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Henk van der Westhuizen and Katelynn Langley have booked their big day with us at Hudson’s for 13th July this year.
Henk is a German lecturer at the University of Pretoria. He also works at the Goethe Institute in Johannesburg, teaching German classes for adult beginners. Katelynn has just completed her studies in Spanish and is now in the job market hunting for work. We LOVE hearing our couple’s journeys and this love story does not disappoint.
How did you meet?
Katelynn: We met in 2016. It was Henk’s first year teaching at the University of Pretoria and I had just enrolled for a German course for beginners. We met in his first class – he the teacher and I the student. After some time we began to speak more frequently after class which ultimately led to a few dates and eventually a beautiful relationship.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What’s your engagement story?
We got engaged in Struisbaai, a small town on the South Coast of South Africa. Henk asked the question on the 13th of December 2018, a day after my birthday. Struisbaai holds a very special place in our heart and it was lovely to be there for another visit. Late in the afternoon Henk asked if I would like to take my book and a blanket and drive down to the beach to relax a little and watch the sun go down. Once we arrived at the beach, we found a quiet, secluded spot far from any other beach-goers. Henk had promised to write me a letter for my birthday. Under the pretense of not being able to finish it on my actual birthday, he decided to read it to me as we sat on that blanket at the beach instead. It not only contained many sweet and heartfelt words but also a very important question—“will you marry me?” The rest is history.
How did you go about venue hunting?
We did a lot of research. We knew we wanted to get married in the Winelands and so we began our hunt for a venue around Stellenbosch and Paarl. We found many different and beautiful venues but eventually decided on Hudson’s because of their great reviews and comprehensive and very informative wedding package on their website. We liked the idea of everything being taken care of for us and we liked the professional manner with which everything was conducted. Their virtual tour on their website helped seal the deal as being based in Pretoria we were not able to physically go to any venues.
Do you have any advice for couples still looking for venues?
Do your research. It takes a lot of work to find a venue that suits you but don’t give up! If you have found a few you like make an excel spreadsheet of the costs of each venue. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages beside each other. See which one suits your budget first of all, and which one you feel offers what you are actually looking for.
What part of your wedding are you most looking forward to?
We are excited about the ceremony – finally becoming one in front of God, family and friends. We are also excited about the reception. We plan to dance the night away in celebration!
We are delighted to be hosting Katelynn & Henk’s big day. To get excited about planning your wedding with us get in touch to schedule a viewing.
Read other interviews in our meet the couple series:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]#1 Tashley & Chad
#9 Mylennie & Okkie[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]