My first clue that Andrew and Marie are a couple after my own heart? The fact that the Proudly South African pair went about sourcing every detail of their gorgeous KZN Midlands wedding from local businesses – rings, bridesmaid dresses, decor, everything. All in line with their pretty-as-a-picture garden-style wedding vision, and the result is an affair that will have all you country wedding-loving brides jumping straight out of your seats and cheering for joy! I loved the way that the pair chose a cool blue hue to contrast with the mixed colours of all the flowers – such a lovely touch that really stands out. And the blooms really were everywhere – in floral runners along the tables at the reception (thanks to Marie’s mum’s ‘army of ladies’ and their very own gardens!), in beautiful bouquets, in darling little embroidered wreaths on each napkin, on the wine labels and stationery… even right on down to the bridesmaids’ getting-ready robes. And love was in bloom too, of course, overflowing on the faces of the delighted bride and groom, and those of their family and friends. Michigan Behn was on the scene to capture these precious moments for Vanilla Photography and share them with you today.
Category: Weddings by Location
North Coast Tropical Chic Wedding at Burndale by Oh Happy Day
Sometimes I see a wedding and I immediately not only fall in love with everything about it, but with the couple as well. This is one of those. Maybe because I love Durban so, along with everything tropical, maybe because Dominique and Josh managed to not only pull off a totally unique, totally stylish, totally them (AND proudly South African) theme, and maybe because they chose to work with one of my favourite wedding pros ever, Joelene of Oh Happy Day. Whatever it is, I have a great big crush on this wedding and the couple who dreamed it up, and I have been absolutely dying to show it to you ever since I first spottedĀ it on Jo’s Instagram feed. Basically, if you turned all the best things about the North Coast into a wedding, this would be it. Tropical print bridesmaid separates… strelizia bouquets… plenty of light and white and rustic texture. And the tropical greenery wall is everything. So get your pinning fingers at the ready coastal brides, because this is a special one!
Copper, Pastel & Greenery Wedding at Poortjie Saal by JCclick
This wedding though! Riaan & Luzahn’s big day is one of those beyond gorgeous weddings, the kind that I kind of have to pinch myself to remind myself is real and not a styled shoot dreamed up by talented photographers JCclick (who by the way, have taken the most beautiful, luminous shots of this celebration!). It starts with a setting that’s super stylish – a touch of industrial in the middle of the countryside, decorated to perfection, but in a modern, natural way. It’s filled to the brim with greenery, and from the bridesmaid dresses right down to the sunset, it’sĀ painted in shades of soft blue-grey, blush and copper. And did I mention, a BHLDN dress? But beyond all the pretty, it’s also the story of a family coming together to celebrate this most special of all days, with a couple who are head over heels in love. Bliss!
Fynbos Chic Wedding at Emily Moon by Maxeen Kim
When you have a memorable backdrop like Emily Moon River Lodge in Plettenberg Bay, it’s always a good idea to embrace its beauty and character as part of your wedding. Today’s couple, Rosalie and Martin, did just that, with a rustic wedding which included playful pops of colour, lots of lovely fynbos flowers, and fun personal touches, like a polaroid escort card wall. You can see every moment from their sweet celebration thanks to the marvelous Maxeen Kim, who took these gorgeous pics!
Opulent Ballroom Wedding at The Bay Hotel by Daryl Glass
What’s black, white, blush and gold, and glamorous all over? This Cape Town wedding from Daryl Glass, that’s what! From their church ceremony to photographs in Kirstenbosch to a reception at the iconic Rotunda, Busi and Kwabna pulled out all the stops for the glamorous ballroom wedding of their dreams. Think black tie elegance, plenty of bling, and a bride and groom who rocked their photos like they were a pair of Hollywood pros. We’ll let Daryl Glass’ images tell their story for them…
Graceful Greenery Wedding at Red Ivory Lodge by Carla Adel
Over the past few weeks I’ve seen some big differences in opinion when it comes to this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year. Some love it, some hate it. It’s Marmite. But I’m definitely in the ‘love it’ camp, because while it’s a powerful green to be used sparingly and organically, it’s also a trend beyond the colour itself. Greenery has really been having its moment as a statement floral (or not-floral, more accurately!) and I’ve loved seeing it transform from a very simple, rustic choice to one that can look just as elegant as a sea of blooms. Today’s wedding is proof, because Jesse and Teri’s big day is overflowing with gorgeous greenery (and some well chosen white blooms, for good measure!), but it’s also black tie glamorous, from Teri’s goooorgeous dress to the tables, where each menu is tied with a simple black ribbon. Tres chic! Carla Adel captured these lovely images.
Elegant Superhero Wedding at Silver Sixpence by Daniel West
Just when I think I’ve seen it all, a superhero themed wedding lands in my inbox! When it comes to fun ideas, this one delivers a real punch (pow!), and was such a playful way for Neill and Alicia to bring in one of the groom’s great loves and a sense of childhood whimsy to their otherwise super classic do. From the cake (business in front, comic book party in the back) to the groomsmen’s accessories, to even the bride’s garter, fun Batman, Superman and Captain America touches were sprinkled throughout the day, and they mixed surprisingly well with the silver and white palette and elegant details. Daniel West was on the scene, putting his own superpowers to work behind the camera.
Pretty Rustic Wedding at Langkloof Roses by Marli Koen
It’s not every bride who’ll take on the challenge of a two month wedding planning schedule, but for Natasha, as soon as she said “I will”, she discovered that her romantic husband-to-be, Stefan, had already booked her favourite venue for the sweetest of winter weddings! I actually love short engagements, because I feel like styling decisions get made from the heart (with a dash of practicality, of course) and Stefan and Natasha’s wedding is the perfect example, as the end result is just so lovely. Gorgeous blooms in Delft vases adorning long wooden tables (not to mention a very swoony peony bouquet!), both the bride and her bridesmaid in elegant lace, cosy touches like homemade blankets and a rice krispie cake second to none – it all comes together beautifully. Add in these images from Marli Koen, and… well. Let’s just say the pretty-ometer is going crazy.
Opulent Organic Wedding at Diamant Estate by Nadine Aucamp
You know, I’ve spent a lot of the last couple of weeks talking about wedding trends, and although I adore the whole greenery thing that’s going on at the moment (because what’s not to love about foliage?), I just don’t see flowers going anywhere for so many couples this year – or any year. You just have to look at the bright blooms in Stephanie and Tiaan’s spectacular wedding (which also has plenty of pretty greenery, thank you very much) to see why. Bright blooms in vintagey vases, overflowing organic bouquets, even floral print stationery (so pretty!). I love how this wedding comes together in a range of gorgeous shades, but I especially love how over the moon happy the bride and groom are on this special day, and all the smiles on the faces of their wedding party and guests. Now that‘s a trend that never goes out of fashion. Our fave, Nadine Aucamp, took these absolutely beautiful pics!
Luxurious Floral Wedding at The Westcliff by Tyme Photography
It’s no secret around here that I’m a huge fan of Wedding Concepts, one of SA’s premier wedding co-ordinators and the creative force behind today’s wedding. Jenni and Roy’s wedding just happens to be a perfect illustration of why. It’s seriously luxe, but also classic and ever so elegant – from that breathtaking three metre high draped floral arch and crystal chandelier combo dominating the ceremony decor, through to the opulent reception overflowing with pink and lilac blooms (no wonder the guests were wowed!). It’s trendsetting without being brash or over the top. But best of all, it’s personal and intimate, and Wedding Concepts exceeded the couple’s expectations with sweet surprise touches like monogram details on the dancefloor and bar. With Johannesburg’s famous Four Seasons The Westcliff making for a five star backdrop, and Tyme Photography behind the camera, this is one celebration that couldn’t help but be spectacular!