THE HOTHOUSE, DULLSTROOM
This wedding was incredibly special to me. My dear friends were getting married and they asked me to assist them in the planning of their special day. I was thrilled and totally honoured! Being your friends wedding planner is a stressful job, but its an exciting one!
Not only did I get to create a full style concept with them, I was then also asked to be a bridesmaid! (Insert gasp here! Haha!) I was moved to tears with happiness and then decided I best brace myself more than ever to play two roles at once!
What I thought would be a daunting task turned out to be a breeze because they made it so easy. Their calm demeanours, their caring nature and incredible sensitivity to the process is what made it a success!
They had the perfect balance between keeping the traditions that meant something to them, and adding their own unique touches to the day. I really am not exaggerating when I say that is the ultimate formula for success! I, without fail, will always advise the bridal couple to stay true to who they are as a couple and not to follow trends if that does not satisfy their needs.
Their biggest desire was that we create an atmosphere of celebration for their guests at all times throughout the day. Because this was a destination wedding, we could get the bridal party there a few days before the wedding already. So, the celebrating began with sundowners by the lake, a braai all cozied up by the fire and a dinner at a local restaurant the Friday evening.
We were certainly off to a good start!
While everyone was being beautified by Michelle (Private M Collection), I was running around ensuring that my team was on top of things. We set up the Friday already, so it was a matter of finer detail tweaking to be seen to. And of course they were on top of it! But that did not mean I felt comfortable leaving them to it! 😀 (I’m pretty sure the wine came out earlier than anticipated that night haha!) I adore what I do, I find real fulfilment in creating these days for our couples, and this couple was so close to my heart that it made it all the more crucial for me to ensure we had everything in place.
The ceremony was beautiful! It was loaded with emotional, heartfelt moments and the humorous antidotes of the groomsmen. A perfect combination that made everyone feel relaxed and in the moment with Emma and Hayden.
We were serenaded by Jacques Mouton while everyone ate and drank something delicious in the sunshine!
But you know what I will never forget… There was an incredible amount of smiling and hugging and genuine affection for each other that night. Love is a wonderful thing you know. Friends, family and even strangers come together so wonderfully on occasions like this. Love wins. It always does! To see more beautiful images click here.
My shout outs if you’ll indulge my sentimentality for a moment: (and if you want to view more images click here)
Shanay and Ludick – thank you for capturing each precious moment so beautifully and for “kuiering” with us all night with so much love and affection. Kom ons doen dit weer!
Michelle – your talent for making faces beautiful is something that you should be so proud of. We all looked so pretty (hehe) thank you! (ps: my lashes lasted for days I was so happy lol )
Linel – you know your venue has a special place in my heart and I look forward to so many more weddings there. Thank you for being so accommodating!
Sanel – ah my partner in crime (well not really crime, but good shenanigans at least) thanks for all the hard work, its always fun!
Ivan from Toast Fine Food – that food was insanely delicious (insert drool here) thank you!
Planning & Styling | MODE Weddings
Florals | The Floristry Studio
Venue | African Leaves and the Hothouse
Photography | Shanay Greene Photography
Videography | Son of Wolf Films
MUA | Private M Collection
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