Amy + Hendrik

How did you meet?

Hendrik & I are originally both from South Africa, but we ended up meeting in Dubai. Our first interaction was on a zoom call. Hendrik was being interviewed by the fitness facility I was working for at the time. I immediately thought to myself “wow, he’s cute!” He got the job and moved to Dubai in 2017, which meant that we were now colleagues. We immediately became close friends. There was always chemistry between us and the sparks were always felt. We wondered if there was something more than friendship between us and in October 2018 we discovered that our future together was inevitable! From 29 Oct 2018 we haven’t spent longer than a few days apart. It turns out that best friends make the best life partners!

When did you know they were the one?

We were sitting at our mutual friend’s dinner party – we always ended up sitting next to each other, even though we weren’t yet dating. We had been talking almost all evening and I thought to myself “It wouldn’t matter if anyone else was even here”. Hendrik started serving me some of the farm-styled food that was on the table and I instinctively turned to him and said “thank you, I love you”. I immediately started blushing and before I could excuse myself, Hendrik looked at me and said “I love you too, Amz”. From that moment on I knew we’d end up together.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

1. Hendrik feels like home. I’ve never experienced such a peaceful feeling. His hugs feel like a warm bath.
2. His kind and sensitive nature – I swear he cried more than I did on our wedding day!
3. His positive perspective and energy. I can always count on my hubby to brighten my darkest days.

Who proposed and how?

Hendrik proposed, and truth be told – it did not go as planned, but definitely ended up even more perfect than his original idea, which I obviously had no idea about until he told me later than evening. We were on holiday in Seychelles and Hendrik was planning to ask me to marry him on 11 December 2021. 11 is my favourite number. We had moved from the cutest little pool villa to the exquisite Anantara Maia Seychelles for the last few days of our trip on 11 Dec and he had planned a private early dinner at sunset with the staff. We arrived at the hotel, checked in and went for a walk on the beach. The clouds started rolling in and one of the staff members came over to talk to Hendrik privately. I didn’t think anything of it at the time. Hendrik came to me and said he was planning a sunset dinner for us but the weather won’t allow it. He asked if I’d like to have dinner in the hotels wine cellar instead. “Of course, you know how much I’d love that”, I replied. Wine is my love language, so naturally this was very exciting as I’d never had dinner in a wine cellar before. We got ready for the evening and Hendrik insisted we take the tripod with us. We had a glass of wine and after ordering our starters, Hendrik set up the tripod and insisted that I stand in frame so he could set it up. I saw the video flash light come on and was a little confused. Hendrik then started talking to me about our life together and I finally realised what was happening. He got on one knee and popped the question. I was giggling like a little girl the entire time and I’ll never forget the details of this very special moment until the day I die! It was imperfectly perfect.

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

Dress shopping in Dubai is a bit of challenge when you’re looking for something elegant and simple. Luckily I got a recommendation from one of my friends to visit Ginger & Poppy Bridal – the only bridal store in Dubai to stock MWL. I tried on so many dresses I loved but as soon as I put on Georgie V2 it just felt so beautiful and completely effortless. My mom came dress shopping with me. She looked at me with the dress on and said “Amz, I think that’s the one!”. After leaving the store with many pictures of different options, I send the pics to both my brothers asking which was their favourite and they both came back with the same answer without even taking to each other about it – Georgie V2 was their favourite. We went back to the store a week later, I tried the dress on again and that was it! Simple, classy, elegant & timeless – A dress I will never get over!

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

So hard to pick one!! Giraffe spotting – We got married at Lunikhy Game Farm in Limpopo, South Africa. The wildlife there is amazing and we were hoping to see giraffe during our stay. Whilst we were out on a game drive vehicle shooting some sunset pics with our photographers and videographers, we suddenly spotted giraffe in the distance. Hendrik and I got out of the vehicle and just stared at them for the longest time. It was the most peaceful moment of the entire day and definitely a one I’ll never forget! The confetti toss – This moment felt so surreal with everyone we loved showering us with petals! I was smiling so much I got one of the flowers stuck in my teeth! Just pure happiness! The moment we walked into the reception – Hendrik and I were like little kids jumping for joy on entrance

What were your favourite details?

The back of my dress and my detachable tulle wings! I was so happy I chose wings instead of a veil. I didn’t realise just how beautiful they’d look photographed!

I absolutely adored mine and my bridesmaids bouquets. We went for bright colours, mixed with some neutrals and pampas. We were blown away by the overall feel our flowers created!

What advice would you tell other brides?

The dress: Have a style in mind when going wedding dress shopping, but be open to new ideas and styles too. Sometimes the most unexpected dress is the one you’ll feel (and look) your best in. Listen to other people’s opinions, but remember that you are the one who needs to wear the dress, so pick something that feels like YOU!

The venue, photographers & videographers: Book all of these well in advance! Many people don’t feel the need for a videographer but looking back, I would be so disappointed if I hadn’t booked one! Make sure the venue suits your personality. If you’re outdoorsy – having an outdoor wedding will most likely make you the happiest. If you love luxury – think about getting married in a booshy hotel. If you’re most comfortable in your family’s backyard – go for it! There are no rules. This is the one day you get to do everything your way.

Decor: Forget about wedding decor trends! Make your wedding feel like you and your partners personalities. Make Pinterest boards of all the ideas you love and go with it.

On the big day: Take in every single moment! Wake up early, get ready slowly and enjoy the entire process with all the people you love most.