Schedule
Friday 4th April 2025
Join us for an intimate rehearsal dinner if you'd like to make the most of the magic at Kruger. It’s completely optional, so no pressure!
Saturday 5th April 2025
Check-in is from 2 pm, giving you plenty of time to freshen up before the ceremony at 4 pm. We’ll head straight into the reception at 6 pm and celebrate all night long!
For those catching our organized bus from Johannesburg, it departs bright and early at 6 am. We’ll arrive at Kruger Gate just in time for lunch, with snacks and drinks provided on the journey—no need to worry about costs. If you'd rather drive or fly, feel free to plan that separately.
Sunday 6th April
Let's meet for breakfast at 8 am to reminisce about the big day! If you’re on the bus back to Johannesburg, it leaves at 10 am. For everyone else, checkout is at 11 am, but you’re welcome to linger longer, enjoy the views, and relax by the pool.
Important things to know
For all the things that are a lot, and that can't be expected to be remembered off the top of your head...
Discover the timeline of our special day filled with love and joy.
Important details for your journey to share in our wedding celebration.
Explore venue so you can enjoy the space during our wedding festivities.
Explore accommodation and costs to understand how it works.
Semi-Formal
Dress to impress, forget about the rest.
Look good, feel good. And that's exactly what we're after!
When we take photos, and all of you will be in them, we want those memories to be eternal. But in 50 years when we show you how you look, stylish, cool, and elegant is how we want you to feel.
See our little guide on how to dress for our wedding.
We do have a few DON'Ts. For the ceremony, no jeans, t-shirts, casual dresses, sneakers, flip-flops, athletic wear, or overly casual accessories.
When we relax and the photos are done, we can whip out those flip-flops, pumps, or red cowboy boots.
Attire
Gifts and Registry
Yesterday is History
Tomorrow is a mystery,
But today is a gift,
That is why it's called the present.
- Ugwe
We are sentimental and we're all about the mushy-icky-cuteness of love. That means we want you there, simple. If you want to gift us, we would be really grateful too.
If like us, you struggle to find the perfect gift, you love a registry. We understand this and have created one for just that reason.
Travel Info
Lots of people, lots of laughter, and lots of fun. We have this covered on the bus that departs from Johannesburg. It leaves on Saturday at 6 AM. It drives back on Sunday after breakfast and farewells.
This will be confirmed when we have a more accurate number of who's taking the bus
Travelling by bus
Will you come early or take a holiday and stay later? There's an easy way to go when you're behind the wheel. We have only one request for the drivers. Do NOT enter the Kruger through Numbi Gate. Your safety is our biggest concern. Enter either through the Phabeni Gate or the Malelane Gate. Plus, you will get a better experience of the Kruger this way!
We would also like to get some ride shares going, so if you're coming from JHB or CPT and have a seat available, please let us know. We are sure there is someone who would appreciate the lift.
This is the quickest way to go. In order of nearest to furthest, we have the Skukuza, Hoedspruit, and then Mbombela Airports to fly into.
If you are flying into the area, the Kruger Gate Hotel can organise a shuttle service to pick you up from the airport. They also have a Bluu Car Hire, where you can rent a car to explore the area while you are at it..
Travelling by car
Flying in
Planning the 'wedding vacation'
Please note that we are asking our guests to cover their accommodation costs at the venue. We understand that this is a lot to ask. We hope you'll agree that in the grander scheme of things, it's worth it for such a memorable occasion. It will be a vacation wedding of note!
We've provided some information about the venue's accommodation options below. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to speak to us directly.
Although you can book cheaper accommodation at SleepOver Kruger Gate or self-catering options nearby, we'd prefer you stay with us at Kruger Gate Hotel. This way you can join us for breakfast and enjoy the amazing hotel and all its splendor and facilities. It also means you can enjoy the evening without worrying about time restrictions about getting back to your accommodation at a reasonable hour.
The choice is, however, yours to make. There are a few options to choose from. Please view details about Kruger Gate Hotel Rooms, as well as alternative places to stay in the surrounding areas.
We're so excited to share this special day with you, and we know that planning your trip can be a bit of a hassle. To help make things easier, we've arranged for transport from Johannesburg to Kruger Gate Hotel. This means you'll have one less thing to worry about, and can focus on enjoying the festivities
Kruger Gate Hotel Accommodation
From standard comfort and family suites to luxury at its finest, there are a wider range of room options available at the hotel. Here are our best picks with a special WEDDING DISCOUNTED RATE.
Shared Deluxe Family Rooms - From R5590 for 2
Comfortable versatile space Ideal for families of four. Choose the bed configuration that best suits your family's needs and enjoy a relaxing stay:
Twin: Two Single beds
King: Two King beds
Queen: Two Queen beds
Single: Four Single beds
Kruger Deluxe Family room with 2 queen/king beds at R5590.00 per room per night based on 2 guests only. If you have 2 children under 12 stay, they stay for FREE. There will be a third and fourth-person supplement charge for guests over 12 years old.
This family-shared room also includes a buffet breakfast valued at R440 per person. If breakfast for 4 (kids under 12) is valued at R1,760.00, the room price becomes R957,50.
The Deluxe OR Luxury Suites - From R4420 for 2
Kruger Deluxe King features 1 King bed, a living area with a workstation, a smart TV, and a sofa bed for one child under 12. Rooms include a modern bathroom with a walk-in shower and toilet. For R4420.00 per room per night, this room offers ultimate comfort and everything you need to dress up for the celebrations and enjoy a peaceful sleep after the reception.
At R5136.00 per room per night, the Kruger Luxury Room offers all the amenities you need (mentioned above) with an added touch of elegance and style. It also has a private patio where you can enjoy a peaceful morning cuppa.
Both rooms include a luxurious breakfast buffet valued at R440 per person. If breakfast for 2 is valued at R880, the room rate becomes R3,540.00 /OR R1,770.00 per person for the night.
Our pick of options in the area
Here below are two good alternative stays in the area. Elephant Point is perfect for those who would like to get a group together to share a space and stay a bit longer. You will also have a space to cook all your meals. SleepOver Kruger is ideal for budget-conscious guests who want a more affordable option.
SleepOver Kruger Gate
SleepOver Kruger Gate offers a series of two-bed sleepers with options for 2 more on a sleeper couch. This is a basic option that offers you clean accommodation at an affordable rate. Breakfast is not included.
Distance from Kruger Gate Hotel is 9,7km
Elephant Point
Elephant Point is a series of luxury lodges, fully equipped for a self-catering stay. From smaller 2-room chalets to larger 5-room lodges, they offer a range of prices and options for your needs.
Distance from Kruger Gate is +- 10km
How we met
The best birthday gift Claus could have asked for..
When it comes to the universe and how it makes its decisions, we can't assume to know its intentions. But we both believe that what happened that day was beyond our control. You want the sauce? Popcorn ready? Good.
Earlier that day:
On Claus's end the celebration of his 25th birthday set the stage for this exciting day. Visitors from Johannesburg, friends from Stellenbosch and a naturally excessive celebratory vibe with much laughter, and maybe a few too many bottles of Brampton’s sparkling wine, set the stage for a sun-filled afternoon to remember.
Elsewhere, as the evening set in for Maria, her sister's birthday celebrations came to a close. Why not take up the offer of a casual date from a gentleman friend down the road? It was December, and going out for drinks with no strings attached could make her holiday all the more fun. If necessary, her early-morning flight the next day would give Maria an easy out if this potential suitor just didn't suit. And if that didn't work, Bohemia was a spot where she was sure to bump into friends she knew and loved.
"Let’s head to Bohemia" have to be the most commonly-spoken words in Stellenbosch.
As the evening set in, “where to next?” was an obvious one for Claus and his birthday group. Gaby was in town, and what better way to give her a taste of Stellenbosch, than to show her the worst, most run-down and suspect watering hole the town had to offer? You guessed it - Bohemia. The place it would all truly come together.
The worst, run-down and suspect bar, Bohemia:
Maria’s date was going terribly (just kidding, he was fine…). While there, she bumped into a friend from varsity who joined their table, and the ensuing fun and laughter made for an extremely pleasant evening. Although her upcoming flight was early the next day, what could go wrong with spending a few more hours enjoying the good company and the ice-cold gin and tonics in the heat of the Cape summer?
Enter one drunk and boisterous Claus Obermeyer.
You see, Maria’s old varsity friend knew Claus as well. She had been part of Claus’s birthday group all day, enjoying the celebrations. Claus, failing to escape intoxication thanks to a particularly festive and enthusiastic cousin (whose name we will not mention), spotted her in the distance and walked over to her table to seek a few moments of refuge and take a well-deserved break.
And there it was. Claus and Maria’s worlds colliding for first time as Claus decided to join the table before anyone could object. Can you guess who wasn't so impressed? Can you guess? Maria's date. Not impressed one bit. It didn't take long for Maria to realise that although barely able to stand upright, this (really really) strange friend-of-a-friend had an energy and a laugh that unintentionally hijacked her date (shame).
As drunk and young goes, mistakes often happen.
Birthday-boy Claus had made the table the centre of attention, and whenever one of his friends left, another one was just around the corner, ready to come over, bring him a drink, and wish him all the best.
Then suddenly, BOOM - liquid! With his flailing elbows Claus spilled his beer in Maria's direction. And to make matters worse, the poor embarrassed fool had not heard Maria clearly saying: "Don't buy me another beer, I'm drinking a gin and tonic."
Now what does an Obermeyer do with a mistake? He fixes it. And with that, two new beers were ordered. Well Maria, unimpressed for not being heard, was even more unimpressed when that second beer toppled over onto her and her handbag.
For Maria (who was covered in beer), going home for her early flight the next day now made a lot more sense. And having made apologies more than once, "I really have to go" sounded to Claus like a moment that could never be fixed. Luckily Claus had enough wits about him to ask for Maria’s Instagram handle earlier in the night, and if all else failed, they also had a friend in common.
Maria left and Claus was defeated BUT little did he know, those were the two best-bought beers of his life.
The beginning of January really set the stage. Without there being all that many places to have an after-work drink, Claus and Maria kept constantly finding each other. Again. And again. And.. again. Luckily for Claus, Maria turned out to be pretty forgiving. And soon they were friends. They smiled, laughed and enjoyed each other's company more than anyone else's. After weeks the love grew stronger and soon, dating was in order.
On the 1st of April, Claus took the step to set the relationship in stone. And as memory recalls, the line went something like:
"Do you want to make our me's into a we?" The rest is history.
"The two best-bought beers of his life"
Stellenbosch is not just good for wine, food, and really awful hangovers. It's also where a little love story finds its humble beginnings. Ask any of us about the story and you'll enjoy the tale, we're sure!
After hard days at work, we spent evenings of youthful energy in the setting summer sun of the Western Cape. Soon we were more than just friends. It wasn't long after this that, we moved in together and made memories as your 'standard vanilla ice-cream couple', with a little fun, laughter, and lots of braaing and dinner parties.
BUT THEN, COVID hit. The start of our first real challenges as a couple. We moved our entire lives up to Johannesburg in 2021. Circumstances were tough. We all remember. It was the cute yucky honeymoon phase we never gave up keeping the fun alive.
It has not been an easy road together. Throughout the five and a half years of fun, wine, laughter, turmoil, and memories, we've made friends and hosted extremely ridiculous events (like smashing the walls of our house, or surprise birthday parties with copious amounts of giggles and champagne). Let's be honest. We love to celebrate life. We love to make that feeling the centre of the room.
With many seasons ahead with milestones that will flow like bubbles bursting atop the edge of a champagne glass, our commitment to each other remains as festive as it is strong.
But when the days are done and hosting packed away, what do we do? We turn down and get some rest and 'us-time' in the Kruger. This is why we've decided on the Kruger Gate Hotel. The tranquility, the peace, the beauty, and the endless hills that roll and remind us of the adventure we've had together. Now we're taking it one step further. We want you here to celebrate again with us, as we mark this down as a new chapter.
Our journey (mushy-icky-cuteness of it all)
An almost 6 year history of memories ...
From bright-eyed twenty-something-year-olds to a more life-battered couple entering their 'dirty thirties, we've changed and grown together
The Turners
For the Obermeyers
The Obermeyers
For the Turners
&
The Turners
For the Obermeyers
The Turner family unit were born in what was once known as the breadbasket of Africa - Zimbabwe.
Zambezi bath time and African sunsets were soon followed by a peaceful, yet frosty stint in Ireland, and finally, they all settled in Stellenbosch for several years. Three countries, two continents, and many different experiences. This was the childhood of the Turner Five. Parents Vanessa and John Turner raised five independent, intelligent, and inspiring children.
Maria's three sisters and one brother make a festive Christmas when all come together. Eldest, we have the lawyer of the family, Camilla Gibbs who lives with her husband Kelvin with their two boys Nick and Cameron, in Zululand KZN. They love the sea, and all the joys it bring. Second eldest, we have Maro and his gorgeous wife Amber, who live in glamourous Dubai, where they have shaped a comfy life for themselves to share with their new dog son, Bailey. Then we have Sophia (officially Dr. Sophia Turner), who recently made Germany her home after completing her PHD in Invasive biology. She shared a passion for cycling rediculous distances with her Canadian partner, Marc. Finally the youngest, Christina Harley (soon to be Doctor in Latin) who enjoys the peaceful academic and cultural lifestyle of Leuven, Belgium together with her husband Jason.
The Turners have a strong bond, connecting regularly on WhatsApp video calls uniting the stories of each sibling, the parents and their lives.
The Obermeyers
For the Turners
Claus' humble beginnings start in Johannesburg. Here we have parents Gaby and Jake and sister Jen. The earliest memories are in Buccleuch, an outlying plot-like highveld spot with endless garden adventures.
The Obermeyers are not the biggest family but with the cousins being similar in age, they came together a lot on holidays in winter and December summer. This is key to understanding Claus properly. His cousins Martie, Callie, and Heino are a staple in the upbringing of Claus and his sister.
Later on in university, Claus spent a lot of time with his cousin Callie and later Heino, getting up to things that brothers might. It was here in the Cape he spent the most time away from his parents and sister.
Later on, going back to Johannesburg, the relationships between the Obermeyer grew stronger. Weekend breakfasts and weekly family dinners have brought the unit together and new memories are constantly being crafted.
