Mr and Mrs

After a long few weeks and quite a stressful few days, Willie and I finally became Mr and Mrs on the 23rd of August 2008.

Taryn, Jackie and I spent Friday night at the lodge along with Willie’s family, my brother and his family and my cousin and his family. Willie was visiting with us until about 9pm and when he left and all the visiting was over us girls started working. We did the flowers and the baskets and after quite some time battling laughing and stressing we finally got to bed some time after 3am. Needless to say when the alarm went off at 7am we were so not ready for the day. After quite a few cups of coffee and a nice greasy breakfast we were finally ready to hit the venue and start the action

By the time we got there they had already started setting up and the ceremony area was done. Everything was ready for us to start with the decor. It took a few hours to get everything ready and with loads of help from the staff at Illovo Africa Lodge and especially Carol-Ann, we had enough time to still relax a while before getting ready.

I must say the guys at Illovo Africa Lodge were amazing. Not only did they go above and beyond what they had to do but they also looked after everyone’s needs. Before we even had the time to ask for anything they were already there. I can’t believe how fortunate we were to find this venue. Not only was it a beautiful setting, awesome food and amazing staff but the accommodation was stunning too. I can recommend them to anyone wether it be for a function or even just an awesome lunch/dinner spot.

After the ceremony we went down to the beach to take some photo’s. We had an awesome photographer team. Lisa and Werner from Lenssense. They were pretty much invisible throughout the evening and not once did Willie and I have to redo anything. They were just there all the time. What an awesome couple and brilliant at what they do.

After all the stress and worry I am happy to say that everything went off without a hitch and it was perfect. I couldn’t have asked for more. When I walked in I was so so nervous but when I saw Willie standing there I just felt calm. Everything just went so quickly but perfectly. Thank you to every single person that phoned (Elf), sms’d and emailed their well wishes. Thank you to every person that attended, every one that helped and every one that had a part in making our day special. Thank you so much to Jackie and Taryn, the best bridesmaids a girl could ask for. You guys did more than I ever expected and spoilt me so much. You guys rock. Keep your diaries open so we can make those plans. Thanx also to Shaun and Jason, best men, for giving up so much time and making our day so special. Rev Thomson for performing the ceremony. Russel for stepping up and making us feel so awesome and special with his speech. My brother and Sister-in-Law, Llewellyn and Petro. You guys did so much for us. Thank you for making the long trip. Mark and Carol-Ann. For helping anywhere you could even with your hands full. My aunt Colleen, for the most beautiful – and best tasting – cake I have ever seen. My aunt and uncle, Kathy and Richard Houghting, without you it wouldn’t have been possible. Liam and Savannah, for being the cutest and well dressed of the wedding party. You guys stole the show. Our Parents, for being there to support us and loving us through everything. To each and every person that was there, especially those that travelled from far. Thank you all for sharing our special day with us.

Willie and I will be uploading the pictures we have to our websites and I have also uploaded quite a few to Facebook.

August 27, 2008 // Special Events // No Comments //

Aug
14

Surprises

Well I did say I like surprises!!

Jackie and I made arrangements to do the seating plan on Saturday 9th. I was going to be there by 3pm and we had lots of plans. I packed the huge cardboard and all the table names and peoples names. My huge box of scrapbooking stuff and off I went.

So I get there and as we walk into her house – me with arms full of stuff – there is a house full of people. I got such a fright I walked straight out. I was shaking. The rascal had arranged a hen’s party for me. Oh my gosh it was so much fun. Friends and family were there and no one had said a thing. There was a whole table full of snacks and the most devine punch. It was so awesome to see everyone again and I was so shocked I couldn’t believe it.

I got such a cute tiara to wear that had white fluff and said “Bride to be” and a silver sash also with “Bride to be”. I also got the most amazing gifts. I felt so spoilt. After stuffing my face Jackie and Taryn had another idea. We were going out. Now needless to say I was feeling a little afraid, specially once I saw the bucket and handcuffs.

We decided that Jackie would follow me home and we could leave the car there and then we will all drive with her. Again I started to get the feeling that they had a few plans for the evening. As soon as I got into her car the bucket was handcuffed to my hand. With 3 helium balloons tied to it as well. I also got a list of things that I had to do throughout the evening.

We arrived at Jack Rabbits and off course the first thing I had to do on the list was “drink 3 shooters in a row”. Now normally I don’t drink. About a year ago Willie and I went out for supper and halfway through my Savanah I was so tipsy I could barely sit up straight. I don’t drink!! I was getting nervous. I also had to beg with my bucket but the people were just giving me the evil eye and politely ignoring me. When we left Jackie’s house I had stuffed my pockets full of sweets so I threw them all in the bucket and decided if no one wanted to give me anything I would give them something. I did my rounds offering sweets and by the time I got back to our table I had alot more than sweets in my bucket. I had money, peanuts and a few more unmentionables. The night took off from there. We did move on to somewhere else where I had to “dance with a bald guy” that was so sweet and pretty disappointed that he was the “Bald guy” but his wife thought it was hilarious. I also “got someone’s boxers”, “got 3 phone numbers” and “gave my Miss World contestant speech” Give me world peace people!!

People were buying me drinks left, right and centre and needless to say the night became pretty hazy from there. Did I mention I don’t drink?? I’ve got quite a few photo’s that I don’t remember being taken and I look terrible. I was pretty happy to get home to Willie. When I woke up the next morning I felt pretty bad but he was so awesome. He told me to sleep a little longer and I finally woke up at 14h30. I felt alot better.

Thank you Jackie and Taryn for a stunning night and for making me feel so special and thanx to everyone that came. It was amazing and I got so spoilt. You guys rock!!!

So now we are down to less than 10 days. Final arrangements have been made and now it is just all the little things to finalise. Also have to reshuffle the whole guest list as someone won’t be able to make it anymore. All in all it seems to be going well. I am still nervous but also pretty excited.