Tashreeqah Sadien

31 May Kirstin Kruger-Hill

Posted at 13:00h in Brides Stories by Word Couture

When Kevin met Kirstin… What sounds like the introduction to a Hollywood chick flick really is a love story worth writing home about from the dreamy Spanish town of Cadaqués where the couple got engaged; boy meets girl at their office in Durban, circumstances take them down separate roads, and through fate’s serendipitous master plan, their souls reconnect years later to write the pages of a blockbuster script brimming with passion and a sense of adventure, set across the Cape’s rolling mountains and Spain’s Costa Brava coastline.

Kirsten Kruger-Hill

A catch-up coffee date back in 2011 between these two like-minded Marketing Directors, saw their relationship blossom. Finally, seven years later while on a second spring serenade to Cadaqués, which holds a special place in both their hearts, Kevin Hill got down on one knee and proposed marriage to an unsuspecting Kirstin Kruger. “I had absolutely no idea that he was thinking of proposing. In fact, I had almost given up hope, but he clearly had other plans…”

Kirsten Kruger-Hill

Kevin had dismissed his initial idea of popping the big question over a romantic dinner on April Fools’ Day in their foreign rental – just in case Kirstin laughed it off – and instead seized the opportunity the next morning at sunrise. “I was busy taking photos when I stopped to show Kev. He was down on his knee, but I could see he was emotional and that he was saying something to me. It took me a minute or two to register what was happening – I thought he was tying his shoe!” Blissfully caught up in their engagement bubble, the couple ventured into the quaint town and purchased a placeholder ring, which Kevin slipped onto his sweetheart’s finger.

Kevin and Kirstin wedding at Glenbrae Studios Elgin

The couple circled the public holiday, 27 April 2019 for their big day, and miraculously stumbled across the Glenbrae Venue & Studios nestled in the undulating Elgin region. They mailed invitations to their dearest VIP international guests and then Kirstin turned her attention to getting her dream gown custom-made. She browsed the Pink Book wedding directory from which she selected our Tashreeqah Sadien design studio to create a gown that uniquely expresses her own gentle, colourful demeanour. “I loved Tashreeqah’s style, her dresses and her incredible attention to detail, so I made an appointment to discuss what I wanted and assess if we had ‘chemistry’. And we did! Tashreeqah was respectful of my vision, which is why I trusted her completely and was open to her suggestions like ‘Your dress should have a train, Kirstin,’ and ‘You actually do need a veil’. I had been on the fence about these two things for a while, but Tashreeqah was absolutely right!”

Kirsten Kruger-Hill

The bride desired an A-line gown with a bohemian feel to it, but with a modern touch and elegant flow – and, it had to be in the perfect shade of blush. Our team started by sourcing a few shades of blush-pink material options, then we had to procure a second batch of rosy-hued tulle to match her perfect shade. To add more texture to the bodice, a backdrop of beautiful French Chantilly lace was layered with two different blush laces; one blush-pink and the other, ivory. We then meticulously hand-beaded the delicate laces with crystals and pearls, and complemented her encrusted look with a thin satin waist-belt which ties into a loose bow. The open back was decorated with satin buttons and scalloped Chantilly lace, while the manageable 50 cm sweep train could be bustled up in preparation for the dance floor.

Kirsten Kruger-Hill

Kirstin’s mum, who flew in for the occasion, helped the bride get buttoned up for her grand entrance into the rustic venue, which was tastefully arranged with two long rows of elegant protea-topped tables. “Everyone was very complimentary of my dress,” gushed Kirstin, “but one of my most treasured compliments came from my two Jack Russells. They absolutely loved my dress because everywhere it was, they were.” Kirstin advises future brides to be organised and have a clear vision for their wedding. “Make a point of taking a few moments during your wedding day to step back and take it all in. The day goes by so quickly.”

There’s an irony in choosing Freedom Day to make a life-long commitment to love, cherish and be faithful to each other until eternity, but with smile-inspiring memories of their nuptials and heavenly honeymoon on Lake Malawi’s Mambo Island still vivid, Mr and Mrs Hill are now free in their union to seriously contemplate spreading their wings again. This time they would pursue another bucket-list adventure; build a child-friendly life together abroad. With Kirstin’s mum living overseas, she was so grateful to have developed a fond and close relationship with Tashreeqah during the entire process. A bond so cherished, that Tashreeqah Couture will be Kirstin’s first choice when it comes to selecting a christening gown for the next generation of Hills.

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