As a special Valentine’s treat, we’re sharing the perfectly romantic wedding – and our favourite proposal all of time – of Nikki and Gary, who tied the knot at Waterkloof on 10 August 2013.
All images © 2014 Abri Kruger Photography
HOW… DID YOU MEET?
Gary had volunteered his house for an afternoon braai for a mutual friend, Andrew, and 14 of his friends – all strangers to Gary, other than Andrew. The attraction was immediate, but Gary took a few months to show any real interest other than a series of coffee and wine rendezvous opportunities. Luckily, our relationship progressed and I kept my reputation intact, as I had told my mom on the day we met that this was the man I was going to marry!
WHY… DID YOU CHOOSE WATERKLOOF?
3 years before we got engaged, we went to lunch at Waterkloof. We both knew immediately that this would be the place we would get married. It is simply perfect! Waterkloof represents what we love as couple in our everyday lives: Architecture, the food, the wine, the view and the setting.
When Gary proposed to me, he didn’t ask if I would marry him… he gave me the ring and said “This is an invitation to join me at Waterkloof!” And, as Waterkloof is one of our favourite places, we will continue going back.
WHAT… WERE YOUR FAVOURITE DISHES AND WINES?
Circle of Life Red – it is one our favourites and we always have supply at home! It’s very hard to choose from the dishes… the flavours that Chef Gregory uses in all his dishes are an explosion for your senses! At our menu tasting meeting, we gave himcarte blanche on the menu – other than fillet steak for the main. On the day, the catering was as much a surprise for us as it was for our guests – and a wonderful one at that!
WHAT… IS YOUR ADVICE FOR FUTURE BRIDAL COUPLES?
Absorb and enjoy every moment in the planning leading up to the wedding and your wedding itself. Your day goes by so quickly. Don’t stress about the small stuff – at the end of the day, it’s about you and your husband and this amazing commitment you are making to each other. Do not try to control everything – leave some of the decisions with the experts and trust them. The whole team at Waterkloof added so much to making our day perfect!
SHARE… YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY OF THE DAY?
We could not have scripted such a wonderful day! It was a dream come true. The perfect winter wedding: Warm, not a breath of wind and snow on the mountains!
WHO… WERE YOUR SUPPLIERS?
Band – Me & Mr Brown
Photographer – Abri Kruger
Videographer – Boland Weddings
Décor – 4 Every Event
Furniture Hire – Styled Functions
Flowers – Own
Sweet & Cake Table – Made with love by family and friends!
Food – Waterkloof
Dress – La Sposa at House of Silk
Grooms Suit – Tiger of Sweden
Hair & Makeup – Jeannette Genis and Algria Ferreira
Wedding Officer – Marilyn Michau