It began, as many great modern love stories do, on an ordinary evening that turned out to be anything but.

Late in 2016, at Tiger’s Milk in Bryanston, we first crossed paths. Malcolm—venturing out from Bedfordview with a little more hair and the same dry wit—made an unplanned appearance in the North. What followed was effortless conversation and unexpected chemistry. A month or two later, we were welcoming the New Year together on a spontaneous trip to Umhlanga. Malcolm had planned a romantic getaway… which quickly unravelled into a comedy of errors, courtesy of a dubious hotel in the middle of the cane fields (complete with an accidentally booked honeymoon suite that seemed suspiciously occupied by a guest the staff of the otherwise empty hotel were unaware of). A hasty escape led to a lucky find and a weekend that, despite its rocky start, became unforgettable. It was the beginning of something quietly extraordinary.

Soon after, Malcolm moved to Bryanston, and many adventures together began. When lockdown arrived and our world very suddenly changed, it only made sense to consolidate—Malcolm was already spending every night at Jeanne’s. So, we packed up his flat, crammed his furniture into a bulging storage unit, and officially moved in together in Jeanne’s tiny one-bedroom flat in Sunninghill. In close quarters, we didn’t just make it work—we flourished. That little apartment became our sanctuary, filled with late-night laughs, elaborate meals, timesharing the neighbours’ cat, and the gentle rhythm of life fully shared.

In 2023, we put down roots with the purchase of our home in Parkhurst. It came with more space—and more to fix, paint, and plant. Our days are still defined by food (planning it, cooking it, talking about it), and now enthusiastic, if often frustrating, attempts at gardening in a space somewhat larger than the apartment’s small roof deck and battles with Malcolm’s nemesis: the pool.

That same year brought something more challenging, when Jeanne’s work took her to Saudi Arabia for months at a time. It wasn’t easy, but in the distance, we found clarity. It confirmed what we already knew—we are each other’s home.

Our shared love of food and travel has taken us across South Africa, with the Cape Winelands—and especially Franschhoek—holding a special place in our hearts. Jeanne had long professed her love of Le Lude’s Cap Classique, and after one sunny afternoon on the lawns, Malcolm was smitten too. So much so that—long before the official proposal—he inquired whether the estate hosted weddings. They did, and Le Lude is now the very place where we will say “I do.”

Together, we’ve wandered beyond local borders—Mauritius, Greece, Italy, Thailand—collecting memories, menus, and moments. It was in Florence in 2024, at sunset on the Ponte Vecchio, that Malcolm asked the question. As if by fate, we found a quiet pocket at the perfect spot on the famously crowded bridge. Naturally, the answer was yes. The crowd applauded. And the next chapter began.

Over the years, we’ve shared more than addresses and passports. Jeanne introduced Malcolm to wine and art; Malcolm introduced Jeanne to whisky and golf (the latter with mixed results but great enthusiasm). Now, nearly a decade since it all began, we’re getting married, surrounded by the people who’ve been part of our story all along – our dearest family and friends. We can’t wait to celebrate with you, and of course, raise a glass (of bubbles, naturally) to everything that lies ahead!

M&J

Wedding Day