Amanda and Michael's wedding really captures for me some of the fun and colour and effervescent romance of Cape Town - a heartfelt ceremony, a laid-back cocktail reception, and of course the most GORGEOUS portraits from Dearheart Photos with the spectacular V&A Waterfront in the background. It's a backdrop that barely needs any adornment, and fits perfectly into the 'magical lights' theme that Amanda dreamed of, with the harbour lights twinkling on the waters, and the happy laughter of family and friends bubbling out from the balcony of the Alba Lounge. Add a slush puppy machine full of frozen margaritas, jewel coloured florals and bridesmaid dresses that popped perfectly against the Waterfront's moody blues, as well as a gorgeous floral headband for the bride, and you have the perfect mix for a spectacular port city wedding.

I remember walking into our Kingdom Hall one day in 2008 and seeing a shy quiet guy standing in the corner. I approached him and introduced myself; I'd just joined the congregation. That's when he said his first words to me, 'We've already met, guess our introduction was really memorable' and I responded as any calm confident lady would - by doing the awkward turtle. Flash forward and I was part of group of unbelievable friends. We did everything together- with no romantic affliations of course! Mike, who I affectionately called "Tall Man" had so much to offer, if only he would stop wearing so much gel, dress properly, stop slouching, get a licence and passport, etc., etc. Oh but he was just a friend, who called me often to make sure I was ok. Two years later, and Michael (no longer Mike or Tall Man) was always available, always helpful. But things were a bit different. Did he like me? Did I like him? I was intent on going out of university with a bang. After 25 years with no kiss, finally on my graduation night I kissed someone. In my excitement I told the one person I tell everything: Michael. He didn't seem too happy with my news. I agreed to date the person I kissed. Michael took me to Rhodes Memorial and asked me to go on a walk. He asked me to take my sunglasses off which was weird. What did he just say? HE LIKES ME? All that went through my mind was: really NOW MICHAEL? We agreed to stay friends. Which for me meant avoiding him. Two months later I was no longer in a relationship, but like I told a work colleague of mine once, if I tell Michael, that's it: dating-marriage-commitment. You don't fool around with Michael. Proudly South African Details
My eldest brother and sister sang a traditional Zulu song on the balcony overlooking the ocean in our honour, bringing in our African heritage. Then I found myself stuck in Zambia with nowhere to go, and the first person I called was Michael. Across a country he was able to calm me down and tell me what to do. It was then that I realised I couldn't live without him.

You can see more from this wedding on the Dearheart Photos blog.

SERVICE PROVIDERS
Venue & catering: Alba Lounge, Hildebrand Resturant (V&A Waterfront) | Photography: Dearheart Photos | Cake: Red velvet cupcakes from Classic Bakery | Flowers: Moondrops Flowers (wholesale flowers & hiring), bride's mother and sister (florists) | Stationery: Groom | Bride's dress: Olivelli Cape Town| Bride's accessories: Lovisa & Dear Rae | Hair & makeup: Nathaline Renaud | Groom's attire: David Jacobs (081 270 4366) | Cocktail/slush puppy machine: Simply Stunning

SBB ♥ Olivelli Cape Town, a featured member of our Directory