Love is in the air and our hearts. Let’s celebrate these beautiful unions and the gorgeous couples who tied the knot this last year.
Megan Venter
The Venue
We chose The North Star Micro Hotel in Umhlanga for the ceremony. Since the world has been a whirlwind the past few years, we decided to sign the papers and get married in April 2021 and have our wedding ceremony and reception in July of last year. We still wanted to share a beautiful day with our family and friends, and The North Star fitted our vision perfectly. They had everything we needed in one venue, ticked all our boxes, and suited our personalities perfectly. It is one of the most beautiful venues right in the heart of Umhlanga. We actually often still visit the venue as it is one of our favourite spots.
The Theme
Our theme was neutrals and pampas-inspired. We wanted to keep it simple yet elegant and beautiful. The venue itself is already stunning and didn’t need much. Less was more with this venue so a few flowers, pampas and the beautiful ocean on our doorstep worked wonderfully with our theme.
The Planning
I planned our wedding for the most part, but I eventually decided I needed help and asked Caro from Adore Weddings to help us bring it all together. She did an amazing job! I am so blessed to have had her help in planning our gorgeous day and I made a friend along the way.
Speed Bumps
The biggest challenge for sure was trying to stick to our budget. We had to say no to a lot of things we would have loved to have part of our decor, but we made it work with an incredible team and my family doing the utmost to put together the wedding of our dreams.
Pearls of Wisdom
Don’t be afraid to change your mind. Don’t worry about what other people think – it is your and your future husband’s day and that is all that matters. Everything happens so quickly that you lose sight of your vision and what you want to do on your wedding day. You must have a wedding based on what you both would love, so that when you look back you will want to do it all over again.
Work with your planner, venue, etc. and don’t be afraid to be honest and speak your mind. Lastly, take lots of photos! I asked one of my bridesmaids to take my phone and she took so many photos that my husband and I could go through the next morning. Take a step back sometime on the day with your husband and take it all in.
The Special Moment
I would do it all again. It was beyond what words can describe and a day that I will cherish forever. We were truly blessed with every single vendor that was involved, the help we received, and having the people closest to us share this day. Here are a few of my favourite moments: our first looks, seeing my husband at the end of aisle, the food (oh my goodness!), our first dance, the bridesmaids’ dance, and dancing the night away. We danced nonstop. I think this was my favourite, just having so much fun on the dance floor and taking it all in.
In Hindsight
It sounds strange and simple, but make sure you have a pretty book or paper to write down your vows. This is definitely something I am gifting my friends and sisters when they get married one day. I completely forgot about this, and it is so nerve-wracking standing in front of your family and friends. Make sure you have gone over what you want to say a few times. We had a very non-traditional wedding, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Melisha Munsami
The Venue
We chose Audacia Manor Boutique Hotel. My partner and I opted for a small, intimate wedding with only immediate family members (about 20 guests). So, we wanted a venue that would be budget-friendly, beautiful and accommodate us perfectly. Our chosen venue ticked all the boxes! They have a stunning garden and pool view, making us instantly fall in love with that place!
The Theme
There was no specific theme. I chose the absolute non-traditional route. It is generally custom for a Tamil bride to wear the traditional red sari with a long plait, but this wasn’t something I wanted. The colour emerald green has always been close to my heart, and when I envisioned my big day, I knew this was the colour I wanted. We went for a whimsical emerald green and gold theme, and everything came together just how I had imagined – magical and dreamy!
The Planning
We literally planned our wedding in under three months! I know how crazy that sounds, but we did it. Wedding planning wasn’t easy, especially with all the small things in-between, but with help from family, all things were possible.
Speed Bumps
The weather! It poured throughout the festivities in the days leading up to the wedding day. We were in such a panic, I tell you! Initially, we had planned a garden wedding, but that wasn’t going in our favour. Our service provider had to work throughout the night to move our whole setup indoors. To add to that, we were going to cancel our creative shoot and move it to a different day! Just imagine my stress level at that point! But in the end, everything worked out, and I just learnt to embrace the chaos and be present during every moment as it was going to be the best day of my life. Showers of blessing, I guess!
Pearls of Wisdom
Don’t sweat the little things. Some things will always be beyond your control. Years from now, nobody is going to remember what your centrepieces looked like. Just enjoy every moment. It goes by so fast!
The Special Moment
All the love and excitement that surrounded me leading up to the wedding day by my close family and friends is a feeling that was truly memorable. The highlight of my day was marrying my best friend, of course! As a little girl, I always dreamt of this moment. Knowing I was about to marry the love of my life and soulmate was surreal.
In Hindsight
On the day of the wedding, just let it all go. You cannot do anything more. Soak up every moment and create beautiful lasting memories. Everything happens so fast and I would relive this day in a heartbeat.
Photos: Megan: Little Things Photography
Melisha: Conway Photo & Film SA