06/08/2026
Hello... Kirsty, here, founder of Gay Unity in Cape Town, South Africa. I would like to share something deeply personal today....
People often think my role as a wedding planner is about creating one perfect day.... and yes, every wedding is a celebration that I pour my heart into. However, over the years, I have come to realise that what I treasure most isn't just wedding itself... it's the lifelong friendships that so often follow.
In 2019, I had the privilege of planning Peter and Werner's destination wedding here in Cape Town. They travelled from the United States with their closest family and friends to exchange vows in the beautiful Palm Garden at the Cellars-Hohenort. It was a day overflowing with laughter, love and happiness, complete with a magnificent and very memorable giraffe wedding cake that celebrated their love for Africa.
As they promised each other, "in sickness and in health" they truly lived by those words.
Earlier this year, Peter lost his brave battle with cancer. Werner decided to return to Cape Town to celebrate the incredible life of the man he loved. He chose to do so in the very place where they had promised forever to one another.
Seeing another giraffe cake take pride of place, alongside beautiful handcrafted African wire giraffes, was both heart-wrenching and incredibly beautiful. It was a reminder that love doesn't end when someone is gone. It simply changes its shape.
This message received from Werner afterwards, is something that I will treasure forever:
"Peter's celebration of life was a truly extraordinary experience, one which I will keep with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for making it happen flawlessly, Kirsty." 💕
Moments like these remind me why I do what I do.
At Gay Unity, I don't simply plan weddings. I become part of people's stories. Sometimes that means planning a proposal, a wedding day or a vow renewal. Sometimes, as in this case, it means helping someone honour a life filled with extraordinary love....It is a privilege I never take for granted.
Peter and Werner, thank you for allowing me to walk a small part of your journey. Your love story will forever live on in our hearts ❤️
www.gayunityabroad.com
Jilda G