Ruby + Swallow: Real Wedding: Derrick + Keryn

There is something special about a wedding that is different. And there's a whole lot of special in this wedding. A while ago we showed you the engagement shoot of Keryn and Derrick, a wonderful couple that we had the pleasure working with. We're so excited to show you their special day. The city backdrop is something so unique and different from the run of the mill country weddings that we are so used to seeing. Quintin Mills did a fantastic job in capturing the dramatics of the city as well as the rich history and glamour of the Rand Club, making this a wedding we won't soon forget.

The bride and groom: Keryn Colyn (nee Wells)& Derrick Colyn

Wedding date: 29 September 2012

Venue: The Rand Club

Colours and/or Theme: Our colour scheme was ivory, midnight blue and hot pink. A very talented friend designed a monogram for us which we used as a central theme.

So what’s your love story?

Derrick and I met 8 years ago through my brother, who works with Derrick. I was living in England and my brother kept mentioning that he had a colleague/friend I had to meet. So when I returned home I decided it was time to meet this man. Derrick and my brother were both going to a mutual friend’s birthday drinks so I decided to gate crash. Derrick asked for my phone number, asked me out to dinner and that was that.

Years later, we got to chatting about the Depeche Mode concert at Ellis Park in 1994. Turns out

we were both at that concert and had spent some time speaking to each other. Little did we know that we would meet again 10 years later.

How did he propose?

We went to Drakensberg for the weekend, and on the Saturday Derrick had planned a very special evening with champagne, candles, rose petals and a proposal.

What was the best lesson you learnt through planning your wedding?

Hire a wedding planner! We had never planned anything on this scale before and I had fears of getting to the wedding ceremony and realising I had not organised dinner or something equally vital. We hired a wedding planner, Naomi from From This Moment, who still left all the planning up to us so everything was still our choice, our taste and exactly how we wanted it. Naomi helped by keeping everything on track and advising us what needed to be achieved each month. When it came to the actual wedding it was great to have somebody deal with all the service providers and co-ordinate everything on the day so we did not have to worry about it.

Any tips for brides to be?

Hire an excellent photographer! We spoke to many people who wish they had better photos of their day and we did not want the same regrets. We hired Quintin Mills, who was absolutely fantastic. Your photos are the only thing you have that captures your wedding (other than a video but that you can’t put on your wall) so make them awesome.

How did you decide on the colour or theme of your wedding?

I spent hours searching for wedding ideas online and I saw a wedding with the deep blue and hot pink. I loved how the pink stood out against the dark blue.

How involved was your husband or family in the wedding planning?

Derrick was very involved, we planned the whole wedding together. We had so much fun planning our wedding and it was great that everything was what we both liked.

What would you change about your wedding day if you could?

Nothing, the day went as it should and any hiccups on the day just add to the memories and the stories.

Were there any elements of your wedding that you did yourself?

Other than the planning, no. Everything was organised through professionals.

Did anything unexpected or extra special happen on your wedding day that surprised you and your husband? (Or just you!)

I always wanted ‘Just a Perfect Day’ played at our wedding but I could not find a good time to play it. After we had signed the register and it was just the two of us still in the venue the DJ played it for us. Derrick had organised it with him and it was the loveliest surprise for me. Derrick’s surprise came when I stood up to give a speech.

What was your wedding song?

Night and Day by Frank Sinatra

What was the flavour of your cake?

We had a cake of cheese.

Did you go on Honeymoon? And if so, where did you go?

Our honeymoon started with a three day road trip ending at Porcupine Pie in Wilderness, Garden Route for 5 days. Porcupine Pie is awesome!!!