To say that I love Gwen and her family is an understatement. I have photographed two of her sisters (Charleen and Geraldine’s) weddings. I just love this family, they feel like MY family! So, when Gwen emailed me to ask me to photograph her wedding I was very excited. All the sisters are beautiful, and they LOVE being photographed. Always good news for a photographer.
Gwen is of course Miss Organise, so she planned everything to perfection. And everything WAS perfect. Jan is not really the dancing type, but Gwen was determined to have a perfect first dance as well. Jan just had to learn the ramba, and I must say, he looked like a Strictly come dancing participant on the evening.
They decided to get married at Avianto in Muldersdrift in Gauteng because their first date was a picnic there under the big trees. It was logical for them to make that their wedding venue one day.
Gwen’s dad Jan passed away just after Charleen’s wedding, and Gwen asked her boss, Hans, to bring her into church. Hans’s wife Michelle was one of the 4 bridesmaids, and Hans and Michelle’s little boy was the ring bearer.
Jan and Gwen’s dad’s were both named Jan, they both passed away on the same day, and Jan and Gwen honoured them by having their photos in lockers on Gwen’s flowers.
Here is a photo of Gwen’s dad that I took when he brought Charleen into church when she got married to Christoff. Gwen, I just know that your dad are so proud of you today, and he will be so proud of the woman that you are, and the guy that you married.
Thanks for inviting me as your wedding photographer Gwen and Jan, it was such a privilege to spend the day with you and Jan and all your friends and family
I asked Gwen to answer a couple of questions.
How did you meet?
We work together. Jan came for an interview and I knew that I wanted to get to know him better.
Tell us about the proposal
Jan took me to Mauritius to propose on the 12th of March 2015
The 12th of March is Mauritius Independence Day.
We received an invitation from the Hotel to a formal dinner that night. ( Jan arranged this with the Hotel as a surprise for me to get me all dressed up )
The Hotel staff received us at our room and took us to the beach where they had set up a table for us ( Romantic dinner )
We had French Champagne, my beautiful boyfriend got down on one knee and asked his “princess” (that’s what he calls me) to marry him.
Describe your wedding day, anything specific that you will always remember.
I could not wait to walk down the aisle and see Jan. When the church doors opened Jan started crying – the full waterworks. That was the best part of my wedding.
This was the most beautiful day and I would not have changed anything about it.
The Flowers
This was Jan’s choice- and it was a great choice. We wanted tulips. The florist advised us that they could not get the Tulips this time of year in SA. They had the tulips imported and the tulips were perfect.
Highlight of the wedding
The shoe game- I would recommend this to any couple on their wedding day. We had so much fun with this game. The guests and ourselves really enjoyed this. The shoe game was very entertaining.
Was there any drama
Smooth sailing
The Honeymoon
We went to Cape Town
Tell us about your photographer.
JC Crafford was the obvious choice for us. He photographed both of my sisters weddings . I know he takes the most beautiful photos.
Who did your make-up and hair?
Private M Collection Professional Bridal Make-up & hair
Michelle c0720773515 t0127677951
pmc@mailbox.co.za
Any other suppliers that you want to mention?
Event Inspirations – Décor and Flowers
Do you have any advice for other brides/grooms-to-be?
Remember to eat
What was your inspiration behind your overall wedding decor and colour choices?
Something different
Photographer: JC Crafford
