Damian & Shelley / Highberry Vineyards Wedding Video
How did you guys meet?
We met, rather appropriately, at court. Shelley-Jane had just (once again) succeeded in her courtroom matter and Damian was (once again) anxiously trying to ready court papers at the last minute. Bringing in her mountain of coats, Damian started the dialogue with, “That’s a lot of coats you have there.”
Why did you want us to capture your wedding day? How do you think you’ll feel watching everything back in years to come?
It’s important to us to be able to remember each special moment that is captured and be able to replay them each time we want to. We are both passionate people, moved by reliving our precious memories, and having a beautifully curated film certainly helps with that. A wedding day is ultimately about the coming together of two lives, including their friends and family, being able to capture and share such a special moment with our loved ones, now and in the future, is therefore a priceless gift.
Tell me about the proposal – I love hearing these stories
Well Damian had put together a sneaky little plan. He had secretly communicated with Shelley’s friends for them to meet up for a ‘girls’ breakfast’ at the dancing spot where we had first properly got to know each other (through our mutual love for sokkie). Once there, Shelley was given a clue to solve and reveal the next location (which would be another spot of significance to us in some way). A friend was posted at each of the several locations around Cape Town with a new clue to solve whilst Damian waited at the final location – the proposal spot at Groot Constantia, with beautiful petals and an engagement balloon (the predecessor of which had popped on the day, leaving him frantically trying to find a replacement). Eventually, after a full day of an amazing race journey, Shelley made it to the proposal venue. Successfully having made her way through an unexpected visit from a troop of baboons which had invaded the wine venue, Shelley arrived in the clearing where Damian got down on one knee to ask the question. Having recited his favourite Shakespeare poem, Damian succeeded in winning his fair maiden – and the rest is history.
What do you guys do for a living? How do spend your free time?
We are both lawyers (hence the first meeting spot!). We enjoy all sorts of things in our free time – going to the beach, horse riding, golf, cricket, walking along the cliffs, seeing friends, gardening and general exploration through travelling.
Why did you choose the wedding venue? What was special about it when you saw it for the first time?
We just had to get married in the Cape Winelands which he had called home so happily before taking our home abroad. Highberry was the spot we wanted – stunning scenery, wonderful elevation highlighting the rolling vineyards and the mountains as a backdrop with a picturesque wedding hall and lovely dams, and best of all a stone through from our first home.
Tell me about the vision you have for your wedding. What experience did you wish to give your guests?
We wanted our loved ones around us to celebrate our union with us, through good food, excellent wine, fun dancing and making precious memories together.
Where do you see yourselves in 10 years time?
Happy and content! Not compromising on the delights in life which make us happy, and living fulfilled lives as a beloved family (most likely with a doggo or two!).
VENUE Highberry Vineyards & Venue
PLANNER Nu Weddings
FLOWERS Franschhoek Flowers
VIDEOGRAPHY Gustav Franke Cinematography
PHOTOGRAPHER Christelle Rall Photography
