Just a few of the highlights include, arriving on Friday to the venue with my close friends and family and the way everyone without being asked just got stuck in and started setting up the last of the personal decor around the forest where the ceremony would be held, and the hand made decor for the reception tables.
Nick had his mother surprise me with a beautiful diamond pendant on a silver chain, just as i was finishing getting ready. he wanted to get me somthing as i had chosen not to have a wedding band, and use only my engagement ring, so that was really touching.
My Dad seeing me for the first time when he came to collect me, and then walking down the aisle will always remain in my heart.
Having Nick's two brothers and two sister-in-laws standing beside us, as well as 4 of our closet friends was so special, then having both our Dad's as our witnesses was important to us.
The dance party we had with our friends was the perfect way to end such a memorable and amazing wedding!
Nick surprised me with a week long honeymoon.
The first 3 nights were spent in Imfolozi Game Reserve. The remainder of the week we went to Kamberg Nature Reserve, hiked and drank wine by the fire place.
My wedding look inspiration was a forest feel, my hair, makeup and dress all worked perfectly.
My dress was ivory, with a full lace bodice and illusion high neck line, into a lace low back. Satin underline with chiffon skirt.
I had the dress custom made from Wendy at Coral Islad.
Hair was down in loose curls, and a simple baby's breath (gyp) flower crown to finish off the look.
Hair by Tam helped me and my girls with our makeup and hair.
shoes were a simple white flat pump, no accessories used.
Our ceremony was held in the magical forest at Shalywn Wedding Venue, and the reception in their beautiful hall with surrounding deck and gardens.
Most of our joint family as well as the bridal party stayed Friday and Saturday nights at the venue, well some guests who didn't travel the short distance home, stayed at surrounding venues.
Shalywn was such a beautiful venue so didn't need any decor, it had it's own simple draping and fairy lights, and it's rustic feel was exactly what we were looking for.
the table decor we made ourselves. and the guest favors we made, used succulent plants in glass jars. as well as for the tea lights in candles.
clear beaded sun-catchers were made to hang in the forest.
My husband bought his black suit from Woolworths.
The groomsmen also brought their white shirts from Woolworths
The bridesmaids wore burgundy infinity dresses, that Nick's mother so generously and lovingly made. they each chose how they wanted to wrap their own dress.
Our Minister Rev Peter Butterworth, and dear friend, conducted our ceremony. he made it so personal and special for us, using a pot plant that i had given him when we asked him to marry us, as part of the ceremony.
Chenique Slier and her friend Tim Woodley were the photographers at our wedding, and what an amazing job they did. we were so lucky to have them capture our special day. from the first day i contacted Chenique i knew we were going to become dear friends.
We drove ourselves to the venue
The onsite caters prepared the meal for our wedding, and Roxi Wardman from Master Chef made our beautiful rustic two-tier barone cake.
I chose not to use stationery. Sent save the dates and invites all out via email and WhatsApp.
Husband's cousin designed our invites to send out
Our party was fantastic, everyone at one point or another made it on to the dance floor, from the first song to the very last. our DJ was amazing and knew exactly how to get the party going, and keep it going.
