My wedding day started out with the most spectacular weather which set the tone for the whole day. The most memorable moments at my wedding (as rated by my guests) were my dress, my brother's speech and the lamb chops! For me the highlight was sharing this amazing day with all our nearest and dearest. Everyone had an amazing time, the food was amazing, the setting dreamlike and my husband as handsome as ever! The fact that he almost fainted during the extremely warm ceremony, was also pretty memorable for everyone present!
We are a bit unconventional when it comes to travel and enjoy exploring new countries rather than lounging next to a resort pool. Both of us have traveled extensively and decided on Brazil as our honeymoon destination as South America is unexplored territory for us both. We had an absolute ball traveling around the islands and major cities of this country.
I wanted my whole wedding to be very laid back and natural with a bohemian feel and my look reflected that.
My dress was a custom made chantilly lace design with a low back and detachable sleeves. I insisted on having long sleeves for the ceremony but my incredibly talented dress designer came up with the idea of detachable sleeves which was an absolute hit. I removed my sleeves just before the reception and instantly transformed my dress into a more summery design for the balmy summers evening.
I wanted to look and feel like ME so my hair and makeup was kept as natural as possible.
My dress was quite intricate so I kept my accessories and jewellery to a minimum. I simply wore boho inspired earrings and comfortable shoes for our outdoor reception.
Western Cape Couture designer Rene Heydon believes that every bride deserves her very own bespoke handcrafted wedding gown on her wedding day
We insisted on an outdoor reception and was immediately convinced when we saw Nooitgedacht Estate in Stellenbosch. There was plenty of accommodation options in and around Stellenbosch for guests that traveled to attend our wedding. Some stayed for the weekend and some just traveled to and from the venue.
Grandeur is back in vogue. Nooitgedacht Estate has specialized in exquisite, hand-crafted weddings for over 25 years.
I didn't follow any special beauty regime before my wedding. I try to keep fit and healthy as a general rule. My skin was looked after by Dr Christians as I required special dermalogical treatment.
I wanted a natural bohemian, laid back look for my wedding. Nothing too fancy but still classy. Our reception was outside and was made spectacular by using lots of greens and candles on the tables with splashes of black to add that classic touch. The dreamlike picture was completed by hundreds of fairy lights and naked bulbs. It was exactly what we wanted and looked absolutely exquisite. I gave my service provider some guidance and then left them to execute. I didn't want to curb their creativity by dictating every tiny detail and this worked out very well!
Brad organised their outfits on his own with very little input from me - I was quite impressed!
We kept the bridesmaids outfits quite simple - off white camis with long tuille skirts.
Heinrich Dry
I interviewed only one photographer, immediately booked her and was totally happy! Alicia has a laid back style and understood the vision for our day.
Elke from Phase Events assisted with coordination before and on the big day. Absolutely made a HUGE difference in me just being able to relax and enjoy my day. Highly recommended! Elke and her team are super organised and professional!
No transport was needed as everything happened in one place.
The food was prepared by the venue. We went with feasting tables where food gets served on big platters directly to the table. The food was a huge element of our day and added to the whole laid back feel of our festive wedding. Dessert was an ice cream station as well as a coffee truck that we hired in for the night. Big hit!
We didn't have a wedding cake.
A friend gave our wedding stationary to us as a gift. The design and printing was done by him.
Our reception was an outdoor feast with tables laden with food and wine flowing! We rented a dance floor in for the night and gave the DJ a playlist with all our favourites for the whole evening. We opened the dance floor on Ellie Goulding's How long will I love you and practiced our opening dance at home :)
Grandeur is back in vogue. Nooitgedacht Estate has specialized in exquisite, hand-crafted weddings for over 25 years.
Western Cape Couture designer Rene Heydon believes that every bride deserves her very own bespoke handcrafted wedding gown on her wedding day
