More than good neighbours

Teenage sweethearts Denise Naidoo, 28, and Akash Jandruballi, 29, walked down the aisle last month after meeting 12 years ago.

DATE NIGHT: The couple met when Jandruballi, a financial-risk consultant who was visiting relatives, spotted Naidoo, who lived next door to his cousin's house in Northdale, Pietermaritzburg. After getting to know each other better at many social gatherings, they started dating on October 20 1997. "We just clicked, fell in love and 12 years later we are married," said Naidoo, who works in human resources.

SAY YES: After coming to the conclusion that they were soul mates, Naidoo's family hosted an engagement ceremony at their home on December 16 2006, joined by close family and friends.

Following the speeches, the cutting of the cake and exchanging of rings and gifts, there was a dinner and dance to finish off the celebration. "It was romantic in our own special way."

THE DATE: August 28. The newlyweds wanted a date that was close to spring or the warmer part of the year and they settled for the Truro Hall in Pietermaritzburg - a venue that is convenient, simple and accommodating.

THE INVITE: The two parties had different invitations, which were bought in India. They were simple yet elegant. Naidoo's invitations were white and silver, with a picture of an Indian wedding procession on the front, while Jandruballi's was cream and maroon, with the image of a bride and groom exchanging garlands on the cover.

FIT FOR A KING: The wedding outfits were bought in India. Naidoo was dressed in a modern lehenga, cream and velvet-maroon in colour, with lots of Swarovski crystals. The skirt was mermaid-style, with a snug-fitting top that sat low on the shoulder. The veil was maroon, with net material and a Swarovski-encrusted velvet border.

Jandruballi wore a sherwani suit in colours to complement Naidoo's outfit.

CENTRE STAGE: The theme was East meets West - to complement their different beliefs and personalities.

On entering the hall - through a white, draped tunnel - guests were welcomed with a fruit and sweetmeat display. The venue was decked out in black and silver, with a touch of red draping and lots of fairy lights. Each table was adorned with a black tablecloth, covered with a silver crushed organza overlay and a red runner.

Centrepieces on alternate tables were mosaic vases placed on a raised mirror with a single rose, enhanced with rose petals and red beads, alternated with a high gem tree with five red roses each.

The stage décor had lighter colours - white, gold and a touch of red draping with fairy lights. The traditional-styled mandap had a Western touch, which included water features on either side, lots of greenery and pillars decorated with crystals.

GIVE AND TAKE: The couple opted for a Vedic wedding ceremony.

GUESTS: 500.

TASTY TREATS: Vegetable biryani with pickles and salad, followed by soji topped with dessert cream.

LET THEM EAT CAKE: A three-tier square cake, made with white chocolate and decorated with red roses. The tiers were a combination of vanilla and chocolate cake.

MEMENTOS: Blocks of nougat were placed on each guest's plate, together with a packet of supari (a mixture of betel-nut and sweets).

HONEYMOON: A romantic and memorable five-night stay in Mauritius.

EVER AFTER: Midrand, Johannesburg.

TREASURED MEMORY: The couple took full control of the planning and choices for the wedding - making it more meaningful and special. Naidoo had the opportunity of travelling overseas for the first time to do wedding shopping with her family in Mumbai, India. "It was one of the most memorable times of my life. We had loads of fun and loved the entire shopping experience, and the culture and the people in India," said Naidoo.

"This was definitely the best day of our lives. Every bit of planning was worthwhile. To see it all come together on our wedding day was one of the most phenomenal experiences for us ever," said the newlyweds.