Shannel and Nickson wedded on the 19th of August at Paradise Gardens in Harare in front of their family and friends. Their wedding was as authentic as could be and the couple clearly showed that this was a day they had been waiting for for a long time. The Wedding Expos Africa team was invited to witness the ceremony by the couple and this is what the couple had to say after the big day:
The Proposal Story
Nick popped the question after seven good years of dating. He proposed on the 17th of July 2016 – on my 22nd birthday. He took me to one of my favourite restaurants for dinner. After having dinner, I saw him get down on one knee. I was surprised because I thought he was kneeling down to pick up something he had dropped on the floor but bang there he was holding a gold diamond ring and popping the big question, “Will you marry me?” I responded “Are you serious???” With tons of excitement I said “Yes I will marry you,” and then we stood up hugged and the whole restaurant started clapping and cheering! It was romantic and amazing.
The Planning Process
After the traditional wedding on February the 18th 2017, we started planning for the big day. With the help of our parents we decided that 19 August 2017 would be the big day. We started our preparations by creating a wedding folder which included the following: Wedding Date (19 August 2017), wedding themes, menus, budget for food, refreshments, cake Wedding deco and venue budget (Paradise Gardens), maximum number of guests(300 guests), contributions, transport, photographers, videos Bridal , rings, teams and choreography.
We then held wedding committee meetings after every three weeks. Although, our budget was a bit tight and we did not have a wedding planner, it took us only 6 months to complete everything. This was mainly due to the fact that all those around us (family and friends) were fully committed to ensuring that our wedding went well.
The Suppliers/Creatives
Wedding deco and venue: Paradise Gardens
We opted for Paradise Gardens because they offered us a package which included the venue and the deco as well which made it easy to work with a combined budget. We also liked their water features for the ceremony area and their gazebo was absolutely perfect for our reception.
Invitation cards: Crisias weddings
Crisias wedding was offering a package for the invitations, cake boxes, usher tags, bridal shower invites, personalised water, tables markers, menus and programs. This package was very much reasonable and the package saved us a lot of time and effort since we would be working with one individual for all those things.
Caterers: Waflo Caterers
After tasting Waflo sumptuous meals at a friend’s wedding, we knew we had already found our caterer for our own big day.
The wedding cake: Tee Cakes
I chose Tee Cakes to make my cake because her cakes are simply amazing and also because her pricing was flexible. She is able to work with her clients budget despite how small the budget is. One other thing I also liked about her is her creativity – she is very creative.
Wedding rings
We bought our rings from Aurex Zimbabwe. Their rings are very much affordable and genuine.
Wedding gown, jewellery and grooms suit
I bought my gown and grooms suit in china. I wanted to wear my very own new wedding gown on the big day.
Make-up artist
My make-up artist was Deliwe. Her make-up is professional and amazing
One thing I would’ve changed
There is absolutely nothing I would’ve changed about our special day.
My wedding in seven words
The perfect wedding day of my dreams
The bridal team
Bridesmaids
My bridesmaid were:
Melissa Mutusva, Kudzai Mugandani, Tafadzwa Chipenzi, Tatenda Mudadi, Unique Phiri,Shamiso
Grooms Men
My husbands’ groomsman were:
Tim, Taku, Nyasha, munya, Last, Mkuli, Marshall
Our bridal team was mainly our siblings because we knew they wouldn’t let us down and they were all committed. After the wedding we took them out for lunch and a braai just to thank them for supporting us as well as their commitment and love.
Cherished moments
The most unforgettable moment of our wedding was sharing our vows. Telling each other how much we waited for that moment, knowing that finally we have done it and sharing our love in front of our family and friends. Another special moment was walking down the aisle with my father – all eyes on me, seeing the look on my fiancés face, he was like “wow’’and I responded with ” I know right!’’
The wedding style
Our wedding style was just simple, elegant, classic and unique. Our theme was white with a touch of royal blue which is my favourite colour and cranberry red which was my husband’s choice.
The wedding gown
I bought my gown from china. I bought a ball gown for the ceremony and another wedding dress to wear in the afternoon for the reception. It was a simple gown with peals and sleeves to suit the weather.
Biggest spend
We spent most on the venue and deco.It was classic but simple and nice.
Advice to couples on the planning journey
My advice to all the couples on the planning journey is to have the perfect wedding which you both can afford. To have a budget that doesn’t strain you and your partner because there is life afterwards. Also plan on time, choosing a perfect date which a time stable planning phase time is very important. Choose a very committed bridal team that doesn’t give you stress. Ask around the best services providers who are committed on their work. As for the dress, wear something that you really feel comfortable in.
The creatives
- Venue: paradise gardens 0772 707 620
- MC: MC Promise 0773 244 423
- PA System: Michael 0772 777 301
- Marriage officer: Mr Magavakava 0773 389 280
- Photos: Smile Factory 0772 739 507
- Videos: Terrence 0772 952 901
- The cake: Tee Cakes 0733 266 037
- Make-up: Makeup by Deliwe 0775 910 053
- Dance coach: Marshal 0737 582 307
- Flowers: Sheila 0783 591 855
- Caterers: Waflo Caterers 0772 384 793
- Hair styling: hair by Melody 0777 647 282
waal that was cwt