Introducing our b.loved real-life bride!

Written by: louise

Morning my lovelies! Today's a super exciting day for b.loved as I get to introduce our first ever real-life bride contributor, Danielle. Originally from Torquay, Devon but now living in Cape Town, South Africa, we're going to be following her wedding planning journey over the next six months. Tackling the logistics of long-distance planning (she's getting married in the UK) and two very different cultures, as well as the wedding pretty, Danni will be joining us once a month to share her story. Her wedding has an extra-special meaning for me as Danni is a bona-fide b.loved bride, and I will be styling her big day later this year. I'm also super lucky that she's also my sister-in-law to be. With impeccable taste, this bride knows what she wants (and more importantly what she doesn't) and I can't wait for you to hear all about what she's got up her sleeve!

Here's her story so far ~

We met almost 9 years ago on a chance encounter at Surrey University's union bar. Not being a Surrey student himself, he had been let in without any student ID by two fellow South African bouncers! We happened to be queuing for drinks at the same time and in front of me I remember a tall guy who just wasn't getting any closer to front of the queue. So I decided to try sneak in front of him - he cheekily tapped me on the shoulder; and that's where it all began. We then dated for just over a year while he finished his studies in London and then he had to return to South Africa. We knew then we didn't want to give up on each other so were in a (very) long distance relationship for almost 2 years. I graduated and then started working in London while Christiaan started his own business in South Africa. After too many tearful goodbyes at airports and many hefty telephone bills we soon realised something had to give. So I sent my CV to every research agency in Cape Town and in October 2008 I boarded a one-way flight to South Africa! Fast-forward 5 years and in March 2013 Christiaan popped the question! He had designed the ring himself and was waiting for the most unsuspecting moment - that moment came on a normal, lazy, chilled out Sunday. To say I was surprised was an understatement! He had been baking a chicken pie and unbeknown to me there was a secret message in the crust! I found it a bit odd that he wouldn't let me near the oven but didn't argue too much if he wanted to cook! He served the pie and then I saw the words "Marry Me?". It was perfect. We then called all our family and friends in England and SA, I still laugh at how crazy I must have sounded on the phone raving about the most amazing chicken pie, and this amazing ring! I think I must be one of the luckiest brides, to have Louise from b.loved as my future sister-in-law and wedding stylist! From the beginning I've had a good idea of what I've wanted in various aspects, for example venue, colours, flowers but my early concern was how do all the ideas come to together! Being a b.loved bride means I have Louise to bounce ideas off and guide me in how to bring together various ideas and inspiration. As I set out on planning the big day its reassuring to know that with every idea I have Louise is there is help me source the products or point me in the right direction of awesome suppliers. But above all Louise has amazing eye for all things pretty! Follow Danni's monthly updates here

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Categories: real weddings · Tags: b.loved bride, b.loved styling, danielle, real life bride