Early days (date 3, after Lara confirms on date 2 that it is in actual fact a date). We are both still in our parents' homes so spent a lot of time on little walks in Ebotse and on the farm.

First wedding together - Dev and Pauli.

Officially dating. Visit to Alldays farm, now a favourite to both Andrew and Lara.

Birthday dinner at Bachan Korean, Lara's favourite restaurant. We have come here for both Lara's birthdays since being together.

"This is not the first time your people are on a boat," says Andy and laughs at himself only to scold me later for using it as a caption on Facebook. Sailing with our dear friends Jordan and Elyzka.

Rolbal. Lara trying to show Andy she looks good in white. Hmf.

The weddings continue! Blessings for our dear friends Coenraad and Theunise.

And, in the real world, life also continues. It's just that normal is so much better now. Outside breakfast on the gas at home. Thanks, Eskom.

Looking forward to our future ... Getting to know each other's past. 10 year high school reunion.

Plettenberg Bay, just before our wonderful friends Graham and Christie tie the knot in a pizza restaurant (there was a formal wedding the next day). Graham is also the friend who introduced us. You'll be getting to know him as our M.C. on the wedding day.

Learning to walk up hills. Little adventures are a favourite to us both.

And in-between normal life is brighter. Visit to the quarry on the farm. After applying 50spf sunscreen at 4pm in the afternoon. Why yes, our children will be invisible one day (Easter egg - 10 points for Iranda lounging in the background)

Still no ring. The struggle is real.

Just a couple of swingers ... (Just joking mother and Benincs, our officiant)

Afrikaans education 101. This involves Andy's hat and many, many Spoegwolf shows. I am still trying to get him to watch 7de Laan.

Made it to our first December together. The best and most fulfilling year ... thus far!

Jumping into 2023 like ...

One year anniversary! The restaurant mistook it for a wedding anniversary and gave us all sorts free desserts and flowers. Of course, we did not correct them.

More adventures. Bushveld in March- beautiful.

On our way to cousin Carli and Hein's wedding in Nieu-Bethesda. If you haven't been GO! Also, was there a nail in the road or is this just oom Elardus checking if Andy is husband-ready? 😉

Nieu-Bethesda. At this moment we're outside an art gallery, someone is playing the piano and Andy is reading Herman Charles Bosman. Bliss.

So many beautiful weddings, each with a unique theme. Blessed to be blessed with wonderful people.

And at home, dinners together remain a priority (Andy rolls eyes at Lara calling it a "priority".). Also, nothing too burnt here so must have been Andy's night.

No reason for this ... Except saying how much sunscreen is a part of this relationship. Probably a great gift idea if you need one (albeit expensive!). Andy and I are a 50 spf. At least.

More adventures. Sentinal Peak hike. Do it!

More highs, views, thoughts and dreaming together. On this day my sister again mistakenly thinks we have gotten engaged. Not yet, Caro!

Back to where it all started. Yamatsuki, sushi restaurant just because we can. Try their whiskey sours if you haven't yet.

Coffee snobs (yes, even Lara when she is not having her half hot decaf instant Jacobs - the shame).

Lara getting slightly more comfortable with photos. Good luck Mr and Mrs Wedding Photographer.

And in every day life, everything is a bit brighter and happier. Garden picnic. I let Andy win at chess (cries on the inside like a winner). Hmf.

Magoebaskloof get away. Another beautiful location considered for the wedding. By this time we have actually booked a venue but no ring. Tsk, tsk Andy.

And engaged! Thank you for being part of our futures. We are so excited.