Win Your Wedding At Rosemary Hill Realness
Rosemary Hill Wedding Venue
We’re thrilled to share the heartwarming love story and stunning wedding photos of Marisca and Craig, the winners of our ‘Win Your Wedding’ competition in partnership with Rosemary Hill. As we relive their special day, we can’t help but get emotional – it’s truly a beautiful tale that will leave you feeling inspired and moved. Stay tuned for more real weddings to kick off 2022!
When Did You Meet And How Did He Propose?
As fitness enthusiasts, our paths crossed in an unexpected way when Craig sent me a message on Instagram, asking me to smile during my workouts. This chance encounter led to a romantic getaway that changed everything. Fast-forward to 2019, and Craig proposed to me in a unique and thrilling manner. He booked us for an open-water diving course, which I initially thought was terrifying!
During the first lesson, we learned about the risks involved if we didn’t follow the rules, leaving me worried about the potential consequences. As we progressed through the course, I struggled to stay underwater due to minor panic attacks and had to abandon my attempts multiple times. Morne, our instructor, offered to continue with Craig and the other student while I took a break and re-processed my emotions. He then suggested working one-on-one with me to help me overcome my fears.
After several attempts, I finally managed to complete the first set of skills. Two days later, we were ready for our final dive – the one that would earn us certification. Craig had been planning this moment for months, and I was feeling under the weather, with clogged ears from previous dives. The sea conditions weren’t ideal either, but I knew I couldn’t let fear hold me back. Just before we kitted up, I broke down in tears, unable to muster the strength to face the ocean again.
Craig was caught off guard by my emotional outburst, and a few minutes later, I took a deep breath and began preparing for our final dive. As we entered the water, panic struck once more, but Morne’s calm guidance helped me regain control. For the first time that day, it was Craig’s turn to feel anxious! We swam together, holding hands, and enjoyed the beauty of our surroundings. Morne then brought us together, handing Craig a wet note with his proposal written on it.
I had to read it twice to ensure I wasn’t imagining things! With my whole body swaying in excitement, I nodded enthusiastically – YES! We even managed to steal a kiss underwater, sealing our love forever.
What Was The Style Or Inspiration For Your Wedding Day?
As a laid-back couple, we’ve always been drawn to simplicity and minimalism. This aesthetic informed our rustic bohemian theme, which perfectly complemented the charming barn at Rosemary Hill. The fairy lights scattered throughout created an enchanting ambiance. To add a personal touch, Craig and I crafted our own candle holders and main table decorations using cement, plastic bags, and rocks from our garden, adding a tactile element to the space.
Throughout this process, we learned valuable lessons about patience and effective communication – essential skills for building a strong and lasting relationship.
Who Were Your Suppliers And Why Did You Choose Them?
At Rosemary Hill Farm in Pretoria, we enjoyed a truly special wedding experience. What’s less well-known is that we actually won our wedding package through one of the Pink Book competitions in February 2020. With our date set, we reached out to Kevin from Big Day Symphony Wedding Films, who impressed us with his creative storytelling and beautiful visuals. His wife Paula, a talented photographer from Paula Adams Photography, captured every moment perfectly. We were thrilled with her work.
We also worked closely with Wilde Bloem, a supplier recommended by Rosemary Hill, and Rachelle was an absolute joy to collaborate with. Although we didn’t require much from them, she still provided valuable guidance on décor and advised us on incorporating some of their pieces into our overall aesthetic. Meanwhile, Meisiekind created stunning bouquets that fit our budget, allowing us to save significantly compared to hiring a florist for the dried palm leaves and other decorations.
The wedding dress was another unexpected adventure! Initially, I hired a dress from a Johannesburg-based company, but after paying in full, they abruptly closed down without refunding any of their brides. Luckily, God intervened and brought me together with JJ from Esje’s Designs in Hartbeespoort. He not only saved the day but also stayed within my budget, making it a truly miraculous experience.
What Was The Highlight Of Your Wedding Day?
What resonated deeply with both of us was the opportunity to publicly declare our commitment to each other, surrounded by the people who matter most – our loved ones. The moment we stood before them, hand in hand, promising to love and cherish each other for a lifetime, was truly unforgettable.
Experience In Planning A Wedding During Lockdown?
While it’s natural to encounter differing opinions on your special day, remember that your vision for the perfect celebration is unique to you and your partner. Don’t let others’ perspectives sway you from achieving what you’ve always wanted. This is your day, after all. It’s essential to strike a balance between your own desires and those of your spouse. Make an effort to understand his thoughts and incorporate them into your planning process.
When unexpected setbacks arise, keep in mind that they may not be noticeable to anyone else. The only person who will truly know what went wrong is you.
In hindsight, it’s easy to wish you had been more present on your wedding day, taking in the moment with loved ones. Stress can quickly become overwhelming, so prioritize staying calm and focused amidst any last-minute changes or unexpected twists. For us, lockdown restrictions forced us to adjust our plans not once, but three times!
We ultimately had to inform over half of our guests that they wouldn’t be able to attend due to the ever-changing circumstances. Although we were relieved when lockdown lifted just a week prior to our wedding, it was too late to alter course at that point.
Did You Do Anything Differently Compared To The Traditional Wedding Customs?
As my husband’s mother escorted him down the aisle, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness wash over me. Having attended numerous wedding expos beforehand, I was struck by the stark lack of emphasis on the groom’s role in the proceedings. It seemed as though the entire focus was centered around the bride, which didn’t sit well with me. My husband deserved to be celebrated and acknowledged just as much as his partner, so we made a conscious decision to shift the spotlight back onto him.
Is There Anything You Would’ve Done Differently Looking Back?
While I may have been a tad anxious on that particular day, it’s worth noting that nothing else could have possibly detracted from the sheer euphoria of marrying the love of my life. In fact, it was an experience so sublime, it remains the crowning jewel of my existence.
Wedding Suppliers:
Our special day took place at the picturesque Rosemary Hill Wedding Venue. The beautiful blooms and décor were a perfect blend of elegance and personal touch, with Wilde Bloem’s exceptional work adding a lovely touch. We also got creative and made some of the decorations ourselves, which really made it our own. To satisfy our sweet tooth, we had the delightful wedding cake courtesy of Rosemary Hill Wedding Venue.
Our memories are all the more precious thanks to the incredible work of Paula Adams Photography, capturing every moment with her expert eye. The cinematic magic brought to life by Big Day Symphony Wedding Films also helped us relive the joyous occasion. And, of course, no wedding would be complete without the stunning wedding dress from Esjes Designs in Hartbeespoort – it was a true showstopper! To add that extra special touch to our big day, we had gorgeous bouquets crafted by Meisiekind.
