Batsman Reeza’s romantic spring wedding
Proteas star weds his beautiful bride Lee-Ann on the first day of spring
IT WAS a moment that took his breath away, watching his bride walking down the aisle to meet him. When Proteas batsman Reeza Hendricks laid eyes on Lee-Ann Barlow sashaying towards him in her breathtaking gown, he fell in love with her all over again. “It was an indescribable feeling,” he tells YOU. “She looked so beautiful and I felt emotions I’ve never felt before. It was such a special moment.”
Reeza and interior decorator Lee-Ann recently said their “I do’s” on the first day of spring at the four-star Monte Bello wedding and conference venue on a farm near Bloemfontein in the Free State.
Lee-Ann, in an elegant gown by Hanrie Lues Bridal, was escorted down the aisle by her father, Hubert Barlow.
The custom-made wedding gown featured an intricate hand-beaded bodice. “Altogether, it was two weeks’ worth of handiwork on the bodice alone,” the bride says.
Reeza cut a dashing figure in a bespoke grey wool suit and white Egyptian cotton shirt, with a champagne-coloured tie and paisley-embossed pocket square.
About 160 guests gathered to witness the union of the two families. As their moms dabbed away tears, Lee-Ann (31) and Reeza (29) made their vows before Pastor Rowland Mogaecho. Then it was a kiss for the bride and smiles all around as the newlyweds left arm in arm.
Guests scattered white rose petals over the couple and it was time for photos. But it wasn’t the usual tree-lined backdrop – the couple walked through the streets of the City of Roses with their bridal party in tow.
“I always said I wanted a more urban wedding shoot, instead of a nature shoot,” Lee-Ann says. “Our photographers read us perfectly in terms of the location – it was stunning to be able to walk the streets and have our beautiful city in the background reminding us of home.”
THE gorgeous spring day was the perfect backdrop for the romantic reception area, which looked like something out of a fairytale. Beautiful chandeliers and fairy lights hung from the ceiling and white and gold place settings adorned the tables. Soft music courtesy of violin- ists Chonelle Smith and Victoria Seekoei completed the dreamy ambience.
Reeza and Lee-Ann enlisted the help of event planner Tony Peng for their big day. “I had very little say in the décor, to be honest,” Reeza says. “Lee-Ann has always had a love for the glitz, glam and modern things. And since she already knew Tony, it was easy and effortless to create her dream wedding.”
The couple met in 2009 but were both in relationships at the time and started dating only a year later (YOU, 6 September). Getting married in Lee-Ann’s home town, Bloemfontein, was like coming full circle because that’s where they met.
Guests flocked to the city to share in their joy. They included Reeza’s Highveld Lions teammates Mangaliso Mosehle, Bjorn Fortuin, Aaron Phangiso and VKB Knights bowler Dane Paterson.
The new Reeza and Lee-Ann, with her long hair tumbling down her back, entered the reception hall to the sounds of John Legend and BloodPop’s Good Night.
By this time tummies were rumbling and the banquet didn’t disappoint. Canapés including lamb kebabs with tzatziki, spinach and feta quiche and seared fillet steak with pepper sauce came first.
Then the mouthwatering main course: lamb shanks with mint sauce, mashed potato nests, grilled asparagus with garlicinfused roast baby potatoes, roast vegetable stack, blue cheese, figs and rocket salad.
Dessert was a smorgasbord of sweet things – rocky road fudge bars, chocolate brownies, white chocolate panna cotta, lemon meringue pies, Peppermint Crisp tartlets in jars, mini malva puddings and cheesecake with salted caramel.
The white-and-gold four-tier wedding cake also featured a combination to satisfy any sweet tooth. Each layer had a different flavour: Oreo chocolate, popcorn caramel, red velvet and cheesecake.
THE only thing Reeza was nervous about was the first dance. “There were no wedding jitters,” he says. “I was anxious the day before and while waiting for Lee-Ann at the end of the aisle, but mostly the nerves were for our first dance.”
He had no need to worry. They’d had their dance choreographed by dancers Keenan du Plessis and Anzel van Schalkwyk.
“We rehearsed our dance every day for the week leading up to our wedding day, and did a run-through in our reception venue the Friday before,” Lee-Ann says.
They chose to open the dance floor with the love song Spend My Life with You, by Eric Benét, featuring Tamia. It’s an all-time classic and they love the lyrics, they say.
The dance ended up being one of Reeza’s favourite moments of the day and, judging by the cheers, it was a triumph.
The newlyweds were then joined on the dance floor by their guests – and the party continued into the early hours of the morning.
And the honeymoon? That’s on hold because the international cricket season is approaching.
“We hope to go on honeymoon after the season’s finished but haven’t decided where yet,” Reeza says. “Lee-Ann has mentioned she’d like to go to either the Maldives or Switzerland.”
For now, just being together is honeymoon enough. “As a married couple we look forward to growing and experiencing life together and making more memories,” Reeza says.
Looks as if they’re off to a good start!