Yoo won’t easily get two nicer people. Chris and Simone are just so decent, friendly and very much meant for each other. We clicked from the first time we met. We were really looking forward to their wedding at Galagos Country Estate
They chose us as their wedding photographers and wedding videographers, so our team was there in full force.
It was an unbelievable day, nobody were stressed out, and everyone were just having a good time.
Thanks for choosing us to share your big day guys, we will always have fond memories of it.
JC Surika and Timothy Crafford
I asked them a couple of questions:
How did you meet?
A loooong time ago by saying halo (because our parents are friends), but only really noticed each other in November 2013 on my birthday 20th birthday. In December of the same year our families went on holiday together where I and Chris got to know each other a little bit better. From there on the butterflies took over. We were in a long distance relationship for 2 years, I studied at the University of North West and he was working in Pretoria. It was tough at times be we made it.
Tell us about the proposal
Chris is very romantic but also a family-man, and his proposal was true to that! A photo shoot gift from Chris for my 22nd birthday became the “all family included” proposal. Our shoot ended at a beautiful spot with a large tree with branches hanging close to the ground at Galagos country estate. Snap shots of our time together were hanging from the branches as he went on his knee and asked me to marry him with the request that I should turn around. As I turned our whole combined family was standing there holding large black frames spelling out the words: “Trou met my?”
Describe your wedding day, anything specific that you will always remember
I just prayed that it won’t rain and kept on checking the weather because we really wanted to get married in the forest. It did not rain and instead was a beautiful crisp morning with the wind in the trees. We had lots of fun and danced the night away. My dream came true exactly like in my fairy tale.
The dress
The first bridal shop I went to I had found my dream dress. I felt like a princess … my most beautiful memories made on my wedding day and it all started with my dream dress. It was from the Pronovias collection and off-white in colour.
The Flowers
Soft and elegant done by the very talented Yolanda Buitenbos from Impressionant events.
Highlight of the wedding
Simoné: The moment when my dad walked me down the aisle and I saw Chris waiting for me, the moment finally came!!
Chris: The moment I first laid eyes on my beautiful bride.
Was there any drama
My sister (Maid of honour) passed out during the ceremony – doing it very gracefully
The Honeymoon
Our secret … What happens in Phuket stays in Phuket!!
Tell us about your photographer.
JC, Surika and Timothy was amazing. Relaxed, friendly, like a family friend. As soon as JC starts talking you feel at ease and you can see photography is his passion. After we did our engagement shoot earlier in the year with JC we knew we couldn’t go wrong. You are everything and more we wanted in a photographer. Thank you!
Who did your make-up and hair?
Melissa Minne Bridal – She is an excellent hair and make-up artist.
0829786503
www.melissaminne.co.za
Any other suppliers that you want to mention?
Venue: Galagos country estate
Décor & Flowers: Impressionant events (Yolanda Buitensbos) http://www.impressionantevents.co.za/
Cake: The Baker boys
Wedding cakes, Pretoria East, Gauteng | Baker Boys Confectionary
Wedding dress: De La Vida Bridal
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Gelique
Groom’s Suit: Jones & Kent (Menlyn Mall)
Groomsmen: Edgars/ Jones&Kent
Where was your honeymoon?
Phuket, Patong!! Absolute paradise and some quality time together.
Do you have any advice for brides/grooms to be?
Your wedding day is the time to let go of control and be your own guest. Decide to be present and take everything in. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
What were your inspiration behind your overall wedding décor and colour choices?
We had a lot of our own ideas and my mother was a big inspiration. And of course a lot of Pinterest searching happened.
Here is a cinematic highlight version of their wedding. followed by a selection of their wedding photos.
JC Crafford Photo and Video does destination weddings all over South Africa and Africa
