MARELI & CHRISTIAAN
Wedding Party
Mareli Fourie
Bride
Mareli grew up in Johannesburg and has always been deeply connected to her family, cherishing time with her loved ones. She attended Hoërskool Linden, where her mother is also a teacher. After matric, unsure of which career to pursue, she decided to study photography for a year at Vega School in 2013. Following that, she discovered her passion for teaching and chose to continue her studies at NWU, earning a B.Ed in Foundation Phase. Her love for children has always been evident, as they are naturally drawn to her wherever she goes. Mareli enjoys CrossFit, which she practised with two of her best friends before they moved to Zambia. Another one of her passions is dancing - she is a competitive Ballroom and Latin dancer at Jive Pros Dance Studio. Mareli is marrying the man of her dreams and is excited to begin their life together.
Eleni Ryan
Maid of Honor
We met at Vega in 2013, where we both studied photography and quickly became friends. She has been a true friend, supporting me through all my challenges. After her father's passing, Eleni returned to Zambia and has become an excellent farmer.
Emma van Looy
Maid of Honor
We met at a 21st birthday party and didn't get along initially, but over time, we worked through our differences. We quickly connected and developed a fondness for each other. Emma holds a Masters in LLB and works for a company called Deel.
Erma Els
Bridesmaid
I met Erma when I started dating Christiaan, as she and Christiaan are siblings. We get along really well. She recently graduated with an LLB degree.
Kristen Koen
Bridesmaid
We are cousins, and despite the 6-year age gap, we share a very close bond. We can talk about anything with each other. Kristen is a data analyst and works at a company called Peregrine Capital.
Zoë Botes
Bridesmaid
Zoë came to live with us for a few weeks during the 2020 pandemic when she started dating my brother, Janco. She's been part of the family since. Recently, Zoë became my personal nail technician, and I highly recommend her.
Christiaan Swiegers
Groom
Christiaan grew up and lived most of his life in Centurion. He went to Hoërskool Eldoraigne and studied BCom Accountancy at Tukkies University. His hobbies are golf, padel, watching sports, braai’s and talking nonsense. His dream is to one day marry Mareli Fourie.
Gilliam Swiegers
Best Man
My older brother and best man, since my life. He has always been there for me through good and bad, and I’ve occasionally listened to his free advice. My mother is very proud of us on remaining brothers for so long, even though he is an Engineer.
Lemmer Rootman
Best Man
Lem and I go back 28 years, and he is not only my best man, but also my best friend. We’ve had many crazy adventures together, and our parents were always relieved when we came home alive. Our friendship has always been easy and relaxed, even though he supports the Stormers.
Tian Els
Groomsman
T-man is not only my brother in-law, but also my brother and probably the only Lion supporter one can trust. He can convert any situation into a party, and with him around no one will ever be thirsty nor sober. We had awesome times together, and I’m honored to have him as a groomy.
Janco Fourie
Groomsman
Janco is my brother in-law to be, and I’m honored to have him as a groomy. He has accepted me into the family quite easily, probably because we have the same Shark rugby beliefs. He is a board game fanatic, with an impressive general knowledge. I’m also relieved that he’s always called me by my first name and not Oom.
Gustav Dreyer
Groomsman
Gustav is one of my best friends since High School, and I’m honored to have him as a groomy. We have countless adventures (mostly legal) together, and we’ve also solved all South Africa’s political issues many a night. Our friendship remains strong, even though he became a Joburg boytjie.