PEN·LIV Real Bride: Joelien & Tristan

PEN·LIV Real Bride Joelien and her high-school sweetheart, Tristan, celebrated their love on a beautiful spring day in Africa with a ceremony and reception at the stunning Meulstroom Wedding Lodge. Joelien captured our hearts wear our BELINDA gown. Surrounded by loved ones and the enchanting backdrop of nature, they created unforgettable memories in a romantic and whimsical setting. From the personalized vows exchanged under the warm sun to the heartfelt presence of their beloved French Bulldogs as ring bearers, this wedding was a celebration of a love story a decade in the making.

The Love Story

"My husband and I are high-school sweethearts and met when we were only 15 years old. He was in Pretoria Boys High School with my cousin who I went with to one of their school concerts, that is where my husband saw me for the first time. He immediately went around to all his friends and asked if anyone knew me and had my number. Eventually he got my number and messaged me the very next day. We started out as friends and spoke to each other as much as we possibly could. When he finally worked up the courage to ask me out on a date, he took me to a 3D movie. Naturally, as a woman that knows what she wants and knows when she sees something good, I tried to kiss him with our 3D glasses on… as you can imagine, that didn’t work out all too well but it made us laugh for hours afterward. I knew that same night at the young age of 15 that this is the man I want to marry. He made me feel special and adored, he made me laugh until my cheeks hurt and listened to me intently and never took his eyes off me. We dated all through high-school seeing each other on weekends whenever it was possible. At the age of 20 we moved in together and after being together for 10 years, he proposed to me in London in front of a massive crowd. That was the best day of my life up until we got married a year later on 28 September 2024."

Advice to other brides?

"On your wedding day, stay present in the moment, take in all your hard work and stay close to your husband/wife throughout the entire day. Also take a moment just for yourselves for a few minutes to talk about the day and appreciate everything and everyone around you. It will be the most amazing day of your life."

Joelien and Tristan’s wedding at Meulstroom Wedding Lodge was a heartfelt celebration of their decade-long love story. From exchanging vows beneath the sun to sharing their day with loved ones—and Joelien’s stunning BELINDA gown from PEN·LIV capturing the elegance of the occasion—each moment reflected their unique bond.

Feeling inspired by this wedding day? Do you want to shop for your own PEN·LIV gown? Finding your nearest retailer HERE!