Sue-Ann and Rowland were introduced though mutual friends - a simple beginning to a strong relationship that followed. "We planned a weekend away at a country spa hotel in West Sussex. After dinner, we decided to take a walk in the garden and that is where Rowland proposed... in fact we were almost in total darkness, the only light eliminating from the lounge window!" Sue-Ann remembers.

"I have to admit to a bit of nerves the night before but these all but vanished on the morning of the wedding - probably due to the company of my bridesmaids and the enjoyable time we had, having our make-up and hair done in the manor house while the guys relaxed outdoors in the sunshine. It was a wonderfully relaxed wedding, all taking place in such a superb venue" Sue-Ann says.

The ceremony took place outdoors under a white gazebo with pre-drinks and dinner following in the tented area overlooking the vineyards. Sue-Ann wanted the wedding decor to be simple yet elegant with colours in tones of vibrant blue with a bit of chocolate and lots of whites and creams. Creative use of lighting was used to create a understated yet elegant look and chandeliers were suspended at various points throughout the venue. Ambient lighting created a warm glow and fairy light curtains added a tone of romance while demarcating the dance floor area.

Guests dined on smoked breast of margaret duck served with roasted beetroot and feta salad, fillet of beef with a smoked shiraz and black olive jus served with butter poached potatoes, cauliflower puree and pavlova with fresh seasonal berries, framboise pastry cream and chantilly cream. A meal fit for Royalty!

After a post wedding week in South Africa visiting friends and family, the couple departed for Mauritius to soak up even more sun. Sue-Ann and Rowland were able to unwind before the routine of day to day life set in once again on their return home.

Sue-Ann advises future brides: "Keep the day relaxed as you will have more fun that way. Invite the people who you really want at your wedding – avoid token invitations. This keeps things extra special and ensures that you speak to everyone on the evening. Choose the best photographer you can afford and if you are having a group photo with the entire party, have that photo taken right at the start of the photo session. We didn't get everyone in our group photo which was a shame."

"Aleit recommended Vrede en Lust and we trusted him, even though we would only see the venue a few days before the wedding. We arrived from London a week before the wedding and immediately knew it was the perfect venue for us. Hayley was just fantastic and always on the ball - we feel so lucky to have had her help us with our wedding" Sue-Ann says.

Venue: Vrede en Lust
Minister: Rev Kevin Needham
Cake: Kanya Hunt
Caterers: Vrede en Lust
Musicians: Aleit Music and Entertainment
Videographer: ZARAZOO
Waitrons: Vrede en Lust
Stationery: Elsje Designs
Table Gifts: Aleit Shop
Florist: OKASIE
Lighting: Something Different Concepts and Shows
Photographer: ZARAZOO
Hair and Make-up: Fabienne Zadel
Flooring: Event Flooring
Hiring: Exclusive Hiring