The highlights began before the wedding. I was surprised by my bridesmaids and taken for some papering before a girls night out at Beefcakes.
The next highlight was seeing my bridal party all dressed up in the gorgeous dresses etc that I personally handmade. Then came the big moment, the doors of the church swinged open and there he was... My gorgeous husband, looking like a prince in his custom made 'Frank Bespoke suit'. It was truly unforgettable.
Arriving at the venue, the gardens were lush and green... an initial worry as we got married just after winter. The decor was perfect and every detail was done in good taste. This was key for me as we were on a strict buget.
Finally, my dress. I felt like a princess. The dress fir perfectly and gave the modern vintage feel that I was after.
Most of all, everyone had a great time and they said it may have been the 'the best wedding ever' which is exactly what we wanted from the beginning.
Wish I could do it all over again.
Yes.
We opted for a European holiday as neither of us had been there before.
We began in the city of Love: Paris
then Barcelona to see the Gaudi Buildings and dip our toes in the Mediterranean sea.
A quick stop in Madrid then a wonderful 5 days in Lisbon/ Cascais
We took inspiration from the Art Deco Era. We wanted a feeling of opulence and grandeur but with the atmosphere of fun and excess. Just as one would imagine one of 'J Gatsby's' parties.
My Dress was a Maggie Sottero gown form Olivelli. it was a trumpet shape with unique lace decals and tulle gordets that shoot down to form a medium size train. I added a bit of sparkle in the empire line with a crystal headband that we altered and sewed onto the dress. I had a tulle veil just on the back of my head.
To fit into this glamours dress I used all the help a girl can get. Spanx, a waist cincher and a Wonder bra.
My hair was simple, a side parting that twisted into a low bun. so that the veil could sit above it. This was complimented by a hair piece with pearls, crystals and feathers. My only other accessories were my grandmothers earrings, Aqua marines set in rose gold - My something blue.
Make-up was dramatic. Eyes were modern with a thin cats eye liner and lips were of course a shade of red. Lorian also Airbrushed a tattoo on my back that I wanted covered.
Shoes were an epic find. White leather peep-toes with a bow on top. A great find, on Sale.
Lastly the garter was added - Made by me.
Service Prodviders
Olivelli - Dress & Veil
Headpiece - Aldo's Accessories Sandton
Crystal Accent on dress - Lovisa
Shoes - Europa Art Outlet Store - Woodmead
Hair - Artistry hair design
Makeup - Lorian Makeup
Lingerie - Glass Slipper
I made sure a took a week off of work to SLEEP. Its the best thing you can do for yourself.
I did a full body Wax - Fast and Furious Waxing
made sure my skin was exfoliated
then just a mani and pedi at Sorbet in Dougladale - The Biosculpt mani really lasted.
I didn't want to put too much pressure on myself to lose weight so I just ensured that I maintained my weight by eating healthier and doing yoga.
What a pleasure working with Pieter at Pheasant hill. Everything is done in-house through Pieter and his venders, this means that you don't was time chasing each and every vendor. The venue speaks for itself. The decor, gardens, swans, amazing hall truly does a lot for a wedding on any budget. Not forgetting the food - Amazing, delicious and more than enough - A big plus when catering for a Portuguese/ Afrikaans wedding.
I didn't want to spend a huge amount on flowers so I opted for 3 vases of various sizes on the table with a few flowers submerged in water. The main table was more of a wild 'Art deco' look. All the flowers were white. There were gold accents and pearl details.
I would recommend this venue to anyone,
Frank Bespoke in Bryanston made his suit.
Custom made in hues of dark green/grey.
His tie and pocket square were found at Republik in Rosebank and Shoes were from Tread and Miller.
The shirt was from Country road in Wooiles.
I personally designed and made the bridal party outfits.
The brides maids were in Gold with accents in a beautiful embroidered tulle/lace.
The dress were a simple design - Sleeveless V-Necks.
The one had a bit of gathering around the belly and went down into a Trumpet style where I sewn on the lace trimming. This was worn with a Bolero of the same lace.
The second dress was flared from the waist straight down and worn with a lace top with gold buttons all the way down the back.
Father Theodore - Bryanston Catholic Church
My Fiancee is a Photographer so this was a task.
We settled on Katphotography.co.za
She is very pleasant and ver patient. She managed to capture my good side even though I was super stressed. from what we have seen so far the photos look amazing. She is creative and takes pictures.
Pieter Bezuidenhout - Owner of Pheasant Hill.
I lovely man that made sure all our requests were fulfilled
This one shocked a few people. We decided that we didn't want to pay a huge price for a car that would drive me 10min to the church. - Enter Uber Black.
A few people were shocked and appalled but it was great, I arrived in a fancy white Merc and the driver was so pleasant.
Cost - R300.
one they way to the venue we hitched a ride with the best (Wo)man
I had a website, did 10 paper invitations and 'news paper' programs which I did myself.
We did not go for dance lessons, we taught ourselves via youtube.
We had a DJ at the venue which again was through pheasant hill. We gave him playlists and suggestions and he played as requested.
