bridal party
the ones beside us
Cassia - Maid of honour
Meet Cass - There’s no one quite like her. The bride’s younger sister, lifelong best friend, and the only person on earth who can make her cry laughing and run for cover in fear. Although she may be younger, she is terrifying when necessary (like a tiny, adorable bodyguard with attitude). Their bond is the kind people write books about: unbreakable, hilarious, filled with matching outfits on family trips overseas, road trip playlists and movie nights that turned into full-blown emotional support sessions. Cass has always been the one looking out for Sav even when she didn’t ask for it but especially when she did. She’s not just the maid of honour. She’s the forever-bestie, ride-or-die, and one of the most treasured humans in Sav’s life. A force of nature, a source of endless love, and an irreplaceable part of today, and every day. Sav and Anele couldn’t imagine the day without her.
Brendan - Best man
Meet Brendan - The Best Man who has been by the groom’s side for the past 17 years, from their early school days at St Stithians to countless waterpolo tournaments, and a decade of living (and surviving) together while studying in Pretoria. They know each other inside out, able to communicate with just a look, laugh at things no one else understands, and share a sense of humour that often drifts into the dark. Their friendship has seen it all, from wild nights out and unforgettable clubbing adventures to Brendan’s now-legendary dance moves that somehow get better (or at least more memorable) as the nights go on. Over time, he’s also become like a brother to Sav, forming a bond that goes beyond friendship. Together, Sav and Anele feel truly blessed to have him in their lives; a loyal friend, a trusted confidant, and someone they will always cherish.
Cayden - Bridesmaid
Meet Cayden - Sav’s go-to girl for the past 9 years, since the days they studied together and bonded over colour-coded notes, late-night Backstreet Boys karaoke sessions and countless drives through the McDonald’s drive-thru belting out Westlife like they were on tour. Normally the voice of reason, she somehow always knows when it’s time to drop the logic and join in a completely irrational rant, no questions asked. Belly laughs are just an added extra with this special friendship. A loyal and lifetime best friend. Although they live in different countries their friendship picks up where it left off like no time has passed on video calls or more recently, on trips to Amsterdam to see each other. The day wouldn’t be complete without Cayden.
Lwazi - Groomsman
Meet Lwazi- he has been by Anele’s side for an incredible 24 years. From their school days at St Stithians to waterpolo tournaments around the world that felt more like comedy shows than sports events, and nights out that definitely shouldn’t be spoken of in public, their friendship has seen it all. Even though they studied and now work in different provinces, every time they reconnect, it’s like they were together yesterday, usually because one of them still owes the other a Fantasy Premier League stout. With a sense of humour that could get them kicked out of a wedding (but hopefully not this one), Lwazi is not only one of the funniest people you’ll ever meet, but also one of the most loyal, genuine friends anyone could ask for. Sav and Anele could not imagine their day without him!
Ayla - Bridesmaid
Meet Ayla - This bridesmaid isn’t just Sav’s friend she’s a 15-year-long partner in chaos, laughter, and loyalty. Sav met Ayla on her first day at Roedean. Ayla was fascinated by this bi-lingual girl from Kuruman and just had to get all the deets. From spontaneous overseas trips to late-night escapades that can’t be shared here, their wild adventures could fill a book (but probably shouldn’t). Daily two-hour phone calls? Standard. Finishing each other’s sentences? Always. They know each other better than they know themselves, and their bond has survived every questionable decision, snack-fuelled meltdown, and all the impromptu Greenside nights out life has thrown their way. Sav didn’t just gain a best friend she gained the ultimate ride-or-die, a spot in Ayla’s family and the keeper of all the stories you’ll never hear. This day wouldn’t be complete without Ayla by her side.
Amu - Groomsman
Meet Amu - Anele’s brother and lifelong partner-in-crime, their bond is built on shared passions for sports, inside jokes, and a deep, unshakable loyalty. He’s the one who first got Anele into waterpolo, sparking a love for the game that’s become a huge part of his life and basis of his closest friendships. Some of their best memories come from causing havoc around Sun City during family holidays; moments full of laughter and mischief that perfectly capture their connection. Back in the day, he was the unofficial Uber driver for Anele and his friends always ready to get the crew where they needed to be. A true ride-or-die, he’s been there through it all, and there’s no one Anele would rather have by his side on this day. His support has meant the world, not just to Anele but to Sav too, welcoming her into the family with open arms and a big heart.
Hershwill - Ring bearer
Meet Hershwill - our ring bearer. He brings a special kind of spice to every situation, lighting up the room with laughter and joy that you never knew you needed. Honestly, life without him is unimaginable. He’s one of the funniest people you will ever meet. Sav and Hershwill bonded over their shared career path and he was the one who helped her get through her postgraduate studies, with endless encouragement and the perfect dose of humour to keep her going. Not only has he become a close friend to Sav, but he’s also built a genuine friendship with Anele, becoming an irreplaceable part of both their lives. He’s their biggest hype person sharing in both Sav’s love of music and Anele’s (which if you know them, differs vastly!) Hershwill can sing “My boo” in the car with Sav and “Yanos” with Anele in the streets. Sav and Anele apologize in advance if you’ve ever been caught by one of his infamous death stares. Having him as their ring bearer today means the world to them.
Adrian - Officiant
Meet Adrian - Our officiant who is a close friend that has been part of our lives for many years. Charismatic, funny, and a true gentleman, he’s known Sav since her primary school days while working with her dad at Tswalu. He created a lasting bond with the van Dyk clan. Since meeting up again in Pretoria he’s become a good friend to Anele as well. Braai’s, sing along songs and dad jokes have secured their bond. Always down for a tequila shot, his warmth, humour, and sincerity will make the ceremony truly unforgettable. Sav and Anele couldn’t imagine this day without him making their marriage official.
Kaylin - Master of Ceremonies
Meet Kaylin - Sav’s cousin and life-long gifted friend, she’s been by her side through every chapter; including the night she met the groom. Having known Anele for 15 years (longer than Sav has) she’s the perfect connection between both halves of this love story. Structured, creative, and genuinely funny, she knows exactly how to keep things flowing while keeping everyone entertained. Kaylin knows how to have a jol and she’s everything Sav and Anele could want in an MC and everything you’ll need to keep the celebration unforgettable!
Tim - Master of Ceremonies
Meet Tim - Tim and Anele go way back. It all started almost 20 years ago at St Stithians in fact. From water polo battles to questionable nights out and more recently, catching up during Anele’s Cape Town work trips, their friendship has stood the test of time. Tim is a man of many talents he has a sharp mind, a quick wit, and a heart as big as his love for long surfs, a cold one, and the oddly iconic Bovril and lettuce sandwich (no, you cannot have a bite so don’t even ask). He’s kind, clever, and the perfect person to help guide us through a day filled with laughter, love, and a few unexpected moments (which I’m sure will be a breeze after fighting off seals in the Atlantic). Sav and Anele are thrilled to have him on the mic!