The idea of turning 40 to me was just like any other birthday.  Actually the idea of a birthday in my life was almost like any other day…until i met Candice, of course.  She simply loves birthdays and was in her element at the prospect of arranging my birthday party.  My protests were in vain but i secretly liked the idea of all the fuss :)

It was held at Le Pommier just outside Stellenbosch and Candice outdone herself with the venue and decor.  The theme colour was green (one of my favourite colours), the walls were decorated with pictures of days gone by and with quotes from my ultimate favourite tv show, Friends!  Could i BE more lucky?  As i walked into the room soaking in all of these, i though to myself, wow, Candy actually read my mind and she knows me better than i know myself!

My wife pulled out all the stops in arranging a day the way i wanted it – a day of celebrating with friends and family!  These are people that were there through our highs and lows, they prayed for us while waiting for Ethan and shared our joy when we shared the news that Candice was pregnant again.  Another miracle from above.  Why a miracle?  Candice went for a mymectomy, a procedure to remove fibroids.  During this procedure if any embryo is found in the uterus, it will be accidentally removed and a miscarriage unsues.  At that moment the embryo was already lodged in the filopian tubes, ready to come down but somehow God held it there until the right time, for when the uterus was clean again.  We can only but give glory to Him!

I’d like to thank everyone who made this day special to me.  To my family, the Stalmeesters, thank you for the foundations that you have instilled in me.  I can never forget my roots!  To my in-laws, the Daniels family, thank you for you constant love and support.  You are always there anytime! To my friends, even though we don’t always see each other, i can always pick up the phone and re-take a conversation anytime.

To my wife, best friend and confidant; thank you for this beautiful day.  I will remember it for as long as i live.  Your love is unconditional and very big for such a tiny person :)  I might not say it everyday but i love you with all my heart.

Dehan, thanks for the awesome photos!

Venue: Le Pommier

Photographer: Dehan Engelbrecht

Co-ordinator: Candice Stalmeester