You all know by now that I love lush, beautiful floral arrangements, and you definitely know I love anything glittering and gold. Put the two together? I’m in blogger heaven, floating around like a cherub, on a cloud of pretty, playing my happy harp. That’s what Erin and Rob’s wedding is full of – luxe berry tone florals throughout, touches of gold and rose gold (including the bridesmaids’ glitzy cocktail dresses!). With a breathtaking tulle gown, an abundance of romantic winelands scenery, and the most darling little details, like gold-sprayed pears at every setting, it’s lovely to the max, and with SBB fave Cheryl McEwan behind the camera, the puzzle is complete!
Love Story
We first met in a house share in London. We soon became friends and after a few months of flirtatious corridor chat I told Robert to take me out on a date. It was the best three dates of my life and the rest is history.
The Proposal
We were in South Africa showing Rob Cape Town for the first time. On our last day we went to De Grendel wine farm for a fancy dinner. Rob led me away with the pretense of taking a photo of me with the sun setting over Table Mountain, and proposed instead! It was perfect.
The Venue
My parents helped us immensely with scouting out the best venue. We wanted a chapel and an indoor reception venue on a wine farm with accommodation. Zorgvliet winery had all this and was beautiful!
Wedding Style
My engagement ring is rose gold and I wanted to bring that mix of metallics into the wedding theme. We had splashes of gold everywhere. A relaxed yet opulent wedding, with a touch of vintage. Antique gold rimmed champagne glasses and candle votives, gold sprayed pears and long stemmed candles. The floral elements added soft pinks and pops of vibrancy to the scheme, with magenta and purple.
Wedding Details
The venue had high ceilings and stunning glass chandeliers, but we wanted to create a softer look so we had large floral pendants hanging from the ceilings with draped ribbons connecting the pendants to the chandeliers – that was my favourite. Rob was in the Royal Navy and we met just after he had been out at sea. Thus all the table names were named after ships.
DIY Elements
My mom did all the wedding stationery – she is incredibly creative and we both designed and embossed the name cards, menus and seating arrangements. Plus my brother and dad sprayed old wine bottles gold and rose gold for the chapel candle decoration. I loved having those personal touches.
The Dress
My mom came over from South Africa to help me look for my dress. We actually found it on the first day at the shop my sister had bought hers from. We had to go back after all the other appointments to try on my favourite three. The one I finally picked had actually been No. 3 on my list. But when I tried it on again I knew it was the one!
The Bridesmaids
I wanted their dresses to be something very different and striking. Thy had to match the metallic theme, so we found gorgeous sequin dresses for them which everyone loved. They really sparkled!
The Flowers
My flowers ended up a lovely surprise, I had briefed the team on what I wanted but they ended up sourcing the most exquisite flowers. I can’t even say what they were! Some proteas that I had never seen before, lilies, eucalyptus and roses.
The Cake
My cousin, who is a chef and food blogger, made our delicious wedding cake. It was dipped in gold to match the theme and looked fabulous!
Memorable Moments
Standing at the entrance to the chapel with my dad at the beginning of the day with my husband waiting for me at the altar was an incredible feeling and then the utter joy and peace at the end of the day walking with Rob to our honeymoon suite under the quiet African sky. An unforgettable day.
Proudly South African Details
We gave the guests biltong as our favours as the British guests had never had it before. They loved it!
Best Decision
Having the wedding in South Africa. Everyone who came for the first time absolutely loved it and it was so lovely having my whole family there.
Advice for Future Brides & Grooms
Compromise is key and keeping your man updated so you both don’t get lost in all the planning. Try not to speak about the wedding all the time!
You can see more from this wedding on Cheryl McEwan’s blog.
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Venue & catering: Zorgvliet | Photography: Cheryl McEwan | Flowers & décor: Sitting Pretty | Stationery: Leslie Wilkinson | Cake: Sam Taylor | Bride’s dress & veil: Love Bridal | Hair & makeup: Ida Webster | Bridesmaids’ dresses: House of Fraser | Groom’s attire: Austin Reed | DJ: Legacy of Sound | Music: Beau Violin Duet
