The smell of roses, dust and Karoo air... All of the moments were special, setting up the hall with my bridesmaids on Friday, greeting family and friends as they arrive in numbers at the venue. Enjoying the beautiful Karoo setting and most pleasant company. My heart when the owner of the venue said that the roses will be fully open for our special day.
Friday night meet and greet braai, everyone was there from close friends, vendors and the pastor. The morning of the wedding looking down on the venue seeing things happen and having to pinch myself to remember all this is for our special day.
Our first dance on our special song was sung live by Jason Gladwin one of my husbands local favourites. My dance with my dad and the memory when he asked me if I wanted to stand on his feet as we started dancing. (When I was little I used to dance standing on his shoes) My husband and my brothers speech that both had me laughing and in tears.
Watching the sunset while taking the last of our photos over breathtaking landscapes.
Most of all... my most cherished memory, seeing my husbands face in the chapel as I was walking towards him, feeling a brand new bigger and stronger love than ever before.
A week of surprises and bliss. Honeymoon was a complete surprise. After finally being able to own a home 2 months before the wedding we decided the "overseas" fund will go into our brand new house to redo the kitchen when we move in 3 weeks after the wedding. This meant honeymoon was local and I was to keep my nose out of it...
We left East London the Monday Morning and headed towards PE, only 50km before we reached destination I was told where we would be spending the first night.
Brenton on Sea (Brenton beach house) - highly recommended.
our second part of the week we spent at
Nature spa outside of Plettenberg bay - highly recommended.
Our honeymoon ranged from spa to dinner on a boat in Knysna heads, sneaky forever "talked about" couples tattoo in Plett and heaps of laughing, resting and fun moments, perfect balance. Amazing experience golfing at Pezula and Goose valley with my husband.
Meaning of our compass ink "Love is the true north that will always lead us home"
Forever Me and Timeless. I stayed true to my own style and love for pretty things, Sentiment was also a big deal for me.
Make up and Hair: Beautiful by Bea.
I did my make up and hair myself. Being in the trade I was comfortable to be in my own space and enjoy getting ready for my most special day. Make up was earthy shades with bronze and my hair a timeless combed out loose curl.
Dress: Evette's Bridal East London.
My dress was a combination of two dresses that I tried on, Evette was brilliant in making my dreams come true.
Lace formed a necklace around my neck with beautiful detail on my back finished with a lace trim.
Shoes: Pierre Cardin.
I wore lace up vellies to my wedding, I am a farm girl who enjoy high heels yes but wanted to be grounded and comfortable on the day. I needed the farm dust close to the soles of my feet. Its a special thing.
Jewelery: Old, borrowed & New.
My necklace was left behind by my by my late Gran, it is a family piece purchased in 1919. ( I will leave a photo)
My bracelet was borrowed from my mother in law & my earrings was a wedding day gift from my husband. (American Swiss)
Perfume: DKNY honey ( a gift from my dad )
Blomfontein - The perfect Karoo setting - Cradock, EC
The Farm provide a stunning setting; a majestic, panoramic view with the Blomfontein Mountains as a backdrop. The Chapel, Spacious Grand Hall, Outdoor Terrace, and the Garden with Fountain, each provide you with choices for the atmosphere of your Wedding.
Strands of love and hair colour - Halo Hair / Amy Beyers | East London
Sun FX spray tan - Serenity Beauty Spa | East London
Nails - Nails by Jade | East London
Skin Peels & Facials - Beautiful by Bea | East London
Minimal yet elegant to fit with the feel of the area. Loads of clear glass and clean cut perspex surrounded by shades of duck egg, dusty blue, silver and grey.
Styling advice and Decor/linen rented from: The Juniper event | East London
White King Proteas and styling advice provided by: Sarah May Floral art | East London
Guest favours, custom perspex key rings by: Making Memories Events & Decor | Midrand Gauteng
Cake & biscuits: Bee's Cupcake corner | East London
Chalk art on floor: JO Creative studio | Bloemfontein
Setting up of tables and decor: Myself and my awesome bridesmaids. (First arch I ever did, massive thanks to Juniper event for the oasis, and for my bridesmaids for passing ciders and giving their fine eye at a distance during this mammoth task standing on a chair.)
Assistance in setting up of venue & tables: Rene (Owner of Blomfontein) and her awesome staff.
Design: Did it myself
Eurosuit | Canal walk, Bloemfontein
Suits was a challenge but with the massive help of Daniel and his team the Groom and Groomsmen looked smart and stylish on the day. Groom wore Admiral blue suit and Groomsmen were styled in grey suites with modern blue floral ties.
We would recommend them any day!
Moments 2 Memories | East London.
Custom laser cut goods to go on suit jackets for all men in the wedding party. Also did custom boxes for groomsmen.
Fast and lovely neat service. Highly recommended.
Bridesmaids wore dusty duck egg dresses with cream lace over the top, V neck front and back with thin straps. Special thanks to a kind work friend who made these.
Ps. Peter Brits | River Ministries
Stephanie Norman Photography | East London.
Best I have dealt with! (and i work in the industry!) Her approach to capturing natural images is to be relaxed and have fun. She will go out of my way to ensure that you are comfortable, happy and laughing. Nothing makes more beautiful imagery than true joy, and love, this is her motto and we can confirm this so true. She went out of her way for our big day and everything right from the admin, engagement shoot and logistics was just beyond perfect. Happiness is seeing your photographer sit on her husbands shoulders to capture the most perfect photo we will ever have! (my cover photo on this profile) Words cannot describe how thankful we are for Steph, If you want to be captured in your unique natural happy ways and like me don't enjoy the same old same old posed photos... this is your woman! And best... she travels all over the country!
Videos By Wesley Thatcher | East London
We have no words!!! Wes told our story... There was NO fault. Drone footage was amazing and our video was unlike any other I have seen before. Down to earth yet edgy. Wes almost never told us to do certain things, he captured us doing us, this is so important! Who wants to remember your day staged? Massive talent paired with awesome skill and insane passion. Wes had our video with us quick aswell and he was very open to requests regarding special people we wanted featured. Because of Wes we can relive our most special day over and over. Forever thankful that he was able to travel to Cradock for us.
No planner but awesome bridesmaids, family and vendors!
Special thanks to:
Nicky from Juniper Event
Sarah from Sarah Mary Floral art
My Bridesmaids
Dad fetched me in his Land Cruiser bakkie, Dankie Pa xxx
Celest spyseniering/catering | Cradock
Our guests can not stop raving about the food at our wedding! Farm food with a modern edge, the most beautiful harvest and dessert table I have ever seen, so much detail and love added to every little thing. Thank you Celest and Team! We had a feast during our first meal as Mr & Mrs!
Bee's Cupcake Corner | East London
So very helpful and accommodating! Not only pretty but sooo tasty. Bronwyn and her team made our delicious wedding cake and custom hand made biscuits for our guests. Queen of baking and even assisted with a custom cupcake topper.
Wine for tables: Landzicht Wines | Jacobsdal
Awesome service and price, lovely wine!
(kindly organised and driven down by my dear friend Maryke Galama)
Designing I did myself and printing done by a Fine Blue Line | East London
Awesome fast service at a great price, also assisted in vinyl printing on perspex for table layouts.
Jason Gladwin | East London
One of my husband's favourite local singers and now mine too. Jason was so amazing and assisted us with a DJ as part of his service to us.
Our guests loved the atmosphere of him singing during canapes and how wonderful did he sing our first dance song. Jason's unique voice will always bring happy memories and I don't see how anyone can not enjoy his music.
Jason is a descriptive and vivid songwriter, often touching on the fragility of life and relationships.
Jason is a descriptive and vivid songwriter, often touching on the fragility of life and relationships.
