Colourful Fynbos Wedding by Amy Scheepers

Today we’re heading out to the beautiful Garden Route to see a wedding created by the considerably talented Marius Barnard of Weddings by Marius. Julianne and Gene’s big day was a colourful affair, inspired by the hues of evening light on the South African fynbos… wow. (Don’t you just love that?) With spectacular flowers (including a floral chandelier above the couple’s weddimg ceremony), nude wood tables with mixed vases and vessels, and hanging cafe lights in a huge white marquee, this is my idea of rustic wedding perfection. What a way to start the day!

Love Story
Gene and I met in the December of 2002, when we were both fifteen. My family had recently moved from East London to the small little surfing town of Cape St. Francis, where he lived. We started out as friends and I joined his grade at school. We began dating halfway through the year. Our families quickly became firm friends (and still are!) and we all went on holiday together to Bali, just months into us being boyfriend and girlfriend! We have been together since then, with a few little breaks along the way. We studied, worked, surfed and travelled together.

The Wedding in 3 Words
Elegant, magical, countryside-eclectic :)

Wedding Style
Our wedding style was country. We both love the evening time – the light on the fynbos is really soft and beautiful. If you’ve seen that or can imagine it, that was our colour palette.

The Venue
Gene’s great-great-grand parents built the house 100 years ago, so it had sentimental value. There is the most beautiful view of the ocean and the back of the house is surrounded by the forest, so for us it was the best of both beauties.

The Flowers
We tried to use what was flowering locally and then filled up with some others. We had fynbos, sunflowers, gladiolas, arum lilies and vintage blown roses. We didn’t want the tables to look the same so the flowers were arranged eclectically. Our florist did a fabulous job of using the beauty of the flowers in such a creative way. He made a gabled entryway to the wedding from twisted vines and fynbos, as well as a wreath which hung above us at the ceremony, made of flowers and ribbons attached to an old wooden wagon wheel.

The Dress
I knew what I wanted, it was just a matter of finding the right designer to make it. Once I tried on Elbeth Gillis’ samples and saw her lace, I knew she was going to be perfect.

Memorable Moments
Walking down the aisle and seeing Gene of course, and being surrounded by every one of our guests who are so special to us. Also Gene’s granny marrying us – she conducted the ceremony with poise and confidence.

Advice for Future Brides & Grooms
If you can, get a wedding planner! This helped a great deal, allowing our family (especially my mom) to enjoy the build up before the day and then the actual wedding without stressing abut minor things.
We had a rehearsal lunch the day before the wedding with close family, our bridal party and their partners, and family that had travelled from abroad. It was an open opportunity for people to say speeches and toasts, and to catch up. This helped a great deal in limiting the time spent on speeches on the wedding day. Gene’s mom is American and the rehearsal dinner is an important tradition in the U.S. We loved it and recommend it!

Colourful Fynbos Wedding by Amy Scheepers & Weddings by Marius {Julianne & Gene}

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