A picture-perfect and royal wedding
Even proposal was a nod to their sweet tooth
shoot on a beautiful Cape Town beach was a ploy by civil engineering technologist Teniel Ramjogi, 30, to propose to Tanya Lopez David, 28, a clinical and sales specialist. DATE NIGHT: The couple met after Teniel’s uncle gave Tanya’s number to him. Tanya’s mother and Teniel’s uncle were friends who worked together. Teniel made contact with Tanya in August 2009 through SMS. They were initially no more than good friends because Tanya lived in Johannesburg and Teniel in Durban. But love won out and on Valentine’s Day in 2010 Teniel asked Tanya to date him. They then pursued a long-distance relationship. SAY YES: In February, Teniel surprised Tanya with a week-long holiday in Cape Town to celebrate Valentine’s Day and her birthday. “Typical engineer that he is, Teniel planned everything to the finest detail. On the 15th he arranged a photo shoot at the picturesque and beautiful Llandudno beach. He surprised me with a beach picnic, which was already set up with rose petals in a heart-shaped design. I was told the shoot would take place at 6pm. He wanted the photographer to capture him giving me my birthday gifts as the sun set behind us. He stood behind me and passed the three gifts individually. The gifts were two cup cakes, one iced with “Will” and the other with “you”, and a perfume set that said “marry me”. As I turned around with tears in my eyes, Teniel was down on one knee with a beautiful diamond ring in his hand,” said Tanya. THE DATE: April 27 at Greensleeves, Camelot, in Hillcrest, Durban. Teniel wanted a traditional ceremony and Tanya wanted something out of a fairytale. Tanya got her castle with majestic views and Teniel a beautiful chapel. THE INVITATION: The invitation was a glass slipper with a white handcrafted scroll wrapped with a purple ribbon and a side bow. FIT FOR A KING: Teniel wore a silver raw-silk three-piece suit bordered with shades of purple and embellished with a Swarovski pattern on the back, which tied in beautifully with the bodice of Tanya’s dress. Their names and wedding date were embroidered on the inside of his coat. Tanya was in a Nadine Design two-piece white wedding gown. The bodice was adorned with Swarovski crystals and lace, a ruffle flare skirt and long veil with a lace border. CENTRE STAGE: Befitting the royal theme, the couple chose purple as the predominant colour, together with green and soft pink finished off with crystals. The chapel had beautiful stained
Pictures: NEIL CUNINGHAME PHOTOGRAPHY windows. Along its aisle were queen proteas wrapped in purple ribbons and two large white floral arrangements.
The reception had a Tudor-style setting with lilac table cloths, clear tiffany chairs and large silver candelabras. At the centre of the candelabra was a queen pink protea surrounded by a lilac, cerise, bright green and aubergine mix of flowers. The stage had a crystal drop-framed background with a glass table on two crystal pillars. The room was illuminated with a soft purplish tone. GIVE AND TAKE: Christian ceremony.
GUESTS: 220. TASTY TREATS: On arrival, guests were served a welcome drink. Following the service there were bruschettas with a selection of toppings. Starters included antipasto platters. On the main course buffet there were line fish poached in lemon and herbs, leg of lamb roasted in rosemary and garlic, Thai chicken curry served with basmati rice, sambals and pickles, vegetarian lasagne, roasted vegetables and new potatoes in parsley butter. Dessert was crème caramel, chocolate mousse, cheesecake and mini cakes. There was also a fresh-fruit platter and ice cream and chocolate sauce. FIRST DANCE: Dance with Me by T Carter. LET THEM EAT CAKE: A two-tier chocolate cake with chocolate ganache covered in lilac icing with lime green and soft pink roses. MEMENTOS: A photo booth was hired for guests. While the couple were doing their creative photo shoot, guests had the chance to take family pictures, single or fun pictures (props were provided). Two strips of photos with three different poses were printed for them to take home. HONEYMOON: Thailand and Dubai.
EVER AFTER: Westville. TREASURED MEMORY: “Our wedding was a day not only of pledging our love and commitment, but a celebration and appreciation of all the people who had an impact on our lives, especially our parents and grandparents. It was thanks to them for growing us into the individuals that we are today. Therefore, we wanted no stress on our parents and let them just marvel in a day of union and celebration. We included things that we love as a couple — our sweet tooth was reflected by our candy buffet, where a selection of fine chocolates, macaroons, Turkish delight, toffee apples, coconut wheels and marshmallows were displayed for guests to take in sweet bags. Attached to the bag was a sticker that read ‘Love is sweet, take a treat’. It was a day planned by the two of us with blessings from our parents,” said the couple.