Wedding Party
Samantha
Maid of Honor
My Wild Child Sam and I met at an all-girls surfing event called Backline Babes. The swell was far too big for us to handle, so we spent the session catching foamies together instead. From that moment on, she was stuck with me and I with her! Sammy, my wingwoman, dance partner, ocean baby, and one of the people who can always make me smile. If I am keen to SUP, Surf or free dive, Sam is there. Sammy can walk up to a group of people, and within 5 minutes she's made 3 new friends and got a phone number for me to go on a date. Thank goodness that's not needed anymore! If there’s one person guaranteed to keep the energy high and the fun going all night long, it’s Sam. I couldn’t imagine this day without her standing by my side.
William
Best Man
My Broer / My Boetie He who literally knows me from the second I was born, and even before that! Yes, my twin bro, or as we say in SA, my boetie. Will is the most special person on the earth to me, we have gone through it all and he had to endure all my (strange) phases in life. From playing with the exact same toys when we were kids, having peroxided white hair together in high school, to making great memories on skislopes and during the journeys in South Africa. For ever and ever, until we are gray and old! I was the best man at yours, and I'm honored to have you next to me at mine!
Kerryn
Bridesmaid
My Longest Friend Kerryn and I met through family friends when I was in Grade 6. From the moment I met her, I thought she was the coolest girl in school. We spent our younger years riding bikes, playing dress-up, and getting up to all sorts of adventures together, including getting lost on skislopes. As we grew older, we navigated life side by side and always managed to stay connected, no matter what life threw our way, working on other sides of the world and living a long roadtrip away from eachother. Through all of that, Kerryn has been a constant in my life. Kerryn is my go-to for endless tea sessions, future dreams, and being each other’s biggest cheerleaders through every stage of life. I’m so grateful to have her standing by my side on this special day.
Janno
Groomsman
My Outdoor Guru Janno and I met through Luke, and from the first second we connected. The main topics of connection are: brandy and coke, anything that has to do with camping, 4x4, cars in general (but preferably big ones) and good quality meat, preferably prepared on a wood fire in a Namibian riverbed. Janno is the type of friend that you can call at 3AM, because you have a flat tyre and need a jack that can hold your overweight pick-up truck (he will even fix the aircon, change the battery connections, and check the oil whilst he's there). I value our friendship with everything I have, and as my South African "best man" you bring some additional culture and adventure. My man, if I have you standing by my side, nothing can go wrong, cause it can be fixed.
Sarah
Bridesmaid
My Adventure Buddy Sarah and I met through her boyfriend, and from the very beginning I was drawn to her fearless, adventurous spirit, it was so inspiring. On the very first day we met, we ended up jumping into the deep ocean and swimming with hundreds of dolphins. From that moment on, we were inseparable. Life has brought its fair share of ups and downs, but we’ve always been there for each other through it all, and always end up laughing about it in the end. I was lucky enough to know her before she became a kick-ass mom to her two gorgeous boys. She is a greatest role model to have kids and still stay adventurous (and sane). When we’re not off on an adventure, you’ll usually find us around a fire, champagne in hand, making more memories together. On this adventure you will be standing next to me, and that's simply the best feeling.
Reinier
Groomsman
My Free Spirit The corporate ladder wasn't for us, as we met at PwC and freed our spirits. We both have the urge to move to islands (although Rein and Leonie actually did for a while), start companies and I think when we were created, we were meant to be cold blooded. Fun fact: Rein and I spent 85% of our friendship time in the sun together. Rein is the friend I can easily not talk to for over a year, and when we talk it's like we've never ended the last conversation we had. You are the person I can talk to about life, the greater things in life, the universe, big dreams... but preferbably pool-side in Spain. It's going to be an absolute blast to have you next to me on the big day!
Michelle
Bridesmaid
My Dance Floor Queen Michelle and I met during my year of yachting in Florida. She and her boyfriend Chris were having lunch, and I ended up joining their table. Michelle was instantly so warm and friendly, always smiling and full of the kind of happy energy I really needed at that time. She quickly became the friend who got me dancing and laughing the nights away, the one who always encouraged me to let my hair down and just enjoy the moment. Whether it was tanning days or nights out, we always found a way to have fun. Even after yachting, she has always made such an effort to stay in touch and meet up. I feel so lucky to have a friend like her who brings sunshine, positivity, and so much joy wherever she goes. I can’t wait to have her by my side on my special day.
Patrick
Groomsman
My Corporate Husband I know you shouldn't get too attached at work, but Patrick and I were inseparable from day 1. Take that quite literally, because we own the same polo shirts and made the mistake to wear the exact same ones to work (yes even the colour). The most kind hearted, humorous friend (quite rare for German heritage), someone who you can suffer and celebrate with, and never backs down from a good old rant session, followed by hard earned success. Pat is a role model for settled life, became a father recently and is always willing to share and help when in crisis, a golden friend. I look forward to having you with me out there!
Nina
Bridesmaid
My Yes Girl Nina and I met at a bar called Only Fools in Sea Point when Stephen and I had just started dating. We instantly connected through Pilates and photography, and Nina quickly became my “yes girl”. She’s always up for anything, from camping and events to walks along the promenade and encourages me to show up, try new things, and keep growing. She’s been my healthy habit, my motivation, and my adventure buddy all in one. Food is probably the definition of our friendship. We love our dinner dates, and whenever I need a mealprep recipe Nina is the go-to. She's also my closest connection to the Dutch culture, from poffertjes to stroopwafels, TOP! She was there from the very start of Stephen and I, and I couldn’t imagine her not being part of our next chapter.
Noah
Groomsman
My Yes Man If you wonder what's moving on top of the hill, as you just arrived at a campsite in the middle of nowhere, it's probably Noah. His special skill is being able to wander off into any landscape, exploring paths and encounter things on a nightly stroll, like hyenas... Noah is my Dutchie, in a land far away a little bit of "home", and he makes sure I don't loose too much of my Dutch language whilst being in SA. A friend that is up for anything, and will literally say Yes to any idea/adventure/dinner/walk/gym session and definitely burgers at OnlyFools, where we met (and still meet quite frequently). Maat, it is going to be me saying "yes" to things and it's the best knowing you'll be there.
Maxine
Bridesmaid
My Hype Girl Maxine and I met while I was working at Sotheby’s. I was so focused on work that we never spoke a word to each other, until she invited me to a Pilates event. We quickly realised how much we have in common, especially our goals for life and the future. Max and I can talk from early coffee prom walks to late night dinner dates, and that is without any breaks in between. She is always excited for my wins, reminds me to keep going, and she brings contagious energy and lightness even when life feels hard. She’s also my calm when I need it, and someone I always leave feeling better after seeing. Max and her fiance Chris are the best sporty and active partners in crime, always turning it into fun and laughter. PS. Max also has the most elegant padel swing in the country. I’m so grateful for our friendship, and I can’t wait to have her by my side on my special day.
Luke
Groomsman
My Lawyer In Disguise Very serious lawyer by day, very chilled, relaxed and really good friend by night. Luke and I met at a party with ex-colleagues, and it's still a bit of a mystery how we actually became good mates, but here we are. You have always been there, and always ground me with your support, and I'm super grateful for our friendship. Luke can talk about everything, and is basically wikipedia on legs. If you have a question, or not sure about something, and whether it's politics, economics, world peace, or you are just not sure about the lease of your rental unit, Luke is the guy and he will always be there to help. Thanks for being the mate who always shows up, now it will be at my special day!