Top Wedding Vendor Awards

I met Joe (Oh Happy Day Owner & Creative Director) when I was about eight or nine. Our family went on a caravaning holiday down the South Coast of Natal and she was staying with mutual family friends. When Damian and I got engaged in October 2015, Joe was recommended as a wedding planner. After one Skype meeting with Joe (Damian and I are Cape Town-based while Joe lives in sunny Natal), we decided that Joe was the creative genius that we would partner with to create our dream wedding. More information and exquisite images of that day will follow in time.

Joe walked with Damian and I through every step of the wedding process and I have truly been a huge supporter ever since. Five months later and I still WhatsApp or email Joe any beautiful pictures that are too delicious not to share.

About three weeks ago, I saw Joe's name pop up on my phone as she was calling. My first thought was 'this must be a bum dial'. Receiving these calls happen ever so often when your name starts with an 'A'. To my surprise and absolute delight, Joe asked me to represent Oh Happy Day at this year's Top Wedding Vendor Awards as OHD had been nominated and voted as one of the Top Three Wedding Planners in the country. Wow, what an absolute honour it was to be asked and of course I said YES!

On Wednesday night, with my new navy jumpsuit and manicure on point, I attended the Top Wedding Vendor Awards. I got to mingle with the who's who of the wedding industry with a glass of bubbly in hand. In preparation for my wedding, I had followed many beautiful Instagram accounts for inspiration. Being able to meet these creatives was quite simply inspiring. As we walked down the light-up walkway to take our seats for the announcement of the winners, I felt so excited for Joe and her dream. The cliche of 'it's an honour just to be nominated' really is the truth when you are in a room with so much talent. To my absolute delight, admiration and excitement, Oh Happy Day won. Yes, I know, how amazing!! And little old me got to walk up on stage and accept the trophy on Joe’s behalf.

I can honestly say that there is no one more deserving to win than Joe. She is a creative chameleon. Her creations bring bride's dreams to life whether romantic and timeless, fun and trendy, tropical or celestial. Joe understands your vision from day one.

To any brides-to-be who are reading this, contact Joe today. I promise that you won't regret it. Also check out Oh Happy Day's Instagram page: @ohhappydaydbn

To Joe, thank you for honouring me with the delight of accepting the Top Wedding Planner on your behalf. I look forward to watching OHD's domination over the wedding world with you leading the way.