WHAT…IS YOUR STORY? I am currently a sales representative for a modular power company in Sandton, working closely alongside electrical engineers and interior designers. I studied Sports Psychology at the University of Johannesburg but decided the corporate environment was more up my alley! Gary is the entrepreneur, constantly looking for new challenges in business, and currently owns his own car dealership. He also partners both a concrete company and a production company for live events. We stay in Boksburg on the Eastrand in Johannesburg.
HOW…DID YOU MEET? I attended a Catholic girls’ convent in Boksburg, St Dominic’s, and Gary attended its brother school and, every year, the two schools got together to host a Valentine’s social for the learners to mingle. It was 1997, Standard 6, and we both happened to go. I was dancing with a friend when Gary walked over and asked if I’d like to dance with him. It was all very sweet, but I honestly have to say his choice of outfit for the night was a showstopper: Yellow Hawaiian shirt, white socks, slops and board shorts! We kissed at the end of the night and, for me, it was love. I bought him a Valentine’s gift that was to be handed out at the assembly the following Monday morning and – needless to say – got nothing in return! Years later, he told me he had planned on getting me a gift, but got sidetracked. We only ended up officially dating in matric, after many years of being friends.
WHY…DID YOU CHOOSE WATERKLOOF? Gary and I basically looked at every possible venue, from the city to the beach in Cape Town. It was our dream, from day one, to say our vows in Cape Town and, with Kate from Wedding Concepts on board, we knew we would get the wedding of our dreams. We had run into a bit of bad luck with the venues we had visited and, on one of our visits with Kate, she sent us out towards Somerset West to see Waterkloof. Well, the day was crazy and by the time we had to see Waterkloof, we were tempted to turn around and leave… until we turned the corner in the reserve and saw the venue in the distance. Our jaws dropped and immediately realised “This
is it!” Waterkloof encompasses everything Gary and I love about life, from good food to spectacular backdrops – the venue has it all!
WHAT… WAS YOUR FAVOURITE DISH AND WATERKLOOF WINE? What wasn’t our favourite dish should be the question! We loved everything: the presentation to the combination of different taste sensations was amazing. The food is out of this world, but if we really have to choose, the fillet was outstanding… along with the salmon starter!
TELL US…YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY OF THE DAY Where does one start when describing the day of one’s dreams? From start to finish, everything was perfection personified! I clearly remember walking in to the reception room to sign our register and being blown away with how beautiful everything looked, and then walking down the stairs being introduced as the new Mr and Mrs Cronk. My night was made seeing family and friends happy and enjoying themselves, and realising I have finally married the man of my dreams – and my best friend! Listening to stories being told weeks after our big day and the laughter and memories people shared makes me smile. Looking back at the photos, I have to say that we had the best day ever, danced our feet flat, laughed ourselves stupid and cried big tears sharing stories on the many years spent together! A day to remember and truly unforgettable.
Coordination, décor & design Kate Rawbone www.weddingconcepts.co.za
Floral design Lush
Hiring Urban Tonic www.urbantonic.co.za
Stationery Lara Friday’s Designs www.larasdesigns.co.za
Lighting & Dance floor Something-Different www.something-different.co.za
DJ DJ Preston
Oysters Oyster King www.oysterking.co.za
All images © ZARAZOO PHOTOGRAPHY