We both share a love of nature and the people in our lives are very important to us. Having had a terrible 2022 where we both got diagnosed with cancer it was very essential for us to share our special day with the people that matter the most to us. As such we decided on an intimate wedding with 25 people. They were each and everyone friends and family that have supported us over the years and that hold a very special place in our hearts. Being able to share the day with them was priceless!
We stayed at the beautiful Stone Mountain Lodge at Kleinrivier Mountain Escapes. Situated in the Groot Winterhoek Mountains it is one of the most remote cabins in the Eastern Cape, far from civilization! There is a beautiful plunge pool, indoor fireplace and views for miles over the Strydomskop peak and the Karoo.
We went for a vintage/rustic look for our morning wedding in nature. We wanted a laid back atmosphere and got married under a tree with our guests seating themselves on the natural rocks and cliffs surrounding ourselves for the ceremony.
The dress was Juan's moms dress that we had redesigned in a 50's style. Being able to wear something that she wore to the wedding of his parents was very emotional as he lost his father at a young age. The pearls we added to the dress belonged to Lara's grandmother.
After having long hair my entire life my hair was still busy growing out after treatment and very short. As such we added a hairpiece for the ceremony and I wore a hat for the reception.
We booked the entire Kleinrivier Mountain Escapes property and all our guests spend two evening with us and getting to know each other.
My beauty routine was very limited as my skin was still very sensitive The team at Santori Weslness Centre was amazing with their treatments with regards to specialized facials and nails. I felt beautiful on the day!
In an effort to support sustainability and reduce waste we had the greatest fun picking and treated all our own pampas grass. Our whole home was filled with it drying everywhere! A few days before our wedding we also picked naturally grown proteas which were in season. After the wedding we gifted everything to our guests.
In keeping with our vintage/rustic look the groom and groomsmen wore matching chino's with suspenders and bowties that we purchased ourselves.
Wim gave a beautiful ceremony and his service was excellent! From pre meetings right up until after the ceremony everything was professionally and personally handled by him. He made the paper work easy and handled all the legalities.
Equally at home with personalised contemporary non-religious as well as traditional religious ceremonies, Wim is the Eastern Cape's popular and well-respected non-denominationa...
We used Grant Liebenberg for our photos which came out absolutely amazing. He listened to our brief and executed everything just like we wished for.
We planned our entire wedding together and spend many evening going through our lists and organizing everything ourselves. It was amazing to be able to share that experience of excitement as a couple.
We planned the menu and did all the food ourselves with the help of family and friends. Our wedding cake was gifted to us and prepared by Sacramentos.
All our stationary was designed by ourselves, from the invitations, welcome cards, signs and thank you notes. We then used a local printer.
We had a friend who planned all our music for us. I walked down the isle with my father on Lara's theme, my parents first song on their wedding and after which I am named! She also contacted all our guests to send them a list of their favorite songs as we wanted everyone to enjoy the music and it worked out fabulously!
The reception was a casual affair held at Black Eagle Tented Camp. Guests gathered around after the ceremony and enjoyed brunch and bubbly. We did not want many speeches and we both spoke together thanking everyone. Later that evening we all gathered around the fire enjoying the moment and celebrating each other.
Equally at home with personalised contemporary non-religious as well as traditional religious ceremonies, Wim is the Eastern Cape's popular and well-respected non-denominationa...
