I’m not one of those girls who had my Wedding Day all figured out. I wasn’t pulling out a scrap book created from the age of 12 and I had no idea what I actually wanted, but I knew I wanted to feel like a Queen in my dress, as I marry my soulmate.

I had no idea what would suit my body shape, so I went to Olivelli’s in Johannesburg with my bridesmaids, Lucia, Karolina, Tandi and my Mom for a fitting. My sister got her wedding dress there and it was magnificent! I joke about trying on every style from the mini to the meringue, but that’s exactly what I did.

Ironically, the dresses I thought would be WOW, did absolutely nothing for me and the dresses I tried on reluctantly, transformed me! It was such an interesting exercise and I’m glad I had an open mind.

I walked away with a much better idea of which styles suited me and even had one dress in mind, but I wanted to continue the search because deep down I knew I would KNOW the minute I found the one!

I might not have known what my ultimate dress would be, but I did wonder what it would be like to have one designed, especially since it would be unique to my personality and body shape.

The only designer I would want and hoped for, was Hendrik Vermeulen. I have worked with him before for the Bokeh Fashion Film Festival and when I have worn his creations, I have felt transformed and incredible. Hendrik is a Couture Designer, and his talent is God sent. He knows how to dress a woman’s body and how to make you the best version of herself.

I set up a meeting with Hendrik and JD. We sat, drank tea, chatted away and I sat excitedly clutching my phone, ready with Pinterest inspiration pictures and the photos of the dresses I had tried on.

Do you ever doodle when you’re on the phone? I do and that’s what it looked like Hendrik was doing on a piece of paper… he didn’t look like he was sketching. After a while, we turned the conversation to the dress… I was about to launch into my experience of trying on dresses and show him the pictures and Pinterest board, when Hendrik turned his sketch pad around and showed me the wedding dress he envisioned would look amazing for me.

I stared at it and burst into tears. Happy tears. Hendrik had drawn the dress of my dreams – the dream I didn’t even know I had, but there it was… in pencil. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was the one! Perfection. I was speechless until I blabbered: “B…but… we didn’t even talk about… wait… but how did you know?”

You’ll see the sketch has the date for the 20 February. If you missed the pre-wedding story, catch up here When everything changed and I suddenly had not one, but 2 new dates, Hendrik, JD and I chatted about what we would do.

I explained the difference of the 2 ceremonies and Hendrik created the most incredible dress for the Greek ceremony.Each gown was perfect for each ceremony. The Greek dress was very regal and elegant, respectful for the Greek church. The English ceremony dress was ethereal and dreamy – the first dress designed! 

I couldn’t stop twirling in both my dresses! I felt comfortable in them, I could move, breathe, dance and have fun!

The Greek: Silk Dupione wrap around neckline, re-embroidered and hand beaded Chantilly lace bodice over a silk Dupione full circle skirt. The silk Dupione actually sings. If you rub it together it makes the sweetest sound.

The English had a tri-dimensional effect re-embroidered and hand beaded Chantilly lace bodice over mesh, mermaid cut panelled silk chiffon skirt and removable silk chiffon petticoat. Once removed, the chiffon had two sexy slits for my legs.

I wore the same veil for both days – a long Cathedral veil made of Italian veiling.

The fittings were wonderful and exciting. In fact, out of all the wedding stresses, my dresses were the breath of fresh air and the one two things I didn’t have to worry about!

Here is my mother in law, Dimitra and JD chatting about the material and lace.

Hendrik and JD – THANK YOU! Thank you for making my days so special… I felt like a Queen and I will never forget that feeling. Thank you to you and your team who worked tirelessly on the dresses and who ensured that every bead and every stitch was perfect. I don’t have enough words!

Here are the photos of my dress from our Greek wedding. Photography by Shantelle Visser.
Here are photo’s of my dress from the English Ceremony. You’ll see how much fun I had in my dress. 

I’ll get into the ceremonies and the party next 🙂

Thanks so much for reading. I’m loving sharing this, because I get to relive the very best days!