Me and Stiaan met in 2007. During that time he lived in George and I was a student in Stellenbosch. After university I did my community year in Mossel Bay and our paths crossed again. We became good friends over the years. 6 Years ago Stiaan unexpectedly needed a urgent liver transplant. I knew then that he held a special place in my heart. But it was only when my dad got diagnosed with cancer in January 2018 that we finally realized how much we value each other. Sadly my dad passed away 6 weeks later. Not having your dad walk you down the isle can make any girl very emotional, but having all your family together and celebrating love is what it is all about.
We decided to stay inside the borders of our beautiful country and stayed an extra day in Swellendam. From there we traveled to Hogsback where my mom and dad went for their honeymoon many moons ago. From there we traveled down our beautiful coastline, from Port Alfred, Kenton on Sea,all the way to Hermanus. We stopped at all the small little town one never have the time to stop by. We slept in a tree house, game reserve, old hotel and some other hidden gems.
I love the old and vintage and tried to incorporate it into my hair and make-up. My wedding dress was made especially for me. The shoes I bought as a student knowing one day I will get married in them. My make-up was done by Anemari van Niekerk from Hartenbos and hair was done Picture Perfect from Swellendam. Carine van Zyl made my engagement ring and my cousin Janine Kritzinger our other wedding bands.
We got married in Swellendam in one of South Africa's oldest historic churches. The reception was at Cris Elle Wedding Venue. Our guest had the opportunity to choose from a variety of hotels, guesthouses and AirBnB's. The he venue also offers accommodation, but that we booked out family and friends helping at the reception.
I decided not to starve myself and rather just eat healthy. I did have a facial done, body scrub and other the general wedding treatments, including a check-up with my dentist.
We love the outdoors and wanted to bring in nature and the simplicity of it. I also love gardening and wanted to portray the wild garden into my theme. We did not want to spend most of the budget on flowers and I started picking flowers for the wedding 3 days before the wedding. Flowers came from our farm in the Langkloof where my dad use to drive past with his big red tractor, oom Piet's se plaas in Herbetsdale and some from the farm my brother works at near Riviersonderend.
Place where Bride got ready: The Minor at Somerset Gift Holiday Farm near Buffeljagsrivier.
Brides Dress: Stephan van Deventer at Bridal Inn George
Veil:Bridal Inn George
Brides Shoes: Shoes I bought in University - almost 10 years ago
Brides Jewellery: Lovisa
Make-up Artist: Anemari van Niekerk
Hair Stylist:Picture Perfect Hair Salon in Swellendam
Confetti: The colorful pedals of bougainvillea
All the men had on navy suits.
Grooms suit: Edgars
Grooms Accessories: American Swiss
Grooms Shoes: De Jagers
Groomsmen Suits: Edgars
Groomsmen Accessories: Their own
All the ladies had dresses on floral prints as part of the outdoor natural theme.
Bridesmaids Dresses: Imported from China ;-)
Bridesmaids Gifts: Put together by myself
Bridesmaids Accessories: Everyone's old favorites
Pierrie Kies was our wedding officer. He was from our NG church in Mossel Bay.
Photo's: Jacey Searra from Knysna
VideoL Limen Tide Productions
Wedding Planner: Me - I love DIY and special friends
Sandra Bredenkamp - Friend from Cape Town - my decor friend that's a histologist full time and very creative after hours
Santie Tredoux - Friend from Hartenbos
Joanne Kritzinger - Sister in law
Stiaan's boss - Mr. Pierre Conradie from George (He collects old cars and did it as a wedding favour)
Catering Company: Toitnette from the Rooikombuis at Barrydale.
Who made your Wedding Cake: Stiaan's bosses wife, Mrs. Ria Conradie
What type of cake did you choose? 3 Layers, red velvet, vanilla and chocolate decorated with flowers with a touch of gold.
Wedding Invite Design: Myself
Wedding Stationary: Myself
DJ: Just Music
No dance lessons were needed.
