The 21st of April was preceded by a week of rainfall in Cape Town. Yet, on the morning of the wedding the sun shone bright with no cloud in sight!
I reminded myself that my wedding day was all about getting to marry my best friend and not obsessing over the minor details, and because of that outlook, our day turned out to be exceptionally perfect! My girls and I had a very relaxed and peaceful morning getting ready, singing praise and worship as we were doing our make-up. My niece, who was my flower-girl, was just being the best hostess, keeping the videographer and photographer entertained by asking them all the questions her 3-year-old mind could come up with!
A definite highlight for me was getting to actually spend time with my guests during the pre-reception time, playing games and just checking in and mingling. My husband and I really disliked the idea of having a long photo session and not spending time with the people we love the most, so we made a conscious effort to be present with all our guests.
As the night came to an end, we were so ready to just be alone and get some rest. Yet, when we got to our lodge after the reception, we ended up having a selfie session because we just loved our outfits and we ended up talking for hours about how absolutely perfect the turned out to be. To this day, we are overwhelmed with gratitude. We wouldn't change a single thing.
We stayed at Skilpadvlei for 1 night and then headed down the Garden Route to Plettenberg Bay for 3 nights. We stayed at Piesang Valley Lodge. After that we headed to Knysna and stayed at Abalone Lodge for 2 nights.
I did not want a stock standard look for my wedding. My husband wanted me to rock my natural curls, so I left my hair the way I usually do it and just added some hair pins and flowers. I came up with the look myself, with help from a friend who did 3 cornrow plaits on the side. I just improvised with pinning up the flowers on the morning of the wedding. There was no hair trial beforehand. And yes, I was absolutely 100% satisfied with how my hair turned out on the wedding day!
My make-up was done by my very talented sister, Ilse (https://www.instagram.com/ilsejoy_mua). We played around with the make-up I wanted only once or twice prior to the wedding day. She did my make-up for my engagement shoot as well. She knows me very well and knows that I use and prefer minimal make-up, so it was easy for me to trust her. She did a stellar job and I wouldn't trust anyone with my face as much i as i trust her! My gorgeous nails were done by Marina De Mink and my lashes done by Michelle Bok.
My dress took me a while to find. I knew that i wanted an A-line style with an illusion effect. I went to ±5 bridal boutiques before i made my choice. My dress was made by Didi De Wit, owner of Didi Couture (https://web.facebook.com/didicouture/). Her zealous personality and dissatisfaction for the norm immediately attracted me. She got me! She knew what i wanted and what would best suit me and my quirky personality. I went for about 3 fittings and was totally more than happy with the work she did! I would recommend her to any bride wanting the perfect dress.
I knew i did not want to wear normal high-heeled shoes, so instead i went for a platform oxford style shoe (I needed the height because I am slightly vertically challenged aka short haha). I did not want to pay an arm & a leg for my shoes so i opted to order them online from an Asian-based clothing site. It took about 6 weeks to arrive and it fitted and suited my dress just the way i had imagined.
My accessories were purchased from various stores namely Woolworths (lingerie), Lovisa (jewellery) and Cotton On (socks). My garter was made by Didi Couture as well.
Motivated by "all things beautiful", the work of Didi and her team is sure to leave you enchanted.
A true gem of a location situated in Zevenwacht, Cape Town. Almost untouched! The hostess was such a wonderful person and helped with so much. I would definitely recommend this venue to people.
Altydlig is a working wine farm situated in the foot of the winelands between Kuilsriver and Stellenbosch
I did not embark on an expensive, elaborate regime leading up to the wedding. I just ensured I ate well and exercised at least 3 times a week. I am a member of a small gym in Kenilworth, Cape Town, so I got a few sessions from my friend who's a personal trainer.
My décor was done by an extremely talented friend of mine, Ashley Newman. He does wedding/party décor as a hobby in conjunction with a full-time job. I basically told him that I was wanting a rustic theme and then he ran with that idea. I gave him free reign!
The ceremony was outside and all décor was hired from Function Hiring 4U (https://web.facebook.com/Functionhiring4u/), based in Kuilsriver, Cape Town. This included the outside wimbledon chairs, red carpet runners and plinths. The rest of the décor outside was all Ashley's own things he brought from home. The reception was held indoors and the venue provided most of what was needed. I opted to hire rose gold cutlery because it was someting i really wanted. The table runners, candles, centre pieces, underplates and napkins were all hired from Function Hiring 4U.
All our guests received a personalised keyring made by Shirley from Xpress Designs (https://web.facebook.com/XpressDesigns/). We loved the idea because it was inexpensive and was something tangible that could be used by everyone. She also made our beautiful welcome board.
Our flowers were done by a family friend who works at the historic Trafalgar Square florists in Adderley Street, Cape Town.
Our DJ was recommended by a friend. Gerald Weber DJ's in and around Cape Town and has weekly slots on Goodhope fm, a Cape Town based radio station.
The groom wore a suit purchased from Edgars and had it tailored at a local Tux Tailor. The groomsmen all purchased a grey pants at Mr Price and paired it with a plain white shirt. Their bowties and braces were purchased at Men's Street for a fraction of what it would cost at a bigger chainstore. They all wore matching socks which were purchased at Woolworths.
My idea from the beginning for my bridesmaids was to wear tulle skirts with a fitted bodysuit. Once colours were finalised, they purchased dusty-pink bodysuits at YDE. The style choice was very unconventional, just the way I like it. The tulle skirts were made by a friend of a friend, Letitia Harrison. We went material shopping at Fabric City and Studio7 in Cape Town CBD and Letitia made the skirts at a fraction of the cost compared to those in the shops. Their outfits were absolutely stunning and fitted perfectly with the rustic theme. They wore formal block heels from Woolworths for the ceremony, and then changed into sneakers and had t-shirts made with the wedding hashtag, "#lovevanmarriage" which they wore for the reception.
Our marriage officer was our Pastor from our church (The Bay Christian Family Church), Morné November. He conducted our 6-month pre-marital counselling as well.
We opted to have photography and videography done for our wedding.
Our photographers were an amazing couple from Parow, Cape Town. I stumbled upon them by doing an extensive search for a great photography deal. Bow&Tie's editing caught my eye and i couldn't believe that their costs were so low! The package included an engagement shoot which we did about 6 months before the wedding. We built quite a good relationship with Simoné and Aike and it was such a delight having them photograph our wedding day.(Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bow_and_tie_photography)(Facebook:https://web.facebook.com/BowAndTiePhotogtaphy/)
The videogapher is an old friend of mine, Adrian Wilson, who offered a very attractive deal to shoot our wedding. Shot By A Wilson Videography (https://www.instagram.com/shotbyawilson) had some amazing work and it was an absolute honour having them shoot our wedding!
The caterers came with the hiring of the venue, and OH MY, am I glad they did! The food was out-of-this-world amazing, prepared so well! Our expectations were exceeded by Ebony & Ivory Catering. Sufficient portions for everyone with a range of dishes. (www.ebonyivorycatering.co.za)
We did not have a traditional wedding cake, but rather 5 delicious cakes from The Velvet Cake Company! It was a fantastic idea that everyone loved and guests were spoilt for choice. We served the cake for dessert along with small tubs or Marcels Frozen Yoghurt. (www.thevelvetcakeco.com)
Our welcome board and guest gifts were laser printed by Xpress Designs (www.xpressdesigns.co.za)
Our save-the-date flyer, wedding invitations, table seating plan and table numbers were all made by my sister, Elmethra de Bruyn, who is a qualified graphic designer.
Our reception was a time where we could relax and unwind and have a fun time with our guests. Despite me being a musician, i opted to only have a DJ at the reception. I did however sing a song for my husband at the reception, with someone accompanying me on guitar. My husband and I did not take any dance lessons, but rather just came up with our own moves beforehand! Our bridal party dance and our first dance was choreographed by us!
Our DJ was Gerald Weber (info@webt3ch.co.za)
Motivated by "all things beautiful", the work of Didi and her team is sure to leave you enchanted.
Altydlig is a working wine farm situated in the foot of the winelands between Kuilsriver and Stellenbosch
