Kehlin and I met in first year of university, where we both studied medicine. We initially were friends and soon became partners. We spent a lot of time together, and even managed to have the same rotations at medical school so that we could be clinical partners.
We have been together for 10 years now. Finally were able to have our dream wedding on October 4th, 2021.
Due to COVID postponements and regulations, we found ourselves getting married on a Monday afternoon, with less than 50 people at our wedding.
This was exactly the way we wanted though, as it was small and intimate with the people who matter to us most.
The build up to the wedding was extensive and lasted over a week, but really had a great vibe, and we were able to have different events in various areas to include more of our loved ones. I am originally from Johannesburg and most of my family are as well. I decided to host a home event(Nalangu) for my family and friends who were not able to attend the wedding in Durban the following week.
I knew that I wanted a bright, colourful nalangu. We did not do any of the actual prayer rituals on this day, but instead just allowed guests to apply turmeric paste on me as a sign of blessing.
Décor was done by exquisite functions who turned our garden into a elaborate Indian mela! I did some of the décor myself, including all the pom moms which were handmade by me and my family.
I decided to wear a saree for the initial ceremony, and wore my great grandmothers teal blue banarasi saree, which is 55 years old and still in excellent condition.
I decided to complete the look with my grandmother’s ruby and gold wedding jewelry and my father’s heirloom chain. This was my way of keeping my loved ones close to me during these special times. I changed afterwards into a pistachio coloured lehenga to dance the night away.
I love dessert and we had a beautiful cake made by Sanudha Patisserie, capturing the colours perfectly.
A week later we travelled to Durban for the rest of the rituals and Kehlin’s nalangu. Kehlin had a small intimate nalangu at his home with close family and friends. It ended up being a rainy day, but lots of fun was had.
I held another, intimate nalangu with the traditional rituals being performed the day before the wedding. I wanted to look very traditional here and wore a mustard yellow silk sari, paired with emerald green and gold jewellery. This was a brunch event and we had delicious snacks made by Chilli Chocolate Chefs based in Durban for the event.
Our wedding was held at Sweethome weddings, a beautiful venue 40 minutes from Durban. It is set in the middle of a sugar cane farm, with a beautiful non denominational chapel which we used for our traditional ceremony. Our amazing photography and videography was done by Heartistic productions and they really captured all the beautiful moments.
I had always imagined a different look for myself as a bride. I knew what I didn’t want- I did not want to wear red, I did not want to wear a saree and I did not want to have the traditional South Indian plait. Instead I wanted to look different, and be comfortable.
I love navy blue and so I searched far and wide (within South Africa), to find a lehenga, and after nearly failing a few times, I finally found it at the House of S. I knew immediately that it was the one, and paired minimalistic jewelry to match.
My bridesmaids were really upset about my suggestion to put roses in my hair, and instead suggested (instructed) me to use orchids instead. A decision I do not regret. I also wore sneakers with my lehenga and my feet were happy the entire night.
Our wedding theme was rustic with elements of gold, sage, greenery and navy blue. We tried to keep it simple and not overwhelming on the tables, with small boxes of popcorn as wedding favours from Maverick and Jane.
Our décor was done by Events by design and they captured our vision beautifully. The cake was made by sugar coated cakes and was absolutely delicious! Stationery was done by myself.
We changed into western wear for our reception, my dress was made by Chanelle Cindy couture from Cape Town.
The day was really perfect, I decided to let go and just take it in for what it was, our wedding day. We had waited for more than two years for this day and although it was a difficult time in my life, I felt at peace and happy to just be with my fiancé, saying our vows finally.
I had lost my dad suddenly and unexpectedly 4 months prior and so I found ways of including his memory in our ceremony but also making myself comfortable during the day. I had always imagined him walking me down the aisle, and when it came to making that decision I felt that no one else could or should take that place.
So instead, my husband and I walked down the aisle together, as a couple, a new beginning for us both.
We also lit memorial candles and had pictures of our lost loved ones at the alter. My favourite part of the day, had to be our pre -wedding photoshoot.
It was lovely to spend some time just alone with Kehlin, and chat about the preceding days and how everything came together.
All he had asked was for me to still look like myself (I think he had seen some unrecognizable transformations before), and I think I managed to get that right. We also had tequila shots before the wedding to tame our nerves, but I remember not being nervous at all, just feeling happy and content. I think it shows in the pictures.
Service providers:
Azele’s Nalangu:
- Décor: Exquisite Functions
- Cake: Sanudha Patisserie
- Brunch snacks: Chilli Chocolate Chefs
- Other decor: Azele and her family
- Photography: Hemisha Bhana Photography
Wedding:
- Venue: Sweet Home weddings
- Photography and videography: Heartistic productions
- Bride’s outfit: House of S
- Décor: Events by Design
- Cake: Sugar coated cakes
- Stationery: by the lovely bride, Azele
- Reception dress: Chanelle Cindy
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