We did go away for a week. We went to Knysna, Plettenberg Bay etc.
We are planning to go to Europe as a "late honeymoon".
I was still living in the United States with my fiance when I started looking for wedding dresses. I finally found three Julie Vino wedding dresses that really spoke to me, I could see myself in all three of them, of course there was one that was my favourite but I didn't say which one.
I sent the three photos to my mom and said that she must choose her favourite one of the options. She chose the same one that I did and I knew that it was "my" dress. I got the dress made here in SA instead of buying it in the USA.
The dress is a European inspired dress, beautiful and unique. I have never seen anything like it.
My mom is a beauty therapist with her own business, she did my makeup on my wedding day. She really knew what I wanted. [I wanted a very natural look]
I wanted my hair to compliment my "European" styled wedding dress so I knew that an updo would be perfect with my halter neck dress.
My jewelry was very plain and simple. I only wore earrings and my wedding ring of course. My earings was a very sentimental addition to my whole outfit as I borrowed them from my grandmother. It was white gold diamond studs.
I had the something borrowed, I only needed the "something blue". I then got my garter made and asked the lady if she could add the "something blue".
I would describe my whole wedding day look as European inspired with a vintage flare.
Oak trees, vineyards, mountain views, excellent cuisine, award winning wines and a purpose built reception venue all add up to the perfect place to host your wedding reception.
We got married at Allesverloren in Riebeeck West.
There was a lot of accomodation options close to the venue so most of the guest booked a room for the night/weekend.
Oak trees, vineyards, mountain views, excellent cuisine, award winning wines and a purpose built reception venue all add up to the perfect place to host your wedding reception.
I honestly did not have any beauty regime. The only thing I think was that I drank a lot of water and tried to stay out of the sun during that time to avoid any ugly tan marks. I also made sure I get enough sleep - at least 8 hours a day.
Ceremony:
My ceremony was held outside at Allesverloren's bush Chapel. The chapel was surrounded by trees and just the beauty of nature, when I saw it for the first time I knew that this was "my" venue. My husband and I have very similar taste and approved the venue by only seeing the photos that I sent him.
I wanted that "natural" feel to stay natural at the ceremony area so we only decorated with white flowers.
Reception:
Once again, I wanted to keep it simple, yet elegant. We decorated with white flowers, candles EVERYWHERE. I didn't want any unnatural light in the reception hall and wanted the candles to light up the place. I just feel like it sets a nice cozy, romantic feel.
My husband bought his entire wedding outfit at Edgars, he came back to SA a month before the wedding so had little time to sort all of the clothing arrangements out.
His groomsmen [5] also bought all their clothing at Edgars.
I had 7 bridesmaids! Two was my sisters and the other five was my best friends.
I knew exactly what I wanted them to wear, it was just a matter where to find it. I had this taupe coloured dresses in mind.
I walked into YDE one day when I just got back from the USA. They had they're big "Naked sale" and I saw these dresses hanging there. Everything else was almost sold out except for these dresses! There was exactly seven dresses hanging there in different sizes. I took everything from the rail and asked the manager to keep it aside for me so I can get the bridesmaids to come try it on.
Believe it or not, there was a sizes for each and every bridesmaid! It was perfect and like it was waiting for me to come buy it!
My Marriage officer was Vicus Kruger. I know him personally and wanted someone young with a great outgoing personality!
He was also our MC for the reception and everybody LOVED him!
We used Shireen Louw Wedding Productions. They did the photography and the video for the wedding! I love her photography style and knew right from the beginning that I was going to use her! We are ecstatic with how the photos and video came out!
My best friend is a wedding coordinator and she did everything for me. I am so grateful for her!
My wedding transport was a cream vintage Jaguar [Not sure of the year]. This car was provided as a wedding gift from family members. It was exactly what we had in mind for wedding transport!
The food was prepared by Allesverloren. One of our main concerns for the wedding day was that the guests enjoy the food and that was exactly what happened. The food was delicious!
We did the Rustic Harvest table as a starter and Roast leg of lamb, mediterranean veggies, roast potatoes and caramel pumpkin fritters as the main course.
We had a dessert buffet/sweets table for dessert.
I am very creative so we did everything ourselves! I designed my invitations, menu's and table layout. Bridesmaids helped with the finishing touches of the invitations etc.
We had a DJ for the wedding. We used The Party Technician and they were great! My husband and I have very particular taste when it comes to music and gave them some guidelines to the music that we prefer. They did an amazing job and we couldn't have been happier with them!
We did not take any dance lessons, my husband grew up in a family that are naturally good dancers, I on the other hand have two left feet. We practiced two nights before the wedding and that was it! I actually don't think we were bad!
Oak trees, vineyards, mountain views, excellent cuisine, award winning wines and a purpose built reception venue all add up to the perfect place to host your wedding reception.
