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. My dad 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 created every opportunity for me and, most importantly, has always been there with support and a steady push to seize them, 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 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 Eddy.
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 and a deep care for the people around them, qualities that Michael carries forward with him today.
Eddy 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. Tina, meanwhile, was Michael’s true confidant, someone he could always turn to for understanding and perspective.
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, bringing humour, honesty and a steady sense of perspective to almost any situation. On the wedding day, he will also be standing beside Michael as a groomsman and helping guide the celebrations as our MC. Michael’s sister, Tash has always been a source of warmth and encouragement, someone who brings people together with ease and generosity.
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 three 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.
Her aunt Bodge has always been there with an open mind and a willingness to see the world a little differently. She has never hesitated to encourage Kyla to think broadly about life and the many paths it can take. In more recent years, her thoughtful guidance and steady presence have been a great help as Kyla has navigated the more practical realities of adult life.
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. She has also introduced Kyla to the firm belief that leopard print is, in fact, a true neutral.
Choosing Lynn, Bodge 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 is my ultimate hype girl, and I am endlessly grateful for her openness in discussing any and all parts of life. Her unwavering support and love are always felt, and her silliness and joy keep us all grounded in just how unserious life can be.
I am eternally grateful for these friendships.
The Best Man & Groomsmen
[MICHAEL]