(writing all of this smiling with great and fond memories)
With this wedding, there was nothing that was a definite highlight only because everything was perfect.
The location was jaw-dropping gloriously beautiful.
The ceremony, the reception, everything had some link to our path together to that point in time and some references to the future.
Simple, beautiful, unique and in its place.
One example is the ceramic tin mugs instead of the traditional champagne glasses on the tables, this was in reference to the first time we ever went away for a weekend. Just a quick weekend getaway to Golden Gate. We had packed everything we could need, but after setting up camp and settling down we discovered that we had forgotten something to drink out off. So off to the local shop (tourist shop). R150 per cup later we could now enjoy coffee and our wine for the weekend.
Everything about the wedding organically grows into what it ended up as perfect for this wedding.
A simple example is how there now is over 300 true African yellowwood trees in the reserve given to them by us and a tree planting formed part of our ceremony and using dirt brought by both our parents to add to the dirt to keep our tree planted firm and steady and to nourish it as it grows (35 m high, 3 m trunk diameter, 300+ years old and 2 tons of oxygen per year)
We had two honeymoons, one at Weenen Nature Reserve and one at our wedding venue.
Both exceptional and memorable experiences.
The overall theme was SteamPunk like but also still some traditional elements but because everything was done around our journey thus far, very unique and specific to us.
We both very hands-on and do it yourself so...
Dress was a second-hand self-designed creation
His was made but again with clear guides to the end results.
Makeup and hair by Wadene Ngubane (a very good friend)
Shoes BlueBetty, perfect match with me and our theme.
Lingerie, well that should be secret but... his and hers matching blue set. (something blue...checked)
Jewellery, neckless was a gifted locket from my sisters and our rings was matching rings that he hand made from Zebrano wood and set my engagement ring in it. (version 5.2 another fairytale story from natural twine tied with an infinity knott to the current one)
Venue was Injisuthi.
Dirt roads, no power, no cellular siglal ...
There are chalets and campsite
Day outing in Edinburgh and a pamper two days before the wedding.
SteamPhunk brass, gold, gears and gadgets and old things.
Most were self-made or donated.
Book pages
Flowers done by the two mothers and
The flower bouquet was from unknown guests also as the location on a morning hike, picked by their two children on the way back.
Groom wearing a two-tone double-layer vest and his daughter a beautiful summer dress made from the offcuts from the brides dress.
The bridesmaids were replaced by the brides two nephews wearing matching and similar vests to the groom.
Our master of ceremony was my brother in law who fitted the role perfectly, even with us springing on him an unannounced giving of a locket to the grooms' daughter (age 6) with photos of her mom and sister and us on the other side on him.
Guests were asked to take photos and to share but the main photos were by ShootMeGood.co.za
A husband and wife team that was able to take capture the perfect moments without anyone noticing them there.
Great work.
No, we did not have a planner to help.
Everything was planned but myself and assisted by my husband and friends and family to do all the little parts and them to bring everything together on the day. Worked perfectly.
A simple short walk was all that was needed in the beautiful natural surroundings.
Food was done by caterers from Durban at the venue.
The cake was made by a close friend that sadly was unable to attend due to their daughter being ill and was therefor transported by other friends to the venue.
Printing designed by a close friend and bride and printed by my friend.
Because of the uniqueness of the location a DJ, sound and lighting is not an option for us, this had to be organic.
Another close friend and vocalist would be the beautiful voice with two youngster Rory and Kurt on box drum, acoustic, flute, sax and everything unplugged.
Playing a variety of indie pop and rock songs selected by the bride and groom for the day, including a surprise track for the groom.
