Love is in the air at Vryheid Ski Boat Club

The Ski Boat Club was beautifully decorated for the celebration, with a rustic theme of sunflowers, hessian and lace, setting the tone for the couple's first big event as husband and wife.

February 10, 2017

Elaine Rodway 1 minute read

Groomsmen, Zander Harmse, Jakes Vorster and Bertus Pelser with best man, Gerhard Woschitz and groom, Wynand Harmse on their way to the church.

JOHN Paul Young once sang, “Love is in the air, in the whisper of a tree. Love is in the air, in the thunder of the sea…”

Marlize Coetzer arrives at the church to become Mrs Harmse.

Love was certainly in the air on Saturday, when Vryheid Ski Boat Club Secretary, Marlize Coetzer, wed long-time sweetheart, Wynand Harmse, celebrating their union at the venue close to both of their hearts – Vryheid Ski Boat Club.

Wynand makes no attempt to hide his reaction when his bride enters the church.

The couple met 21 years ago. Their friendship blossomed into romance and after a long relationship, Wynand popped the question on June 11, 2016. Marlize, pleasantly surprised by the grand romantic gesture, accepted, of course, and wedding preparations began.

Wynand and Marlize share a kiss as husband and wife after signing the register.

Wynand and Marlize exchanged vows at the Ruach Gemeente Church in Utrecht Street, before family and friends, in a ceremony led by Pastor Abrie Strydom.

Proud father, Kokos Coetzer with his three daughters, Karin Coetzer, Marlize and Hannelie Coetzer shortly before the ceremony begins.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds made their way to Vryheid Ski Boat Club as Mr and Mrs Harmse, to the delight of those close to the couple.

The newlyweds exit the church as husband and wife.

The Ski Boat Club was beautifully decorated for the celebration, with a rustic theme of sunflowers, hessian and lace, setting the tone for the couple’s first big event as husband and wife.

Wynand and his best man, Gerhard have a comical moment outside the church with the new Mrs Harmse.

Best man and close friend of the groom, Gerhard Woschitz, congratulated the couple and opened the floor for the speeches, which took place in the late afternoon, as the sunset painted a romantic hue over the festivities.

Wynand thanked everyone for joining them on their special day, especially those who had traveled far to be there. Turning on the unmistakable charm that won him Marlize’s heart to begin with, he complimented his bride, stating that she looked especially beautiful and thanked his newly-acquired father-in-law, Kokos Coetzer, for having such a wonderful daughter.

Marlize and Wynand Harmse at Vryheid Ski Boat Club on their wedding day.

Looking out on the crowd with love in his eyes and a smile on his face, Wynand thanked his son, Zander for being there, as well as the two daughters that he and Marlize share, Dominique, an avid angler herself, and 5-year-old Leanè.