When a Human Resource Department finds you your dream job – you take it! If they find your dream man – you know it is meant to be! That is exactly what happened to this dynamic couple. When the company where Chantal Joseph was working hired Mark Koorenneef, the HR department immediately informed her that they had found the perfect man for her – much to her confusion of course! That was, until she laid eyes on the 6ft5 heartthrob! Being 5ft11 herself, Chantal was intrigued by this tall, handsome young man. After working together and forming a wonderful friendship, they decided to simply stay friends, to avoid any awkward work situations.

However, it was not just the Human Resource Department that felt they were destined to be together – it seemed fate had the same plan! Two years after their first encounter, an operation which had some less-than-desired repercussions, saw Mark in an induced coma, Chantal stayed by his side day and night and needless to say, a romance unfolded without his knowledge.

The proposal reflecting Mark’s romantic side couldn’t have been more carefully planned and executed. Mark arranged Chantal’s leave with her boss – unbeknown to her and surprised her with a brand new camera to “capture all the memories”! He kept everything “hush hush” as Chantal says, until they boarded their plane to Dubai! Upon their arrival in Dubai, they were picked up by a black Hummer and driven to the One and Only Royal Mirage Residence and Spa where she was wined and dined in true style. The following day they boarded yet another plane – and, once again, Chantal had no idea where they were off to! This time Mark handed her an underwater casing for the camera, which caused her curiosity to increase even more! A whirlwind of flights and boat-rides led them to a private island in the Maldives, where they were greeted by an amazing champagne and lobster dinner for two under the stars. The dinner area was adorned with candles, lanterns and soft cushions. The ring was placed in a sterling silver 18th Century antique treasure chest, very fitting for a deserted island adventure. The rest, as they say, is history!

Blue skies, warm sunshine and not even the slightest hint of a breeze – weather any couple dreams of! Mark and Chantal had a truly magical wedding day; a day which they will remember for the rest of their lives. The ceremony and reception were held at the scenic Webersburg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. Chantal remembers, “I was not nervous at all, and felt completely at peace! We had been working towards this moment for so long and it was finally here!” Chantal looked like a true princess, and Mark was ever so handsome in his suit, cravat and waistcoat.

Guests were treated to food fit for a king throughout the night. An endless supply of champagne and canapés followed the ceremony after which guests enjoyed an elegantly served meal – starters consisted of seared ostrich on spiced potato rosti with mustard crème fraîche, a Cape gooseberry and caper berry chutney with a baby leaf and avocado side salad. Main course was mustard and herb crusted French trimmed Karoo lamb cutlets, seared on the fire and served with an individual potato gratin, fine green beans and a rich red wine jus.

After the opening dance song “At last” by Etta James, guests could help themselves to a decadent dessert buffet. Old fashioned tiramisu, layers of dark Belgian chocolate, white chocolate and milk chocolate mousse; traditional South African treats like mini milk tarts, bite-size koeksisters, mini profiteroles with fresh cream and melted chocolate. Fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate and decadent caramel, honey and pecan slices as well as the wedding cake!

The Aleit Team definitely pulled out all the stops for this wedding; a union of souls and a celebration of life! “If someone were to ask us to name but one favourite moment, it would be impossible as we just loved it all, such a happy happy day!”

Chantal and Mark’s advice to other couples – “Weddings can be extremely stressful to plan, especially if you live abroad! We definitely recommend using the services of The Aleit Group! Also, take some time out on your wedding day to just revel in each others’ presence and reflect on your feelings; so often weddings become about making your way around the room to see all your guests and playing host, instead of enjoying the day together. Lastly, find a great photographer, one that you are comfortable with and one that you can trust to capture the moments as they unfold! You will look at your photos for years to come – so choose wisely, remember pictures are timeless.”

VENUE: Webersburg Wine Estate
MINISTER: Rev Kevin Needham
SIX PIECE JAZZ BAND: Gary Deacon
JAZZ DUO: Gary Deacon
DJ: Aleit Music and Entertainment
CLASSICAL TRIO: Aleit Music and Entertainment
PROFESSIONAL SOUND ENGINEERS: Presentation Staging
CUISINE: Dish Food & Social
WEDDING CAKE: Callie Maritz & Mari – Louis Guy of CakeBread
BAR: Pure Bar Services
STATIONERY DESIGNER: Elsje Designs
GIFTS: Aleit Shop
FLORIST: OKASIE
LIGHTING: Something Different
PHOTOGRAPHER: Ryan Graham
VIDEOGRAPHER: Ryan Graham
STAFFING: Shake and Serve
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Luciano dos Santos
FLOORING: Something Different Concepts and Shows
BABY SITTERS: Holiday Nannies
HIRING: Exclusive Hire, Top Table, Table Cloth Hiring, Classy Candle Hire and Red Hot Events
COFFEE STATION: Coffee Right