Matthew & Jessica's Wedding Website
20th December 2014
The Wedding Party
The Bridal Party
Maiden of Honour & Maid of Honour-
Helen Wilson & Bronwyn Smith
I couldn’t ask for two more wonderful, beautiful, loyal and kind people to play such special roles at my wedding. Helen was my childhood partner-in-crime where we would get up to all kinds of mischief together from forming an army against the neighbours (they were nasty), to knowing all the lyrics to the musical, Lion King. I am in awe of Helen's determination and how she achieves so many goals in her life. Bronwyn is the best little sister ever (okay she is the only little sister I have)! I always have so much fun when I am with Bronwyn and can say that she is as witty, cheeky and adventurous as I am. Bronwyn has the ability to make a success of everything she does and I am so proud of her. I have two wonderful sisters who are such special and great people, exceptional friends and indispensable sisters. I couldnt ask for two more amazing people to be my Maids of Honour.
Bridesmaid- Kirsten Mc Leod
Kirst and I met when we started studying our degree in Speech Language Pathology/Audiology and from that day on we became best friends. We did everything together as best friends do. From studying and living together (and making the world’s highest chewed chappies towers), weekends away to Knysna, making our apartment the local hangout, babysitting to make extra pocket money, making up ridiculous sayings or nicknames, partying like rock stars at Tiger Tiger and not to forget spending hours and hours complaining about and psycho-analysing men (PS we still haven’t worked that one out). Kirst and I have been separated by continents and postal codes pretty much since we graduated, but our friendship is one that I know is based on all the things friendships ought to and we will always have that special place for each other. I am so excited that Kirst will be flying down to the Winelands to share in this special day.
Bridesmaid- Gaby Kaplan
I became friends with Gaby when she started her community service year at Groote Schuur Hospital and over the past 5 years, Gaby has fast become one of my dearest friends. Whenever I have come away from spending time with Gaby, I always feel happier and feel our friendship is that much stronger. We are able to solve the world's problems with crazy philosophies, imaginative descriptions and a whole heap of laughter. She is such a special person who I can share anything with. She has remarkable loyalty, an infectious (silent and slightly freaky) laugh and is the true definition of a friend. I cannot wait to have Gaby as my bridesmaid.
The Grooms Party
Best Man - Timothy Penfold
Tim is so many things. He is a successful architect, a talented musician, gentle and hardworking and above all my brother. We share a great friendship and brotherhood and have always been there for each other. We have had many intrepid adventures growing up together. Whether it was in the treehouse shooting gumnuts at passing cars, spending hours on the boat or discussing the happenings of the world, I have been fortunate to share many wonderful times with him and look forward to sharing this day with him as my Best Man.
Groomsman - Benjamin Herr
Ben and I go back to nursery school days and he is one of the first people I recall referring to as a 'friend'. Ben was always the tallest, strongest or fastest guy in class and regular school playground challenges confirmed it. Ben's boisterous and adventurous character has always been somewhat addictive and I've found myself on many action packed adventures with Ben. This childhood energy is still seen in him and his adventures off into the horizon on his motorbike are testament. I appreciate Ben's balanced outlook on life, level-headedness and the role he plays in my life. I feel honoured to have Ben share this day with me and be a special part in our wedding.
Groomsman - Craig Peters
Craig and I met while we were studying Mechanical Engineering at UCT. Besides Craig being an incredibly (and I mean incredibly) bright engineer, he has the loyalty and kindness that is unrivaled. He is a well-travelled guy who also has a love for adventure and the great outdoors. Craig and I have done many exciting things together; designed and built radio control gliders, boating and sailing, mountaineering and adventuring resulting in a great friendship. Craig's fantastic smile and enthusiastically friendly attitude makes him all rounded great guy! We are ecstatic that Craig is flying from the other side of the world (literally) to share in this day with us and we cannot wait to see him.
Groomsman - Jonathan Edwards
Jon and I met as colleagues at Sutherland Engineering in Cape Town. Jon and his wife Lisa fast became our very good friends with many dinners (which was never short of Jon's wine recommendations), quick catch-ups and weekends away. Jon too is a UCT boy and his love for fly-fishing, cycling, kayaking and just hanging out are things that I cherish about our friendship. We are capable of talking about almost anything and at times Jess cannot understand why GPS transmission encoding is not a fascinating and stimulating conversational topic. I could not ask for a more fun-filled and awesome guy to be part of the Groom's Team.
Master of Ceremomies- Ndyebo Nghona (aka Bo or Dr Bo)
The words that come to mind when we think of Bo are fun, witty, naughty, determined, patient, kind, naughty (oh did we say that already?!). Bo is just the most wonderful person to be around. Jess met him working at Groote Schuur Hospital and we both don’t recall ever not being friends with him. He is a just larger than life, an easy going guy with the best sense of humour and awesome laugh. We so excited that Bo agreed to be our MC.