Everything about our wedding day was chilled, personal and down-to-earth. We wanted fun, friends, family and adventure. It mirrored our personalities and our lifestyle. We are so glad we stuck to our guns about things we wanted, as we ended up having the most wonderful day with no stress. Our wedding day (and the days and weeks leading up to it) were truly a labour of love. We loved that everything had a personal connection and truly felt so special and loved and supported by everyone!
We wanted to stay "local" as we had been out of South Africa for the last three years. We went to Nambiti Private Game Reserve and to our FAVOURITE place in South Africa - Lake Naverone, in the Drakensberg.
We got married at Under the Marula in Shongweni. It is a gorgeous outdoor venue which allowed us to do all our own catering and decorating which was exactly what we wanted. It was important for us that guests didn't have to fork out for accommodation, so this was perfectly located.
My godmother/aunt made mine and the bridesmaids bouquets, my leaf crown, as well as other display arrangments (all greenery, no flowers). The succulents came from my gran and aunts gardens.
My mom and I (but mostly my mom) made all 5 bridesmaids dresses. I shopped for patterns and material, did some of the "straight sewing" and my talented mom turned them into gorgeous dresses! She even made me one! Long, comfy, high necked, sleeveless dresses in navy for two of them, and in a navy floral pattern for the other three dresses.
Our marriage officer was the minister of the church I grew up and that my mom, gran and aunts still attend. He confirmed me at 16, has baptised the offspring in our family and "married" a few of my cousins (and gran!).
CC Rossler - the sweetest, wittiest, most easy to get along with photographer ever!
We had the most gorgeous and delicious cheese wheel cake, constructed by two of the most wonderful women who were colleagues of mine a few years ago. They were amazing and we were so lucky to have them helping us out! They were incredible. Our meal was boerewors rolls! After being away from South Africa for so long (and keen for easy food) we wanted to have a good old braai. Our awesome friends donned aprons over their wedding attire and grilled 100 pieces of wors. Everyone stood around the fire, talking drinking and laughing.
Our "reception" was so much fun. We spent the afternoon braaiing, playing beerpong, jenga, cornhole and other lawn games. Speeches and dances took place, but were so chilled. We had a DJ (Graeme Bailey, the best) until 8:30pm but our guests stayed until 11! So, so chilled, and so much fun!
