Featured wedding:

Bride: Candice-Leigh Arnott
Groom: Richard Meershoek
Date: 19 August 2006
Scene: Le Franschhoek Hotel


Candice was working at a Bridal Exhibition two years ago when she first met Richard. As a professional hair and make-up artist, she was assigned a stand to market her services. Richard, being a graphic designer, was drawn to her stand by her business cards. Candice remembers thinking “Wow, he’s gorgeous!” but he was involved with someone else at the time, so she didn’t think much more of their meeting.

Sometime later Candice was looking for a new website designer and a friend referred her to G Studio; so she gave them a call and set up an appointment. Her first meeting was with two of the partners, Jan and Danie, who asked her to come back with some photographs. At her next appointment she was welcomed by a gorgeous gentleman with familiar piercing blue eyes and quickly found out that his name was Richard. They started dating immediately and have been inseparable ever since. On their first date Richard confessed that he loved the sound of Candice’s voice and it had made him curious about her when he had answered her initial call!

Richard proposed to Candice in their home-town, Somerset West, in front of Stephanie’s Place Restaurant. They were on their way to a family dinner for her cousin’s Birthday and were running late. Richard had originally planned a casual proposal, but Candice’s punctuality and desire to get to the party provided the perfect opportunity for improvisation. Before they went inside, Richard surprised her with a beautiful ring and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. She quickly screamed yes, then started crying and then started screaming again! With smiling eyes, they joined their family and friends inside and spent the evening celebrating.

The wedding was held at Le Franschhoek Hotel on the 19th August 2006. Guests were seated on white Wimbledon chairs in the exquisite antique wine cellar, where a white screen printed with pink orchids hung magnificently at the front creating a crisp, clean backdrop for the couple. Candice entered looking breathtakingly beautiful in a white and salmon pink lace dress and walked down an orchid-printed aisle to her expectant Groom. She recalls being unable to walk slowly as all she wanted was to be next to Richard at the front. “Standing at the altar saying our vows was the most spectacular moment and we will remember it forever!”

After the ceremony guests enjoyed delicious hot and cold canapés such as roasted butternut, rocket and Danish feta in pastry while mingling with glasses of bubbly in the lounge area. True to the theme, pink and white orchids as well as different potted flower arrangements and funky bottles adorned the reception area. The room came alive with rich chocolate browns, dusky pinks and sage green, creating an ornate, graphic, simple yet girlie feel. The undulating glow of candles added richness to the colours and provided the room with depth, mystery and romance.

Guests were seated in the White Breakfast Room, welcomed and then waited in anticipation for the Bride and Groom to make their entrance. Candice and Richard finally arrived and proceeded to cut the wedding cake before taking their places, as Mr. and Mrs. Meershoek, for the first time, at the main table. As the festivities continued, Asian butternut and coconut milk soup was served as starters, followed by herb-encrusted rack of lamb with crushed olive potato cake and minted jus for main course. The meal was completed when the decadent chocolate wedding cake was served with vanilla ice cream.

After the opening dance Candice separated her exquisite bouquet into three parts and gave three of her lady friends the chance to take home a piece of her special day. With the wedding traditions out of the way, guests took to the dance floor and proceeded to party the night away. The evening ended in a festive mood and with many laughs and special moments being shared.

The surprise honeymoon was on a cruise ship along the majestical Mediterranean exploring charming tourist destinations such as Palma, Florence, Pisa and Monte Carlo, to name a few. The couple spent long days shopping for bargains, eating different foods, drinking and sleeping, and were treated like royalty by the friendly staff on the ship. On their way home they stopped in London and spent the rest of their holiday relaxing and enjoying quality time with some family and friends.

“We had the best wedding and it was all thanks to our amazing team of service providers. If it was not for Aleit and Yolanda I would have been a stressed-out Bride. We all were so calm and everyone commented on how organized the wedding was from beginning to end. This was because of you guys! Also, to Alwyn from OKASIE, for reading Richard and I like a book! He is so talented, he blew us away! Joe, for our stunning photo's...WOW...no wonder he was voted photographer of the year. Vicky and John Goslin, for capturing every moment for us. Kanya Hunt for her delicious cake...yum! So thank you to everyone who made our wedding possible and absolutely breathtaking!” Want to have your wedding feature on WeddingSA?
Click here to feature your wedding

View previous weddings featured on WeddingSA:
- Jackie and Brett
- Kim and Colin
- Liezl and Alistair
- Sam and Pierre
- Daniëlia and Wynand
- Menet and Jacques
- Nicky and Veon
- Leanne and Nicholas
- Jeannine and Ben
- Charlaine and Danie
- Amanda and Shaun
- Elizabeth and Aidan