Time for a joyful celebration ...Eventually!!

Danielle: For as long as I can remember, I prayed for a husband. Trusting the Lord's timing (which is not always easy) and being sure that He knows the desires of our hearts, I waited on Him. And He sure did not disappoint, giving me everything that I have prayed and waited on for so long! Herman: Wow! I have been waiting sooo long to meet the wife of my dreams! During my single years, I prayed daily and many times God's answer was simply: "No, it is not the season yet ." He prepared me to be a husband for many years, allowing me to first work for 4 years and then calling me into ministry. From here I went to Franschhoek and later came back to Ermelo. A long time of waiting...and only now, I can see how God knew the perfect season for this to happen. Any single guys out there, its worth the wait and the prayers!! We stand in awe of how God's hand has been writing this love story all along. We laugh as we connect dots of people we have both met or have been discipled by as well as places where we have both been at the same time without ever meeting! Almost unreal to think that only God could have prepared us in this way according to His perfect timing.

Danielle: It was during my first visit at church when I first saw Herman. We spent time together at Bible School, Youth evenings and cell group, and I thought to myself - what a nice guy. But it was only later that I learnt that he was so much more than this. By spending time together, I saw great qualities in his character and I learned to trust him as a close friend...someone I could share my heart with, laugh with and simply be myself around. Our friendship grew stronger day by day and I'm honest when I say that a day without seeing Herman was a dull one! Herman: Then I saw her face...now I'm a believer!!! Just joking... But its true...I first fell in love with her beautiful smile. One of my fondest memories during our season of friendship was our evenings spent together at youth ministry. I stood at a distance looking at her. I saw how much fun she was having during the "boeresport" games with the teenagers and I couldn't help but think to myself how I would really love to get to know this girl better.

Danielle: It didn't take long for me to realize that the butterflies in my stomach when I was with Herman, might be more than just hunger pains (haha)...From a solid friendship foundation, I realized that he had all the qualities that I have been praying for in a husband. We came back from our Zambia outreach, and soon after, he started pursuing me like no one has ever done before! I was so surprised when he came for a coffee date at my flat one evening. As I opened the door, he stood there with the most beautiful flowers and I suddenly realized that this was more than friendship. We would speak for hours at end when we were together (and pay for it at work the next morning!). I got to know his beautiful heart for God's people and learnt to respect him as a man after God's heart. I was in love! Herman: By spending time together, I soon realised that Danielle and I had so much in common. From the everyday small things like cycling, camping and spending time with friends and family to the deeper conversations we had on our values, views, our heart for ministry and God...It all made me realize that this girl was the one! I enjoyed ministering with her on our church outreach to Zambia and honestly couldn't wait to get back to South Africa to start pursuing her properly. Back on SA soil, I nervously bought some flowers...not knowing how she would respond to this first move past friendship. What a relief it was when I returned from this 'first date' knowing that she felt the same way about me! I was mal verlief!!

Danielle: After only 3 months of dating, I knew that Herman was my husband. God confirmed this in amazing ways to both of us and we were sooooo excited! On Saturday, 19 Oct 2019 we went to watch the sunrise on the beach in Amanzimtoti. Little did I know that this would be the big proposal day! We spent time watching the sunrise and as we watched the clouds turn different colours, I was reminded of how God is such a God of detail. How he values beauty. How He desires good things for His children. Then, Herman asked me to marry him and of course I excitedly said...Yes!!! Herman: Knowing how much Danielle enjoys the ocean, I took her on a surprise trip to Amanzimtoti. She was so excited about the getaway weekend, but all I could think about was the proposal. I wanted it to be perfect. I woke up the morning and triple checked everything...especially the ring! My heart was beating FAST! As we sat and watched the sunrise, I got down on one knee and asked for her yes. Bottom line...at the end of that morning, I was an engaged man, getting married to the wife of my dreams!

Danielle & Herman: As for many of you, 2020 and COVID-19 came as an unexpected spanner in the wheels! After many tears and prayerful consideration, we decided to get married on 6 June 2020. It was a beautiful, blessed day. Danielle in a blue dress, Herman doubling as his own backup camera man and groomsman and our church family as photographers, DJs, caterers and crew...we had a blast! Although small, we would not exchange this special day for anything in the world and we still think back to this day with fondness.

Danielle and Herman: It is now more than a year later. We are still as in love as ever (if not more...) and we are still enjoying God's gift of marriage as if it was day one! We are constantly reminded of the ultimate wedding day! The perfect bridegroom, Jesus, and his bride...the church. God is challenging us in this picture to daily look and love more like He does. Not looking to the world for an example of marriage but trusting Him to teach us how to walk in serving love towards one another. We also realize more and more that community and accountability is important in marriage. That is why we can't wait to celebrate with all of you! We would like to call you as witnesses and invite you to come to our special day in the spirit of true JOY and CELEBRATION. Dust off your dancing shoes, let your hair down and come prepared to have FUN! We are looking forward to having you there. #Onsgaanmakietie #Louwbruilofeventually