Lara & I met in 2016 in university through our mutual friend Graham at a quiz night, where we came 2nd (we still love quiz nights!)

Although there was definitely interest (mostly from my side I'm afraid), nothing serious happened until much later. Lara spent time overseas from 2017 onwards and I had moved to PE. Our paths would only cross again at the occasional braai, where I did get her number but was convinced she wasn't interested (who replies 3 days later??)

It wasn't until January 2022 that we went on our first date at Yamitsuki, where we spent the afternoon eating sushi and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company. She also arrived in a defender, which I thought was very cool for a girl who looked so beautiful in a blue and white onesie.

From there, our romance raced along quickly. We both lived at home at the time, so Lara was forced to meet my entire family (Claire's kids as well!) in one meeting. She did well, and I observed how she made an effort to ask everyone personal questions about their lives, taking a genuine interest which I thought was very rare.

By February we were dating and were very much in love. This hasn't changed one bit in the 2 years, through our many adventures with friends and my most favourite ones with just her and I. I got to know her family and she mine, who have both accepted us as extra kids (not that we needed more) which has been amazing in itself.

By December last year I was ready to propose, on our unforgettable roadtrip to Coffee Bay in the rural what was once Transkei. I smuggled champagne all the way through our stop in Barkley East, and by the time we reached Coffee Bay I couldn't bear having this box in my bag any longer.

I proposed to her that afternoon on a hill right over the ocean. We went back to our hotel and spent the evening drinking champagne, eating seafood and playing pool at the local backpackers. It was perfect, a story very much fitted for us.

It's been one adventure after another, one where God has shaped both of us into the man and women who could grow into the largeness of marriage. Through all the ups and downs, new difficult challenges and exciting new beginnings, Lara is the one whom my soul loves.

I cannot wait to celebrate the start of this new (and very big!) journey with you, our family and dearest friends.