After spontaneously joining a trip to see the solar eclipse with friends, Ira Vermaak met Chris Basson. The weather playing a prominent role in creating the ideal “cuddle” conditions, the couple had their first “blind date” and have not looked back since! The weather did a repeat performance on the proposal weekend away, and brought back fond memories of their first trip together. Chris had everything perfectly planned and the engagement dinner was very romantic before he popped the question to an unsuspecting Bride.
Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville set the perfect atmosphere for a cosy and intimate wedding for this romantic couple. It seems that one of the common strands throughout their story was unfavourable weather, and – as with the first meeting and proposal – come wedding day, come rain! Unperturbed, the day went forward without a hitch and an absolutely beautiful occasion ensued...
The welcoming sounds of the organ drew guests into the NG Church in Bloubergstrand and Ira made her entrance to “Mendelssohn’s Wedding March” on her father’s arm. Happily married, and covered in confetti, the couple and their guests made their way to the gorgeous Meerendal Wine Estate for the Reception. Cutting of the cake upon arrival at the venue set the tone for an informal atmosphere enhanced by the old-world glamour of a gramophone player during Pre Dinner drinks. Guests enjoyed sparkling wine, cocktails and lemonade during this time, and were treated to a variety of delicious canapés including fig and brie masterpieces and smoked springbok surprises.
The afternoon flew by all too fast, and before they knew it, guests were being ushered into the Reception area and handed sparklers to make Ira’s dream entrance come to life. Once all were settled again, they were to experience the feast which had been prepared for this special occasion. Alternating starters between the ladies and gents created an element of interest, and a buffet main course ensured everyone’s palate was satisfied! With dishes of beef fillet, chicken tarjine, roast lamb, and grilled calamari, all appetites were catered for.
What is dessert without a crème brûlée, a dark chocolate slice and rich hazelnut praline ice cream? All the guests found themselves in absolute bliss and wrapped in decadence at this wedding! Michael Buble’s “Everything” got Ira and Chris to start the dancing and to ensure that the rest of the night was ‘boogied’ away! Not only was there space for all the moves on the dance floor, but there were also two elegant lounge pockets for those who needed a few minutes to rest their feet or catch up with that long-lost friend.
Looking back on the day, Ira’s favourite moment was entering from the cold through the barn doors at Meerendal to “I’ll be there for you” by The Parlotones. “All our guests had their sparklers lit. It looked awesome. The warm atmosphere of friends and family sharing our joy, love and happiness as we entered the Reception and the rest of our lives as Mr and Mrs Basson, was breathtakingly special.”
Coming from Bloubergstrand, Ira and Chris were close enough to join in on the meetings and share the excitement of planning their big day! The passion and attention to detail which goes into planning a wedding with The Aleit Group is clear, and the great thing about weddings is that each one is unique and personal to plan. “Everything The Aleit Team did was very professional and extremely well planned and organised. We were overwhelmed with how everything turned out. We could not have asked for a more beautiful wedding – the flowers and decor were stunning and the food was exceptional!”
After all the special treatment received and enjoying time with the friends and family, the couple decided that a quiet and relaxing time away together was just what they needed. A stunning house on the beach in Yzerfontein was followed by a few days at Bushman’s Kloof Lodge in the picturesque Cederberg. There they were treated to the ultimate honeymoon experience, complete with great food, pampering massages, star-gazing and a very romantic private dinner in a candle-lit stone cottage.
Their advice to other bridal couples – “Don't worry about things that you can’t control. Have a sense of humour. We didn't plan to get married on the day that the biggest storm in years hit Cape Town, but we still enjoyed it tremendously and it was the most beautiful, memorable day of our lives! Place the planning of your wedding in the capable hands of Aleit’s professional, creative, inspiring and brilliant team. Their positive energy, attention to detail and dedication to their couple’s dreams will exceed all your expectations.”
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