Tell us your love story! How did it all start and how did your journey lead to a proposal?
We were both at UKZN Pietermaritzburg University in 2006, where I (Frances) had my eye on Vanil from the moment I saw him. Luckily for me, my friend was going out with Vanil’s friend. So one night out, at the one and only Crowded House nightclub in PMB, we all met up and that’s where our love story began. We have been together almost 10 years now, been through everything together. University, first jobs, travels, and even a year apart where I lived in Australia. But we always found our way back to one another. We always knew we would get married, but were in no rush. Then about a year ago, we decided it was time that we tie the knot, and so began the preparations for the best day of our life.
Tell us what the inspiration behind your wedding was? How was your wedding fitting to your style and personality?
We had always dreamed of having a garden ceremony, Makaranga was the perfect fit to fulfill that dream. The reception then mirrored our personalities in that we love a simple, elegant, beautiful and contemporary look. We chose the illuminated marquee letters, as LOVE was the reason to celebrate our special day.
Where did you get married and what did you love about your venue?
We got married at Makaranga Garden Lodge in Kloof. We loved the venue, because of the picturesque gardens, where we had our ceremony, the great food and the fact that all our family and friends could stay at the venue afterwards. We all then woke up the next morning and had a wonderful breakfast together, sharing all our memories from the night before.
Do you have any tips and advice for couples planning a wedding?
If you have the funds to pay for a wedding planner, then we would advise you get one, as it can get quite stressful trying to organise everything yourselves. In saying that, we managed to do it all ourselves without a wedding planner. We suggest that you plan as much as you can in advance and make sure that you choose some great wedding service providers.
Did your wedding include any do-it-yourself projects?
Yes, we had a few custom made parts to our decor. We had made our hessian aisle runner, ceremony canvas signs, and clay heart favours made by my mom.
Tell us about your experience working with us!
“Spicy and Epic” Matt and Britt are a phenomenal team and we would strongly recommend them to anyone. We can’t thank you both enough for all the hard work that you put into capturing our special day. You both put us at such ease throughout the whole day.
Wedding Credits:
Ceremony: Blue Pond, Makaranga Garden Lodge
Reception: Sibeko Room, Makaranga Garden Lodge
Dress and accessories: Dress by Yolande Wortmann, jewellery by Earrings Nation
Suit and accessories: Suit by Woolworths
Make-up: Kerry-Lee Harley
Hair: Anne Kalytta
Decorations: Talloula
Floral Design: Talloula
Catering: Makaranga
Cake: Lucy at Cake Lab
Music/DJ: John Roux
Videographer: Dave Atkinson at Brand New Day Imaging
Marriage Officer: Peter Butterworth
Other: Love sign by Aisle Hire It
Wedding Credits:
Ceremony: Blue Pond, Makaranga Garden Lodge
Reception: Sibeko Room, Makaranga Garden Lodge
Dress and accessories: Dress by Yolande Wortmann, jewellery by Earrings Nation
Suit and accessories: Suit by Woolworths
Make-up: Kerry-Lee Harley
Hair: Anne Kalytta
Decorations: Talloula
Floral Design: Talloula
Catering: Makaranga
Cake: Lucy at Cake Lab
Music/DJ: John Roux
Videographer: Dave Atkinson at Brand New Day Imaging
Marriage Officer: Peter Butterworth
Other: Love sign by Aisle Hire It