On the 6th October 2016, Marike and Jacques got engaged.

Although they have been a couple for two years, they have known each other since high school, more than ten years ago. Jacques and Marike came to Franschhoek in celebration of their two year anniversary and although Marike must have had an idea, she did not know that the big event was going to happen. To make matters worse, Jacques did not propose on their anniversary as expected but made her wait until the next day. He informed her that they had to have lunch with one of his corporate clients, knowing she would dress up and not come in holiday gear.

Although the weather was not as great as expected, they arrived on the day and were met with champagne and led down to the tea house in the garden. Jacques was very nervous that Marike would see the photographer hiding behind the pillar and tried to distract her from looking in that direction. However, Nelani captured their proposal with the greatest of ease and quietly photographed Jacques on one knee popping the question. Jacques also had the ring designed without Marike, to be a real surprise, although he had a very good idea what she would like. The relief is visible on his face when he realised she loved the ring. She said YES!!

Marike loves proteas so we used these for decoration and after giving them some private time to sip some bubbly from a nearby estate, Nelani took them on a whirlwind couples’ shoot through the lovely grounds of La Residence.

As Jacques and Marike enjoy food, cooking and trying new places, the lunch menu and privacy was very important to him and they were not disappointed.  As the weather was not ideal, lunch was served in the sunken lounge with the table set near the fireplace. A very romantic and private setting for the newly engaged couple. Marike said later that it was like a “gourmet picnic on steroids”!

Marike and Jacques proposal in Franschhoek was a “perfect proposal”. We wish them all the best for the future. Happy wedding planning! <3

Photographer: Nelani van Zyl Photography

XOXO