Somewhere between the African bushveld and the French Riviera, our story began.

In April 2019, just one day after Tarryn’s 22nd birthday, fate brought two South Africans together in the most unexpected place. Tarryn, from Durban, and Declan, from Johannesburg, had each travelled to the South of France to pursue careers in the yachting industry. Thousands of kilometres from home, neither of us could have imagined that a simple evening in Antibes would mark the beginning of a love story that would change our lives forever.

We met at a little bar called The Blue Lady, tucked away in the beautiful coastal town of Antibes. What began as a chance encounter quickly became something neither of us could ignore. From that day forward, we were inseparable. As we searched for work and navigated life in a new country, we shared Airbnb’s, wandered through charming French streets, and dreamed about what the future might hold. Before long, the realities of the yachting industry took us in different directions. Tarryn accepted positions in Italy and Monaco, while Declan continued his own journey elsewhere. Yet somehow, no matter how far apart we found ourselves, life always seemed to bring us back together.

The months that followed were filled with departures and reunions, airport goodbyes and long-awaited hellos. Through every challenge, our connection only grew stronger. We discovered that home was never a place—it was simply wherever we were together. Eventually, our visas came to an end, and it was time to return to South Africa. We made plans to reunite once again, with Tarryn flying into Lanseria from Durban and Declan arriving from OR Tambo. After spending a night at the family home, we packed our bags and headed to Balule Game Reserve.​​

Neither of us knew then just how significant that trip would become. Nestled in the heart of the African bushveld, Balule became the backdrop to the first meaningful chapter of our lives together back home. For an entire week, we escaped the rush of everyday life and simply enjoyed being together. Surrounded by breathtaking sunsets, untamed wildlife, and the peaceful sounds of nature, we created memories that would remain with us forever.

What we didn't know at the time was that Balule would soon become even more significant to our story. Shortly after our visit, South Africa entered the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. While much of the world came to a standstill, we found ourselves spending the 21-day lockdown together in Balule. Isolated from the uncertainty beyond the reserve, we were given something incredibly rare — uninterrupted time together. Those weeks allowed us to slow down, appreciate the simple things, and strengthen the foundation of our relationship. Surrounded by the beauty of the African bush and far removed from the noise of the outside world, Balule became more than just a destination. It became a place of comfort, growth, and some of our most treasured memories together.

Over the years, our love carried us across countries, continents, and countless adventures. Together we celebrated milestones, supported one another through challenges, and built a relationship founded on friendship, laughter, trust, and unwavering love. Then, in May 2024, during a magical holiday in Thailand, Declan asked the question that would change our lives forever. Beneath tropical skies and surrounded by the beauty of yet another unforgettable adventure, he asked Tarryn to be his wife.

Of course, the answer was yes.

As we begin this next chapter, there was only one place that felt right to celebrate our marriage. Our wedding venue is the very place where we spent our first meaningful time together in South Africa, where we navigated an unforgettable chapter of our lives during lockdown, where some of our favourite memories were made, and where our love story truly found its footing back home.

From a chance meeting in a small bar in Antibes, to adventures across the world, to a proposal in Thailand, our journey has been filled with extraordinary moments. Yet as incredible as those memories are, we know that our greatest adventure is still ahead of us.