If you look up elegance in a dictionary, you’ll find alongside a mention of grace and taste, the concept of elegance as something cleverly simple. So whichever way you define it, elegance is what today’s wedding is all about. A bride in a beautiful dress, carrying a single rose-flanked protea. Poised. Stunning. A lovely guest house for preparations. Bridesmaids in the softest shade of pink. A groom at home in his suit. A succulent boutonniere. A vineyard reception. Wooden tables. Damask. Little sprigs of brunia on the napkins. Simple gifts of fudge and cigars, charmingly presented. Every detail is perfectly formed, and each has its place in the whole. It’s cleverly simple, and tasteful and graceful. It’s elegant. Which makes it the perfect match for photographer Joanne Markland, whose photographs are always pure elegance. And how much do I love, love, love the final pic in this series – the way that no matter what wedding craziness is going on around them, the bride and groom share a moment of stillness and connection. So whatever craziness the working day holds for you, take a moment for yourself here too, and enjoy.
From Marlein:
Hennie and I met in 2009 at a bible study group in Blouberg. I’m a Clinical Pharmacist at a leading hospital group and he is an engineer. The first time he met my parents he was brave enough to ask their permission to marry me! From that day onwards, he left critical clues on my fridge door with one letter or phrase per page for me to find, spelling out the Big Question. On our way back from a cheese festival in Franschhoek we stopped at the beach and he wrote the answer to the riddle in the sand and went down on one knee. That day in April he got a very loud YES and I got a ring on my finger!
We love good food and wine, and good company and that was exactly what we had on our wedding day! Our concept was simple and vintage. The details had to be stylish but not stiff and uncomfortable as the main idea for the wedding was for the guests to have a good time and enjoy themselves. We loved the old soft pink of the proteas and zooshed it up with a black and white damask overlay. Dornier is a nice intimate venue and this was ideal as we only had 70 guests. And with the beautiful mountains in the background and stunningly designed wine cellar – this was perfect!
From Jo:
I was so excited for this wedding because I just knew it was going to beautiful. I met Hennie and Marlein earlier this year when we did an engagement session in Muizenberg. They were so easy to photograph and they look great together, I just knew I was going to get great shots of them on their wedding day.
I always ask my brides to be ready on time otherwise you have to rush with your photographs to try to fit everything in. Well most of the time they always end up being late but Marlein was ready exactly the time she said she would be, so I had plenty of time to play around with different shots. Her bridesmaids were really great, so helpful and full of fun, and ummm craaaazy at times! Tina (bridesmaid) made all their dresses and I think they looked great. All the girls got dressed at Middedorp Manor in Stellenbosch, it’s such a great guesthouse for photographs and when you have a stunning bride like Marlein you can only get beautiful shots.
The ceremony was held at the NG Moedergemeente Kerk in Stellenbosch, its such an amazing church and has so much character. After the ceremony we headed off to the reception venue, Dornier Wine Estate. The reception was supposed to be outside but due to the windy weather they decided to move it inside because glasses and decor were blowing off the tables. The inside of the venue is so funky and colourful and has such interesting decor, I really think it worked just as well inside.
Big thanks to Marlein and Hennie and to Jo for their comments and for sharing this lovely wedding with us. You can catch more on Jo’s website.
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Venue & catering:Dornier Wine Estate | Photography: Joanne Markland | Co-ordinator: The bride and groom | Florist & decor: Lindie du Plessis – Fynbosch Flora | Cake: Cakes by Wade | Stationery: Secret Diary | Bride’s dress: Elizabeth Stockenstrom | Bridesmaid’s dresses: Tina Meyer | Hair & makeup: Helga Bridal | Entertainment: Essential Music
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