How he popped the question:
On the 5 April 2008 Gareth proposed. During the week he told me that we had received a free game drive and asked if I wanted to go, to which I said “yes.” We had our own private Game Drive at the Farm Inn, it was marvellous. Then the Game Ranger drove over the hill in our little Game Drive Truck and I saw that we had our own private breakfast, I thought something was up to which I looked at his pockets and there was no sign of a ring, hmmm great service I thought, our waiter poured our champagne the Chef and Waiter prepared our meal. About 20 minutes later a White Van came, I got so excited as I saw a Cheetah at the back, The Cheetah climbed out and I was in heaven, the Ranger told me to look at his name to which my Beautiful Ring was around his neck, I burst into tears and then Gareth got on his knee and said “You know that I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, will you marry me?” To which I said “Yes.” I am very lucky as he is one of those men that you only read about in fairytales, I look forward to growing old with him.

The Dress:
My dress was made by Lena Frezza, Bedfordview.

The Suit:
We bought it from a shop at the Oriental Plaza.

The Bridesmaids Dress:
The dresses were made by Joey and then Lena Frezza Sparkled them up, My bridesmaids were my two gorgeous sisters and my Maid of Honour was my Hubby’s Beautiful Cousin, all three of theses stunning ladies helped to make my day as memorable as ever.

Colour Scheme:
Ice Pink and Ice Blue.

Flowers:
We chose Orchids, Roses, Lilies and Gerberas, these were all different types of pinks and whites.

The Transport:
An old Vintage Jag.

The Ceremony:
The Farm Inn, The Stone Chapel. I arrive 40 min late (serves Gareth right he made me wait for 3 years). My daddy walked me down the aisle, I did not want to leave his arm as I knew that I am no longer only my daddy’s girl, but when I saw Gareth I practically ran to him, I just know that he is the man for me, I look forward to growing old with him. Our Ring Bearer was a Cheetah (same one from our engagement), the surprise on everyone’s face was unforgettable. Finally the minister pronounced us husband and wife and we shared our very special “first” kiss, we then finished it all off with our Unity Sand and then sat to sign the Register.

The Reception:
The Farm Inn, The Letaba Room. The hall looked incredible when we walked in, it looked magical. They announced Mr and Mrs Birley and we walked in, the venue is absolutely breathtaking, we picked the best venue as it had relevance to the type of people we both are.

The Cake:
Devine Delights, It was a 5 tier cake, the inside was a Romany Cream chocolate cake, and the outside was stacked with white chocolate KK and Lindt Chocolate Balls.

Favours:
We gave our guests stunning little jars of honey. For the Bridal Party the men got two mugs each with our photo on and an Amarula each, the ladies each got jewellery and a Sausage Dog Bon Bonaire.

Decor:
In the Chapel we had pink Gerbera Pew Ends and a huge arrangement of Lilies, Roses and Gerberas. In the Reception we had an arrangement in tall vases, which had upside down roses in, and then on the side at the bottom we had gel candles and three little vases with flowers in. I had pink organza draped from the roof with fairy lights underneath. I felt like a real Princess.

Music:
Blue Cat Music. They also played before the service, in the Garden and the Reception; they made it a magical experience. This added so much class to our special day, as they all played instruments.

The Honeymoon:
We stayed three nights at our venue. We went on honeymoon a week later for two weeks to Umdloti, it was lovely to get away and just to spend time together, we had a lovely time.

Brides Tip:
The advice I can give is to enjoy every second of the day, take notice of everything around you. You are on such a rush and on cloud 9 that everything seems like a blur and when you look again its over.

Special Moments:
Having my daddy walk me down the aisle was a life long dream that I have always had, I felt on top of the world. Our wedding, it was better than all my dreams... Waking up next to my Husband the next day

Recommended Service Providers:
Photographer: Rowan Ambrose: Rowan@rowanambrose.co.za
Videographer: Ian McNaughton: ianm@waynep.co.za
Music: Blue Cat Music: finlay@premieronline.co.za
Venue: The Farm Inn: farminn@farminn.co.za
Cake: Devine Delights, Jenna and Mien: info@divinedelights.co.za
Dressmaker: Lena Frezza: 082 454 5188
Make Up: Laura Kingma: 082 538 4498
Event Coordinator: KSS Event Management, Karen-Sue, 083 272 8374

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