our happily ever after

While the exact moment we first met is up for debate, one thing is certain: our paths truly crossed in Matric. That was when Tayla first noticed me—though I had known of her long before. I knew that she was special, even back then. And as fate would later reveal, the feelings were mutual. After high school, life gently pulled us in different directions—me to Stellenbosch, Tayla to Wits—and what began as a fleeting high school crush seemed destined to remain just that. Years passed, until one ordinary day, while scrolling through Facebook, I stumbled upon a photo of Tayla. Dressed in scrubs, holding a newborn, she was celebrating the first baby she had delivered. I won’t pretend I knew in that moment that she would be my wife. What I did know was this: she was out of my league, our worlds far apart. And yet, I remember thinking, “Imagine being lucky enough to one day call Tayla Kassel my wife.” That thought has never left me. As with any fairytale, fate intervened and just a few months later during the winter holidays of 2019, the universe conspired in our favour. I was back home from Stellenbosch, out with friends, when they invited a group of ex-St Dominic’s girls to join us. They arrived in an Uber, and as I climbed in, there she was. Tayla. My stomach flipped. It was love at (second) sight. We danced through the night, shared a kiss (or two), and what felt like a spark quickly ignited into something far deeper. Though distance tried to challenge us—first Stellenbosch to Wits, then Potchefstroom and Cape Town—our connection only grew stronger. With every phone call, every flight, every shared laugh and long conversation, our bond deepened. We built something rooted in friendship, fuelled by love, and held together by a shared sense of humour and unwavering commitment. Over fifty flights later, the distance never stood a chance. Together, we’ve discovered the magic of everyday moments and the thrill of new adventures. Our greatest adventure yet? Seven unforgettable months of backpacking through Asia—just the two of us, creating memories in foreign lands, and every day, I’d think again: how lucky am I that Tayla Kassel will be my wife. We are each other’s best friend, adventure partner, and safe place. Whether we’re exploring the world or cooking a quiet meal at home, we find joy in the ordinary and happiness in each other. Now, six years later, our love story comes full circle. What began as a distant crush has become an extraordinary journey—and it's only the beginning. As we prepare to exchange vows, we are filled with gratitude and excitement, and are so happy to have you celebrate this next chapter with us. Thank you for being part of our adventure—and for sharing in the joy of the day that we begin our forever.