Jennifer and Richard

About the couple

Bride: Jennifer, 29
Groom: Richard, 35

Occupations

Bride: Engineering Draughtperson
Groom: Sales Rep

How did you meet?

We met at Jennifer’s mom’s house on Christmas Day 2007, through a friend of Richard’s who happens to be Jennifer’s cousin.

How long were you together before the wedding proposal?

2 Years and 3 months

Tell us about the proposal.

Richard proposed on the 4th of April 2010 at the Mount Grace Hotel & Spa in Magaliesberg. After we checked in, I was standing on the balcony admiring the view when Richard passed me a glass of  champagne. As I took a sip, I saw my ring at the bottom of the glass.

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

18 months. We wanted to be engaged for at least a year, but didn’t want to get married in the winter.

How did you go about the wedding planning process?

We did all the wedding planning ourselves. It took about 12 months. We enjoyed every minute of it, as we kept it minimalistic and true to our tastes. We got a wedding planner in at the end just to ensure that our day went exactly according to plan and to relieve the stress.

Did you have a bachelor or bachelorette party? If so, what did you do and what did you enjoy most about it?

I had a hen party. My sisters and my mom threw me a surprise hen party in June already as my one sister lives in Dubai. As it was so far in advance, I had no idea! It was held at an Annique Day Spa, and the ladies all got pampered while relaxing with a glass of champagne and playing games.

Richard and his friends went to a place called De Bachelor for a weekend. This was also a surprise. He didn’t know when or where this would happen.

Tell us about the wedding.

Even though the weather forecasts weren’t good, it turned out to be the perfect sunshine day. All our close friends and family were there. The venue was made up so beautifully. I felt like a princess in my dress and was so excited when the bagpipes started playing as I took the first steps towards the chapel where I knew Richard would he waiting for me. We walked into the Reception Venue to the sound of Parlotone’s Life Design..!!! And it was so fitting as this is our story and the start of our lives together.

Tips and / or advice for future bridal couples?

Enjoy every moment. Don’t get swept away with other people’s ideas. Stay true to your own likes. And get a wedding planner to ensure that your picture for your big day comes together the way you want it.

What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?

Jennifer: Seeing my Dad’s and Richard’s faces when they saw me for the first time.
Richard: When I saw Jennifer in the chapel’s doorway.

Did you go on honeymoon?

Yes, Unbhaba Lodge in Hazyview. We wanted to go relax for a few days, not too far away, but in a beautiful place.

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