Sandra and Adriaan

About the Bride

I am 24 yrs old, turning 25 this year, living in the area of Centurion. I am a Professional Nurse that got my degree from TUT in Pretoria. I and Adriaan met for the first time in school, but we never dated. On the day of our wedding, it was exactly one year since we started dating. We both knew we were made for each other.

About the Groom

Adriaan is 25 yrs old, we were born in the same year, but he is slightly older than I am. Adriaan is an Electrical Engineer, studied at Tukkies and has a private firm together with his father. As me, Adriaan also felt that we were meant to be when we met again. Although, apparently he had a crush on me since Standard 6. Strange how life turns out.

How did you meet?

At school for the first time, but two years after school we met again in Firkin Pub, Centurion.

How long were you together before the wedding proposal?

We met on 27 March 2009 and got engaged on 12 October 2009. More or less 7 months.

About the Proposal

Adriaan wanted to propose in Crystal Springs, where we were going on holiday only on the 12th of November 09. The jewellers phoned him on 12 Oct to say that the ring was finished. He collected it, but could not wait until November to propose. So he proposed that same day. I got home from work and from the entrance of the door up to the bedroom he had thrown rose petals all over with a big bunch of red roses on the bed. When I got into the room he was on his knees and he proposed.

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

As soon as possible, we decided that we did not want to wait too long; so therefore, we decided we want to get married six months from there, which then was exactly one year since we met.

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, together with my mother and my mother in law did all the planning. I and Adriaan made all the wedding invitations, church programmes etc. I enjoyed it alot. Especially making the cards together, therefore we both experienced the pressures and stress of getting everything done before the big day.

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?

Yes, we did have kitchen tea and bachelors parties. The men got together at the Dros for a few drink, and the women all got together for the kitchen tea, where presents were given, but no guessing, or funny-make-up. We had champagne and snacks. Later all the men came to the place we were, and everyone had a big braai together that night. It was lots of fun.

Wedding Details

I was getting dressed together with my mother and my sisters at my mothers’ friends’ home, which is a stunning place; we took some nice photos there. The photographer was excellent and professional and we were very grateful for having her there from Escada Photography. The place I dressed was about 1 km from where our wedding reception was, a black Chrysler came to fetch me and the bridesmaid (they looked beautiful by the way) it is my two sisters.  We drove to the venue, about 10 minutes late; we were quite in a hurry. As we arrived at the venue, some late guests were still entering the venue. My dad brought me in at the church. We had beautiful music playing on a Klavinova. My heart was beating very fast as I walked it, but felt better when I saw Adriaan looking at me.

From the whole reception I cannot remember a lot, I do remember we gave each other the wrong hands for the rings. It was quite funny. There after we signed the marriage book. As we entered the foyer, walking down from the steps everyone threw dried rose petals at us. For the photos, it was a disaster in the beginning but ended very well. It started pouring with rain; we only took a few photos in the garden, but managed to get stunning photos with the clouds and the rainbow instead. After the photos, we entered the ceremony hall, everyone clapping hands, we took our seats. The Videographer from Escada Photography was also there, making sure the captures every moment on the video.

The normal wedding things took place. Eating, making toasts with champagne, and cutting the cake, throwing the bouquet and the ‘garter’. My sister sang us a beautiful song. And dancing, lots of dancing. The family, especially the cousins was enjoying it a lot. At twelve o’clock the ceremony finished and all went home. We spend the night at the honeymoon suite of Swan Lake, more champagne, chocolates and strawberries was awaiting us with a big bath filled with hot water and bubble bath. 

The next morning we had to wake up very early to be in time for our flight to Mauritius, I did not know until that day that we were going there. We had breakfast at 06:00 and left Swan Lake at 06:30. On our way to the airport.

Tips and / or advice for future bridal couples?

When your husband makes his speech at the ceremony, take his hand and stand with him when he makes his speech. This helps him relief the stress he experiences and avoids the men making funny jokes at him while he is doing his speech.

What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?

Our opening dance of the dance floor, it was amazing.

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

Yes, we did. We went to Mauritius at ‘la point aux Cannonier’ in Grand Baye. It was unbelievable; everything you see about Mauritius on the pictures is totally true, even better. Both of us have never been out of the country before. So it was a big experience for both of us. We were there for 7 days. And stayed at a Club Med resort, all the drinks and food were inclusive. We had alot of cocktails.

Related Information

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