Showmax has just released the first season for their debut original series, Tali’s Wedding Diary, a mockumentary starring Julia Anastasopoulos (aka SuzelleDIY) and it’s perfect!
Premiering on 14 December 2017, Tali’s Wedding Diary follows a self-obsessed Sandton princess (Julia) who’s moved to Cape Town and is filming the build-up to her wedding to her property-agent fiance Darren (Anton Taylor, star of the popular web series Jozi Shore and the award-winning short Money, Keys, Phone).
“Tali and Suzelle are very different characters,” says Julia. “Everyone loves Suzelle but audiences are going to love to hate Tali – she’s definitely a bridezilla, who’s determined to have the perfect wedding, with or without her husband-to-be.” She says while Suzelle would love Tali, Tali would find Suzelle irritating.
Tali’s Wedding Diary was inspired by Julia’s own wedding to SuzelleDIY director Ari Kruger. Their shared sense of humour was part of what brought them together and they had lots to laugh at in the build-up to their wedding.
“There’s so much comedic material in getting married,” says Julia. “You meet the funniest people and there’s so much stuff you can’t actually believe, but somehow we’d never seen a wedding parody in a South African context before.”
Since introducing SuzelleDIY to YouTube, Julia and Ari have created more than 80 Suzelle videos with over 23 million views. They’ve taught over 2.5 million people How To Make A Cinderblock Bench and another million How To Make A Braai Pie. Kruger has also directed two Vimeo Staff Pick short films, Jakkals13 and Focus.
For Tali’s Wedding Diary, they’ve surrounded themselves with an all-star cast, including Lara Lipschitz, who just won Best Actress at NYC Web Fest for her series Chin-Up; three-time Savannah Comics Choice nominee Glen Biderman-Pam; Fleur du Cap Best Actress winner and 2017 SAFTA nominee Kate Normington (Those Who Can’t); and two-time Fleur du Cap winner Guy De Lancey (The Pervert Laura). Look out for cameos from the likes of Top Billing host Lorna Maseko; Nic Smal from Derick Watts and the Sunday Blues; Nicci Saint Bruce (Push Push); members of Al Bairre; and, of course, Gina Collins (Marianne in SuzelleDIY).
Tali’s Wedding Diary is the debut Showmax Original, building on the success of this year’s acclaimed co-productions: iNumber Number with Mzansi Magic and Waterfront with kykNET.
If you’re worried about spoilers, then stop reading now (don’t go any further) & rather watch the trailer instead:
We’ve binged watched the entire season already… and are now desperately waiting to see what happens next but in the mean time, we’ve have put together a small synopsis with our favourite moments.
Episode 1 – The Engagement, Tali & her Insta Obsession
Tali’s boyfriend Darren has proposed! But just as Tali’s about to announce it on Facebook, frenemy Gabi posts her engagement photo, and it’s far more impressive. But no one beats Tali on social media. No one.
Episode 2 – The Bridesmaids, Ashley & Darren’s Drone
Tali comes up with an elaborate way to announce to her besties that they’re bridesmaids, but her plan goes off the rails and so does her temper. Meanwhile, Darren and Rael find a hot property.
Episode 3 – The Venue & poor Claire
Tali will do anything to secure the perfect wedding venue. Literally, anything. Darren is under pressure to get the sole mandate on the property, and Tali’s dad isn’t making his life easier.
Episode 4 – The Dress
Tali’s dress is going to be stunning! Problem is, she lied about her dress size and her weight-loss plan is a bust. Darren and Rael try everything to impress investors.
Episode 5 – The Invitations & Agency Life
Tali hires an award-winning advertising agency to brand the wedding. But after she has a vision, the wedding needs rebranding. Meanwhile Darren’s deal is faltering and he gets into some trouble.
Episode 6 – The Bachelorette & Gabi’s wee
It’s party time! Tali and the girls let loose at a ‘Naughty Nautical’ bachelorette on a yacht while the boys make sure Darren is properly embarrassed.
Episode 7 – The Separation & the Mushrooms
Tali’s got a lot on her mind. She heads to her half-sister and gets stuck with a “”bunch of hippie””. It’s not her vibe, but maybe it’s what she needs.
Episode 8 – The Wedding & the Branding.
The big day starts off with a bad sign: the branding isn’t quite what Tali approved. Then Darren goes missing. Will the couple make it down the aisle?
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