Our Story
(Zinelle’s Version)
Our story isn’t a long one, but it’s a cute one. It all started with a friend request—though neither of us can remember who sent it—and then a DM a few weeks later. I remember telling everyone I met this guy, and we were chatting, but we hadn’t actually met in person yet. So, of course, my mom and I went full detective mode and stalked him on Facebook.
Eventually, I suggested a video call to make sure he was real, because let’s be honest—catfishing is a real thing nowadays! After the video call, I decided to brave it out and go visit him (because I didn’t want him to know where I lived just yet… you know, serial killers and all that). So I sent my live location to my mom (not sure what she was going to do with it, but better safe than sorry). Anyway, the visit went well, and we saw each other again and again. About three weeks after we met, I went on my first holiday with his family, and then we went to Cape Town in September. That’s where we got engaged, and now here we are!
Our Story
(Tyler's Version)
It all started with a “hey”… we still don’t really remember who added who, but nonetheless, we started chatting. I went in with the serious questions first because my intentions were always long-term. After the first call and visit, it’s safe to say we both couldn’t get enough of each other.
I told my mom I’d met someone, knowing she’d have a ton of questions she invited Zinelle over for dinner to ask them herself. Zinelle, being the quieter one, was a bit nervous, but she handled it perfectly, and my mom was impressed.
After a few months of visiting each other, the idea of living together came up, and as you’d expect, one visit turned into a more permanent arrangement. One moment I was just visiting, and the next, I found myself calling her place home. Everything clicked into place, and we both knew it was where we were meant to be.
So, when we went to Cape Town in September, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to pop the question. And now, here we are, planning our wedding. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.
Our Fur Children
I came with a bit of baggage (but not the bad kind)—I had my two fur babies, Pixie and Drax. So, naturally, one of the first things I had to ask Tyler was, “Do you like dogs?” But let’s be real, he didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. Tyler quickly inherited two step-fur-kids—and honestly, they took to him so well that sometimes I think they love him more than me… but who’s keeping track, right?
A few months later, the topic came up a couple of times about getting Drax a friend. I was torn, but anyone who knows me knows how much I love animals, so resisting wasn’t easy. And then along came Kai… the naughtiest (but at least he’s cute) little thing to join our clan. He’s certainly given us a run for our money, and he’s definitely the reason we can’t have nice things. But he’s become part of the family, and Drax is the absolute best big brother to him.
RSVP
Kindly RSVP below by the 15th of August 2025. If we do not receive your response by this date, we will assume you are unable to attend.
October
Please arrive at 14:30 to be seated at 14:45.
Ceremony starts at 15:00.
Dress Code
Ladies, please dress in your best 'cocktail attire.'
Gentlemen, kindly wear chino pants, smart shoes, a button-up shirt, and a tie.
We kindly ask that you avoid wearing any shades of green or beige.
Children
We truly love your little ones, but due to the large number of children within our family and friends, we’ve decided to make our wedding an adults-only celebration. We hope you understand and look forward to celebrating with you!
Gifts
We are lucky to have everything we need for our home. If you were thinking of a gift, we would be grateful for a contribution to our honeymoon fund.
Please note:
No alcohol is permitted on the premises — fines will apply for any violations.
There will be a cash bar available until 02:00.
Getting There
The wedding is located at Kuungana Bush Lodge.
Plataan road, Farm Rietfontein Donkerhoek, Pretoria, 1001
Use the QR code below for the location.
Accomodation nearby
All cottages are booked. Only open plan standard rooms available (2 single beds – open plan toilet and shower)
reservations@kuunganabushlodge.co.za
Die Skaap Kraal Gastehuis - Guest House
082 929 4977
850m from Kuungana Bush Lodge
Plataan Rd, Plot 214 Rietfontein
Pretoria, 0182
Gauteng
At the Rocks Country Estate - Relax & Enjoy
082 881 5554
3km from Kuungana Bush Lodge
Plot 52, R 104 Bronkorstspruit Road, Rietfontein Farm, Rayton, Pretoria
Meet the 'Squad'
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Becca
Maid of Honour
I met Zee about 12 years ago, way back when we were still going to Nicci Beach and H2O. We've been through so many phases together—from taking way too many melktert shots to bonding over our mutual obsession with our dogs, to trying to be responsible adults (while still making questionable life choices), to being there for eachother as we plan our weddings and Zee being the best aunty to my baby Jade.
Through it all, Zee has always been my ride-or-die—the one person I can always count on to ‘get low’ on the dance floor with me, even if our knees can’t quite handle it like they used to.
And now, I couldn’t be more honoured to stand by her side as she marries the love of her life.
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Janie & Ryan
Bridesmaid & Groomsman
Zee & I met in 2011 when she got a weekend job at the same local pharmacy that I was working at. When the manager told me Zee got the job, I felt so happy because I was finally going to spend my dreaded weekend shifts with someone around my own age - Janie
Tyler and I met when he and Zee just started dating. From the first moment we met, an awesome "Bromance" bloomed. The rest is history - Ryan
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Kenton
Groomsman and brother
of the groom
Tyler and I met 28 years ago when I was born but more importantly Zinelle and I met over dinner when Tyler brought her over for dinner one night and she sat incredibly quiet and reserved and yet then more we got the know each other a few weeks later on holiday boy did that turn around when the bubbly and full of life personality appeared and had become the great person we now finally welcome to the family.
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Tjaardt
Ring barer and little
brother of the bride
I still remember the first time I met you Tyler-it felt like I had known you forever already.Your warmth and love for Zinelle was obvious from the start,and it’s only grown stronger since.Watching your journey has just been pure joy.I’m so excited to celebrate the next chapter with you guys.
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Jessica
Bridesmaid
I won’t bore you all with the story of how we met, it being messy and chaotic as it was, I’ll simply share a small message to you and your husband-to-be:
You are one of the strongest, kindest, and most loyal people I know, and it brings me so much joy to see you loved the way you deserve. May your marriage be full of laughter, patience, and the kind of love that keeps growing through every season. I’ll always be in your corner, cheering you on—with wine in hand.
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Bea & Stefan
Bridesmaid & Bestman
When we first met Tyler, we immediately clicked. He’s straightforward and fun, always open and honest—which we love. Sure, he supports a terrible soccer team, but hey, not all friendships can be perfect. (It’s still something we’re working on.)
Meeting Zinelle was a little intimidating for both Stefan and Bea—Stefan thought she was Dave Grohl, and Bea saw this strong, beautiful, independent woman. But once we got to know her, we saw the truth: she’s a little twitty at heart, soft and kind—but don’t mess with her!
Our friendship with Tyler and Zinelle is real and true, and we love them to bits. They’re the definition of true friends.
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Covan
Groomsman and brother
of the bride
Well… where do I even begin? One day, Zinelle comes up to me and casually drops, “I met a guy named Tyler.” Instantly, I was curious—who’s this mystery man? Eventually, I met Tyler myself and thought, “Alright, not bad... seems like a decent guy.” As time went on, I realized he’s actually super chilled and laid-back. Bit of a strange one at times—but in a good, entertaining kind of way.
I’ll admit, it took me a little while to properly warm up to him. But the more I saw how happy he made Zinelle, the more I realized—this might actually be the guy she’s been needing all along. Then, out of nowhere, he pulls me aside in the kitchen like it’s some movie scene, and asks me if he can marry my sister. I wasn’t exactly shocked—but it still hit me like, “Oh wow, this is serious now.” Of course, I said yes. I mean, have you seen how happy she is?
Now, when Tyler and I are together… things tend to get a little mischievous. The jokes start flying, the chaos kicks in—but honestly, I don’t mind it. He’s polite, funny, and chilled—basically, he matches my vibe perfectly.
All jokes aside, he’s a genuinely great guy, and I honestly couldn’t be happier for Zinelle.