Bride of the Year 2015

– By Prenesha Naidu

This year’s North Coast Courier Bride of the Year, Michele Green, received an overwhelming amount of ‘thumbs ups on Facebook where the public could vote for their favourite bride.

We caught up with the 28-year-old who married Warren Green on July 12, 2014 at Collisheen Estate in Ballito to find out how they met, how the wedding was and how they are doing one year after tying the knot.

Michele was working at an event where she and Warren caught each other’s eyes. They started off as friends for about three years before they started courting – which then went on for about a year and a half before Warren proposed to her.

On the day Warren decided to propose to Michele, she found his behaviour very weird – which confused her and even led them to a huge fight that morning. Michele thought they might even break up.

On the morning he proposed, Michele told Warren that she wanted to go to a cafe for breakfast. But Warren kept on driving, telling Michele to find a picnic spot.

They eventually stopped at Salt Rock Beach where he opened the boot of the car and surprised her with everything they needed for a picnic.

“He told me he has a surprise for me and pulled out a bottle of champagne,” said Michele.

Michele grew more confused, and even a bit disappointed until he pulled out a ring and proposed.

When it came down to playing wedding planner, Michele said it was quite a headache.

“I thought I had the wedding planning under control because of my experience in event planning, but it was the most stressful time of my life,” said Michele.

They got married after being engaged for more than a year as they had to save up to pay for the wedding.

To Michele, the most special part of her day was seeing her husband’s face as she walked down the aisle, as well as all the love experienced from everyone.

“It was the most special day of my life.”

“If I can give any advice, it would be that you should get someone to do the planning for you,” she said.

“The venue, photography and videography was the most expensive aspects of our wedding. Keep it simple and do not waste money on small things.”

She describes life after marriage as more secure and stable; feeling a sense of belonging and importance.

“Your opinion is valued and unlike a normal relationship, you cannot just walk out of it; you have to find a balance.”

Both Michele and Warren are salespeople, who are well established in their careers and intend on doing as much travelling as they can together before having kids. They will be spending their first wedding anniversary this weekend in the Midlands.

“Winning this competition will just make our anniversary extra special,” said Michele, who is still glowing since the day she walked down the aisle.

*The prizes for this competition are sponsored by Brunational Cosmetic and Skin Care Manufacturers, Annapurna Bistro and Yolandi Sapet Photography.