Salmon and Andrea tied the knot at the beautiful Die Woud wedding venue in Caledon. Let's take a closer look at their wedding.
Salmon and I met on Valentines day of all days. After a failed attempt at a ‘girls night in’ my best friend and I joined a group of friends in town and there he was – tall, handsome and with terribly long hair! We spoke the entire night and before we parted, I jokingly proposed explaining we were meant to be. He kindly declined and asked for my number instead, he promised to teach me how to surf and we booked our first lesson. We have been together for over 5 years. I may not yet be able to surf, but each failed attempt was definitely worth it.
We were on a family vacation in Croatia, on our first day Salmon and I rented bikes and explored the island of Miljet. The airline had left our luggage in Dubai so we were both dressed in clothes our boat mates gifted us as well as these terrible matching shorts (the only clothes we could find to purchase in Dubrovnik on a Sunday before departing). We stopped at the mouth of lake, where the sea met the forest pines, Salmon asked me to pose for a couple photo and when he went back ‘to check if we got the shot’ he asked me to stand facing the ocean ‘so he can focus the camera’. When I turned around there he was – on one knee. I was speechless (literally) until a ginger cat jumped in between us (keeping in mind we are in a nature reserve - how random!) I finally mustered up the word YES and we sat on the rocks between the ocean and the pine trees sharing our wishes for our future to come.
As a wedding planner myself I felt blessed with a wealth of knowledge and seamlessly coordinated a day that best reflected us as a couple. I worked with an outstanding team of suppliers (a few of which can be found on SA Weddings!) which really made all the difference. I knew they had my back all the way. I especially enjoyed my time with Lou and Co in creating my wedding dress and the bridesmaid dresses – the one thing you do not get to experience as a planner.
From a table runner. Truly. A few months ago I saw the yellow satin runner by Set The Table and I fell in love. Aside from this key element I knew I wanted to create a warm and fun atmosphere – queue good music, festoon lighting, soft candle light and warm fires.
The entire day exceeded our every expectation, but the most memorable part of the day was the ceremony. Seeing one another and finding that feeling of ‘home’ and calm in a day of excitement and anticipation is a moment we both won't soon forget.
We had an autumn inspired wedding – the yellow satin runner soon lead us toward this colour scheme. Die Woud and it’s beautiful forest leaves absolutely played a part in this.
I am very blessed to have Natasha (owner and head designer of Lou and Co) as my step sister. Creating my dress and my bridesmaid dresses was the most special experience. As a wedding planner this was something new and exciting for me. Natasha took an idea I had and created something truly suitable for me – I felt like the most beautiful woman on my wedding day – you can even see the ‘Die Woud’ autumn leaves in my dress's motives ;)
My bridesmaid’s dresses stemmed from the satin runner’s colour, Natasha then suggested a beautiful range of colours and fabrics, which lead to a magnificent amber effect when the girls stood next to one another. Each bridesmaid chose a dress style they loved and Natasha created 6 completely unique looks which made each person feel comfortable and beautiful.
Crisna (owner of Bouwer Flowers) is one of the most creative people I have ever met, I trusted her explicitly and as you can see she created something so magical. I believe I only sent her the image of the runner and colour scheme I had in mind and from this she drew her inspiration. I feel it is best to allow a creative soul freedom to create and I feel our wedding is such proof of that statement being so true.
None. The only thing that was slightly out of the ordinary was that we burnt many sticks of incense throughout the night – it’s something we do at home which I wanted to incorporate.
We chose ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ by Toploader. The song is so groovy! We loved dancing to it and on the day is ‘opened the dance floor’ on a wonderfully positive note.
When the entire wedding party sang a Blink 182 song at the top of their lungs, laughing and wishing the night would never end as Shaun (The Wedding DJ’s) played his last track of the evening. Gosh I get goose bumps just thinking about it!
Your wedding day is honestly the two of you, your love for one another and celebrating the commitment you are making.
Choose to make your planning journey a positive experience. Do not allow the pressures of what you think the day should look like (Thanks Instagram ;) to concern you, create something that feels true to who you are and stay kind to yourself. There will be times that you feel overwhelmed and when you do speak to your partner, a best friend or your wedding planner about it. Every bride felt that way and its so normal. Aim to stay conscious of what the day is truly about.
We went to the Philippines for three weeks of diving, snorkeling, swimming and so much food haha. It was magical and we cannot recommend it enough!
Our hope is to be a part of celebrating life’s large and little events with you, lending natural beauty to mark occasions and brighten spaces. Where more than a bouquet is needed,
Weddings by Andrea specializes in crafting unforgettable memories and moments. Offering an intimate, personalized wedding planning experience for their couples.
Die Woud is in perfect harmony with nature nestled between established oak trees and majestically tall wattle forests.
