Doctors told Chanelle Wimbish that she only had a 3% chance of ever walking again after she was hit by a speeding car in 2009. According to The Mirror, she sustained a T-6 spinal cord injury and was so severely injured that she was paralysed form the neck down with little hope of ever recovering.
However, this clinical research associate from College Park in the US, was never one to let life bring her down. “I prayed and read positive books and poems knowing that I couldn’t change what had happened but that I could learn to live my best life despite/with the injury,” she said.
When she began her rehabilitation process, her dad lived with her to help her out, but she was already living independently again by April 2010. So motivated and focussed was she, that doctors were stunned by her improvement. Eventually, she took up swimming and wheelchair racing, even trialling for the 2016 US Paralympic swim team.
Then, in 2014, she met her now-husband Brennan. When the two got engaged in 2019, Chanelle set herself the goal of walking down the aisle. When the day came, there she was, walking down the aisle toward her loved one with two crutches. “Walking down the aisle is by far the biggest achievement for me that I am so very proud of myself for the work I put in for those six months,” she said.
“No circumstance is as bad as you think it is, or as it seems. The mind is very powerful, so use it to transmit positivity in any situation to overcome.”
Image: Facebook
If you or your partner are into the more scary side of life, you may be wondering how to incorporate this into your wedding. You may think it’s…
What’s a bride without a beautiful bouquet? A well-picked bunch of flowers does wonders in completing your wedding look. Every bouquet is different, and needs to be tailored to the bride and the wedding.
A summer-inspired bridal bouquet is perfect for a hot December wedding. Think big, beautiful blooms bursting with colour and vibrancy. Whatever flower is in season at that time is ideal. Mixing and matching sizes, shapes and colours gives a sense of dynamism, like the flowers are just springing to action all on their own. Here are some bunches to inspire you.
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Feature image: Unsplash
If you’re keen on social media and love sharing your cool pictures online, then this one is for you. Wedding hashtags are getting more and more popular as…
South Africa has an abundance of extraordinary wedding venues to choose from. From hotels to vineyards, the country is anything but lacking.
Vineyards are some of the best venues as they can add an extra fairy-tale feel to your special day. Most have amazing indoor and outdoor facilities and come with special wedding packages. If you’re looking to go the vineyard route for your venue, you’re spoilt for choice.
Here are some of our favourite vineyard wedding venues in South Africa:
– The Conservatory, Franschhoek
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The Conservatory is surrounded by vineyards and ancient oaks. The venue is largely made of glass, which means you’ll get some great lighting if you opt for an indoor ceremony or reception. You have the option to have your festivities outside in the vineyards too.
On their website, The Conservatory says “Our philosophy is simple yet stylish, inspiring but versatile, catering to all who require a blank canvas to create a unique event that transforms a space into a true reflection of themselves.”
– Zorgvliet Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
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In the Banghoek Valley near Stellenbosch, at Zorgvliet wines, you’ll have the stunning Simonsberg Mountains as the backdrop for your wedding. The estate offers several different facilities for your special day. The Oak room is the venue for receptions, but they also have a chapel and a room for pre-reception drinks.
– Highberry Farm, Somerset West
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This relatively new venue was completed in 2018. If you’re looking for a venue that hasn’t been seen hundreds of times, then this is the one for you. Views of vineyards, dams, the surrounding mountain range and horse paddocks will be the backdrop of your special day.
The venue sits 120 people, includes a dance floor and comes with facilities including a fully equipped kitchen, a licensed bar, as well as a spacious lawn on which a marquee could be erected or canapés and live music can be held. It also contains a more intimate utility area upstairs that may be used as a chapel.
– Leipzig Country House, Worcester
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At the Leipzig Country House you’ll be sure to have your fairytale dreams come true. For your ceremony’s venue you can choose from the century-old brandy cellar overlooking the vineyards or a tranquil garden with towering oaks. The wedding reception will be held in the wine cellar which seats 130 guests.
“The endless vistas, surrounding vineyards, rolling lawns of the amphitheater and rural charm of the historic buildings provide a stunning canvas to capture lasting memories,” says the Leipzig Country House.
– Marlenique Estate, Simondium area of the Winelands district
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The venue is central to Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. It can hold 350 guests with dancing and 400 without a dance floor. With mountains and orchards as your backdrop, you’re sure to have a dreamy day.
Open air weddings on the lawns beside the fruit orchards or on their private stretch of the Berg River are an option.
– Bakenhof Winelands Venue, Wellington
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About an hour away from Cape Town, the venue is situated on a hill of a private grape farm. The incredible views are out of this world and are sure to make you day even more special than it already is.
Bakenhof says, “We focus on a unique, personalised and unhurried experience. Our philosophy is that your day is as important to us as it is to you, with our mission to exceed your expectations – be it day or night, formal or informal, summer or winter, sunshine or rain.”
Image: Instagram /Bakenhof Winelands Venue
Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week is in full swing, showcasing the best and brightest of Parisian designs. Mainstream fashion trends are born from the runway, so where better…
Every bride deserves to have her dream wedding. Oakfield Farm Wedding Venue is renowned for slick co-ordination, and the two Bridal Expos hosted at Oakfield Farm in January and June each year continue to celebrate their uniqueness, upholding both an easy-going vibe enhanced by the exceptional quality of exhibitors; the elegant grandeur of its existence and of course the proficiency of Oakfield’s friendly staff members. Couples get to meet SA’s leading wedding specialists in the beautiful and romantic gardens of this sought after wedding venue.
Add to that, no expo is complete without great food and entertainment. Various food trucks and vendors and live entertainment will be available in the sought after gardens at the venue.
Wedding Album will be there at stall BB B54 with indulgent products and amazing competitions. Four visitors could stand a chance to win top of the range scents from Women’Secret Seduction Hampers (Rose Seduction and Gold Seduction 100ml) as well as Women’Secret EAU Hampers (3x Eau 100ml). Be sure to come pop in, as there will also be loads of free samples to try.
Seduction range:
EAU Range:
Meet over 180 Top SA Wedding Specialists, and attend a spectacular free Fashion Show at 3 pm with fun prizes to be won. This bridal event is guaranteed to leave you feeling inspired and ready to plan your perfect day!
The Oakfield Bridal Expo will be held January 25 and 26, 2020 at the Oakfield Farm. Tickets are available from Computicket beforehand or at the gate on the day.
Feature image: Supplied