1. How did you meet? Did you know it was love at first sight?
We met through my flat mate (Nadia). Nadia's boyfriend was good friends with Jacques. I honestly thought he was such a player and I didn't even want to go on the first date haha. We went for sushi and the rest was history.
2. What made you fall in love with him?
Most definitely his charm & humour.
3. Your relationship was long distance from the start, how did you make it work and do you have any tips for anyone who is in a long distance relationship?
I always had the mindset that if you really want something to work, I would make it work. Its not always easy but you can either decide to be miserable about it or you communicate and keep each other feeling loved, and special every single day. Its not always sunshine and rainbows but you make it work and take each day as it comes. Counting down the days also helps a lot, lol even when it feels like its so many days to go. We made God the center of our relationship as well, which got us through so much and more.
4. When was the moment you realized this was the man you wanted to marry?
About 4 months after dating I went to go visit him in Prague and my appendix burst an I had to have an emergency operation and he wasn't allowed to stay at the hospital in my room. He sneaked in and slept on the ice cold floor next to me in the middle of winter. He would always go the extra mile for me no matter what.
5. How did he propose?
He did a surprise engagement with all my close friends and family on the beach on a Saturday sunny morning last year. It was truly so special. Had a photographer and I received roses from every person while walking towards the beach where he waited for me nerves and all.
6. The wedding planning, did you have an exact vision as to what you wanted the decor and the venue to look like - a theme?
Yes, We wanted everything yellow and lots of pineapples. It ended up being exactly how we imagined it. It was just perfect!
7. Which sources did you use to find wedding inspiration from?
I developed an obsession for Pinterest, the boards of ideas I created for every aspect of the day: my shoes, my dress, the table settings, seat placement ideas. The opportunities, options and ideas were endless. But as I mentioned I knew what the end goal was. It was so overwhelming to everyone I showed but for me when ever I logged in and scrolled and saw more and more inspiration my heart grew with more and more excitement. I also made use of the obvious - Instagram and followed all international weddings, wedding planners and of course was on the hunt for the perfect photographer.
8. What tip can you give a bride that you learnt, for her journey in planning her perfect wedding?
Just try to stay calm through it all. Try take it all in and enjoy every moment. Before you know it, your wedding has arrived and that day flies by within a blink of an eye from all the excitement.
Plan a well detailed budget and rather over budget than under budget. Use excel sheets if you are planning the wedding yourself and do lots of research and homework before you purchase or hire anything. It is key to know exactly what you want before diving into the deep side head first.
9. The dress! Was it love at first sight, or trial and error, and who did you take with you to help support you in making this decision?
Yes, most definitely love at first sight. I loved it because it had 2 looks for the big day. I hired my dress from Elizabeth Stockenstrom and I wouldn't have wanted any other dress, any other way. I was lucky and found my dress super quick. My mom and sister came to me to all my fittings and they were honest about the dresses I tried which I really needed and appreciated. I'm so glad they came with me to each fitting. They both cried by the way.
10. When it comes to the dress are there any tips, regarding alterations/last minute checks that caused you stress?
Don't stress about any of it. The consultants know what they are doing and they want you to feel beautiful and comfortable in your dress. They will go over and above to make you feel like a princess. The last fitting is always very special and then you know it's getting real. Try do your hair and makeup trial on the same day as your final dress fitting so you have an idea of the final picture before the big day. It's worth it, trust me.
11. What was your favourite moment of your wedding day, if you could sum up in words how you also felt.
WOW there were so many but my ultimate favourite would be when I walked down that isle and saw Jacques face and him tearing up. I only looked at him the whole way down that isle.
12. What were your plans after the wedding and how did COVID-19 affect this?
After our honeymoon I was suppose to move to Prague in April this year. Due to the virus this wasn't possible at all. I finished my full time work the end of March and then the epidemic hit and I was unable to fly and meet Jacques and carry on with our dream.
13. Having a newly married life in different continents, what is your secret to keeping the honeymoon spark alive and not letting the distance affect your marriage?
Jacques left at the end of January so it doesn't feel like we have really started our marriage yet. I think it will only start 100% once I'm in Prague and we start our new home together. We try video call as much as we can daily and we are excited for each day going forward. Even though we are 150000000 miles away we try stay excited for one another's adventures happening at that moment and communicating is the most important key. Jacques is extremely caring and loving, so loving him more and more each day is easy no matter the distance.
