This love story didn't start off like all fairy tales do. Instead, James and Amanda's love story started in the most millennial fashion possible. Yes, this love story began with a dating app on a warm February night. James swiped right and when Amanda swiped next, the Tinder banner announced: "It's a match!". Before we met, we seemed to hit it off virtually. Although, Amanda had to hear all about Selborne and James was subjected to Amanda's snapchats of her eating olives.
Nonetheless, we went on our first date to Starbucks and as a sign of things to come, James ran late and has been ever since. However, we grabbed a coffee, spoke for hours and as the saying goes... the rest was history.
#OneOfTheFirstPhotoTakenTogether
One month into dating, James and Amanda went up to the Midlands and spent the day meandering together. Little did we know, just over six years later, we would be saying our "I do's" up here.
If you are spending the weekend with us, we highly suggest you explore some of the route! The Midlands Meander is a collection of sight-seeing routes (including but not limited to coffee shops, wine farms, adventure sports/outdoor activities, and 'shop-till-you-drop' unique vendors) all winding through the Natal Midlands. Driving up to our wedding venue, Providence, is an opportunity to drive through the most beautiful farmlands and majestic mountains. So, enjoy the adventure and journey together!
#FirstMidlandsMeander
A year into their blossoming relationship, their families planned a ski trip to France. Both being lovers of travel, they didn't fluter an eyelash at the idea. However, with only a few weeks before the trip commenced, James tore his ACL.
So, while Amanda and the families were skiing, James would be left to toboggan and ride the gondola up to meet them for lunch, on the top of the mountain. Despite this unforeseen injury, James always seems to make lemonade out of lemons! And, we ended up spending the evenings drinking, laughing and making some of our fondest memories to date! Although, Amanda is still waiting to see all the ski tricks that James can do!
#FirstOverseasTripTogether
Can you even believe it – we both actually graduated University with that piece of paper!
In the beginning of 2021, James and Amanda held a graduation party. Sadly, our universities were still holding online ceremonies but we weren't going to let Covid steal this hard earned celebratory moment that we hustled towards. So, with our dads as the ordained dean's, we held our own ceremony. In front of a few friends and family, James received his BCom and Amanda received her Psychology Honours. No matter how small the victory, life is worth celebrating!
#CapAndGown
James was on his knee, he had already said his speech and he was awaiting an answer. With a dropped jaw and loss of words, Amanda finally managed, with a squeaky voice, to say 'Absolutely yes!' However, the excitement didn't stop there.
The next minute, the Bruce girl's walked around the dam holding a sign: "Amanda will you marry me?" and our mum's drove in on a golf-cart decked to the nines! It was amazing! Clearly, James had held in enough secrets for the day because he mistakenly blurted out that their friends were joining them later, as Amanda was messaging all her friends with the news! And to no surprise, I arrived for lunch, at the wine cellar, to the most beautifully set out occasion with a few friends and family. We honestly felt blessed beyond measure!
#TheMoment