Elegant Cape Town Beach Wedding by Samantha Clifton

I may have got a little carried away when choosing the pictures for today’s feature. But who can blame me, because after all, what’s more romantic than a beach wedding in beautiful Cape Town. You can almost smell the sea air in Samantha Clifton’s stunning pictures, and although Lise and Tiaan were married on Clifton Second, it’s like they were on a private island in the middle of nowhere, with white sands and tumbling waves as their witnesses. And as if that wasn’t lovely enough, after the ceremony they adjourned to the Royal Cape Yacht Club for an elegant reception with the lights of the harbour reflecting the warm glow of candlelight within. Let’s just take a moment to mention Lise’s gown, because I am absolutely loving this bride’s style, especially paired with a soft cathedral length veil and a gorgeous protea bouquet!

Love Story
Tiaan and I actually met in high school but it wasn’t until almost ten years after school that we fell in love in Cape Town.

The Proposal
He asked me on ta little private beach near his parents’ house on the West Coast. There was no one there. The first person that knew about our engagement was the car guard!

The Venue
We love Cape Town and whilst living in Seapoint we used to go down to Clifton 2nd all the time during summer. So we decided to get married there. For the reception, we chose the Royal Cape Yacht Club as it is such a big part of our life. Tiaan is a member there and I am always there to cheer him on when they are racing.

Wedding Style
I wanted soft colours and I wanted lots of proteas and candles. Tiaan gave me a rose gold protea ring when we got engaged so I guess that was the starting point. I wanted a glamorous beach wedding because I like the contrast of the rustic beach and bling and it is a bit unusual. I encouraged my guests to dress up, even though we were on the beach.

Wedding Details
I loved our lights. Tiaan did all the layout and choosing of the ligting in the hall himself. He is an architect and really good at laying out a space!

DIY Elements
Our entire wedding was DIY. The day before, all four of Tiaan’s sisters and all three of my brothers and our parents were there to stash flowers into jars, lay out the tables as per my pictures and sketches and put up the lights. We even did the pergola on the beach ourselves. We come from very creative families and loved every moment of it.

The Dress
I am quick to make decisions as I was a fashion buyer in my previous life and just decided on a picture that I saw, just after we got engaged. A friend of mine, Genevieve Newman from Beloved Bridalwear translated my dream into reality.

The Bridesmaids
I had four bridesmaids. I wanted long dresses for all of them, again evening-style, not casual, and different shades and styles. They each chose a dress themselves that they felt comfortable and beautiful in.

The Flowers
My flowers were quite simple really. Mainly proteas, fynbos, peonies and some light pink roses.

Memorable Moment
Nothing beats that walking down the aisle and seeing your soon-to-be husband and everyone that you love around you as you walk down.

Proudly South African Details
Beyond the flowers and setting was the food we had – a spitbraai. Although we combined it with rustic salads and foccacia breads and Mediterranean starters, so to me it felt more like a fusion of different cultures in one evening.

Best Decision
I decided to stay within my budget, and if there wasn’t money for something I simply didn’t do it. Because of this we could go on honeymoon with a light heart knowing that we are coming back to no debt. You can always spend more money but at the end of the day you just want to have a good time with your friends.

Advice for Future Brides & Grooms
Don’t let the planning of the day and everyone’s opinions cloud what is really happening: you are getting married and celebrating starting your life together!