Stacey and Greg: Romantic Vintage Fun

By The Celebration Team 11 Jul, 2012

About the Bride

I’m 28 and from Cape Town. Owner of Let’s get Lavish – Event Lighting.

About the Groom

I am 29 and an electronic engineer by profession. I’m originally from Joburg. Stacey bribed me to move to Cape Town and its turned out to be the best bribe I’ve ever accepted.

How did you meet?

We met at a party that, ironically, we both very unwillingly got dragged to. Stacey was quite rude to Greg, but somehow he thought she was the ultimate challenge and lapped it all up!

How long were you together before the wedding proposal?

We knew after 1 month that this was forever and then Greg kept me waiting for 4 years before proposing.

About the Proposal

As we now live back in Cape Town, Greg decided to propose in Joburg as he knew I would never think it would happen there. He was up for work and as always, I planned our usual once-a-month dinner with my best friend. She mentioned that there was this new estate called Tintswalo Hotel and Resort and albeit pricey, she really wanted to try it. This was all part of Greg’s master plan.

They called to say they were running 15 minutes late and we should have a drink so long. Upstairs on the deck, the cocktail menu arrived and the first page inside was printed with “Will you marry me?”.

A private dinner and the luxury suite was booked for us and there was petals and candles and champagne EVERYWHERE! Our friends never showed up :)

How far in advance did you choose to have your wedding after the proposal? And, why?

We got engaged on June 24th and I’ve always wanted a March wedding, so March it was, and it was just enough time to get it all organised!

How did you go about the wedding planning process? Did you do it yourself? How long was the planning process? How did you find it?

I sourced a wedding planner almost immediately as I had a million ideas in my head and a guest list of 240. I found Barry from Event and Design – my wedding planning angel! I remained very involved none-the-less. I have waited 4 years to plan this amazing day. I found the experience indescribable. I’ve looked forward to this for so long and I just love party planning – especially my own!

Did you have a hen party / kitchen tea / stag night / bachelor / bachelorette party? If so, what did you do and what did you enjoy most about it?

My maid of honour/best friend out did herself! We had to have 2 parties – one in Johannesburg and one here in Cape Town. I lay in bed many nights thinking what will she come up with and assured myself that there’s no theme that relates to my new surname, “Olivier”. I WAS WRONG. The Johannesburg theme was Boere bachelorettes – Vrou soek n boer, and I was dressed ridiculously by the bridesmaids.

Then I really thought there was no other option now for the Cape Town one but when I arrived, Ali had organized a full blown French affair. Ladies were dressed in French outfits and I had yet another ridiculous French clown outfit waiting for me. I even got a French moustache painted on! Greatest fun I have ever had!

Greg had his Bachelors in Johannesburg . His friends dressed him up, took him go-carting, out for dinner, followed by many drinks and a late night out partying. He loved it!

Wedding Details (the whole story...from start to finish)

Our wedding was simply a romantic summer garden fiesta. A dash of vintage, lots of champagne, a live band around the koi pond and guests in colourful summer attire. The bridal party - Creams, earthy neutrals and dusty pinks. The venue was approved from the moment we put foot on the farm. Rustenberg Estate has lavish gardens, dense, tall trees, pristine lawns and flowers of every imaginary colour. The ceremony and the reception was held in the gardens.

The entire wedding was our personalities. Relaxed, funny, colourful, soft, elegant, vibrant, love. Greg, being an engineer, hardly ever has spare time, so I got to do the whole wedding! I made plenty little hand-made goodies myself as I love that personal touch. From small hanging hearts off the back of the chairs to “S” and “G” painted letters hanging from trees. I also made the seating plan and menu myself.

Tips and / or advice for future bridal couples?

Start planning as early as you can! Even with a co-ordinator, weddings are like having children – there is so much advise, but no one can really prepare you for how much there actually is to think of constantly and do. Calm as you may be, watch out for that last week! On the up side, though, you’ll lose wait – fast!

What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?

Greg, saying my vows and just being in those gardens while the sun set with fabulous family, friends and great music

Did you go on honeymoon? If so, where? And, why there?

YES! Aaah, I never knew where we were going until we landed in Dubai. Then Greg said we’re going to Thailand and Phuket. After a week in Phuket he told me to pack my bags and only then revealed that we’re also going to Phi Phi for 3 days of Scuba diving. It was unbelievably amazing!

Stacey and Greg: Romantic Vintage Fun Wedding Details