The post-wedding exhaustion is REAL.
We decided to keep our honeymoon local, for the reason of eliminating overseas travelling-stress, in the beautiful town of Hoedspruit, bordering the Kruger National Park. About a year ago we visited a gorgeous lodge called Unembeza, which we swore to return to, one day. And we did just - for our honeymoon!
We were treated to exquisite food, 38 degree weather, afternoon swims and naps, bush spa treatments, the whole shabang. It was glorious.
My whole look was classic and relaxed, yet sophisticated.
My wedding dress was made by White Lilly Bridal, in Craighall JHB.
I had a vision, that no other store was able to help me realise. Jacelyn and her team at White Lily were patient, encouraging and professional. My dress was made up of a very detailed and intricate top half, which was figure hugging, but comfortable. The skirt part was a very classic and timeless pleated satin skirt. WITH POCKETS!
My shoes were bought at Call It Spring - comfort is key, for a gal like me.
My beautiful garter was created by Nupt Bridal. And packaged so beautifully for me, might I add.
The only jewellery I wore were a pair of gold earrings, and my ring, of course.
My hair was styled by Kirby and Lindsey, from The Mix in Parktown North.
And make-up was done by myself - the only way I knew how to make myself feel most comfortable and at my best.
We got married at the most picturesque venue called The Barn at Redstone. It is situated in the Redstone Country Estate, in the 'heart of Harties'.
We were spoilt to ample space (and when I say space, I mean rolling hills, horse paddocks, forest locations, country manor decor).
There are beautiful, romantic on-site glamping tents which host 20 guests, two per tent. We also had the bridal party of 10 people, staying in the manor house, which is where the girls got ready.
The groom, my handsome husband, was kitted out head-to-toe in House of Crouse.
I was very uninvolved in the process (I trusted my hubby with creative details), and the end result waiting for me at the aisle, was a complete and wonderful surprise. He was in a classic, navy, three-piece tux with a floppy, oversized, old-school bow tie (SO COOL). The inside of his tux had some embroidered details, unique to our special day, which can be seen on the photos.
The groomsmen were kitted out with self-tying bowties, courtesy of House of Crouse, too. The pants and shorts were self bought.
I wanted to veer away from anything pink.
I opted for a beautiful olive-green colour for my girls. Flowy, classic, soft and beautiful - that was how my beautiful bridesmaids looked.
I bought the bon-bon fabric myself, from a fabric store in Fordsburg. The dresses were made by Bibi Rouge in Paulshof. In TWO WEEKS, might I add! Speedy, is an understatement.
Our marriage officer, was a dear friend and mentor of ours - David Reynders.
He provided us with Godly wisdom, encouragement and advice, throughout the wedding planning and prepping process.
Our photographer: Tyrone, oh where do we start with Tyrone.
TKZ Photography, as he goes by. A photographer, by trade. A stylist, mentor, tissue holder, wedding coordinator and all-around funny guy, by choice.
We were lucky enough to already start our journey with Tyrone, a few months before the wedding. He made provision for us for a mini engagement shoot (we needed content for our invitation website) and then followed by an engagement shoot, in the heart of Joburg CBD. We had coffee meet-ups, GIF wars and many a WhatsApp, leading up to the big day.
One thing I was so struck by, is the relationship we shared with him - if only photographers knew how effortless and easy this makes the actual wedding day. We trusted him to lead and guide us, and to even drag us off into the car to go shoot our couple photos when we got carried away with guest-greeting and almost missed all the light.
Our videographers: Orpen Films
There are hardly any words to describe the artistry and mastery that the Orpens have, when it comes to creating the films that they do. They silently moved around our venue with finesse and discretion. The heat on the day was almost unbearable, and Derryn, one half of the Opens, kindly offered to tuck my tissue-dabbers into her was it belt for whenever I needed them. Again, so much more than a videographer. A friend and a welcome guest, on our special day.
The food at the wedding was done by the venue itself. Petro and her team were phenomenal. The entire menu was tailor-made to suit our requests and even included a Skype planning session with her, where we could run over all our fussy, vegetarian needs.
The CAKE. The glorious cake.
My sister's boyfriend, Tlholo, is a pastry chef in all his glory. He constructed a four-tier cake, each with a differently flavoured sponge, inside. Red-velvet, carrot cake, chocolate cake - moist, tasty and heavenly. And iced to rustic perfection on the outside.
