Beeld Bride of the Year Runner-up – Monique Janse van Rensburg
Celebrating the Beeld Bride of the Year 2021
Runner-up – Monique Janse van Rensburg
The Beeld Bride of the Year 2021 competition winners were announced, and we wanted to get to know the top three brides a bit better, as well as draw some inspiration from their weddings. Monique Janse van Rensburg, who placed as runner-up, is an Occupational Hygienist from Swartklip in the Limpopo Province. Read more about her journey here.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF?
“I am currently studying to obtain my degree in BCom Business management. Next year will be my final year. I enjoy cycling and exploring hidden gems within our beautiful South Africa – whether by camping or glamping.”
WHY DID YOU ENTER THE BEELD COMPETITION?
“My grandmother has loved the Beeld since before I was born. She always told me that I should enter this competition one day when I get married, as she thinks that I would be perfect for what it represents.
This is a national platform, so I was in awe when my name was called out in second place. Having both beauty and brains means that you can conquer so much if you set your mind to it. The prizes were just a bonus!”
HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR HUSBAND?
“Towards the end of 2016, Nardus and I both worked for the same mining group, but only ever saw each other briefly in the go. One night we were both invited to the same braai without knowing it.
While conversations were flowing, we noticed that we used up all the wood. He offered to take me sightseeing if I wanted to go with him to the shop, as I was still a newbie in town. We went on a little adventure as he showed me where his parents lived (he still doesn’t know why he did this), as well as all his favourite places. After this night we saw each other occasionally at the mine, and then we just shared a smile.
A few months later he sent me a message, after his friend told him that I was single. A beautiful friendship blossomed into something more, and here we are today!”
HOW DID HE PROPOSE?
“My husband and my mom schemed behind my back, while he was visiting me. He isn’t much of a romantic, but he knows that I am a hopeless romantic (and that is why he got her in his corner to assist him). They planned my sister’s birthday surprise party at Maroela Lodge in Dinokeng Park as a disguise for our proposal. They organized an early morning picnic drive in the Dinokeng Park.
The driver of the vehicle showed us all the wildlife and then we finally came to the picnic spot with a beautiful spread of wine and cheese platters. He asked if we could take a picture, since we were already dressed up for the day – but to my surprise he got down to one knee instead and popped the question.”
WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF YOUR WEDDING PLANNING?
“I recorded a message where I explained to Nardus what my definition of love is. It created a special atmosphere as it played in the chapel. The doors opened and he got so emotional when he saw me, that he had to haunch down on his knees. That was the ultimate highlight of the day – seeing the love pour from his heart like that.”
AND THE WORST?
“Definitely taking everyone’s opinions and feelings into consideration and trying to please everyone. In the end I just went with what we as a couple decided on.”
WHO HELPED YOU PLAN YOUR WEDDING?
“Elsabe Malan, from the venue @Boshoek, was my saviour, mentor, friend, and coordinator. She took all my ideas – from the flowers to the food and décor and turned them into reality on our magical day.”
WHO WAS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER AND HOW DID YOU CHOOSE HIM/ HER?
“Our photographer needs no special introduction. I fell in love with Renske from RDK Photography’s glamorous and elegant photos and just knew that she had to be the one.”
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DRESS?
“I had so many Pinterest boards with mermaid style dresses. From the moment I walked into Bridal Wardrobe, all the dresses had me gasping for air. I wanted a close-fitting dress to accentuate my curves, with soft straps. They pulled Nasima (that’s the name of the dress) by Blue by Enzoani for me. I was totally obsessed with her, and she stole my heart right away.”
WHAT WAS YOUR THEME AND COLOUR SCHEME AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE IT?
“Our inspiration came from a styled shoot that was held at Smitsfield venue. It showcased the most beautiful tones of burgundy and soft- and dark pinks, with modern elements and black structures. We gave the bushy Highveld a feminine touch with all the elements that we brought in. The theme was Elegant Chic, where modern met woods.”
DID ANYTHING FUNNY HAPPEN ON YOUR WEDDING DAY?
“My grandfather was supposed to walk the dog, who was the ring bearer, down the aisle. He picked up the pooch and started to walk with him, but his leash got tangled and they both nearly fell. Shame, that made grampa so nervous.”
DID YOUR DAY GO ACCORDING TO PLAN? HOW SO?
“Nothing ever goes according to plan! I believe that you can only do your best and then leave the rest in the hands of God. What must be, will be. I was too drunk on love to even notice the smaller details falling through the cracks.”
WHERE WAS YOUR VENUE AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE IT?
“We got married at the beautiful @Boshoek. Lydenburg was my hometown for 7 years and I also matriculated there. Even many years after moving, it was still close to my heart, so we knew that the wedding had to be there.
This special town is located on the way to the Kruger National Park, just after Dullstroom. As the venue is found amid the mountains, it has this magical forest feeling to it – everything I envisioned for my elegant, fairy tale wedding.”
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BRIDES PLANNING THEIR WEDDINGS?
“Celebrate all the details. Don’t let anyone convince you that your dreams for the wedding seem silly. Draw up a budget and make sure that you are comfortable with the amount you want to spend, so that you don’t end up being disappointed, or dream above your budget.”
WHAT ADVICE/ TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR BRIDES ON THEIR WEDDING DAY?
“Take a moment when you walk into the reception hall and just breathe everything in. Look at your guests and savour the moment, as it goes by so quickly.”
If you recently got married, or are still planning to get married this year, do not miss out on the opportunity to enter the Beeld Bride of the Year competition. Who knows, you may just be the next winner!
Written by Gina Vorster
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