A sneak peak into Iselle & Devan's moody romantic wedding
Isebelle & David celebrated in style with their regal jewel toned wedding!
Our story started at the Durban airshow in 2008. We met and clicked, however Devan was still in a relationship at the time. Fast forward a few years and we started chatting again through mutual friends. The rest is history!
We were on a family holiday in Mauritius. We first met my parents in the Southern part of the island before meeting up with his in the North. The day before they left, we went for a sunset boat cruise. The boat driver stopped and said that this is a good spot to snorkel. We all jumped in and after a while Devan called me over. He told me to swim down and get the most beautiful shell from the bottom. I am not a very keen swimmer, so I immediately declined and said he needs to go. After some convincing I took the dive. When I reached him at the top he was (supposedly) just as amazed as I was that the shell could open. My ring was inside, and he asked me to make him the happiest man alive and marry him. Naturally he had his GoPro mounted on the sand so my struggle to get to the shell was documented and we’ll always have the moment captured for future laughs.
I wish I did!! I was planning from Madagascar, where we worked for a year and a half before we got married, so I really battled finding suppliers who can effectively communicate via email (our only solid way of communicating) and stay committed to their client. However, I did enjoy the whole process. It’s exciting and so thrilling to put your day together. I felt like I was working with a white canvas that I could fill with exactly what I want.
There are endless ideas and inspiration on Pinterest and I think what took the longest was deciding on the colors and looks and actually sticking with it!
It’s so hard pinpointing a specific part. From the morning getting ready in the worst thunder storm (that’s what it felt like) to the walk down the chapel isle, the happy tears from our dear friends, the moment you say I Do, the first dance, and the whole party. We have all these mental pictures from special moments that we saw during the day that will forever be cherished.
We did not really have a theme, but if we had to put a name on it, it would be Eclectic Jewel Toned.
I have never looked good in a poofy princess dress because I am not very tall. I knew that a slimmer figure-hugging dress would suit me better. I wanted a plain lace look. I never trusted the “you will know immediately when you’ve found your dress” but I have to say that when I tried it on, this calmness came over me and I knew that I should just buy the dress! For my bridesmaids, I chose the fabric in deep colors to go with the whole look. They could each decide on their own design, I didn’t want to put them in a dress that they didn’t feel comfortable in.
I loved how the deep colours felt like it could reach into your soul, it had such an amazing rich atmosphere. I also chose jewel toned flowers, they looked best with a naked wooden table. We decided on a turquoise runner that really completed the look and complimented the colours of the flowers. We chose long navy candles and golden underplates - it added to the amazing atmosphere
Yes, I made the table numbers, menu’s, kiddie booklets and seating plan myself. It took one afternoon and 3 cans of spray paint- but, brides to be, they charge you big on the little things! Devan built a cake pop stand and customised it to
We chose Stand by me by Florence and the machine. I was fortunate to dance with my father as well as my new husband on this. I felt like the lyrics was suited both men in my life. It was unforgettable.
This was amazing! A lot of my family, as well as Devan, works in aviation. I got the idea to have our rings flown in by my (also pilot) brother with a RC helicopter. Devan knew nothing! The look on his face when the helicopter hoisted the rings down the aisle was just amazing. Before the helicopter reached us, I told him to lift his hand because it had to land somewhere! Everyone really enjoyed the moment.
Oh yes, Devan planned the whole trip. We road tripped through South Africa, every morning I got an envelope with a hint, the kilometers we would drive that day and the kilometers remaining of the honeymoon. I quickly realized I know very little of our own country. We drove 4500km across the country and slept in some of the smallest towns. To name a few (not in order): Graff-Reinette, Paternoster, Sutherland, Clerens, Roberston and Simonstad. I did come back with tick bite fever but man, it was worth it!
It goes by so so quick, you have to say exactly how you feel, it’s YOUR day, no one else’s. Organise your planning and take at least one day a week with hubby-to-be and a glass of wine to talk and plan. Book your venue and photographer first. Don’t visit more than 5 venues, ask about the costs involved and EXACTLY what it includes – hidden costs are a real deal. Involve your mother and mother-in-law as much as you can from your side. You are the most important on the day, no one else’s problems should be yours. Enjoy the chaos, stress and laughs, its so worth it when the day comes, and all your effort comes together.
Browse through the gallery below to see more of this fabulous wedding!
Situated in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Brahman Hills is a destination of choice for weddings, conferences and idyllic country escapes.
