Taso and Gina’s was held at the Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch. It is this beautiful venues first official wedding and I was very honored to shoot it!
Words from the bride:
“THE MEETING”
Taso & I “met” in late 2005 or was it 2006? I forget!! LOL
I say “met” because It was a rather odd way to meet someone…I was about to get out of my car when I noticed this man next to me staring at me…I suddenly got so nervous and just couldn’t get out of the car for the life of me…so I delayed the process and started scratching in my handbag. I watched him walk past and the first thing I noticed were his sunglasses…being in the sunglass industry and then secondly noticed his legs..shooo he had awesome legs or should I say has!!
He in turn apparently watched me leave my car and stalking me a little (I didn’t know he was watching) anyway…I got back to my car after seeing a few clients and off I drove..only to find a “flyer” on my windscreen…as I was driving on the highway I tried to get this piece of paper off from under my wiper and being the good citizen I couldn’t litter and grabbed it with my hand..had a look and put it down on the passanger seat. I then looked again and noticed…okay this is def not a “flyer” but a business card..I was a little confused by the Greek name and South African surename – then it hit me…it must be the guy who parked next to me. So yes I did text him first – heehee. We met properly about 3 months later after a few emails and quite a few long telephone calls. He would always be in Cape Town on “business” but strange how these “business trips” always fell over weekends…and included him wanting to get together. He was not going to give up…for months he sent flowers to my apartment almost every week..the most beautiful roses & often with that would come a day at the spa. He was ever so charming…the man of my dreams.
I lived in Cape Town at the time and Taso in Johannesburg – I had just moved back to Cape Town from Johannesburg for work. It was to be a permanent move but as luck would have it or should I say LOVE…8 months later I got offered a better position and moved back to Johannesburg. The rest as they say is history…I believe that things happen for a reason…the path you choose leads you to where you are in your life at this present moment. I would not have changed 1 single thing in my life because I know that it led us to be together.
“THE PROPOSAL”
Taso proposed on the 27th Feb 2010….we travel every year so if I ever thought he would propose it would be on an island somewhere! Boy was I wrong and how unexpected it was too!
We had planned a trip to Mozambique on a cruise liner with my Brother, Ricardo and wife, Renata, and our good friend Vito & his wife Heidi.
So off we went on our 3 day cruise…on the Saturday evening we had dinner – weather was a little bad so my feeling of this trip was not the best…I was feeling a little under the weather lets say. There was a little theme to the evening and everyone had to wear something tropical…so I wore the brightest dress I had and lovely turquoise earings…Taso looked all glam.. deciding to dress smart…he is always game but decided he wasn’t in the mood to get all dressed up?!
We sat down to a romantic dinner…and after the second course something suddenly appeared from underneath the table..a little royal blue box..I had no idea…I thought he had bought me a pair of earings I had spotted on the liner that day..but suddenly I realised from the look on his face that this was something a little more serious..He smiled and passed the box to me…I opened it…I smiled (really BIG smile and was very taken aback..the tears started to roll and he said I suppose I should ask you the question now…with a smile on his face…”Will you be my wife?”
“THE WEDDING”
Planning our wedding was a little tough as we live in Johannesburg and I was born and bred in Cape Town. That is the only place I could see myself getting married and Taso has an unbelievable love for Cape Town. So of course Cape Town it was to be! I travel often to Cape Town for business so I made sure that whenever I had a trip I would arrange all my appointments to meet with everyone. I have to say a huge thank you to my friend Roma…she, even though pregnant, was always willing to help and run around when needed!
I was introduced to Delaire Graff Estate by my best friend Roma & her husband Dennis mid last year. I immediately fell in love with the venue and could not wait to tell Taso about it. The venue, the scenery is absolutely mindblowing. I had to now pass the venue change onto my future husband..he agreed without even seeing it for himself.
I called Moya Campbell at Delaire Graff Estate and we arranged to meet and discuss the details. You have no idea how organised and professional she is. It was such an absolute pleasure to have someone like Moya help arrange our wedding. She was without a doubt absolutely fantastic & every single detail was thought of.
The food FANTASTIC….I just cannot stop raving about this estate & we make a point of visiting everytime we go down to Cape Town. The service is fantastic and I urge everyone visiting Cape Town to please make a special trip to Delaire Graff Estate for lunch or dinner. Better yet, spend a night!
We spent the night at the Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa. Something to RAVE about for sure. The setting magnificent. A villa all to yourself with every single touch you can imagine. Your own rim-flow pool… Ahhh it was magnificent. Had a wonderful breakfast the next morning with a group of friends too.
I tried to go with neutral colours…something that wouldn’t date. Silver & white – I know that in my mind it is timeless and when Taso and I look back at our pictures we will still feel the same.
I also made a point of speaking to all our guests…we had I think a very intimate wedding..approx 110 guests. I think it means a lot to make time to spend it with all the wonderful family and friends that have joined you in celebrating.
Many friends and family travelled from around South Africa to join us which was such a blessing…it meant a lot to us to have them there with us. Including Taso’s bestman Peter who travelled from the UK.
To have my AVA (grandmother) share this day with me was an absolute treasure. I love her dearly and to share this day with her was the best thing for me.
A big thanks to all our family & friends for the support and love.
Having my nephews there was really special to me! Tia loves her little harry high pants (Xavi) my little pageboy with everything. Very handsome in his suit & All Stars. He did a wonderful job walking down with Roma & Kira.
Baba Sergio – even though so little & not very happy that day looked very handsome in his suit! Beautiful boy just like his mom!! (sorry dad) lol
The most important thing I think I can say is enjoy every moment. I loved the day completely..would love to do it alllll over again! Remember this day is about the two of you.
We had a very relaxed ceremony with Patrick Boucher as our minister. It was perfect. This is what we both wanted something special but not “stiff”. Taso was very nervous about getting married and didn’t want to make a big thing of it. I think he realised that sharing this day with everyone close and dear was very important and the memories will last a lifetime. I tried to make it as simple and fuss free as possible…so we could all enjoy ourselves.
We joined our guests in the Wine Lounge for canapes and my fav cocktail…flirtini…something the girls and I were introduced to while in Hong Kong.
Then dinner in the restaurant which was converted a little for the reception. Dancing outside under the trees and all the beautiful lights that Chris brought in.
It was magical!
The best part of all was knowing that if I did miss anything I had the brilliant Jean Pierre there to capture it for me! I cannot wait to see our wedding through your eyes. Thank you so much you are talented beyond words xxx
“Life is Short. Kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly.” Paulo Coelho
“SERVICE PROVIDERS”
Chris Van Niekerk from Foci Concepts did a fabulous job with arranging all the décor for the day including flowers/tiffany chairs/Our favourite flower – Orchids were the only choice! http://www.foci.co.za/weddings/
Susan Ellis Steinhauser designed and made my dress…I am absolutely in love with lace and that’s what I had in mind for my dress…she captured my dream dress perfectly. http://www.susanellissteinhauser.co.za/home.html
Elsje Designs did the stationery/invites etc. http://www.elsje.co.za/
My shoes were Dumond.
Hair was done by Jonathan from Dash Hair
Make up was done by the fabulous Algria Ferreira…she hit the nail on the head with what I wanted.
Cake was made by Wade @ Wade Cakes. Chocolate of course and we have saved a piece for our first wedding anniversary! (in the freezer ofcourse) http://www.wadescakes.co.za/
Our video was filmed by Vicky Goslin. http://www.vickygoslinvideo.co.za/
Music was performed by Breakfast Included – Jazz & Funk Band then we had a DJ Sox play from 10pm onwards…just to bring a little twist to the party. http://www.breakfastincluded.co.za/
Paschminas were the gifts for the lovely ladies and these came all the way from Shanghai when myself and Roma visited China last year to surprise Kira (my other bridesmaid who travelled all the way from Shanghai to share our day with us) These came in handy as it did get a little chilly mid evening.
Heehee
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