HOW DID YOUR GROOM PROPOSE?
We have a family tradition of opening all our Christmas gifts together on Christmas morning. On December 25, 2012, Johan secretly placed a special “present” for me from Santa under the tree. When i opened it, i found three small purses inside each other, each one containing a small charm and monogrammed with the letters – L, V and then Z – which referred to my soon-to-be married surname! Inside the final purse, i found my beautiful engagement ring. Johan went down on one knee and proposed to me in front of my family. It was such a joyous and special moment!
TELL US ABOUT THE THEME OF YOUR WEDDING
As soon as Johan and i walked into Waterkloof Wine Estate in Somerset West we knew we wanted to get married there. I was looking for somewhere beautiful and modern with lots of glass and steel, and Johan wanted a place with fantastic food. It reflected us perfectly as a couple! Our chosen theme was modern elegance. We kept our decor in the ceremony and reception areas white to create a classic modern feel and introduced pops of coral and chevron into the decor of the pre-dinner drinks area for a bit of fun.
AND THE MENU?
The Restaurant at Waterkloof is known for its fine dining. Our canapés included cheese gougères, braised beef croquettes, pea panna cotta with radish, smoked trout with horseradish dressing, crispy calamari with roasted garlic aïoli and camembert crème brûlées with celery and walnuts. Main course was a choice of monkfish with a crispy prawn, served with ginger beer, compressed apple and curry mayonnaise; or Karan beef fillet served with cauliflower and blueberry pickle. We also had some superb vegetarian options. The dessert table featured a selection of small indulgences such as chocolate tarts, lemon tarts, chocolate mousse, petits fours, pistachio nougat, biscotti, macaroons and meringues. We rounded off the evening with cheeses and a cigar and whiskey bar.
WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY?
My best memory of the day is the moment i locked eyes with my soon-to-be husband as i walked down the aisle towards him on my father’s arm. Other great moments that took my breath away were seeing the reception area and decor for the first time and the minister pronouncing us husband and wife. The whole day was truly everything i ever wanted it to be.
ANY SPECIAL ADVICE FOR BRIDES-TO-BE?
Take time on your wedding day to sit back with your new husband and soak everything in. Maybe find a quiet corner somewhere and drink in the atmosphere and remember that this is your special day. The occasion passes by in a blur of excitement, so these few moments of peace and reflection are really important.
LITTLE BLACK BOOK
Best man’s outfit: Hilton Weiner
Bridesmaids dresses: Christopher Gerber Couture
Cake and dessert table: Cakes by Wade
Coordinator/Wedding Planner: Theresa Lazarevic
Decor: Alida Gerstner-Gunter of Flowers in the Foyer. Chair and pre-dinner furniture hire from Urban Tonic. Other items from Blooming Wonderful.
Dress: Christopher Gerber Couture
Entertainment: Ceremony – Phoebe Snayer (soloist). Pre-dinner drinks – Amanda Tiffen Duo (jazz musicians) via Real Wired Music. Reception – DJ John from Capricorn Music.
Flowers: Alida Gerstner-Gunter of Flowers in the Foyer
Food: Chef Gregory Czarnecki of The Restaurant at Waterkloof Wine Estate
Groom’s outfit: Grant van den Berg of Frank Bespoke
Hair and make-up: Candice Leigh
Lighting: SMD Technical
Photographer: Cheryl McEwan Photography
Stationery: Mari Voges of We.Magine
Venue: Waterkloof Wine Estate
Videographer: Boy meets Girl