Stef & Jai | LJ Lovers
Stef and Jai’s love story has taken them on thrilling adventures, but their wedding day brought together the most cherished moments in one unforgettable celebration. With personal touches that reflected their journey, Stef, our talented Jewellery Consultant, and Jai, made their special day truly unique. Join us as we explore the highlights of their beautiful wedding and the love that shines through every detail.
Congratulations on your wedding! The ceremony was absolutely breathtaking, and the LJ team was truly captivated as we watched you exchange vows. Could you share the beautiful story of how you first met?
Jai and I found each other online - truly romantic, I know! After endless conversations, we had planned to go on a dirt bike ride together being a common interest of ours. I (Stef) thought it would first be best to meet before riding off into the middle of nowhere with a stranger and so we met one day earlier at Mt Ngungun. We both felt the connection instantly as we did not stop talking the whole way up the mountain!
Jai, can you describe the emotions you felt when you first saw Stef during the ceremony?
As I stood with my back to the isle, facing the hills, my heart raced with anticipation. I could hear the reactions of the guests as they watched Stef coming down the aisle. I felt a mix of nerves and excitement at the thought of seeing Stef. I hoped I wouldn’t tear up, thinking my joy would keep me composed. It felt like an eternity waiting to turn around, but when my brother gave me the signal and I finally saw my beautiful wife, I couldn’t help but tear up. I embraced my emotions, overwhelmed by the realisation that this stunning woman would be my partner for life.
Stef, what were your thoughts and feelings as you walked down the aisle? Were there any nerves, or were you just filled with excitement?
It is a strange feeling having a crowd of friends and family staring at you and that definitely caused a few nerves. However, I was truly just full of excitement that I was walking down the aisle to my soon-to-be husband. Towards the final few steps, I noticed tears in Jai’s eyes and I then instantly welled up as well.
Your ceremony was so elegant and flawlessly executed. How did you find the entire planning process, from start to finish?
The planning was surprisingly seamless. Although we booked all of the services and vendors in the lead up to the wedding, we invested in a wedding planner to plan and coordinate the day. This took the pressure off us completely.
Did you incorporate any personal or unique touches into your ceremony to make it truly your own?
One of the main considerations when we searched for the perfect wedding venue was that we wanted our beautiful American Staffy (Willow) with us on the day. She was our ring bearer!
Unlike most traditional weddings, my bridal party included my two brothers and best friend. Jai then had his sister and two brothers on his side.
Looking back on your special day, what stands out as your fondest memory from your wedding day?
This is a hard one because the day just went so quickly! We would both agree that our fondest memory was the few minutes we got to spend together alone after our photos were done. While our guests enjoyed canopy hour, our coordinator had brought us a small platter of canapes for just us two to enjoy sitting by the ceremony area, overlooking the beautiful hills. We nibbled, chatted and soaked in the moment.
Stef, with your expertise as a qualified jeweller, you designed both your own and Jai’s wedding bands. What inspired your designs for each of the wedding bands?
I felt confident in my wedding band design from the minute I started to consider it. My engagement ring is quite unique and incorporates small oval diamonds, set horizontally into the band. My wedding band is very similar, just with bigger oval diamonds! These sit perfectly together.
Jai came up with the concept for his own ring! He wanted something bold and quite different since his partner is a jeweller! He showed me a picture of a style and profile that he likes and we then modified it to the width and depth that he desired. He also added a few beautiful words to each side of his ring, “This is my promise to you” and “Forever yours 10.04.24”.
As you look towards the future, what are you most excited about as a married couple?
We are excited to start our own little family and continuously grow, love and evolve together. We currently have our first baby on the way!
Images by Shae Estella
