I have always known that I sometimes get hit by what I call "my strange moments" :), well in a nice way obviously. It's just that sometimes my brain gets hit by some strange vibes and next thing I know I am up to something that others would not even consider. Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with that at all...it just makes me think sometimes, and smile most of the times when I think back to that particular moment. Well, here you have it...I have done it again. :)
Janet & Paolo's wedding - which had been planned pretty much for over a year - was due to take place near Johannesburg in South Africa on 17th October. I would not have missed that big occasion for anything on the world, but instead of perhaps trying to plan it a little bit more in detail, I just let time go a little bit too fast pass by. Ooops, well...the hotel was booked anyways, but when it got to sort flights out I definitely didn't have too much luck. Whatever, cutting a VERY long story short...I ended up going for 4 days. That would make it an 11 hour flight each way...22 hours in total.... and 2 days in the country...it makes me smile even now that I am typing this. Anyways, here is Tine on her way to the African continent on a Wednesday afternoon/ evening with ( you are not going to believe this!!) the grooms suit in her suitcase. Honestly, I was quite giggling to myself all the way imagining horror-scenarios of missing suitcases etc, but you will be pleased to hear that suitcase and suit arrived safely at destination. The rather uneventful flight arrived in Joburg at around 8.30am in the morning and a short while later I got picked up and we were on our way to Toadbury Hall , somewhere in Gauteng ( about an hour drive if the traffic is ok).
What a gorgeous place!! In that particular moment it hit me that I would not even get a chance to check it out a little more before flying back...and I was definitely not impressed with myself. Anyways, here we are...Toadbury Hall.
Within a few hours the others from the "UK contingent" arrived and we just made the most out of the gorgeous weather, the sun, the pool ( freeeeeeeeeeezing!!!) and the amazing surroundings, while Paolo and Shane were sorting the last wedding-related duties and completing all possible check-lists. What can I say? Absolutely perfect :) Saturday morning was dedicated to sun, sun, sun , pool and more sun - proof is this pic taken by Michelle while we were clearly all way too relaxed to notice!
With the wedding scheduled to start at 3.30pm it was kind of weird to see the groom STILL in the pool an hour beforehand...well, apparently the entire bridal-party was running slightly late, I guess that is excuse enough :) Here are a few more pics.
Groom & Best Man
Paolo.....very smiley and very hot ( that 3-piece suit really didn't do any favours!)
Toadbury Chapel
The stunning bride :)
The first duty of the new husband: "Hold the umbrella". We did have a few spring showers unfortunately...
I would have loved to check out the lion park and a lot of other bits and pieces I heard about, but it was not going to be on this occasion. After a wonderful wedding party, usual late drinks until crazy o'clock in the morning, a stunning breakfast in the sun and a few hours to chill out I was already on my way back to Joburg airport. London welcomed me back with 8C and rain...do I have add anything else? :)
So, while I am still trying to convince myself that I have actually ben there and not just dreamt it - I will have to make sure to go back to visit very soon and make up for the missed opportunity.
Tine