Fate played an enormous role for Pamela and Gerhard to finally say their vows to each other on 18 November 2007. It all started when a friend of Gerhard’s took the initiative to go and say hi to Pamela (on Gerhard’s behalf) at a farewell party in Ireland. “I then went to support my friend”, was Gerhard’s ‘excuse’! Pamela and Gerhard started talking for a little while, but regrettably Gerhard had to leave soon after. A few weeks later, Gerhard was planning a holiday in Egypt, but a sudden bug caused him to stay right at home, AND for him to attend his company’s Christmas Function. Pamela turned out to be the bar lady, recognised Gerhard of course, and the two started talking again.

“After a while I managed to gather up some courage and asked her for her phone number. She said no … BUT she said she will take mine just for in case I am some stalker, so I left my number.” Gerhard then learnt how if felt to be on the receiving end of waiting for a phone call! Poor Gerhard also found out that he was not the only one who fancied Pamela - the barman who worked with her that night of the Christmas party saw Gerhard in action, and ensured that his number was torn up before the end of the evening! Two weeks after this, a friend at Gerhard’s company handed over Pamela’s number to him! Apparently Pamela saw the friend in town one evening and recognised him from the party and asked him to giver her number to Gerhard! Of course Gerhard tried her number right away and this lead to them having their first date!

Time passed and eventually the very important question was asked on a Christmas morning! Gerhard fooled Pamela by putting the small ring box inside a much bigger box, and went down on one knee, pajamas and all!

18 November 2007 for this couple was, and we quote: “Wonderful! Everything happened so smoothly and we had a GREAT time”.

Pamela and Gerhard wanted a beach ceremony, and this took place at Kwaaiwater Beach in Hermanus. A white freeform tent was brought in for the ceremony accompanied by white Wimbledon chairs to round off this pretty picture. Guests enjoyed chilled bottles of mineral water while being entertained by a Classical Trio. After the guests were seated, Pachelbel’s Canon in D announced the arrival of the Bride. According to Pamela and Gerhard, the best moment of the day was when they were standing on the beach saying “I do”, but otherwise the entire day was a once in a lifetime experience for them. The ceremony was followed by the confetti ritual on the beach, where after all the guests were taken via shuttle service (with some bubbly of course) to Clouds Estate, just outside Franschhoek.

The guests were pleasantly surprised by African Warrior Dancers on their arrival at the venue. Sparkling wine and canapés were served on the lawns, while everyone awaited the arrival of Mr and Mrs Heyl! Canapés included King Prawns wrapped in Phyllo with Sweet Chilli Sauce, Miniature traditional South African “Pampoenkoekies” tossed in Cinnamon Sugar, Bruschetta topped with Cream Cheese, Pesto and Cherry Tomato and Chicken Skewers served with an Indonesian Style Satay Dipping Sauce – a type of Afrikaner meets Europe menu that got the party started!

Before the newlyweds were to arrive, the guests were escorted to the reception area where everyone got a chance to have their face painted in true African style. Shortly afterwards, the Bride and Groom entered to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” and thus kicked off the start of their reception. Platters of Antipasti were served as Starters, which were followed by all the speeches.

An extensive and delicious main course followed, which consisted of Supreme of Chicken Marinated With Lemon and Rosemary, Roasted Medallions of Beef Fillet served with a Classic Béarnaise Sauce, Fillet of Norwegian Salmon served With Smashed Petit Pois and Mint, Drizzled with Lemon and Olive Oil, Chargrilled Mediterranean Vegetables, Moroccan Flat Bread and Spinach Tomato Salad.

For the guests who still had some space so spare, a delicious variety of dessert platters awaited them, which included: Amarula Crème Brûlée Served in Individual China Pots, Peppermint Creams, Lemon Curd & Blueberry Tarts and Diamonds of Belgian Truffle Cake. This was complimented by an Irish Violinist for background music.

For Pamela and Gerhard’s first dance – the Aleit Team had an after party area set up in the Manor House at Clouds Estate, where they opened the dance floor to Counting Crow’s “Mr Jones”. Everyone was then lead outside to be surprised by a significant display of Fire Spinners as well.

By then the party was in full swing and before pumpkin time, guests were treated to some wedding cake and coffees.

“The thing that stood out the most about Aleit and his team was the friendliness and the fact that they went out of their way with our logistical adventure. Attention to detail … honestly, everything you did was great!”

Advice to future Brides and Grooms: