Honestly we laughed so much throughout the day its really so hard to say what was most memorable. It all was... however if I had to nail a few down:
Our Pastor Johan Botha was just spectacular, we had asked for a light hearted and even humorous ceremony as that's what our relationship was all about - laughing together. He did a cracker of a job and we were all in hysterics most of the time but at the same time he was able to keep the serious and most important moments special.
I had purchased bubbles for our confetti from a china store and when we tested them we discovered that they were silicone based and therefore didn't pop very easily. My then fiance warned me they would not be a good idea and would leave a residue on peoples clothes, but I thought I knew better. Well when the day came, it turned out he was right. The rest of the day/evening we spent rubbing the bubble residue off everyone's clothes. There are even photos of him saying "I told you so" while we do I walk through the bubbles... It just made us laugh even more!
Another moment was when we were seated at the main table as the main meal was being served. I just looked around and took it all in. The lights flickering off the glass, my friends and family all laughing around me, holding my husbands hand... I wanted to make sure I took in every sight and sound because I knew all too soon it would be over. It was just beautiful and perfect!!!
For us the wedding was almost a reunion as we had friends and family all traveling from around the world to be with us - it was just extraordinary to see all of them in one place!
My husbands requisite for our honeymoon was somewhere I hadn't been yet, having worked on a cruise ship for 10 years that was quite a feat... Luckily we managed to finally decide on THAILAND.
We left for honeymoon on May 1st as my family was out from New Zealand visiting until then. It began with 2 nights at the Burasari Resort in Patong to enjoy the nightlife followed by the most amazing 4 nights at the Mama Beach Residence on Phi Phi Island. We ended off with a relaxing 3 nights at the gorgeous Dewa Phuket Resort in NaiYang where we were lucky enough to have our own pool villa.
All of this was made possible due to the very generous honeymoon contributions from our guests. We were extremely lucky to have been so fortunate!!
Surprisingly having been planning my perfect wedding all my life, I hadn't decided on a style of dress. So when I went to multiple dress fittings I became more and more despondent. This was until my maid of honour suggest I got o Elizabeth Stockenstrom - I was instructed to "just listen to what she suggests". After telling her about our forest venue she put me in the most gorgeous lace dress, with a salmon pink ombre finish. I was in love! The bottom of the dress had little flowers on it, almost as if they had been picked up by the dress from the forest floor.
For hair and make up I went for a romantic soft look, which Adri was able to get spot on!
As my colours were green, white and gold I was super lucky to discover the new Green Esther Opari shoes! Which gave me a little pop of colour.
I have been in the beauty industry since 2000, and over the years I have learnt the value of keeping a good balance between creativity and practicality.
Die Woud venue stole our hearts straight away. The moment we walked in and saw the glass marquee my husband turned to me and said "this is the one". It truly was just magical and enchanting.
The venue does not have any accomodation on site however they offer a number of houses to rent such as Die Tuin Huis in Caledon a couple of km's away which we used to get ready and for the family to stay in. They have also just opened their "honeymoon house" which is across the road, where we stayed the night of the wedding.
Die Woud is in perfect harmony with nature nestled between established oak trees and majestically tall wattle forests.
Our theme was "midsummers night dream" inspired. I instructed San-Marie from Creative Nook that I wanted it to look magical and dreamy... therefore went with the colours Green, White and splash of gold. We used warm fairy lights draped along the roof which reflected off the glass making it seem like infinite fireflies. We alternated high and low arrangements on the tables in order to look like a "forest with trees". White and gold cutlery was used, with white napkins and gold lazer cut name placers.Small votive gold candles as well as gold candle sticks with white candles were used on the tables.
For the main table we had a hanging installation of dried branches, white orchids and floating glass balls with tealight candles.
We used Die Wouds outdoor furniture and bistro lights for the predrinks area. All the perspex signage including the LED lit seating plan and table numbers were made by my husband.
The groomsman wore white shirts, navy ties, navy pants with brown shoes and belts. We hired the pants and ties from Mr. Suit Hire.
My husband, the groom, wore the same as above however we had a navy waist coat made by a friend for him.
My ladies worn hunters green chiffon dresses from Bridal Allure with gold leaf earings.
Bridal Allure is one of Cape Town’s largest & most respected wedding stores with a reputation for professional, personal service and individual attention.
Johann Botha from Faircape Weddings was our officiant and he was just brilliant. So funny and really kept everyones attention. We had so many wonderful compliments about his service.
Long before my husband even popped the question we were already looking at photographers and just fell in love with Greg Lumley's eye for detail! His photos are just SPECTACULAR! Thats why the moment we got engaged I sent him an email to book him.
We used Kilig Videography and they were so professional and polite. They really captured the essence of our day and we just a delight to work with.
Wow, what can I say about Tracy. She was just a God Send, I am quite organised normally and generally dont like to give up control. But she was just so patient with me, even though I was bothering her with details almost a whole year beforme the date. She is always willing to go out of her way to make you feel special and that your wedding is the only one she is working on. She is now considered a friend and I am just so grateful she was there to keep me sane.
Tracy Branford of Trunk Events offers a very personal service and plans all the weddings of her couples with a very hands-on and loving approach.
Travis, Die Wouds resident chef, was great to work with. He always answered promptly and was happy to answer my millions of questions. The food was just exceptional. It came out of the kitchen hot and fresh and no complaint were heard! Our main thing was for everyone to be well fed and boy oh boy with all the canapes, pizza station and main meals we were rolling out of there.
Our wedding cake was done by Anmar from Crumb Cakes. We wanted something a little different and opted for a white buttercream and green watercolour cake. We had a white chocolate plaque saying "til death do us part" and our toppers were "los muertos" inspired skeleton wedding couple. Anmar also made some delicious white and green macrons for our favours - which were a hit!
Crumb specializes in bespoke wedding and celebration cakes, highly creative dessert displays and edible sweet treats & gifts.
Tracy from Trunk events helped me get in contact with one of her suppliers. Was a very quick and efficient service.
For the after ceremony drinks we had the live band "The Otther" play for our guests and kept them entertained whilst we took photos.
DJ Pepe kept us entertained for the rest of the evening, making sure from the first moment the dance floor was open it was busy. Our first dance song was Ed Sheeran and Beyonce "perfect" - which was actually played for the first time on December 16th the day we did our site visit of Die Woud. We didn't take dance lessons, much to my dismay, so we just winged it and in the moment it all worked out!
Elizabeth’s gowns are the ultimate in femininity, romance and sensuality. She has built an enviable reputation for creating exquisite bridal gowns, using only the best fabrics.
Tracy Branford of Trunk Events offers a very personal service and plans all the weddings of her couples with a very hands-on and loving approach.
Crumb specializes in bespoke wedding and celebration cakes, highly creative dessert displays and edible sweet treats & gifts.
I have been in the beauty industry since 2000, and over the years I have learnt the value of keeping a good balance between creativity and practicality.
Bridal Allure is one of Cape Town’s largest & most respected wedding stores with a reputation for professional, personal service and individual attention.
Die Woud is in perfect harmony with nature nestled between established oak trees and majestically tall wattle forests.
