Illani is a farm-girl from the free-state. Completed her masters in architecture. Successfully navigated her way around Europe with a backpack, negotiated the Andes, survived misdiagnosed tick bite fever and finally accepted a position at a Durban based architectural company. Enter Ben, who has never seen Europe, reached the summit of table mountain thanks to the cable car, got violently ill from a mozzie bite, and finally accepted a position at a Durban based shipping company. Since their introduction by Illanis sister, this duo have found a joint love for the outdoors. Ben told me that the things they love are nights under the stars, braaivleis, good food en aartappelslaai, travelling, camping (they belong to a landcruiser club) and glitzy nights out in evening wear. Theatre and fine dining are also top of the list but things you wont find on their list of “to do’s” are clubbing, shopping for shoes (just Ben), cars with free flow exhausts, frilly things an kaggelkakkies.

Their beautiful wedding was held at the 19th centuary Reichenau Mission, South of Underberg. They made their vows to each other at the gothic chapel, and were married by Bens dad. Their reception was in an old converted barn. Orchids, origami birds and paper lanterns decorated the space. A wooden bar area that Ben and Illani cleverly built themselves, served beer on tap and other delicious looking mint drinks and cocktails. While a sushi master made salmon roses and sashimi from fresh, melt in your mouth fish that a friend of the couple had caught the day before. The dinner was served in noodle boxes, speeches were said, and the most scrummy, finger licking koeksisters and milk tart were eaten. Altho the days rain had left such a chill to the night, the love of a beautiful couple, truly a match made in heaven, left everyones hearts rosey.