A blind date that turned into forever

Written By: SJinc

Sometimes forever begins when you least expect it.

For Janine and PS, it started with a blind date arranged by their best friends. From their very first meeting, there was an undeniable connection — but for Janine, there was something more.

She had prayed for her future husband long before meeting him. When she saw PS walking towards their table for the first time, she remembers thinking:

“That’s him. That’s the man I’m going to marry.”

And she was right.

An Intimate “Yes”

PS proposed during a weekend away at Kievits Kroon Wine Estate in Gauteng. Janine knew a proposal might be somewhere on the horizon, but she never expected it that weekend.

There was no audience or elaborate spectacle — simply the two of them sharing an intimate moment together.

It was perfectly them.

A Wedding That Felt Like Them

Janine and PS celebrated their wedding at Snowflake in Potchefstroom, embracing the venue’s industrial character and vintage charm.

Their vision was relaxed, warm and understated, with earthy neutrals complemented by forest green, burgundy and dusty pink.

More than anything, they wanted their wedding to feel like a celebration rather than a production.

Janine initially decided to plan everything herself while juggling a new job and organising a wedding in another province. She had a clear vision and was determined to make it happen, but somewhere between the endless decisions, suppliers and logistics, it all started to become too much.

And PS noticed.

Then Valentine’s Day arrived.

Janine may have expected the usual flowers or something romantic. Instead, PS gave her something far more meaningful.

He gave her permission to let go.

His Valentine’s gift was a wedding planner — someone who could step in, carry some of the weight and allow Janine to enjoy the journey to their wedding again.

It wasn’t the most conventional Valentine’s present, but it was perhaps one of the most thoughtful.

Because behind the gift was a simple message: You don’t have to do this alone.

That gift introduced Janine to Sandra Jacobs of SJinc Wedding & Event Planners & Décor Specialists.

“Sandra immediately understood what we were trying to create, saw our vision and somehow managed to bring it to life — and then take it even further.”

For Janine, having a planner didn’t mean giving up control of her wedding. It meant finally having someone beside her who understood the vision and could help turn it into reality.

And suddenly, she could breathe again.

A Dress With a Story

Janine didn’t have the traditional bridal boutique “this is the one” moment.

Instead, her maid of honour suggested she try on her own wedding dress from a few years earlier.

Janine fell in love with it immediately. With a few changes and personal touches, a dress already filled with memories became part of another beautiful love story.

The Moment They’ll Never Forget

One of Janine’s most treasured memories happened immediately after the ceremony.

Before joining their guests, she and PS had a quiet moment alone. They simply held each other and took in the reality that they were finally husband and wife.

If Janine could relive one part of their wedding?

“Definitely the whole ceremony. Every single moment of it, over and over again.”

Their Advice to Couples

Janine and PS believe couples should forget about what a wedding is supposed to be and create a celebration that feels right for them.

Skip traditions you don’t love. Invite the people you genuinely want there. Make decisions that reflect your relationship rather than other people’s expectations.

For Janine and PS, that resulted in a wedding they describe in three perfect words:

Intimate. Joyous. Unforgettable.

The Dream Team

Wedding Planner & Decor Stylist: Sandra Jacobs Inc.

Photography: Grant Betts Photography

Makeup: Louise Volschenk

Catering: Crista Galli / Berglau

Flowers: Alet Zinkhuis

DJ: Ian du Plessis

Reception Dress: Roshin Williams

SJinc Wedding & Event Planners & Décor Specialists

For a wedding that makes history.