Monique + Louis

How did you meet?

We met at University – we attended class together. Initially we had a very big dislike for each other and could not stand each other but once we really got to know each other it was the end of life as we knew it. 8 Years later we got engaged and 9 Years later we said “I Do”.

When did you know they were the one?

We had a short break-up midway through our relationship due to indifference’s. In that 1 month break we both realized it was the biggest mistake we had ever made and that in fact we had found the one we wanted to spend the rest of our life with.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner

He is caring, makes me laugh and he loves dogs just as much as I do.

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

I went for a Dress fitting at The Wedding Boutique (Johannebsurg, South Africa) as they are the only stockist of MWL dresses in South Africa and I am obsessed with your collection. It was love at first sight when I saw the Sasha and I just knew I had found the one. It was so comfortable, flattering and unique. I received so many compliments and I wish I could wear it every day!

Who proposed and how?

He proposed 🙂 We had won an amazing weekend away at Sir Richard Branson’s Private Game reserve, Ulusaba. A once in a lifetime opportunity – there was so much excitement in the air as we set off on our adventure! After a day of the most spectacular animal sightings, we sat down to a delicious 3-course dinner prepared by their top chef’s, and enjoyed a few glasses of their best wine! After our tummies were full and our hearts were warm, we went back to our room to relax on the deck that overlooked the African bushveld. It felt like we were all alone in the heart of the bush. I spotted a shooting star and pointed it out to Louis who then asked me what my wish was. Not wanting my wish not to come true I refused to tell him. He then proceeded to get down on his knee, took out the ring and said “Well, I hope this is what you wished for. Will you marry me?” I sat there stunned and in shock – not expecting him to have asked me that question at that specific moment (Was I imagining it?!). He then repeated the question (As if I needed him to ask me twice!) and I jumped up and screamed YES! I think I was crying, he was probably laughing (probably at me crying). It was amazing and perfect – just how I had always wanted him to ask me. Just the two of us surrounded by nothing else but nature!

What was the best moment for you at the wedding?

At the end of the night, when most guests had gone home, there was a small group remaining (mostly us and the bridal party) and we were all sitting around the fire under a beautiful star filled African sky, talking & laughing about the best moments of the day. it was the perfect ending to the perfect day.

What surprised you most at or about your wedding?

My husband, he made sure everything was perfect

What advice would you tell other brides?

Enjoy and savor every single moment! Don’t stress – in the end everything will work out. Our original DJ cancelled the day before our wedding and we had to find a new DJ in less than 24hours. In the end the new DJ was the BEST and everything worked out for the best.

What was the one thing you did differently for your wedding?

We kept every thing very simple. We got married on a farm just outside of Dullstroom and decided that nothing is more beautiful than nature itself and so we decided that everything else would be kept minimalist.