Monica and Donavan

About the Bride

I’m 25 years old. I live in the East Rand. I’m a Financial Accountant. I wanted to get married, because there was no better way to spend the rest of my life than with the man of my dreams. It was honestly the happiest day of my life, and I will never forget it. Avianto made it just that more special. If i could get married over and over again – to the same man, at the same place - I would. I wouldn’t change a thing...

About the Groom

My sexy husband is 27 years old and he is also from the famous East Rand. He owns a construction company. Well, I’m speaking on his behalf, because I’m allowed to now! He told me he knew  that he wanted to marry me a long time ago it only took him 5 years to do it! And now we are as happy as ever. Just like a fairytale...

How did you meet? 

He went to a private school across the road from my school. It was myself and my best friends' routine to take slow walks around the school. This particular day, Donavan was playing cricket, and the ball happened to roll to where we were standing. It was love at first sight. He really was my high school sweet heart.

How long were you together before the wedding proposal?

Well it ONLY took him 5 years to propose. We got married a day before our 6 year anniversary. 

Tell us about the proposal.

He took me away for the weekend. He had a whole romantic day planned (but i had bronchitis this particular weekend). So after spending the day at the day spa, we were meant to go spend some time in the jacuzzi. It was in a cave, with candles all around. But silly me, didn’t want to get more sick, so i said NO... and spoilt his whole plan!

Instead he took me out on a game drive in the bush. We were sitting outside, watching the sunset, and he asked me: “How much do you love me?”. So me, being all sarcastic, asked him: “ Well, you tell me how much you love me?”. He asked another question, but this time he got down on his knees. “ DO YOU LOVE ME ENOUGH TO MARRY ME?”. My heart still melts just thinking about it. I still haven’t said yes! I was speechless...

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

We got married 9 months later. I knew exactly where I wanted to get married. That Tuesday after our engagement weekend, our wedding date was set. The only venue I went to was Avianto, and my mind was made up. My cousin got married there 10 years ago, and since then, it was my dream to tie the knot in this beautiful venue. It was my dream come true!

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 loved every minute of it. My cousin helped me and I had a lady do all the decor and table settings – she was a star. It was so much fun! I miss it all so much. It was so exciting...

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?

My bachelorette party was the BEST! We had so much fun. They hired a hall out for me, where we had a pole dancer show us some moves. It was so funny seeing my mom being all sexy on a pole... We opened pressies and from there we went on a party bus/truck. It was good fun. We landed up at Movida and danced the night away. It all went by so fast....

Donavan went to Zebula for the weekend with all the boys, where they played golf and just did boy stuff.

Wedding Details

Wow where to begin.... It was the most beautiful, perfect day EVER. Everything went as planned, and it was over in a flash. It was so overwhelming and just too much to take in.

I felt like a princess. I had my big fairytale dress and my prince charming next to me. Avianto was just the perfect setting to start the rest of our lives together. And to top it all off, we were surrounded by all the people we love. We were truly blessed to have our dream come true. I woke up that Saturday morning as Miss Dos Santos, with butterflies in my stomach, and went to bed that evening as Mrs Smith, feeling complete.  It really was my fairytale wedding, and I’m so greatfull to have had that opportunity.

Tips and / or advice for future bridal couples?

Definitely have a video done. It's too much to take in and you don’t get to see everything, as the day just flies by. Everyone tries to give you advice and just ends up confusing you in the end. Advice is good, but do what you feel is right in your heart. Besides, every girl dreams of her wedding day, so I’m sure we all know exactly what we are looking for. Well, at least I did.

What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?

Walking down the aisle and only seeing Donavan’s face. It was like it was just the two of us in the room. Obviously when Donavan kissed me for the first time as his wife and we let fire lanterns up into the sky. That was one of the most beautiful ( and stressful ) things I’ve ever done!

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

We went to Malaysia, to an Island called Langkawi. It was so beautiful and relaxing. The people there were so friendly. The perfect way to start off our life together. Why? Because it was a place Donavan’s uncle told us about, and we heard lots of good things about it.

Related Information

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•  Gauteng Real Weddings
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•  Gauteng Wedding Venues