Shaun and Melissa
On a beautiful late summer’s evening in Cape Town, a dream came true for two very special people – Shaun & Melissa – winners of a competition organised by The Argus and Celebration House. The prize? A wonderful wedding with all the trimmings, provided by a host of generous sponsors, and including a wedding night in a five-star hotel, as well as a honeymoon in the Stellenbosch winelands!
At 5.30pm on Tuesday 27th March, the scene was beautifully set at Celebration House in Protea Road, Claremont. A large number of guests awaited the bride’s arrival, while enjoying drinks underneath the romantic Bedouin tent supplied by Intent, and admiring the stunning décor (complete with chuppah), created by Party Warehouse and complemented by lush greenery from The Plant People.
And then, suddenly, there she was - a serene and lovely bride in a vision of a dress designed by Ralph Mayer of Mayers, The Bridal Shop. All brides are beautiful, as the saying goes, but Melissa (whose natural beauty was complemented by the expert make-up of Sue Berry), radiated a special joy as, carrying her delightful bouquet created by Party Warehouse, she made her way up the red carpet supplied by All Events Hire (who also provided the tables and chairs), to the strains of ‘The Wedding March’ played by leading dance band Tuxedo.
Melissa took her place next to her proud husband-to-be, Shaun – who looked extremely dashing in his stylish outfit from Remington’s Suit Hire – and, as ‘The Wedding March’ segued effortlessly into the glorious ‘Unchained Melody’, beautifully sung by Tuxedo’s Peter Hunt, the couple and all their guests stood listening, caught in an enchanted moment of pure romance!
The simple and moving marriage ceremony was conducted by Marriage Officer Rev. Roger Horwood, after which the couple was taken to sign the register in Celebration House.
When they emerged, their guests showered them with fragrant fynbos confetti supplied by Scatterlings.
Melissa’s brother then surprised everyone by singing a beautiful song to the couple, which received great applause. All the guests were then served with sparkling wine from Swartland Wine Estate to toast the happy pair.
A few minutes later, the happy couple took to the floor for their first dance (to Shania Twain’s ‘From this Moment On’), after which they cut their delicious groom’s cake, made by Celebration Cakes.
With all the formalities completed, it was now time for serious celebrating! Tuxedo launched into its repertoire of popular hits, and guests enjoyed oysters, smoked salmon and delicious canapés provided by Soiree Catering, as well as tempting tastings from Mediterranean Delicacies - not to mention a range of irresistible pizzas from Butlers. Liquid refreshment was provided by Hillcrest and Rhebokskloof Wine Estates, with soft drinks from Pacmar Fruit Juice. Afterwards, everyone’s sweet tooth was given a treat in the form of the spectacular chocolate fountain, courtesy of Chocolate Falls.
The bride and groom were given a big send-off to the tune of ‘Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye’, while they made their way to the waiting limousine from Classic Tours. They were swept away in style and taken to Simon’s at Groot Constantia where, along with their guests, they enjoyed a wonderful dinner.
At the end of their perfect day, Shaun and Melissa were taken to the world-famous Mount Nelson Hotel for their wedding night, where they were given the executive suite - complete with candles and rose petals in the bath - followed by a surprise champagne breakfast the next morning! Later in the day, they left for a short honeymoon in the winelands at the beautifully situated Devon Valley Hotel, where they could catch their breath in the tranquil surroundings and reflect on the events of the past few days. But it wasn’t all quite over yet, as, on their return, they had a great deal of fun spending their generous R2000 gift voucher from @home, and opening the gifts brought by guests!
As a record of their special day, Shaun and Melissa were also given a wonderful video of their wedding taken by John Salt of Satellite Projects, as well as a set of stunning photographs by well-known photographer Dirk Visser.
Special thanks also go to:
A R van der Lith & Co. for the use of their premises
Attorneys Bowman Gilfillan for antenuptial contract given to the bridal couple
Just Chocs – for delicious chocolates in the guests’ ‘goodie bags’
Sound FX Entertainment for lighting
