Team JVV – Kyle and Asley Jansen Van Vuuren
WEDDING BLISS: CELEBRATING OUR CONTEST WINNERS
The love story of Kyle and Ashley Jansen Van Vuuren
We recently caught up with our previous Treasure Hunt champions, Kyle and Ashley Jansen Van Vuuren of team #JVV, who tied the knot in a stunning ceremony at Diep in die Berg on 3 June 2023. They shared their favorite moments from both their wedding and their victorious Treasure Hunt journey. With tales of adventure and teamwork, they revealed what made the experience uniquely special and why you shouldn’t miss the chance to join the competition yourself. Whether you’re chasing thrills or simply seeking unforgettable memories, their insights may just inspire you to embark on your own treasure-seeking adventure!
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELVES?
“We have been together since our school days, which makes it 11 years now. Throughout that time, we’ve managed a long-distance relationship while Ashley pursued her studies and completed her internship across three provinces. Currently, we reside in the West Rand and enjoy staying active, participating in activities like cricket, netball, and the increasingly popular sport of padel. I work as an electrical workshop manager, while Ashley is a Biokineticist.”
HOW AND WHEN DID YOU MEET?
“We met in high school and started dating in our matric year, just before prelims started.”
HOW DID HE PROPOSE?
“Kyle decided to swap his original beach proposal for a breathtaking private riverside picnic at Lethabo Estate, especially since my grandparents from England were visiting in May. We strolled through the water to a tiny island in the river, where he got down on one knee. The entire moment was magical; I was so anxious about the ring falling into the water. My cheeks hurt from smiling, and my heart felt like it was going to burst with joy. I could finally call him my fiancé!”
WHY DID YOU ENTER THE COMPETITION?
“Ashley came across the ad for the competition on Facebook and thought, “What do we have to lose?” Little did we know, a month later we would end up winning!”
WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE COMPETITION?
“It was undoubtedly the final day of our quest to locate the diamond! This moment reminded me of The Amazing Race. By 7 a.m., we were already in Pretoria, spending the morning at McDonald’s while awaiting the final clue, set to be announced at 9 a.m. on the radio. Our hearts raced as we sped towards the Spanish villa, where the last horse would lead us to the hidden diamond.
Upon our arrival, we noticed only three people had signed in. As soon as the car stopped, we jumped out and dashed towards the stables. From there, we made our way to the wedding venue on the property, where three wedding tables were set up, all protected by a wooden horse statue. On those tables lay the three diamonds we were searching for.
I distinctly remember spotting a plaque on one of the diamonds that read “2022 finalist.” I picked it up, completely unaware that this was the “diamond” we were supposed to find. Suddenly, someone approached us and quietly informed us that we had indeed discovered the diamond—it felt surreal!”
HOW DID IT FEEL WHEN YOU WERE ANNOUNCED AS THE WINNERS?
“Following the exhilarating “Amazing Race Day,” a picnic was organized where we were interviewed alongside two other couples who had also discovered the diamond. It was a captivating day filled with valuable insights about each other and the opportunity to connect with the other contestants. They were about to announce the winners and had decided to let us all cut into a cake simultaneously, with those who found the red velvet inside being declared the champions. While slicing into the cake seemed straightforward, we found ourselves struggling to lift our piece once we spotted the red crumbs on our knife—overwhelmed by shock and adrenaline. It was truly surreal to realize that we had just achieved one of the most significant moments in our lives!”
WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE THROUGHOUT THE WEDDING PLANNING PHASE? WERE THERE ANY SPECIFIC VENDORS THAT REALLY STOOD OUT FOR YOU?
All of our vendors truly exceeded our expectations and were incredibly eager to help make our day extraordinary. The week leading up to the wedding was undoubtedly the most nerve-wracking time, likely due to my own anxieties, but each vendor ensured that everything stayed on track, making our day truly special. Our photographer, Ulandi Sanders, was fantastic—she not only gifted us an engagement shoot but also put us at ease as we prepared for the big day, allowing us to be ourselves in every photograph.
Susan, our florist and decorator from The Flower and Wedding Yard, worked magic, turning all my dreams into reality with the beautiful arrangements she created for our special day. The cake from Dainty Delights was delicious, and my wedding dress from Olivelli, along with the suits and bridesmaids’ dresses, were beyond my wildest dreams. We had so many incredible vendors who were absolute stars, and we are so grateful for everything they contributed to our wedding celebration.”
WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY?
“I wouldn’t change a thing! Well, maybe I would have opened the photo booth for the evening to ensure we captured one more special photo of ourselves. Every moment unfolded perfectly, from our first dance— which we practiced tirelessly for—to the incredible cake. The flowers and decorations provided by The Flower and Wedding Yard were phenomenal!”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO COUPLES THAT WANT TO ENTER THE COMPETITION?
“Remember, it is not just about winning, but learning about your partner and obviously how and where to start planning your wedding. Appreciate every moment, get out of that comfort zone, and most important make every moment count. Teamwork makes dream work!”
TELL US ABOUT THE THINGS THAT STOOD OUT ON YOUR WEDDING DAY?
“Choosing just one moment is quite a challenge since the entire day was brimming with so many small, memorable experiences. However, the moments that truly stood out were the few quiet ones we shared before the reception began, after all the photos had been taken. We had a plate of appetizers and spent that last hour savouring the experience of finally getting married after what felt like an eternity! The feeling of seeing Kyle waiting for me at the end of the aisle is something I will always treasure.”
