Our 2010 Couple of the Year!

Craig and Kim Parsons 24 April 2010 Sibton Hill House, KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. Kim shares her thoughts on her special day, a year of marriage and gives new brides some good advice...

How we met

Craig took me to my favourite place in the world and proposed down on one knee on the breath-taking grounds of Ashford Castle [Ireland].

It was a fairy tale moment never to be forgotten. That same year I joined Craig as a partner at his Brand Consultancy, where we now work together, fuelling our passions and pursuing our dreams!

Our wedding day

On the 24th April 2010, we were married in a truly romantic, traditional Catholic wedding ceremony.

The reception was a joyful celebration of our new union as husband and wife packed with laughter, moving speeches, happy tears, delicious food and great wine - set in an exquisite garden to a backdrop of French-Colonial décor, rolling hills of sugar cane and the tranquil sound of a live Mandolin.

On being married a year

Our first year of marriage has been incredible! We're closer than ever before and are so happy to be on this journey through life together.

We're working hard on building our business so we've been making sure that we put time aside each day for us to connect and spend quality time together. We're feeling really grounded and fulfilled, enjoying each day and sharing life's great experiences.

Words of wisdom for new brides

For your wedding

Remember to relax and not to sweat the small stuff during the build-up to your wedding.

Try to align yourself with wedding suppliers that have been tried and tested, preferably by someone you know, so that you can feel confident that they will work with you to deliver your dream wedding.

Get lots of rest the week before your wedding to make sure you look bright-eyed and rested on your big day - treat yourself to a facial and a body massage to de-stress if needs be. Most importantly take in every minute of your wedding day, appreciate it and enjoy sharing the moment with your husband because before you know it you will be off on your honeymoon! 

And for your first year of marriage

We feel that the first year of marriage really sets the tone the for the years to come so our advice is - respect & love each other with all your hearts, laugh a lot, always have each others' back and stick together when things get a little stressful.

When it comes to communication, take time to really listen to each other and learn to loosen your tongue when complimenting the good things you see in each other & tighten your tongue when you feel the need to point out the bad.

Being named Couple of the Year

We are so grateful & over-the-moon with excitement! We just cannot believe we have won this amazing prize!  

The last thing we expected was to have a 'second honeymoon' this soon after our wedding and we can't wait to relive the experience all over again. There were so many beautiful bridal couples that entered, all with such special stories, and we feel really privileged to have been selected as the winners - Thank You!

Craig and Kim's wedding vendors:

Photography: Clinton Friedman

Decor: Laura Kidd

Dress: Yolande Wartmann

Bride and bridesmaids' hair: Des at San Marco

Bride and bridesmaids' makeup: Lisa Bailey

Kim got in shape for her big day with the help of Trainer Haydi Gilmore at Clifton Gym 

What they won Kim and Craig won a seven-night stay at Le Victoria Hotel in Mauritius worth R50 000 from Beachcomber. They also won fabulous prizes from Jean Paul Gaultier, Sterns, Rotary Watches and Boardmans.