Something old, Something new, Something borrowed, and Something blue
Projects
Father of the Bride
My dad, Roy, has been, and very much still is, the most exceptional parent to me. He has always been my most unwavering support system, a thrill-seeking adventurer, and the supplier of the most questionable dad jokes.
We have shared so many impossibly special moments as a family, from hiking all the peaks of Hout Bay to canoeing down the Orange River, boogie boarding and kitesurfing before and after school, and SCUBA trips to Sodwana and Mozambique. To me, my dad has always been the embodiment of c’est la vie: embracing life fully, meeting challenges with humour and strength, and making even the most daunting and heavy moments feel manageable. He has always made life feel exciting, steady, and completely full of possibility, with the occasional dodgy dad joke thrown in at exactly the wrong moment, like when I am too nervous to go down a steep ski slope on Mont Vallon.
Throughout my life, he has instilled in me a deep and lasting belief in the value of hard work through everything he has done and achieved. He has truly seized life by the horns and, in turn, created every opportunity for me. Most importantly, my dad has always been there with support and a steady push to seize those opportunities too, even when there is a weepy phone call about a missed promotion or a lost passport. He always responds with calm reassurance, perspective, and humour.
If I can be even half the parent that my dad has been to me one day, I would be so proud.
Mother and Father of the Groom
Traditionally, “something borrowed” represents carrying the love and wisdom of those who came before into a new chapter. For Michael, this reflects his parents, Tina and Eddie.
Both were exceptional in their own ways and played an enormous role in shaping the person Michael has become. They approached life with generosity, humour, conviction, and a deep care for the people around them, qualities that Michael carries forward with him today. They stood firmly for what they believed in, were passionate advocates for social justice, and lived with a strong sense of integrity and compassion.
Eddie was a journalist, and Michael often joined him on work trips, travelling to far-flung corners of the country and exploring whatever eccentric new story or place the day brought. One of Michael’s favourite memories is from one of these trips, when the two of them were confronted by a large bull elephant near their car. In a moment of equal parts bravery and absurdity, they both climbed out and began flapping the car doors from either side as though they themselves were elephants, hoping to scare it away. Eventually, the elephant wandered off, although probably more confused than threatened. These adventures became some of Michael’s most treasured memories with his dad.
Tina, meanwhile, was Michael’s true confidant, someone he could always turn to for understanding and perspective. Tina and Michael shared a uniquely close bond, built on deep trust, love, and friendship. Kyla is endlessly grateful for the time, albeit far too short, that she got to know Tina and experience her warmth, wisdom, and extraordinary love for Michael firsthand.
Above all, Tina and Eddie loved each other deeply and purely. Even years later, and right up until the day Tina passed, she still referred to Eddy as “the love of her life” whenever she spoke about him. Their marriage was grounded in profound respect, partnership, humour, and unwavering love, the kind of love that leaves a permanent imprint on the people lucky enough to witness it. Kyla and Michael would be incredibly proud if their own marriage one day reflected even a small part of what Tina and Eddie shared.
Although they are no longer with us, their influence is still deeply felt in the values they passed on and in the person Michael has become. Kyla is endlessly grateful to them for the man they raised and who eventually found his way to her. In that sense, they will be celebrating with us today, carried forward in Michael and in the life Kyla and Michael are building together.
Siblings of the Couple
We are so blessed to have each of our siblings. They have brought laughter, perspective and the occasional chaos to our lives. They have been companions through much of life already, and we feel very lucky that they will continue to share in everything that lies ahead.
Kyla’s brother Rory has been a constant presence throughout her life, someone who always knows how to bring lightness and fun to any situation. He is endlessly enthusiastic, honest and encouraging, the kind of person who makes everything feel a little more exciting just by being part of it. He always brings a unique and often humorous perspective to situations. Some of Kyla’s favourite memories with him are from childhood holidays in Mauritius, where they leaned on each other in ways that have stayed with her, as well as family ski trips and weekends in Hermanus filled with laughter and shared adventure. Rory is also incredibly hardworking and has built a life for himself with such quiet determination. Kyla feels very lucky to have him in her life, and on the wedding day he will be standing beside Michael as a groomsman and guiding the celebrations as MC.
Michael’s sister, Tash, is someone he has always admired deeply. Her grit and determination, especially her ability to get back up when things have not gone to plan, have been a constant source of respect and inspiration.
Despite an eight year age gap, Michael and Tash have always been close, and that bond has only deepened over time. Since losing their parents, they have been there for one another in ways that are hard to put into words, always supporting each other and standing side by side, no matter what.
Having her by his side on this day means more to him than he can fully express.
Together, Rory and Tash (together with their partners, Saskia and Ed) are a small reminder of the good fortune we already have in the people around us.
Something Blue
Traditionally, “something blue” represents love, loyalty and the steady support that carries a marriage forward. For Kyla, it also honours two of the women who have quietly embodied those things throughout her life.
Her aunt Lynn, affectionately known in the family as “Vlam” (flame) for her bright orange hair, has always lived up to the name. Lynn carries an undeniable warmth that radiates from her and seems to follow her everywhere she goes. Together with Uncle Bruce, she has created a home that has long felt like Kyla’s second home, and somehow always the place where she seems to sleep the best. Lynn has a rare gift for listening and making people feel understood, and Kyla has always felt the comfort and kindness that radiate from her.
Elly has only been in Kyla's life for the past twelve years, but her impact has been unmistakable. She looks after the people around her with remarkable dedication and fierce loyalty, and the care she shows those she loves is constant and deeply felt. Elly has guided Kyla through many of life's coming-of-age moments, from designing her matric dance dress to helping her navigate first heartbreaks, always offering wisdom, support, and grace. There have also been countless glasses of wine shared on balconies, where the two of them have spent hours talking about absolutely nothing and somehow absolutely everything at the same time. Kyla's love of leopard print, and her steadfast belief that it is a neutral, can be attributed almost entirely to Elly's influence.
Choosing Lynn, and Elly as Kyla’s “something blue” is a small way of honouring the warmth, loyalty and steady support they have all brought to her life, and undoubtedly will continue to guide her through her next chapter with Michael.
The Maid of Honor & Bridesmaids
Holly, Josie, Claire, and Binx are four incredible women who have taught me an immeasurable amount about love, patience, kindness, and unconditional support. I feel so deeply fortunate to have had them as such a constant and steadfast part of my life, especially from such an early stage. Each of them has contributed to the richness of my life in the most meaningful way.
Holly, my Maid of Honor, has the sharpest mind and the kindest heart. Even though we have not lived near each other over the last ten years, she has been proof that true friendships only get better with time. Holly has always been so supportive of me going after new, often wayward dreams, and gets so invested, often doing more research than I have. Everyone feels fantastic about themselves after a pep talk from Hol! We have shared so many happy moments, from celebrating her own wedding to the pure elation of a Coldplay concert in Rome.
Josie and I lived together during our formative Stellies years, and to say that she embodies compassion, empathy, and understanding is an understatement. Josie has carried me through many of life’s moments without judgment, listening deeply and offering gentle warmth, forgiveness, and steady support in a way that is uniquely hers. She has especially been there guiding me through deep philosophical concepts that I hardly understand at all.
Claire and I moved to Johannesburg at similar times, building our own little definition of family. She was there right at the beginning of mine and Michael's story, witnessing those earliest days as our relationship quietly began to unfold. Claire has always been the kind of friend who tells the truth with care, someone who will lovingly hold you accountable while standing firmly in your corner.
Binx has been a constant in my life since we met on a thirty-day school hike in Grade 9. She is my ultimate hype girl, and I am endlessly grateful for how open she is about every part of life. She is a little bit of an ethereal presence; you are not always sure where she is, but when it counts, she is always there without fail. Her unwavering support and love are constant, and her silliness and joy keep us all grounded in just how unserious life can be.
Tats is the most recent addition to this cohort of exquisite women, and we met while living together in digs, sharing scones and MCC at Lanzerac and enjoying one too many "Klein Saterdags" along the way. Tatiana and I share such a unique friendship. She is entirely unjudgmental, endlessly patient, and unfailingly kind. I genuinely do not think I have ever heard her say an unkind word about anyone. She is the friend who wholeheartedly embraces the "woo-woo" side of me and is always willing to welcome the possibilities of a new moon alongside me. Tatiana brings so much sunshine and joy into my life, and her warmth, openness, and gentle spirit make the world feel a little lighter for everyone around her.
I am eternally grateful for these friendships! They are truly among the greatest loves of my life.
The Best Man & Groomsmen
Theo, Jimmy, Weiming and Rory are four people I feel incredibly fortunate to have by my side. Each of them has played a meaningful role in my life, offering support, perspective and friendship in ways that have shaped who I am.
Theo, my best man, is someone I have always been able to rely on, no matter the situation. He is as dependable as they come and the kind of person you trust without hesitation. He carries his success quietly and without fuss, but there is a depth to his character that makes him stand out in all the right ways. More than anything, he is just a genuinely great person, someone who knows when to give you space and when to check in, and always gets that balance right.
Jimmy shares many of the same qualities as Theo. He is steady, thoughtful and always there when it counts. Whether you need advice, a sounding board or just someone to talk things through with, he is the kind of person who shows up. If something goes wrong, Jimmy is the one who will make a plan and find a way to get you through it. Having him in my corner has always been a huge comfort.
Weiming is someone I trust with absolutely everything. He knows the ins and outs of my life better than most and has always been there with unwavering support. What I value most is his ability to strike a rare balance. He knows when to push me to be better and when to simply accept things as they are. That kind of understanding is not easy to find, and I am incredibly grateful for it.
Rory may be the most recent addition to my side, but from the first time we met, we got on effortlessly. He brings an energy that is hard to miss, full of life, humour and the ability to lift the mood of any room. He has a natural way of bringing people together, and I am really glad to have him standing with me on the day.