THEY wanted a wedding with a difference, something intimate and off the beaten track where they could just focus on each other. And although it took three flights and two days of travelling, that’s exactly the wedding Suzette van der Merwe and Mark Weston got.
Mere hours after touching down in New Zealand last month, the couple stood barefoot on a remote beach, exchanging vows with just two guests and a gathering of screeching gulls as their witnesses.
Dressed in a fuchsia pink creation by designer Gerrit Pienaar, Suzette (50) looked every bit as stunning as she did when she was crowned Miss South Africa in 1990 at the age of 21.
It was a fitting colour choice because the venue for their nuptials was Pink Beach at Kauri Cliffs resort, so-called because crushed shells cause the sand to shimmer in a delightful shade of pink.
The couple had been hoping for good weather and were disappointed that when they arrived it was overcast and drizzling.
“But later the sun came out, the wind died down and it turned into a perfect day,” Suzette says.
The ceremony took place on the beach under a wooden structure decorated with greenery, flowers and shells. After the pastor declared them man and wife, the couple exchanged rings designed by Jenna Clifford, a long-time friend of the bride, as the groom’s father, Wayne (78), and step-mother, Angela Jennings Weston (79) looked on.
This story is from the 9 January 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 9 January 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST
With more and more of us struggling with our mental health, here's a common-sense guide to coping with life's ups and downs
SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES
John van de Ruit tells us why he decided to write a sequel - and shares how his first book helped him find enduring love
SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG
A Cape Town couple have been charged with using a young woman as a sex slave-but some say she lost the job she signed up for and now has a grudge against them
LIAM LAID TO REST
More than a month after One Direction singer LIAM PAYNE (31) tragically fell to his death from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his loved ones finally got to say their goodbyes.
SHILOH HANGS OUT
THE two young women look like any pair of good friends chatting and laughing as they leave their dance class in Los Angeles.
LEO IN LOVE
He's just turned 50 and it seems Leonardo DiCaprio may finally be ready to settle down
PACKING A PUNCH
Irish actor Paul Mescal beefed up for his role in the blockbuster epic Gladiator II - and fans are loving it
I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD
As the illegitimate daughter of the king, she fought to be recognised as part of Belgium's royal family, but Princess Delphine says she still feels unwelcome
'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'
A bite from a spitting cobra 13 years ago nearly killed her but Mikayla survived - and she's made peace with her scars
THE CLAWS ARE OUT!
Things have grown frosty between the Beckhams and the Sussexes as Becks comes out in clear support of William
