Steph & Teneale – 1 May 2014

“It was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together … and I knew it”

Our Story ~

Steph and I were together for 3 years and Steph decided he was going to ask that big FOREVER question. He started planning the ring and it was in the process of being set, for a Christmas proposal, when we took a trip to Botswana. Incidentally I returned home pregnant and another ring was then being set for the new addition.

He proposed in February of 2009, on the mountain overlooking Intundla Game Lodge & Bush Spa. It was a very hot, and amazing day!

We also subsequently had our engagement shoot at Intundla in July last year when we decided it was a good idea to finally start planning this very big day.

The Planning ~

After being engaged for 5 years, we finally decided it was time to ‘get this show on the road’, as they say. Knowing the difficulty of finding the perfect venue that most couples face, I started comparing and looking around – despite having the perfect venue already. Like a rebellious teenager I carted my mother on this search for a venue which would be something different to what I know at Intundla …..

What we came across was a logistical, planning and financial nightmare venue after venue!

After exploring my other options I went back to what my mother said to begin with and started planning the wedding of my dreams in a dream setting that is close to home.

Choosing to have my wedding at Intundla Game Lodge & Bush Spa, even though I work for them as marketing manager, did not change their outlook or compromised the service I’ve received as a Bride. The managers are as professional and hardworking as they are for other guests and all my wedding guests loved them.

Knowing people in this industry is one thing but knowing who to rely on when it’s time to use them yourself is something completely different. I was lucky enough to have the best in the business from beginning to end. Not only in their professionalism of service but also in the adding to my day in making everyone feel confident and comfortable.

Firstly, Bridal Wardrobe at Lynnwood Bridge. WOW. They were amazing from the start! I found my dress immediately just by telling them what I wanted, and then I still changed half the dress just to have the shoulders different. They did it all without a fuss and even cleaned my dress after the wedding.

Sarah Swoon Blatcher from Swoon Makeup made us all look radiant and perfect for this momentous occasion. She even stayed for touch ups as this was a very emotional ceremony.

Wendy Chidrawi from 90 Degrees Hair Salon in Dely road, did all of our hair. The result was more than amazing, and we even had a pamper day at her salon before the wedding! They are incredible!

My photographer, there is not much more I can say about Patrick Furter, his photos speak for themselves. He is incredible, and also makes everyone feel so comfortable. His wife, Lizelle who also owns the Brides Diary, accompanied him on the day and was also such an asset. They are really a power team and as I already experienced, photography is something you should not compromise on.

Our reverend, Dee Harris, is more than an inspirational women. She met with us before the wedding for marriage counselling. She got to know us as a couple and made everything on the day she married us, and leading up to it, so personal and meaningful. She touched the hearts of every person at the ceremony, and I have not witnessed so many people shedding a tear at a service before. Or stay connected the entire time either…. It was incredible!

Vonve Bridal Couture was where we got the gorgeous Bridesmaids dresses, and Lovisa the necklaces and earrings. They were the perfect fit and super comfortable, the girls were ready to party! The guests also could not help but stare at them down the aisle before I arrived!

Fraaimeraai ontwerp in Pretoria has definitely taken wedding favours to another level. Such creativity and excellent assistance with whatever you need. All the goodies made were a brilliant touch, from the sock message for Steph, and the cigars for the boys, to the MC badge for Graeme and even the sparklers for our first dance.

The guys even appreciated it, which means they noticed it… that is huge!

Theo Brits from Softlight Décor did all of our lights, and it was the biggest part of this occasion. The atmosphere he built with his qualified team was simply magical. We made a whole new venue in a car park thanks to him!

Now our DJ, Neil Campbell … well when your guests ask you at dinner time if they can have a CD of the music already played, then you know you have someone who is good at what he does. We always have fabulous feedback from all who use his services, but experiencing it for myself was definitely a treat! He read the people, he played for all crowds and never once played a song that the dance floor was not full of people!

All the décor was done by my own company, Szoosh.

The theme was mainly a love bird theme. I cut out the table placing’s which I pinned on the crystal glasses. I also cut out the birds on a wire which was hung up between the trees as the table numbers.

The colours were white, coral, baby blue, duck egg, turquoise and sea foam with elements of texture.

My new husband made the Jenga blocks that doubled up as a game and our guest book, these were a great hit.

We were outside and used matchless candles to create that candle atmosphere.