Hayley and Morne first met in 2017 at a “Plaas kuier” however Hayley wasn’t too interested then.

They reconnected in 2019 when Morne slid into Hayley’s DMs.

Their first official date was the Paarl Girls’ High Winter ball.

The first date clearly went well, because the following night they shared their first kiss at a friends 80s themed party.

2 Months later on the 9th of August 2019, Morne made it official!

Already together for over a year, Hayley and Morne were separated by the COVID-19 lockdown. Fortunately, the families knew of a few secret back roads and arrangements were made that allowed them to see each other despite the restrictions.

Although much of their Grade 12 year was disrupted by the lockdown, one milestone remained untouched. COVID couldn't cancel the matric dance.

Paarl Gim’s Matric dance

After high school they both started their studies at the University of Stellenbosch.

With Hayley studying at Tygerberg and Morne in Stellies 40 minutes away.

They were loving university and the dances even more!

Everyone who knows the couple knows how much they love a sokkie!

21st season!

Also the season of Morne’s Mullet, which Hayley wasn’t too happy about.

Those who know Paarl, know interschools.

The biggest annual test in their relationship- one shouting for green and the other for blue!

Our first trip overseas together!

After Hayley graduated, the couple flew off to Australia to visit the Hechters!

After this trip Hayley flew back to KZN alone to start her community service year, with Morne still completing his studies in Stellies, marking the start of their long distance relationship.

After exactly 6 years together on the 9th of August 2025, Morne got down on one knee, on Zinkwazi beach in KZN!

With Hayley’s friend Jana hiding in the bush taking photos and their family and friends eagerly awaiting for a video call.

Distance really does make the heart grow fonder!

After completing her community service year, Hayley moved to Tasmania, Australia, to join her family.

With 10,000 kilometres and eight hours separating them, the countdown began until they would see each other again.

Five months later, they were finally reunited with a long-awaited first hug.

That visit came with a special promise: it would be their last goodbye. Just five more months remained until the distance between them would be over for good.

7 years in the making!

We can’t wait to celebrate our journey and God’s faithfulness with our favourite people!

19/12/2026