Taryn, Jackie and I spent Friday night at the lodge along with Willie’s family, my brother and his family and my cousin and his family. Willie was visiting with us until about 9pm and when he left and all the visiting was over us girls started working. We did the flowers and the baskets and after quite some time battling laughing and stressing we finally got to bed some time after 3am. Needless to say when the alarm went off at 7am we were so not ready for the day. After quite a few cups of coffee and a nice greasy breakfast we were finally ready to hit the venue and start the action
By the time we got there they had already started setting up and the ceremony area was done. Everything was ready for us to start with the decor. It took a few hours to get everything ready and with loads of help from the staff at Illovo Africa Lodge and especially Carol-Ann, we had enough time to still relax a while before getting ready.
I must say the guys at Illovo Africa Lodge were amazing. Not only did they go above and beyond what they had to do but they also looked after everyone’s needs. Before we even had the time to ask for anything they were already there. I can’t believe how fortunate we were to find this venue. Not only was it a beautiful setting, awesome food and amazing staff but the accommodation was stunning too. I can recommend them to anyone wether it be for a function or even just an awesome lunch/dinner spot.
After the ceremony we went down to the beach to take some photo’s. We had an awesome photographer team. Lisa and Werner from Lenssense. They were pretty much invisible throughout the evening and not once did Willie and I have to redo anything. They were just there all the time. What an awesome couple and brilliant at what they do.
After all the stress and worry I am happy to say that everything went off without a hitch and it was perfect. I couldn’t have asked for more. When I walked in I was so so nervous but when I saw Willie standing there I just felt calm. Everything just went so quickly but perfectly. Thank you to every single person that phoned (Elf), sms’d and emailed their well wishes. Thank you to every person that attended, every one that helped and every one that had a part in making our day special. Thank you so much to Jackie and Taryn, the best bridesmaids a girl could ask for. You guys did more than I ever expected and spoilt me so much. You guys rock. Keep your diaries open so we can make those plans. Thanx also to Shaun and Jason, best men, for giving up so much time and making our day so special. Rev Thomson for performing the ceremony. Russel for stepping up and making us feel so awesome and special with his speech. My brother and Sister-in-Law, Llewellyn and Petro. You guys did so much for us. Thank you for making the long trip. Mark and Carol-Ann. For helping anywhere you could even with your hands full. My aunt Colleen, for the most beautiful – and best tasting – cake I have ever seen. My aunt and uncle, Kathy and Richard Houghting, without you it wouldn’t have been possible. Liam and Savannah, for being the cutest and well dressed of the wedding party. You guys stole the show. Our Parents, for being there to support us and loving us through everything. To each and every person that was there, especially those that travelled from far. Thank you all for sharing our special day with us.
Willie and I will be uploading the pictures we have to our websites and I have also uploaded quite a few to Facebook.
