Andrea & Darren

About the bride and groom

My sister and her fiancé Colin introduced Darren and I to each other while he was on contract at a car dealership in Knysna. A year after we began dating I moved to PE. I’m a graphic designer by profession but decided to try something new so I started helping Darren in the admin department of his used car dealership, based in Lorraine.

How did he pop the question?

Darren proposed to me on the 18th of April 2012 while we were having dinner (celebrating our anniversary) at Bluewaters Cafe at the PE beachfront. It was so romantic – think roses, beautiful sunset…

It was after viewing the beautiful venue and chapel that we decided to choose the Plantation as our wedding venue. What impressed us so much, was the staff’s friendliness and vast knowledge about all things wedding (nothing was too much to ask from them) – from the seating plan, to the food, to their preferred in-house wedding vendors… We don’t know what we would have done without them and their invaluable advice.

Our theme was Country Romance with the emphasis on simplicity and elegance. Our soft pink/purple, pale green and cream colour scheme tied in so beautifully with The Plantation’s overall look. Lynley, The Plantations’ in-house florist, did a sterling job with our flowers and you should have seen our beautiful arch at the chapel’s entrance! Our guests still comment on how beautiful it looked. Craig, The Plantation’s in-house DJ read the crowd so well and knew exactly the right music to play. We chose the party menu from the Plantation and they baked the most beautiful wedding cake and delicious cupcakes which we served as our dessert.

What was the highlight of your day?

There were so many highlights on our day – we even had sunny weather despite the forecast predicting rain! The first highlight which really stands out is when Darren and I walked out of the chapel (as husband and wife) and at the exit we were showered with beautiful rose petals and bubbles. I remember there being not a breath of wind and the sky was so blue… The whole setting was perfect! The second highlight being when we entered the reception hall and stood in awe as we took in how beautiful and romantic the Plantation had set-up the tables and seating. The image of the soft glow inside brings back such happy memories.

Any special advice for brides to be?

My advice to brides is to know beforehand what you want – Try not to read too many bridal magazines – all their ideas will simply overwhelm you. Secondly work with your in-house service providers. The venue’s wedding planners have years of experience and knowledge – trust their expertise. Thank you so much to The Plantation and all the service providers – Our wedding day is a day we will never forget…

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