There’s a part of me that is all Tiffany’s girl. Give me a martini (vodka, extra dry extra cold with a twist, cheers), a pair of Badgleys and a rooftop bar in Manhattan and I’m a happy woman. But I grew up on the coast, and there’s another big part of me that is all barefoot, shell necklaced and freckle nosed. That wants nothing more than salt on my lips and the beat of the surf in my ears. That’s one of the reasons why I’m so in love with beach venues, and the more rustic, the better. Today’s is about as laid-back seaside as you get – the awesome Strandloper restaurant in Langebaan, where you can rock up, pay your cover and enjoy a long session of fresh and delicious seafood right on the beach. (I am seriously salivating right now just thinking about it!) Nadine and Philip chose it as their wedding venue, and the result was a super relaxed day with family and friends that I am completely smitten over. Their details are just subtle enough to enhance the venue, never competing with it, and allowing all of their guests to get into the beachy groove. As usual, Warren Williams‘ pictures really bring the celebrations to life. Doesn’t it just look like so much fun? I want to be there. Now.

From the lovely bride, Nadine:
Philip and I first met in a night market in the back streets of Chai-yi in central Taiwan. I am an English teacher, and had just arrived in Taiwan. I was staying with a friend of my mom who was also a teacher and who ‘coincidently’ introduced us by way of the night market. At first I didn’t even notice him as the buzz of arriving in the country and eating out at my first night market was just such a shock to my system, but after some pretty persistent invitations from Philip to learn how to ride a scooter in the rice paddies, I started getting the hint that something was up.

After four years of dating, I was beginning to wonder if a proposal was even on his agenda when we headed off to Namibia to do some climbing at Spitzkoppe. His initial idea was to propose to me on top of the Spitzkoppe, but after eleven hours of hiking and climbing in 45 degree heat and not quite making it to the top, he sensed I was in no mood for him to pop the question and waited till the following day whilst on top of a granite dome with a bottle of wine and a view overlooking the Spitzkoppe. Of course I said yes!

I had always wanted a beach wedding, and Philip… well, I couldn’t imagine him ever getting married anywhere but by the sea, so we had a basic theme to suit Die Strandloper restaurant, with a few pin cushion proteas, some home-made printed paper table cloths, and a few candles. It made for a very casual, simplistic but beautiful venue. Everyone could chill and simply enjoy the day, the food, the weather and the company.

My advice for future brides? Keep it simple, affordable and remember time goes past far too quickly on the day, so make it count.

Big thank yous to Nadine, Philip and Wonderful Warren for sharing the Big Day with us. You can, as always, see more on Warren’s blog.

Service providers:

Venue & catering: Die Strandloper
Photographer: Warren Williams
Hair & makeup: Marilett
Cake: Bride and groom’s mothers
Stationery: Bride’s mother