Today on Wedding Friends we have the honor to share the wedding of Marc and Nicole. A celebration put together by an amazing group of suppliers who truly gave their all for this wedding. It is always such a pleasure when suppliers work together so well to ensure a magnificent event. Together with Quintin Mills Photography, Hauke Digital Productions, The Wedding Specialists and Mercia M Designs a stunning celebration was created. The couple is sharing their story.

{I Propose} - Elaborate on how the two of you met or on how the proposal went down.

We're engaged! I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance, a reception filled with family and friends. I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for. He said one that would make me his wife. Marc and I had talked about marriage and knew that we would one day get married, I even, on more than one occasion sent him pictures of rings! It really only came down to the guessing game of when was he going to pop the question. I never ever thought it would be on my 28th birthday in the most romantic setting a girl could only dream of. On the morning of my birthday I woke up with full blown flu. People who know me know this isn't a rare occurrence. I turn over only to have Marc look at me and say: "You're not sick babe, its all in your head. We're going to enjoy today and everything I've planned for you". Planned for me, I frown. I cant do Anything feeling the way I do! "You're taking me to the doctor". So, off we go to the doctor. The nurse in the doctors rooms shouts out, "happy birthday Nicole" in front of the many ailed people that were in the waiting room at the time. I could feel Marc's eyes rolling in the back of his head like, who goes to the doctor on their birthday? Little did I know the reason why he was rolling his eyes was because he didnt want to be late for breakfast. The Grand in Plettenberg Bay over-looks sweeping beaches, a coffee-coloured lagoon, the extraordinary Tsitsikama Mountains and an exquisite, glittering Ocean. If this were all he had planned for my birthday - family, food and the most stunning views - I was quite content. We get back to our place after breakfast and as I'm about to get my swimwear on and lay by the pool, when Marc said to me, "Pack an overnight bag. Make sure you have something nice to wear for dinner, change into shorts and pack pajamas." Now for any girl just the word 'packing' sends them into a panic ridden state. Imagine that is the only information you're allowed to know. I must say props to Marc, most boyfriends would just say,"pack a bag!". So off we go.

Marc is still as quiet as a church mouse which is not a trait that Ive seen often in the 6 years that we have been dating, but making up for the secretive side, out comes the playful, witty monster which he oh-so-loves to press my buttons with. Turning on the indicators for every turn, making up stories as to where we're going and laughing to himself about every whimsical idea he manages to conjure up in his head! After an hour and a bit of slow driving, joking, laughing and guessing, we land up at George Airport where I see a bright red helicopter shining in the distance. "No," I say is that for us? Marc Smiles. The most dramatic rose ceremony ever. We flew over the Botlierskop Game Reserve and Landed in the most exquisite Lodge where 3 elephants were awaiting our arrival. The guide called us over and introduced us to Tsotsi - which was the mother elephant we were about to ride. After the elephant ride we went back on the helicopter, out of the reserve to what I thought had been the best birthday ever.

But wait, there is more! We arrive back at George airport and say our goodbyes to the Pilot. Marc reverses the rented car into a pole. If I had any idea about the proposal (which I didn't) now would've been the time to realize it, because Marc always claims to be the best driver in the world and I have to say he has lived up to it. Until now. Marc turns right instead of going straight and says we're not going home. We're staying at Pezula for the night. I'm jumping out of my chair with excitement! This is the best birthday ever! Dinners booked in a private room . Foreign menu and a funny wine story short, I turn around and Marc is standing behind me. "So," he says. "There's something I wanted to ask you." He opens the ring box, bends down on one knee and says," I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, will you marry me?" As I stared at him in shock I could feel tears running down my cheeks. I didn't know if I could even speak! Finally I answered, "Yes, yes I will marry you!" He slipped the ring on my finger. My mother phoned as Marc got off his knee. After the shock wore off we got back into the room and called everyone we knew to tell them the great news. It was the perfect weekend.

{Bride & Prejudice} - Express some memorable experiences you had during the planning.

Marc and I have always loved to travel. Since the day we met we have always been planning trips overseas and exploring different countries. We are very lucky because my mom is in the travel industry and is able to get us the very best places at the most amazing rates. Our fondest memories are of getting lost in Venice, walking through the bizarre markets of Egypt, crazy soccer matches in Manchester and tuk-tuk adventures in Thailand. I believe that two people are connected at the heart, and it doesn't matter what you do, or who you are or where you live, there are no boundaries or barriers if two people are destined to be together. "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

{My Fair Wedding} - Describe an event that you feel was unique or even funny.

It was so much fun! The weather was close to perfect and the months of planning all came together nicely. We had all our close friends and family there, great speeches at the reception, delicious food, fun times dancing and a photo booth with cool props. It was just a really happy day having most of our family and friends there to witness our marriage and celebrate with us. I wore and Enzoani Vonve Bridal Couture lace sweetheart neckline gown, complete with the most beautiful veil. My bridesmaids wore Badgley Mischka pastel coloured dresses. My gorgeous hubby and his groomsmen wore tailor made country road suits. The ceremony and actually getting married was the highlight for us and it was so special and something that we will never forget. We really enjoyed our photo shoot in between the ceremony and reception, having a chance to relax together and talk and reflect on our day so far, and being able to celebrate with the people that mean the most to us. Truly the absolute best day of our lives!

{Don't Tell The Bride} - Reveal something that happened behind the scenes. Nelson Mandela passed away the week before our wedding. We had wanted white roses for our decor and had gotten the bad news that all the white roses in Johannesburg had been ordered for his funeral. Can you believe it! Thanks to my amazing wedding planner Khali De Villiers from the Wedding Specialists - They managed by some miracle to get us our beautiful flowers which we absolutely loved.

{No More Wedding Woes} - Share your wedding advice for future brides.

On the day of your wedding: Don't sweat the small stuff. The only thing that matters on your wedding day is that you get to marry the person that you love.

Once you're married: Fight fair. No name-calling and no cheap shots. We drive each other crazy sometimes but really working to disagree nicely has kept our relationship pretty happy. Laugh a lot. I'm a high-strung, type A typical perfectionist. Marc is laid back and funny. It's easy to laugh with him and be happy together when we're laughing. Talk, really talk, often. This is actually something I battle to do. If something bothers me about him or vice versa, we try to address it fast before it becomes a deal breaker. Respect each others point of view. Even when you know you're right.

{Service Providers}

Photographer: Quintin Mills Photography | Videographer: Hauke Digital Productions | Venue: Turbine Hall | Flowers and Decor: The Wedding Specialists | Dress: Vonve Bridal Couture | Bridesmaids Dresses: Badgley Mischka | Stationery Designer: Mercia M Designs