Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. – Matthew 5: 14 & 16-
After months of praying for rain in the heart of the Free State, the heavens finally opened during the week of our wedding. Pouring out blessings, love, and life, preparing the ground for the seed that would be sown on the 22nd of February 2025.
The morning of the twenty-second — the double-blessed second month — dawned in radiant splendour. Though the forecasts had spoken of storms, the sun broke through every cloud with a brilliance that could only come from the hand of Jesus. From the first golden light kissing the Maluti Mountains to the sacred moment when my husband and I became one in Jesus, His presence wrapped around us like a warm and holy embrace. We stood together, reflections of His glory, knowing that what God has joined together, no man can ever separate.
The highlight of our day was the undeniable presence of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, surrounding us in perfect unity. We were blessed to be encircled by those dearest to us: family, friends, mentors, and the loved ones who will help carry us when life’s storms arise. Like only the Holy Spirit can orchestrate, every detail, great and small, aligned perfectly beneath Jesus’ guiding light.
From the theme and the message, to the gifts and the church service, everything flowed together in divine harmony. The ladies received handmade peony candles (delicate symbols of beauty and light) while the men received boxes of matches, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” -Matteus 5:16- None of it was planned by human hands alone; even our marriage officiant, unaware of our theme, spoke words that mirrored it perfectly.
Every moment, every detail, and every memory was exceedingly, abundantly above all we could have asked or imagined. Our hearts overflow with gratitude, for all glory and honour belong to God our Father, the Giver of every good gift, to Jesus, our Saviour and first Love, and to the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Keeper. May our marriage forever be a reflection of Their perfect love, steadfast, pure, and eternal.
Mauritius Solana Beach Resort & Veranda Palmar Beach
By Hariette
https://skyarchtravel.com/
A beautifully pure, soft and elegant bridal style. My hair is swept into a romantic low up-do with loose curls framing my face, crowned with a rose quartz, pearl and crystal tiara that gives a touch of modern royalty. My makeup is glowing and natural warm, softly blended eyes, flawless skin, and a fresh, blush-pink lip that highlights my bright smile.
My off-shoulder wedding dress is delicately beaded, adding a subtle shimmer that feels both timeless and refined.
Jewellery is kept elegant and understated with pearl drop earrings, allowing your tiara and gown to shine. Overall look blends romance, softness, and sophistication, radiant, graceful, and beautifully.
Dresses (Bride, Brides maids, flower girls, Grandmothers, Mother of the Bride) – Danielle Oosthuizen, Frankfort
Hair – Salon Renaissance by Helana Kruger Taute, Frankfort
Make up – New Me by Marlié van Blerk, Johannesburg
Nails & Lashes – Salon Marilo, Frankfort
Jewellery – Kathleen Barry Bespoke Occasion Accessories,
Shoes – Bride & Co
Oranje Gasteplaas
Free state
Maloti Route Clarens to Fouriesburg.
https://www.oranjegasteplaas.co.za/
https://lesobaguestfarm.co.za/
https://dunelm.co.za/
All done by Elsa of Oranje Guest farm.
Lighting & Ambience
The entire ceiling is draped with hundreds of warm fairy lights, creating a twinkling canopy that adds a dreamy, star-lit atmosphere.
Exposed wooden beams add to the rustic character while helping frame the lighting.
Hanging Edison bulbs drop down at varying heights, adding a modern, moody, and warm glow across the room.
The combination of fairy lights and Edison bulbs creates a soft golden ambiance—romantic and inviting.
Flowers & Greenery
Your floral design is natural, organic, and beautifully lush:
Long, flowing greenery runners line the tables, mainly featuring eucalyptus, adding fullness and freshness.
Soft blush and cream flowers, including roses and peonies, are tucked throughout the greenery.
Additional accents include baby’s breath and succulents, adding texture and a modern botanical touch.
Some arrangements are framed inside geometric copper terrariums, giving a stylish, contemporary edge.
Overall, the florals are very soft, airy, and garden-inspired.
Table Décor
Wooden banquet-style tables sit without tablecloths, showing their rich natural grain.
Soft blush table runners drape gently over the tables, adding elegance and color.
Cutlery appears to be rose-gold or gold-toned, adding a luxurious metallic touch.
Linen napkins in a light blush or dusty rose tone are knotted casually—simple yet sophisticated.
Each place setting includes:
A printed menu
Wine and champagne glasses
Styled cutlery and napkins
Photographs and small décor items are placed along the tables for a personalized touch.
Furniture
Rustic wooden trestle tables and matching benches or chairs give the venue a cozy and communal feel.
Metal-backed chairs appear at some tables, adding a mixed-material aesthetic.
The furniture leans natural, earthy, and connected to the overall rustic theme.
Venue Styling & Additional Decor
A wall covered entirely in greenery and warm fairy lights creates a breathtaking backdrop, the sweetheart table or statement feature.
The polished cement floor and warm wooden ceiling beams contribute to the organic, raw, and warm atmosphere.
The layout is symmetrical, spacious, and well-balanced, allowing for good movement and a visually cohesive design.
Groom
Wearing a light beige/cream linen Polo suit (jacket and trousers)
White dress shirt
Brown Leather tie with a matching brown Leather pocket square
Brown leather belt
Brown dress shoes
Fun/quirky socks with a picture of him and the bride
Groomsmen
White dress shirts
Brown leather bow ties
Brown leather belt
Dark green/olive trousers
Brown leather shoes
Colorful, mismatched novelty socks (each one wearing a different fun pattern of their hobbies)
Groom suit – Polo, Setgars, Vereeninging
Groom leather tie and pocket square – WEEF, weefwear.com
Groomsman – Johnson’s workwear
Groom belt, grooms hanger keychain – Knapsak, Frankfort
Groomsman leather bow ties - Wandere Handcrafted leather
Created by Danielle Oosthuizen Frankfort Free State A.K.A my mother.
Rose-gold, full-coverage sequins that catch the light.
Style:
Elegant cowl-draped backs, creating a soft, flowing look.
Short sleeves with a gentle, rounded shoulder.
A long, straight silhouette that’s both classic and glamorous.
Marriage official – Steph Valle, His House Ministry, Three Rivers
Marriage officiant – David Cunningham, Frankfort Fellowship
Pictures – Pixl Pixi Photography by Izette Krogman, Frankfort_ https://web.facebook.com/pixlpixiphotography/timeline/
Video – Pinnacle Studio photo & films by Rolien Roux, Pretoria_ https://www.pinnaclevideo.co.za/wedding-films/
Elsa of Oranje Guest Farm
Wedding Planner / Coordinater
Cell: +27 66 187 8897
Email: troues@oranjegasteplaas.co.za
Our own 1989 Mercedes-benz
Food by Oranje Guest Farm
Elsabe Cronje
082 490 4451
elsabe.cronje@yahoo.com
Wedding cake by Oranje Guest Farm
Design – Luco Design Studio, Irene Pretoria
Printing – Heilbron Herrald
Guest book & Vinyl Labels – Western Printers, Irene Pretoria
Stamp & Seals – JAX Classics, Sandton
Welcome sign mirror – Ceilo
Chapel & canapé live music – JP Steenkamp, Frankfort
Music – LTV Tech DJ, Heilbron _ https://ltvtech.co.za/product-category/dj-service/