Team TheLobsters – Roelof and Kirstyn van Schalkwyk
WEDDING BLISS: CELEBRATING OUR CONTEST WINNERS
The love story of Roelof and Kirstyn van Schalkwyk
We took some time to chat with our Treasure Hunt winners, Roelof and Kirstyn van Schalkwyk, of team #TheLobsters, who tied the knot on 26 May 2023 at the picturesque Kilima Private Game Reserve and Spa. Their enchanting love story is as captivating as their journey through the competition, and it embodies the spirit of adventure and connection that we celebrate. Join us as we delve into their experiences, share what makes their bond unique, and inspire you to enter our competition for a chance to create your own extraordinary memories.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELVES?
“Roelof and I reside in Magalieskruin, Pretoria. He works as the Operations Manager for Warb, a company specializing in electrical, plumbing, and solar services. I am a medical representative for Tasosol, where we provide implants and aesthetic devices to doctors across South Africa and parts of Africa. We both love spending quality time with our friends and family, especially when we go camping in our caravan. Roelof has two sisters, while I also have two sisters, one of whom is my twin. Roelof enjoys cycling, hiking, and doing handy work around the house, while I like to spend my weekends horse riding, cycling, hiking, and cooking.”
HOW AND WHEN DID YOU MEET?
“We met on Tinder sometime towards the end of 2018, but only officially met in person in January 2019.”
HOW DID HE PROPOSE?
“Roelof proposed at one of the bird hides at Ngwenya, one of our favourite places to visit on the border of the Kruger National Park.”
WHY DID YOU ENTER THE COMPETITION?
“The competition popped up on my news feed on Facebook and when I saw we had a chance to win a 5-star bushveld wedding, I phoned Roelof and asked him if we should enter. We were both set on having a bushveld wedding and Kilima was exactly what we had envisioned for our wedding day and so much more.”
WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE COMPETITION?
“When our names were called as the winners, it was an incredible moment. Stepping out of our comfort zones truly helped us grow together as a couple. The sleepover at Kilima for the finale was a highlight. We loved exploring the venue and spending valuable time with the Wedding and Lifestyle team, the Kilima team, and our fellow participants. It was an unforgettable experience!”
HOW DID IT FEEL WHEN YOU WERE ANNOUNCED AS THE WINNERS?
“Overwhelmed with emotions—shock, joy, excitement, and sadness for the other contestants. It was a whirlwind of feelings, but we were ecstatic about our win! We truly never thought we would come out on top; after all, how often does someone get to win their dream wedding? The other participants were incredible, making it clear that the judges had a tough choice to make.”
WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE THROUGHOUT THE WEDDING PLANNING PHASE? WERE THERE ANY SPECIFIC VENDORS THAT REALLY STOOD OUT FOR YOU?
“We couldn’t have asked for more from our wedding venue owners, Sareta and Frans Schütte, as well as the wonderful team at Kilima. Their support and generosity in offering such a remarkable prize left us in disbelief, and we are forever grateful for their role in making our dream wedding a reality.
A special shout-out goes to our incredible wedding planner, Linda from Applegrange Occasions. Her assistance was invaluable—reliable, organized, and endlessly supportive—everything we could have hoped for in a wedding planner.
I also want to thank ANUYOU for helping me achieve my goal weight, something I was initially anxious about. The team there was incredibly supportive, treating me like family throughout the process.”
WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY?
“I tend to become quite competitive and therefore take things a bit too seriously. Life is all about enjoying the journey. I would love to take part in the competition again, without the intense competitiveness, and just take in every moment and enjoy it to the fullest with my partner. Luckily, he isn’t as serious as I am, so he helps balance me.”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO COUPLES THAT WANT TO ENTER THE COMPETITION?
“Enjoy every single moment because the competition goes by so quickly. Get out of your comfort zone and have lots of fun with your partner!”
TELL US ABOUT THE THINGS THAT STOOD OUT ON YOUR WEDDING DAY?
“The celebration began with a lively Boma braai on Friday evening, setting the tone for the weekend. The following morning, while the girls and I indulged in incredible massages, the men explored the Buffalo breeding camp with the Kilima team. This was followed by our enchanting Baobab ceremony, where we were transported on game vehicles to an unforgettable setting. We captured stunning photos in the bush, surrounded by the incredible wildlife, including a memorable shot with a sable and an ostrich. Meanwhile, our guests savoured pre-drinks and canapés on the mountain, providing a picturesque backdrop for our photography. The reception was a dream come true, held outside under a beautiful white tent adorned with fairy lights, where we indulged in an exquisite feast. As the night ended, I cherished the quiet moments by the boma fire with my husband, wrapping up the festivities in the early morning hours while our guests settled in for the night.”
