Chelsi + Arthur

Wedding date: February 26, 2022

Dress: Customized Petula by Jo Malin

How did you and your Husband meet?

I was actually on my way to a date with someone else when our friend saw me and I went over to say hi. Arthur was with him. I didn’t pay much attention to Arthur but a week or so later, our friend called me to ask if he could give my number to Arthur because he has been asking about me since the day he saw me. It took Arthur a good couple of weeks to message me but once he did, we never stopped talking. That was 5 years ago. Oh and he spelt my name incorrectly the first time and usually that’s a dealbreaker for me but I let it slide for some reason. Now we know what that reason was…it was meant to be.

Tell me about your proposal story?

Arthur proposed on the 26th of December 2019. There is so much I want to say about the proposal but to keep it short I’ll say this: it was very thoughtful and romantic. He made a reservation at a quaint coffee shop in Constantia and had the pastry chef write ”Marry me, Chelsi?” on one of my favourite desserts. When the waiter brought it to the table, Arthur got down on one knee. I was so overwhelmed, not just by the proposal but by how much I loved this man. Through tears, I managed an ecstatic yes. Easiest yes of my life. 

What was most important to you when planning your wedding?

The photography and videography. Long after the wedding has ended and years into the marriage, you’ll have the pictures and videos to relive the moment over and over again. 

How did you feel when you first stepped into your wedding dress?

As a plus size bride, my wedding dress experience was a nightmare, I’m not going to lie. What I wanted in my dress was very difficult to find because of my curves but when I tried on my dress, it just felt right. It was the complete opposite to what I thought I wanted but it made me feel like a bride. A feeling I hadn’t felt during any other fitting. 

How did you know it was ‘the One’/ what did you love most about it?

I knew it was ”The One” because it fit. I know it doesn’t sound as romantic as most brides’ stories but it’s the truth. I loved the exaggerated train and how it made me feel like a princess. 

Did you have a specific theme for your wedding? If so, please tell me about it.

Our theme was classical romance. The colour palette was white with touches of pastel with lots of floating candles throughout. 

Where was your wedding and who was your photographer? Why did you choose them?

Our wedding was at the 12 Apostels Hotel & Spa. Our photographer and videographer were Boland Weddings and they were absolutely amazing. At first we chose them because of their price, let’s be honest. But once we met them, we fell in love. They were so kind, so friendly, so accommodating and they really captured the essence of our love. 

Describe the essence of your wedding day, and what you experienced?

Sjoe, our wedding was a whirlwind of emotions. We experienced so much love and we felt so blessed to be surrounded by our loved ones. It was a day filled with so much joy, laughter, tears (even from my husband, can you believe it!) and love. Everything about that day was authentically us. After the wedding had ended and we said our last goodbyes, we sat back and reflected. We both concluded that we wouldn’t have changed a thing, it was perfect. 

Do you have any words of wisdom for newly engaged couples planning their wedding?

Block out the noise. Everyone is going to have an opinion but at the end of the day, it’s about you and your partner. It’s about what you want. Another tip: take your time when planning and save as much as you can. We had to postpone twice, due to unforeseen circumstances and those postponements, albeit sad, were actually a blessing in disguise. Oh and please eat at your wedding. I made the mistake of not eating and I still regret it because apparently the food was to die for. My husband ate though, he made a point of it haha. 

Anything else about your experience at Sheer Bride you would like to share

Thank you, Jo, for creating a space where plus size brides feel seen. Keep doing what you’re doing. 

Vendors:

Coordinators: @salzshap, annon5 & stephanieannetarling
Florist: @lols.flowers
Photography & Videography: bolandweddings_photography & bolandweddings_videos
Cake: @wadescakes
Makeup: brentbradleyp
DJ: capetownjam
MC: heyabbottmc