sunday, 15 May 2021. We are dreaming of having a 2-week getaway on a tropical Island, even longer will be great!
The wedding look I went for was vintage and fairy-tail-like. I had soft curls with a flowered halo.
My Wedding dress: Hand-made by Caro Niemand (Lauren R Couture)
Hair & Makeup: Blush Makeup and Hair Services by Alicia Smaper Yule
Pearl Earrings and Bracelet: Woolworth
Rose Gold Heels: Forever New
Lingerie: Woolworths
Ceremony: Die Bron - Willowbridge
Reception: Magda's Leather Showroom
No one stayed over.
I did not have any regime besides my normal routine.
Nails: Mich Beauty Bar in Bellville.
I had a showroom filled with the finest leather couches, handcrafted art pieces, and some of the flowers that were arranged by my friend's mother In-law.
Only champagne glasses were rented
None of the decors were rented.
Flowers were arranged by one of my bridesmaid's mother-in-law.
The decor at the reception was all part of Magda's leather showroom. The showroom was re-arranged in such a manner that we had a small dance floor close to the snack table.
Oh, was I blessed.
My husband wore a black suit and tie with a white shirt.
Groom's TWILL TIE
White shirt - Markhams
Black suit -Woolworth
Black Shoes - Dune
The groomsmen arranged their own clothing, no one matched perfectly.
My bridesmaids wore olive green infinity dresses made by Caro Niemand (Lauren R Couture).
I chose olive green because it is so to say my favorite earthy color. I wanted something simple that would go with the soft fairy tail-like look I was looking for.
Henry Pike
My photographer was Hein Hough @heinhoug from Fujifilm SA accompanied by his daughter Elria Hough @elria_16 that did the videography. Ingrid Owen (Ingrid Owen Photography), from Camelot Riding School, also assisted in taking photos. They were such a blessing to have around. They made me feel very comfortable and we had so much fun. I told him I love horses I would love to have a wedding shoot with one and he made it happen! They were very professional and understood my needs.
No, only had the assistance of family and friends.
Thank you auntie Magda for making so many things possible.
My brother and my cousin arranged the transport, let's just say they have friends with nice sports cars...
Wedding cake: Amone Van Wyk (Young lady from Bredarsdorp now residing in Paarl)
Food: Tania Turner (aka my aunt) and the assistance of family and friends
Madelein Fontini
Magda Badenhorst
I had no stationery printed. The wedding invite was digital.
We only bought silk bags that we filled with chocolates and a magnet with a bible verse printed on it.
Printing of magnets: Jean-Mare Steyn
DJ & Lights:
Ryan Steyn (my brother)
Beau Steyn (my cousin)
There were no dance lessons taken. I believe my husband and I are naturals
