Simonne and Anthony met in 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. Simonne had moved to Gainesville at the end of December 2015 to work at the University of Florida. Anthony had moved to the Gainesville area in late 2017.

Simonne and Anthony went on their first date on March 19, 2018 which was just a few days after Simonne had returned from a trip to South Africa to celebrate her grandmother's (Ahma) 100th birthday. They went to Taste, an Asian restaurant around the corner from Simonne's house. Anthony chose this restaurant because it was the only restaurant he knew in all of Gainesville. It continues to be one of their favorite places to go for dinner!

Simonne and Anthony were engaged on June 12, 2022. They knew they wanted to do a big wedding in South Africa because Simonne was born there and the majority of her family still lives there. Due to the legalities, they chose to get legally married in Florida on November 12, 2022 ahead of their 2024 wedding. This also allowed them to include Anthony's grandparents who will be unable to travel for the 2024 wedding. Anthony's family threw a very beautiful ceremony and dinner at Anthony's grandfather's house.

Anthony took his first trip to South Africa in December 2022 and was able to witness the beauty that is South Africa. Simonne and Anthony are absolutely thrilled to show their family and friends all that South Africa has to offer and they are excited that they can celebrate with all the South African based family members! For many of our guests, this will be a once in a lifetime kind of wedding and trip and we are excited to be a part of it!