Something I never expected when I started this blog was that some of the people I feature would become friends, and yet that's exactly what's happened (in fact, I'm meeting one SBB bride for lunch today, yay!). One of my all-time-favourite couples is Louise & Riaan, who are the kind of people who you know that not only will you like, but you'll like the people THEY like too. So I wasn't surprised to see their faces pop up in the pics from Elize & Steyn's wedding - not just because it was the kind of effortlessly creative and detailed wedding that makes my heart sing, but because when I read the couple's story, I knew they were full of heart. Just like Louise and Riaan, and just like their awesome photographers, Rebecca and Bruce of Love Made Visible, who have once again done an AMAZING job of doing just that - making love visible. There's also something about today's wedding that reminds me of Snow White (in a good way, without the wicked stepmother obvs). Maybe it's the red apples and the woodland elements (OBSESSED with the wreath escort cards!) or maybe it's Elize's gorgeous dark hair and ruby lips, but whatever the reason, it's appropriate, because this is a modern-day fairytale - the kind that wedding dreams are made of.

The Proposal
I can thank my amazing new sister for this one; she surprised me and took me out on a day excursion of viewing wedding gowns, starting off with a morning of fittings at her house (she also did my and hair and makeup for fun). Our last visit of the day was at the Elbeth Gillis Boutique in Cape Town. This is where my sister had her gown made four years ago, a gown I had admired from the moment I laid eyes on it. I tried on a few gowns and then the one, the one I knew I would wear the moment I say I do. Elbeth created an amazing piece of art! The best part of the day for us, was the moment I came walking down the aisle and Steyn saw me for the first time in my dress. He was in tears and I was smiling from ear to ear. The moment when I stood in front of him and we realised, this is it, finally we are here, dedicating our lives to one another in front of our nearest and dearest. Advice for Future Brides & Grooms
Whatever happens, remember: it is YOUR day; it is about what you and your fiancé want and envisage. Share it with those who are close to you and you will be surprised to see how many people are willing to jump in and help make your dream a reality. Don't be afraid to ask for help, as every little bit helps. Before you know it, the day arrives and it is all over in a blur. Savour every moment, leading up to the wedding and the day itself. Above all else, ensure you have chosen an amazing photographer with whom you are happy and comfortable as this is the one thing you will take away from your wedding. Those captured moments you don't even see happening on the day is what will keep you smiling long after the flowers have wilted. We cannot recommend Bruce & Rebecca (from Love Made Visible) enough! SERVICE PROVIDERS
Photography: Love Made Visible | Wedding Dress: Elbeth Gillis Couture | Hair & Makeup: Donna Kennedy Meyer | Music and sound equipment: Eventzo | Chairs: Lee's Events and Wedding Bliss | Tent hire: Nomadik Tents | Catering equipment: Centurion Party Hire | Stirfry braais: Skaapbraai | Stationery & Décor & Flowers: LoveLab We were sitting in the cinema, waiting for the movie to start, playing our usual game of guessing the adverts and trailers. All of a sudden, "our song" started to play... At this point I thought it was a mere coincidence and kept trying to guess the trailer. My focus when watching a trailer is to read the fine print at the bottom of the screen to see who the Director is. This was where I saw our names ... on screen! I was immediately shy and tried to hide behind my popcorn. The lights came on; he was down on one knee, holding the ring! He had arranged for both sets of parents to be there and they walked in at this point, and everyone in the cinema gave us a standing ovation. I said yes!

You can see more from this wedding on the Love Made Visible blog.