‘IT’S THE END OF AN OLD LIFE AND THE START OF A NEW ONE WITH THE LADY OF MY DREAMS BY MY SIDE’
Luke says he had no reservations about settling down and thinks people who comment on their 20-year age gap are petty. “It’s a big step to put my trust in someone,” he says. “Trauma causes one to mature and grow older faster.”
Luke has been outspoken about trying to self-medicate after he claims he was physically and sexually abused during childhood, but Elmary has helped him focus on the road to recovery.
“She has a childlike spirit,” he says. “And she’s a complete honey. She’s pretty. She keeps me young.”
Although he’s open to the idea of having children one day, he says he’s still “working through generational trauma that can be passed on”.
“Children aren’t something I would consider now. She understands that. And Elmary’s children are lovely,” he adds. “We spend a lot of time together.”
Elmary’s daughter, Nicole Dreyer (27), helped her mom plan the wedding while her son, Kyle Bristow (17), walked her down the aisle. Kyle admits he found his mother’s relationship “very overwhelming at first”.
“But I’m now happy with her choice.”
Luke’s mother is just as supportive. “He’s in very good hands,” Loui says.
“He’s marrying the best woman. When he was in the grip of drugs, he weighed 58kg. Look how strong and healthy he is now. If I cry today, they’re happy tears.”
LOUI doesn’t want anyone to ask about the absence of ex-husband Mark* during her son’s big day.
“Today has to be about the bride and groom and the wedding. Mark was invited – we said he was more than welcome,” she says.
“But for a very long time I was mother and father in the boys’ lives.”
Luke and his brother, Zeke (22), have a close bond, and Zeke was at his big brother’s side when he fine-tuned his wedding vows earlier in the day.
Luke says they chose the wedding venue because it’s on a dirt road called Fischer. “We saw it as a sign, 100%.”
He couldn’t sleep the night before the wedding, he tells us. “I’m not nervous about the decision to marry Elmary but about all the people I have to speak to,” he says. “And about the first dance. Elmary worked out the moves and we practised but not enough.”
Luke is so emotional when he sees his bride walking down the aisle towards him that he bursts into tears.
Zeke takes off his big sunglasses, clearly emotional too. “I’ve never seen my brother so happy,” he says. “I’m so happy for him.”
The guests are also in tears when Elmary’s children make a toast to the newlyweds’ happiness at the reception.
Everyone then feasts on the delicious fare: poached pear salad for starters, followed by a rack of lamb and chicken duo stuffed with feta. A mini-dessert bar features milk tart spring rolls, berry cheesecake, Nutella chocolate mousse and malva pudding with vanilla pod custard.
Later that evening, the newlyweds open the dancefloor – and Luke’s stage nerves evaporate as they glide like professionals to Major’s hit Why I Love You.
Then it’s time to cut the cake, a chocolate lover’s delight filled with chocolate ganache and covered with black buttercream icing. “Today I’m going to drink a glass of sparkling wine,” says Luke, who usually steers clear of alcohol. “Just one to celebrate the day.”
* YOU asked Mark Fish to comment on the fact he wasn’t at his son’s wedding. “It was his day,” he says. “I hope he enjoyed it.”