The story started when Inke, Gerard’s sister, invited Irene on a long weekend to Leopard Creek. Gerard decided on number 99 that he will be joining Inke and her friends for the “braai-dag” longweekend in September 2015.
From day one, Irene could not get enough of Gerard's interesting facts & stories. She fell in love with his energy and great manners. Gerard fell in love with Irene's kind heart and go-getter attitude. Two months later, on 30 November 2015, Gerard asked Irene to be his girlfriend.
For the next 4 years. the friendship & love between Gerard and Irene only grew stronger as they both loved good food & wine, travelling together, playing golf and spending time with friends & family.
On 28 December 2018, Gerard asked Irene to be his wife while balancing on one knee on a SUP board on a bumpy Stilbaai river, asking Irene to help him keep his balance for the rest of their lives.