Stacey & Juan's wedding

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I met the love of my life (Juan Wright) on the 16 April 2005.

My first job was at an IT company where I met his brother with whom I became friends. His brother always said we would make a good couple but we never got around to meeting each other until I was invited to his brother's wedding.

Image credit: Tracy Robertson
Juan was the best man and my heart just melted when I heard his speech and saw how handsome he looked in a suite. Eventually we worked up the courage to dance together and hit it off from there.

We've been inseperable ever since.

Image credit: Tracy Robertson
He proposed on 12 December 2010.

We had planned to go for a picnic at Kirstenbosch Gardens and I didn't suspect a thing, as we often do "out of the ordinary" things on a Sunday. We went to the shop and bought all of my favourite snacks and sweets for our picnic.

Image credit: Tracy Robertson
Once at Kirstenbosch Gardens, I kept saying that we should stop and start our picnic but he wanted to keep walking further up the hill to find the perfect spot, away from other people.

Image credit: Tracy Robertson
We eventually stopped under a gorgeous tree, set up our picnic and chatted while we ate our snacks. He kept insisting that I sit on his left hand side as he had the engagement ring in his right pocket and didn't want to lie on it.

Image credit: Tracy Robertson
It was so relaxing that we both fell asleep on the grass. When we woke up, I suggested we leave but he said we should stay a little longer. While I lay next to him he expressed his love for me and pulled the ring out of his pocket.

I was shocked that this amazing man wanted to spend the rest of his life with me and proceeded to burst into tears. I then bounced all the way back down the hill and phoned my family and closest friends.
We got married on the 24 September 2011, on an absolutely perfect day, with all our family and friends at Welgelee Wine Estate.

Image credit: Tracy Robertson
The whole wedding planning process went really smoothly. We kept checking our budget and amending it accordingly and in that way we managed to stay in budget.

I had an amazing support structure which consisted of Juan, my mom, my dad, my new mom-in-law, and my bridesmaids that helped me every step of the way.

Image credit: Tracy Robertson
I am a pink fanatic, so deciding on the colour scheme wasn't hard at all. I didn't want to make the wedding too girly though so we teamed up a baby pink with grey for the overall theme.

My mom drove up and down with me to all my dress fittings and bridal expo's. I designed my wedding dress with Susanne Strydom and was thrilled with the end product.

Image credit: Tracy Robertson
Susanne was so comforting and had so many good ideas to help make my dream dress. The bridesmaids' dresses were bought at Monsoon in Tygervalley.

We drove around looking at a few venues and decided on Welgelee Wine Estate as it was exactly what we were looking for in a venue and Lidea Meyer was very welcoming and willing to assist.

Image credit: Tracy Robertson
The water feature that we were married on was breath taking and the hall looked amazing. Lidea was always happy to take my phone calls any time of day when I had questions.

My best friend / bridesmaid (Chantal) helped me immensely with hand making our invitations and wedding gifts (pink and white candy coated almonds in little grey mesh packets).

Image credit: Tracy Robertson
I wanted a more personal touch on our wedding and wanted to save money by hand making as much as I could. I ordered my flowers from Moon Drops which were perfect.

Selina Fortuin from SC Hiring & Catering provided all our centrepieces (pink roses in a vase full of water with a floating candle) as well as our food. Our centrepieces were gorgeous and Selina was so friendly and always willing to answer my questions.
Our guests were very happy with the food and we were even able to take the leftovers home.

Image credit: Tracy Robertson
My dad and his girlfriend made the cupcakes as our wedding cake and I was blown away at how gorgeous they looked.

He received many compliments from our friends and other couples that had come through to the venue in the morning to have a look around.

Image credit: Tracy Robertson
Tracy Robertson was our photographer and it was an absolute breeze working with her. She made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera and I was blown away with the photo's that she took.

We used DeeJays Music to supply the sound and music for our wedding and reception. Our guests were on their feet dancing until the very end. It was the most perfect and magical day of my life.
Welgelee Wine Esate - Lidea Meyer - 082 772 1784 Moon Drops - (021) 939 4672 SC Hiring & Catering - Selina Fortuin - 073 586 5197 Susanne Strydom - 082 395 6902 Tracy Robertson - 082 889 7594 Hair & Makeup - Smudge Makeup - Kristy Cochius - 082 427 9281 DeeJays Music - Greg - 076 633 3326
Image credit: Tracy Robertson

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Did you tie the knot in 2011? Then send in your love story (200 – 300 words) and pictures (no more than 15) to chatback@women24.com .

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