Michelle and Xarion

About the Bride

I am 29 years old, live in Bedfordview and I’m a Software Developer by profession.

About the Groom

I am 28 years old and live in Solheim and I’m an Electric Engineer. I'm currently involved in managing one of South Africa’s largest networks.

How did you meet?

We met through mutual friends.

How long were you together before the wedding proposal?

3 years

Tell us about the proposal

Well, the proposal did not go according to plan. We were away on holiday in Jefferey’s Bay and he had planned some elaborate proposal at the top of the light house. However, the weather was not co-operating and after days of constant rain he decided simple would be better. So on Valentine’s Night he cooked a candle-lit dinner and after dessert he made a speech and went down on one knee to ask for my hand in marriage. I responded with a burst of tears and left him on one knee until I could muster the word “Yes”.  

How far in advance did you choose to have your wedding after the proposal? And, why?

1 year – we needed the time to set up our home and plan a wedding.  Furthermore, venues become fully booked and it’s better to have enough time in advance for planning to avoid disappointment in not having the venue of your choice.

How did you go about the wedding planning process? Did you do it yourself? How long was the planning process? How did you find it?

I did the planning myself but with the help of my mom. The planning process was a year but most of the plan came together closer to the date of the wedding. It was stressful to plan the wedding mostly because getting the right suppliers for the big day is no easy task. You have to put your faith into people and count on their professionalism.

Did you have a hen party / kitchen tea / stag night / bachelor / bachelorette party? If so, what did you do and what did you enjoy most about it?

I had an unforgettable bachelorette party all thanks to my wonderful bridesmaids and mom. The whole party was a surprise and even when I thought I had figured out exactly when it would be, they managed to surprise me. On the day of the bachelorette, my bridesmaids came to kidnap me from my dressing fitting. They arrived with champagne and chocolate together with an invitation to my party. The bachelorette had a Moulin Rouge theme to it and of course they dressed me in matching attire. It was hosted at the Central Grill in Fourways where we had the entire top level to ourselves. The party featured a sexy magic show and lap dances and finished off with late night dancing at Mouvida.  I loved every minute! It was so much fun.

Wedding Details

Many people describe my wedding as beautiful, elegant and executed without a glitch. For me it was the joy of seeing everything come together after many months of planning and cherishing what would be one of the most important days of our lives together.

On the morning of the 20th of February 2010, myself and my bridesmaids rose at the crack of dawn to begin preparation for the big day.  I had slept soundly the night before having suffered from gastro but made a speedy recovery and felt surprisingly calm on the day.

After a quick cup of coffee we were off to the hairdresser (Salon Jakita). Each bridesmaid had a different hairstyle which would compliment the different styles of their dresses and in turn express their individuality.  While at the hairdresser, my brother surprised us with a delivery of fresh croissants and iced coffees for breakfast.  After our styles were complete, we headed back home for make-up, photos and getting dressed.  

The ceremony was scheduled for 2pm at St Therese’s catholic church in Edenvale and unlike many brides I was on time (which the priest thanked me for later).  The retinue arrived in a stretch white limousine closely followed by my chariot: a sleek black Maserati. The string quartet played Pachelbel Cannon as we made our entrance. The church was filled with guests who had huge smiles on their faces and some with tears in their eyes.

After the ceremony we drove through to Avianto and arrived to begin our photo session. While we took pictures our guests were fed hors' dourves and refreshments while the quartet played in the background.  Taking pictures was probably my favourite part of the wedding, with all the formalities out of the way it was the first time during that day that myself and Xarion began to relax.  The gardens were serene and the setting spectacular.

At about 18:30 we entered the reception hall and I was overcome by how beautiful it was set out.  My theme was white and silver and it all came together with flush vases of white orchards and crystal candelabras.  To compliment this setting was a 5 tiered gorgeous cake in the back ground and the venue was simply breathtaking. We ate to our hearts content and the service was immaculate. It was the wedding of my dreams and after a night of dancing and celebration, it was almost sad to see the day end.

Tips and / or advice for future bridal couples?

• Brides don’t become “Bridezilla”!  Despite the stress you may be going through nothing is accomplished or solved by throwing tantrums or fits.  Rather share your concerns with those closer to you and ask for help if necessary.
• Know your suppliers!  The photographer, florist, function decor, cake maker, dress maker etc. are a crucial part of your wedding.  If you are unfamiliar with the supplier you are choosing get as many references as possible and judge their conduct with you.  If you feel they are being unprofessional don’t be afraid to choose someone else.  Rather tears before the wedding than tears on the day
• Enjoy your wedding day!  Don’t let small hiccups spoil your day.  The bridal couple is the only people aware of every detail and most mistakes often go unnoticed.  Take pleasure in every moment of that day.

What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?

The ceremony was memorable because it is the part of the day that really acknowledges the commitment you are making.  I also have to say the speeches were memorable.  Everyone who spoke on the night did so sincerely and managed to fill the room with laughter.

Did you go on honeymoon? If so, where? And, why there?

The honeymoon was meant to be a surprise but I found out before the time.  We honeymooned in the Maldives (Kani Island) and stopped in Singapore for a few days on the way back. My husband had always wanted to stay on a bungaloo that is over the ocean and so Maldives was an obvious choice. Adding Singapore to the mix meant we could do a bit of shopping as well.

Related Information

•  Gauteng Weddings
•  Gauteng Real Weddings
•  Gauteng Wedding Specials
•  Gauteng Wedding Competitions
•  Gauteng Wedding Venues