30 JUNE 2018
How did you first meet?
Andrew and I were in primary school together but lost contact. We bumped into each other by chance at the cricket 14 years later.
What quality do you most admire about each other?
Andrew is a hard worker. He always puts me first in every situation and treats me like a Princess.
{Andrew} Mandy is an intense animal lover. She is very honest and, most of all, kind and caring.
Tell us about the proposal…
{Andrew} It was nerve wracking! The week before I had planned to take Mandy away, she got sick and landed up in hospital. Later that week, I had a car accident!
All the plans leading up to the big question fell apart, when my soon-to-be fiancée decided to dig her heels in and go against everything I planned. For example, she had to be inside so that I could set up outside, and she refused. Once inside, she had to download a message which once again she refused because it was going to take up space and data. Thank goodness her parents were their to help with her stubbornness.
When I eventually popped the question her first words were “Oh my gosh, NO!” (Mandy explained that this was a yes; she said no as in ‘oh wow no ways is this happening, so excited she could not find her words’). She quickly corrected and said “Yes!”. In that moment I also forgot to show her the shirt that I was wearing which said “Marry Me”.
So yes, to sum it up, I was so nervous. In the end it all worked out and now we have a fun story to tell.
How long was your engagement?
Engaged on 7 July and married the following year on 30 June.
Did you find it challenging to find your perfect venue?
Yes, we were unsure. I went on the Marriage Meander Journey and gave up hope after a long day of touring venues. Totally over the day, I really wasn’t too keen on going to Lythwood, the last venue for the day. Was I wrong!
What made you decide on Lythwood as your wedding venue?
As we drove up the driveway I knew immediately that Lythwood was the venue for us. I booked the venue straight away. I took my dad and Andrew to have a look the following weekend, and that was that!
Describe Lythwood in 3 words…
Breathtaking. Homely. Classic.
What was your vision for your Big Day…
Greenery. Guests able to stay over. Everyone to have a massive party.
{Andrew} To be honest, I did not have a vision… Lythwood made my vision!
Did you have any special details and décor? Tell us…
We kept it simple – navy and white with a touch of brown. The beauty of the venue did the rest.
What did you find most surprising about planning a wedding?
How much décor costs.
How did you deal with any planning stress? Do you have any tips or tricks?
We had no real stress – I was always open with Andrew and my family when I felt like I needed a boost. My advice? Just ask for help!
What did you find the most challenging part of planning your wedding?
Planning the seating arrangements for guests!
What was the most fun detail of your wedding to plan?
Our Superhero theme. And our weekend at Lythwood a few months before the wedding to taste the food.
What did you learn about your husband/wife during the planning?
Andrew is very patient and he cannot choose who to invite and who not to!
{Andrew} Mandy is really good at planning.
What’s your number one piece of advice for couples just starting to plan their wedding?
Secure your photographer and DJ as soon as possible.
What would be the one thing you would recommend that a couple spends good money on for their wedding?
Your venue.
Tell us about your dress, from buying it to how you felt in it on the day…
My mom, sister and I decided to go have a look at some ideas the one day. Went to Bride & Co and tried on about five dresses. I fell in love with a Viola Chan designer dress which was out of my price range but walked out that day with that dress. On the day I felt like a Princess!
Give a brief description of the morning of your wedding – how did you feel, who were you with, what did you do?
I was with my Bride tribe. We had room service in the honeymoon suite. My make-up artist and hairstylist was there quite early to get started. I was so very excited! Gave my Bride tribe some gifts from me and I also sent a gift to Andrew to open.
{Andrew} I was with my Groomsmen. We had a few beers. I had to get ready while the photographer took photos and realised, in that moment, that my shirt did not fit me. All my Groomsmen scrambled around me to try get my shirt to button up properly and helped me with my Batman cufflinks. I was feeling extremely overwhelmed.
Tell us a little bit about your ceremony… for example, did you write your own vows and, if so, what made you decide to do that?
We used Peter Butterworth as our Minister. He has married all of our friends and most of our family which made it very special. We did not write our own vows. The moment I saw Andrew I had this lump in my throat but had to keep it in as I did not want my make-up to smudge
{Andrew} The moment I saw Mandy I cried and when I tried to stop I saw Mandy’s dad crying and balled even more!
And your Reception?
It was out of this world. No words would justify how beautiful and how much fun we had!
What was the most memorable moment of your wedding for you?
For me it was walking down the aisle.
{Andrew} Seeing Mandy’s cowboy boots coming down the stairs.
Was there anything about being a Bride/Groom and your experience of the wedding that surprised you?
That it went by so fast.
{Andrew} How much I could smile!
In hindsight, is there anything you wish you had done differently – an aspect you would have left out, something you wish you’d done or perhaps something that didn’t turn out the way you had planned?
Wish we had hired a videographer so that we could rewatch this amazing day.
Name one to three things that were a “must have” for your wedding – that were worth spending your money on…
DJ. Photographer. Good food.
Where did you go on honeymoon and for how long?
We went to Zanzibar for a week.
Describe newlywed life in 3 words…
Amazing. Security. Hot.
Wedding Suppliers
Photographer: Sean Baker Photography Please note picture quality has been reduced for display on our site.
Wedding Dress : Viola Chan from Bride & Co
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bride & Co
Suits: Suit Yourself
Hair & Make-up:Blush Make-up by Candice
Décor & Flowers: E by A
Wedding Cake: Roz’s Beautiful Cakes
Wedding Stationery Design: We did this ourselves by making fun videos
DJ: Mark Burnett from Sound Mechanix
Popcorn & Doughnuts : Joe van der Merwe from The Lemon Tree (a family friend)