Montpellier Wedding
Marcus & Ilezé
Marcus & Ilezé
We met at medical school 10 years ago and became good friends. It’s fair to say we had a soft spot for each other right from the beginning! Over the first couple of years of friendship we became very close sharing our love of adventure, travelling and good food until we both realised we were much more than friends. Jon proposed on a beautiful day at our favourite place near Cape Point.
We literally drove around the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek area going into every vineyard and asking about weddings. Dornier was actually the first one we saw and we loved it immediately, nowhere else could beat the scenery with its beautiful mountains, vineyards, gardens and homestead. We had lunch there and the food was amazing.
Jon – its corny but for me it was Shireen walking down the aisle, I really didn’t expect to cry but I had tears in my eyes even before Shireen made it down the steps! The first dance was also comes to mind, it was unique….
Shireen – There were so many magical moments, it’s hard to decide. It was very special walking down the aisle with my Mum and seeing in that moment just how much I meant to Jon. The weather was beautiful, the jazz band were amazing and the food was delicious. It was extra special having time to spend with Jon for our couples shoot, it was so fun!
Try to enjoy the process! It will be the most perfect day you can imagine even if some of the tiny details (which will seem like huge details when you’re planning) don’t go like clockwork. You’re marrying the person you love with all your special people around you.
A friend told us to make sure that we are always ‘in the moment’ during the day. Enjoy talking to the person you are with rather than thinking about who you haven’t yet greeted! Take everything in because it goes so fast.
The most incredible day, more than we could have ever hoped for!
SERVICE PROVIDERS:
Okasie – https://www.okasie.co.za/Weddings
Shout Music Company – http://shoutmc.com/
Red Cherry Cakes – https://www.facebook.com/redcherrycakes
Corlé Barnard – https://www.facebook.com/MakeupByCorle/
Lekker Trou Letters & Lights – https://www.lekkertrou.co.za/
To-Nett’s flowers décor hiring group – http://to-netts.co.za/
Shuttleup – https://shuttleup.co.za/
Strawberry weddings and events – http://strawberryweddingsandevents.co.za/
Finding a venue was the first thing we did when we started the planning process, because once we had a venue we could secure the date.
We came up with a list of what we wanted from a venue – size, layout, chapel, view, distance from Cape Town. Our first venue viewing was quite a laugh though, because Max forgot his contact lenses at home – so his impression of the venue was very different to mine!
After viewing lots of venues, every weekend, we were referred to Roodezand Wedding Venue in Tulbagh by a friend of a friend. We emailed Karen to ask for their pricing before we set up a viewing, and we really appreciated her upfrontness, her ‘no hidden cost’ claims, and her transparency. We were tired of hearing about venue hire fees, and then finding out later about the long list of additional charges. Karen was clear from the beginning about what was included and excluded, and how much we would have to pay. When we went to go view Roodezand, she also sold us with her wonderful knowledge of wedding planning, and her helpfulness. The venue was stunning, and we loved the mountains surrounding it. We also loved that Karen took so much pride in the service she offered, going as far as providing complimentary cordials for the table as to not have bright coloured cooldrink clashing with the decor. We loved how she treated and spoke about her staff, and how accommodating everyone was.
Kate – I would love to say walking down the aisle, but to be honest, that’s a bit of a blur for me. I loved walking through the confetti passage and seeing all our friends. But most of all, I just loved having everyone there. I loved that wherever I went during the day there was someone that I was excited to see. It’s amazing being surrounded by all your favourite people.
Max – Ah there are so many! If I had to choose it was when I got to shake my now father in law’s hand and then took Kate’s hand. There was lots of secrecy about her dress and I had no idea what it looked like, it was the most epic moment when I eventually got to see it; and start the adventure that is marriage in front of God and everyone that’s important to us.
Choosing the right photographer for our day was a top priority for us, because we knew that the photos of the day would be something that we would cherish forever. Landi Groenewald was great from the very beginning, and her years of wedding experience were very helpful. She shared some wedding timelines with that gave us a very good starting point for planning the flow of our day. She was also full of really great ideas about how to arrange your wedding timeline in a different way to make the best of your time with your guests, and utilize the best light for photos.
We wanted to do an engagement shoot so that we could get comfortable with getting our photo taken as a couple (I think most people don’t get their photo taken very often unless they’re models?) and Organictales was super accommodating. She gave us some great ideas for spots to do the shoot, and went out of her way to make our crazy (and somewhat last minute) ideas work. Our engagement shoot was so much fun with Landi, and we knew we were in good hands for the wedding.
On the wedding day Landi was relaxed (which made us relax) and was able to give us guidance on what we needed to do to get the best photos without us having to do weird stuff. We also really appreciated how organised and structured she was. She managed and guided our wedding party and family well, and really helped the day flow. She is also just such a lovely, likeable person that everyone enjoyed working with her.
There’s not a single thing we’d change. Even the unexpected rain and clouds played their part in making our wedding day special – by giving our guests relief from the heat, and providing us with a beautiful backdrop for photos
The most perfect start to our adventure!
Venue – Roodezand wedding venue
Videographer – Dynamite Productions
Flowers – Designs by Marcel
DJ – BA Sound Solutions
Wedding dress – Cindy Bam: http://www.cindybam.com
Engagement Ring – Dear Rae
Wedding Bands – Famke
Hair and Makeup – Skoonlief
“Where every moment is a memory.”
Enrico: Having struggled to meet someone in our busy lives, we both turned to Elite Singles, a dating App, beginning of 2018. I always knew about this site, however for some reason the time just never felt right until 2018. I guess this was fate as I would not have met my wife had I not waited until the time that I did. What attracted me to her was the fact that she was beautiful, kind, caring and loving.
Trudie-Elize: After three months on the app I was about to delete my profile when I found a message in my inbox from a man that seemed to fit my criteria at first glance. We met in person after a month and I knew very soon that I have found my potential husband. I was drawn to his authenticity, loving nature and his mind. His judgement, general knowledge and the fact that he is so versatile. I believe that there is nothing that he cannot do, and he always has a plan to execute. He is a cautious risk taker and I just absolutely love every part of him!
I took my wife to a horse-riding farm in Hartebeespoort. She loves animals, especially horses and this place allowed for a romantic couples’ outride. She had a suspicion that I was planning something special since she is usually the person in charge of planning our weekend activities but could not be 100% sure. She thought that if I was to propose that I would jump off the horse along the ride to do so but this was not the case – There was a romantic picnic waiting for us close to the end that she was unaware of. The guide played along and had us jump up and down from the horses to meet zebras and game on our path. This in conjunction with the fact that I took the ring out of the ring box and placed it in my jean pocket confused her as she was trying to spot the ring box to be sure of my intentions. we arrived at the picnic spot, got off the horses and walked over to a beautiful table setting decorated with roses and champagne in the middle of the woods with heart shapes all around in the trees. I got down on one knee and asked her if she’d marry me. She was so surprised that she at first didn’t say anything. She just extended her left hand to me, to which I replied that I needed and answer before I could put the ring on. She then said “yes, a million times yes”, I placed the ring on her finger, and we kissed. They left us in the woods for a while and it gave us a chance to enjoy each other’s company as a newly engaged couple before we headed back with the horses.
I was torn between two dresses initially from The Bridal Wardrobe. I went for a second fitting at a different branch but in my moment of doubt they brought out the Nina dress. I couldn’t get the dress out of my mind and went for one last fitting appointment with my mother and immediately forgot about the two other dresses I saw. The dress had all the features and uniqueness that I wanted and the style that Enrico mentioned he liked. I was looking for a romantic lace dress that made me feel sexy but look elegant and that was exactly what I found.
Nerine Bleeker was my make-up artist and also a close family member. She owns Dandily studio. Kylie Gehm – van der Merwe from Chase Hairdressing made sure our hair was done and photo-ready. Both comes highly recommended.
Enrico: When she walked down the aisle. She looked so beautiful and the suspense was finally over, she was my wife.
Trudie-Elize: I second that – it was such a special and indescribable moment. It started the moment my father came to the bridal room to take me to church, the walk up to the church with my parents by my side and then walking down the aisle. I couldn’t stop smiling – at that very moment the whole world suddenly faded and all I noticed was Enrico waiting at the end of the aisle. His face lighted up and I suddenly realized that I was going to be his wife – it made me so excited! This was the start of our forever journey.
We designed our own rings. I showed Enrico a picture of what I imagined my ring to look like. He then designed a custom white gold ring with personal modifications and had it 3D printed just for me. The diamond was specifically chosen with special consideration to the clarity and color. I wanted the diamond to have at least one flaw given my belief that perfection does not exist, but imperfections make us unique and beautiful. My mother has a 3-diamond ring that represent the marriage between them with God at the center. I wanted to replicate the meaning of her ring hence the 3-diamonds on my ring as well.
For Enrico we initially didn’t think to design a ring but each time we came close to finding something he liked, they either didn’t have his size or it was not made from the material he wanted. He preferred having a two-toned ring and that is when we started the designing process. He designed a white gold and rose gold ring. I took the opportunity to surprise him with our fingerprints and wedding date engraved on the inside. It made his ring completely unique and special – just like him!
Carissa Millicent Jonker. She is not a minister but one of my dearest friends. We met in grade 1 and since then never lost contact. She was a strong spiritual leader throughout our friendship and that made me think of her the moment we got engaged. I wanted to keep the wedding very personal. She was just amazing and made the day extra special.
The photos were very important to us since it captured the beautiful moments that soon become everlasting memories. We now get to relive the special moments and see them from a different perspective. Landi was amazing – she took charge where necessary, went above and beyond to make the day special and made us feel very comfortable. Her work obviously speaks for itself. “All-in-one” is the best way to describe her service.
Rory from Organictales came highly recommended by Landi and he definitely did not disappoint. They were fun to have around and again made us feel very comfortable.
The day was amazing and perfect but went by so quickly. If only it was a possibility – we would wish for time to slow down. We would advise other couples to keep it simple. The less complicated the day – the more time you have to enjoy and take in the moment. It is easy to get caught up in the details when planning a wedding for such a long time only to realize that it did not even matter that much. The important moments you remember money can’t buy.
In one word – “Priceless”
We started our honeymoon off in Paris and made our way to the South of France where we visited Nice, Avignon and Monaco. We continued our journey to Italy, Venice and ended our honeymoon in Rome. It was amazing travelling abroad and although we kept quite busy, it was well worth it. It was Enrico’s first time overseas and we managed to see many of the historical monuments and places that we have only dreamed about seeing one day. Some of our favorite sights included the Eifel Tower, The arc de Triomphe, the Coliseum and Sistine chapel. We enjoyed spending some quality time with each other and working together to find our way around. We built some amazing memories and will treasure it for a lifetime.
(please do not copy or lift images from this site. A downloadable gallery will be made available to the couple)
Venue: Memoire Wedding & Function Venue
Photography: ORGANICTALES
Videography: ORGANICTALES
Dress: The Bridal Wardrobe
Suit: Cavalier, The Gentleman’s Store
Make-up: Dandily Studio
Hair: Chase Hairdressing
Music: Soundworx
Stationary: Lily Young Designs
Cake: Cocovanilla Foods
This Northcliff Wedding was nothing short of a celebration of people, friends and family. Sunell & DelaRey planned the whole weekend to the T. Family and friends came from all over South Africa and gathered together for a hearty dinner on the Friday evening.
The next morning we all woke up bright and early to start the day.
Service Providers:
Photography: ORGANICTALES
Assistant: Warren Melnick
Make-up: Karlé Potgieter Mud Studio
Venue: Aan-die-berg NG Kerk
Many people are unaware of the beauty which lies within the Free State. This small and intimate Zastron wedding, with only the closest family members, took place on a farm close to Lesotho border. Read their story below.
We met at crossfit. Being a guy, the first thing that attracted me to Nelda was how beautiful she is. My friend and I were sitting in the gym, my back was to the door, and he said I might like what just walked in. It then took me about three weeks to build up the courage to ask her on, what I thought was a first date. To Nelda it was merely: going to support our friends. As time passed, I became more attracted to her driven nature as well as the way that she could be very gentle and caring.
It was a complete failure. I had planned a weekend away to propose. Nelda, being Nelda, quickly figured out what the weekend was for. Then, the ring wasn’t completed in time and I had to manage expectations. The ring was ready the day after we got back. I told her I had to work late and went to pick up the ring. I got home with Nelda in her pajamas on the couch. After all, I am getting married to a human being with normal flaws, so why not propose to the REAL version of Nelda? The version that I love most.
Lizel Voigt, my sister in law made sure I looked beautiful on our special day. She knows my style – I wanted to look like myself with just a touch of make-up and a plain, natural hairstyle. She did an amazing job!
Joss from Joss Couture made my sister in law’s dress which was beautiful and I decided to ask her to make mine as well. Joss Couture is absolutely amazing. She immediately understood the type of dress I wanted; plain but elegant. We made changes from the original design as the dress progressed. For example, initially I didn’t want long sleeves, but during one of the fittings we were playing around with some sleeve ideas and I loved how the lace looked on me. We changed the design to long sleeves – it was an autumn wedding after all…
For us it was meant to be as simple and elegant as possible. We wanted our closest family members and dearest friends to enjoy the day with us
Hanri Goosen from Onder die Akker’was in charge of the food. Hanri is famous in the area for her culinary skills. The highlight of the lunch was definitely the ice-cream with little surprises in it.
Let the experts do their thing. We have asked Claudia van Niekerk to help out with the flowers and decorations. I only gave her a vague description of what the tables should look like; minimalistic but classy. She then showed me a couple of options and I made a few basic decisions – the rest I left up to her. One of the memories I have is seeing the table for the first time and how impressed I was.
The Photography Experience.
To get all the photographs taken, Landi Groenewald had to travel between five farms: one where the bride got dressed, one where the groom got dressed, one where the ceremony was held, one where the lunch took place and finally the farm where I grew up for the couple’s photos. Landi went the extra mile (literally) with a smile. We are so lucky that Landi was available that weekend and would recommend her professional services to anyone.
Riaan – It was the most amazing, love lived day of my entire life.
Nelda – A beautiful autumn afternoon under the shades of a big oak tree in the company of loved ones
Service Providers:
Photographer: Organictales
Dress: Joss Couture
Venue: Onder die Akker. – 079 515 7638
Flowers: Claudia van Niekerk – 082 378 4397
Make-up & Hair: Lizel Voigt
George and Charlie had the most elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere at their wedding. Opting to have their nuptials at their own residence in the famous Bo-Kaap of Cape Town. All their closest friends and family spent the afternoon an evening with a glass of champagne, an oyster bath and casual pizza delivery style dinner. Enjoy this unique and magnificent gallery.
Juandré & Riette met each other while attending and completing a course offered by their church. They became fast friends and although Riette initially asked Juandré to help her with some restoration work at her house, the fella couldn’t help but fall for her irresistible smile and bubbly personality.
Juandré really went out of his way to prove his romantic side when he lit hundreds of candles to form a pathway. The candles started from the bedroom and led Riette to a big circle of candles outside in the garden. In the middle of the circle of light, was Juandré. After lots of happy tears, he got his answer!
When it came time for dress shopping, Riette pulled in the help of her wonderful bridesmaids and the internet! With a few searches of photos and ideas they quickly knew what shape and style the dress should be. A visit to Bridal Emporium and the magnificent dress was ticked off the list!
“Our advice to other couples is to take in as much on your wedding day, as you will not believe how quickly it goes by!”
Service Providers:
(please do not copy or screenshot images from the site. A downloadable link will be provided on request)
Photography – Organictales – www.organictales.com
Flowers – Room of Bloom – www.roomofbloom.co.za
I met Leigh & Werner a little over a year ago. I was delighted to find out that Leigh shares my passion for horses and riding and when the time came to do their engagement shoot, she naturally requested we add her horse, Peanut as the main feature. Fiance Werner welcomed the idea of not having to feature too much himself. Since meeting these two, I really feel honoured to have walked this journey with them. Their wedding day was nothing short of spectacular.
~’n Afrikaanse Hoofstuk.
Ek en Phillip het mekaar einde Februarie ontmoet, 6 April het hy my uitgevra en 27 Desember het hy my gevra om sy vrou te word. Hy en my ma het saam gekonkel terwyl ek niks vermoed het nie. Ons gesin het die dag besluit om almal wit aan te trek, n piekniekmandjie te pak en die sonsondergang oor die Vrystaatse vlaktes te geniet op my ouers se plaas. Min weet ek dat Phillip my om die hand gaan vra! Hy en my Ma het alles haarfyn beplan.
Ek was oorspronklik aangetrokke tot my man se vermoeë om my te laat skaterlag tot die trane loop. Vandag waardeer ek sy sagtheid, deernis en geduld waarmee hy my hanteer.
My Chrisi-pop se onmenslike mooi aura wat sy uitstraal het my totaal en al tot haar aangetrek. Dit is so heerlik om saam met haar te wees en sy is altyd so gelukkig en spontaan.
My Ma het eendag vir my gesê, “Sussie, kom ons kyk trourokke as jy die vakansie Vrystaat toe kom.” Ek het op ‘n bruidswinkel se webtuiste na rokke gaan kyk en dadelik verlief geraak op n rok. Ek het die rok gaan “stalk” op pinterest en daardie vakansie toe ek die rok gaan pas, toe pas hy perfek! Die rok word toe bestel en 5 maande later, toe die rok uiteindelik in Suid-Afrika arriveer, is die rok hopeloos te groot en heeltemal die verkeerde kleur! Dit was 2 weke voor die troue en almal het namens my gestress. Ek was egter rustig! Hoe opwindend?! Shopping so kort voor jou troue! Ek het n paar afsprake gaan maak, en op die tweede dag van my soektoeg by Cindy Bam opgeëindig. Daar hang my rok! Amper presies soos my oorspronklike rok, net nog mooier! Die rok het my boonop soos ‘n handskoen gepas!
Sanmarie Botha se talent het my droom vir die perfekste haarstyl laat waar word. Ek is versot op die haarstyle in die rolprent, “Gone with the Wind.” en wou graag my troue se styl daar by laat in val. My hare het heel dag gehou en mooi gelyk en a.g.v Sanmarie se handewerk was ek glad nie bekommerd dat dit sal uitsak nie.
Ons troue was formeel. Ons wou n regte ouwêreldse, spoggerige troue hê, waarop almal hul blinkste skoene kon afgestof. Ons wou gehad hê ons gaste moet mooi voel en die aand se mooi geniet. Om vir ‘n dag in ‘n ander wêreld in te stap en jou mooiste uitrusting te kan aantrek. Baie troues is deesdae baie informeel en mense het nie so gereeld die geleentheid om spoggerig aan te trek nie en dus wou ons vir ons gaste die geleentheid gee daarvoor. Ons troue was kristal, Swart en Wit. Wat anders pas tog beter by n “black tie event” as swart en wit? Ek het my hele lewe gedroom om eendag onder bome te trou en laaaaang tafels te hê! Toe ek Die Woud sien, toe weet ek net; Dis waar ons gaan trou! Dit was die eerste en laaste venue wat ons gaan kyk het.
Die oomblik wanneer jy mekaar vir die eerste keer sien is onbeskryflik mooi en intiem. Om mekaar se hande te vat voor jou naaste vriende en familie wanneer die rustigheid oor jou neer daal en jy besef – die oomblik en person vir wie jy jou lewe lank gewag het, is hier.
Landi Groenewald van Organictales het so baie moeite ingesit. Sy het ure se beplanning aan ons tydlyn verleen en ek kon altyd op haar knoppie druk as ek raad nodig gehad het. Sy het soveel geduld gehad en ons op ons gemaak laat voel, wat vir ons baie belangrik was.
Hou by jou program en vergeet van die gaste wat laat opdaag. Dis jou dag en onnodig om vir hulle koms te wag. Dit sit jou hele program agter en veroorsaak ‘n groot gejaag. Doen jou ding en bogger die res! Moenie dat iemand jou grootste en spesiaalste dag bederf nie, net jy kan dit toelaat.
Geniet elke oomblik! Mens beplan soveel maande aan die groot dag en in ‘n oogwink is dit alles verby! Kry ‘n goeie fotograaf en videograaf – die visuele oomblikke is als wat jy oor hou van jou spesiale dag. Belangrikste van als – hou by jou tydskedule!
Phillip is versot op musiek! Van toeka af vertel hy my van die Kalahari DJ wat die gehoor so goed kan lees. Musiek maak of breek beslis jou troue! Jy kan nie net ‘n playlist aanmekaar sit en laat waai nie. ‘n Goeie DJ het die talent en vermoeë om te sien hoe die gaste reageer en wat om te speel om almal op hul tone en op die dansvloer en gelukkig te hou.
Daleen word toe ingevoer al die pad van Upington af! En glo my, die partytjie was vuur en vlam tot op die laaste nippertjie!
Gedig:
Dit was begin Februarie toe my hart terug roep Wes-Kaap toe.
Ek het al vergeet hoeveel beter wyn in die Boland proe.
Een somersaand bevind ek my op my vriendin se plaas,
my hart was weer rustig en onstlae van die geraas.
Die buurman nooi ons toe na ‘n plaasbraai by die dam.
Die samesyn was sonskyn en ‘n vuurtjie vat toe vlam.
Aanvanklik het ek die vuur probeer vermy,
want die seun van die plaas was nogal arrogant volgens my.
Die seun van die plaas het ‘n boodskap op Facebook gestuur.
Ek het steeds niks daarvan gemaak nie,
maar die geselskap was ‘n plesier.
Kort daarna was ek oppad na die Vrystaat.
Twee vriende het getrou.
Ek het gedink ek gaan saam met die man wat my hart vir jare vas kon hou.
Min wetend dat hy op die nippertjie sou laat weet hy kan dit nie maak.
Die seun van die plaas, het my toe by die lughawe kom haal.
Nooit het ek geweet dat ek eendag sy vrou sou raak.
Hy het my hart gevat en hom stywer vasgehou,
en kort voor lank, op my ouers se plaas, het hy my gevra om met hom te trou.
~C. Mouton Burger
Liewe Diensverskaffers. Vreeslik baie dankie vir julle elkeen se bydrae tot Phillip en Chrisna se huweliksbevestiging. Sonder julle kennis en talent sou ek nie hierdie mooi foto’s kon vasvang nie. Daar sal binnekort ‘n webskakel beskikbaar gestel word om foto’s af te laai vir gebruik. Vir nou, deel asb hierdie blog skakel op sosiale media tot die aflaai skakel beskikbaar is. Liefde, Landi.
Fotograaf: Organictales
Rok: Cindy Bam
Venue: Die Woud
Grimering: Mariette Conradie
Hare: Sanmarie Botha
Videograaf: Alleta Francina
Troukoek: Birdcage
Skryfbehoeftes: Rob Signs
Tafeldoek: Bloomprints
Blomme: Marlize Mouton, Maria Delgardo en Chrisna Mouton Burger
Dekor: Chrisna Mouton Burger
Papier blomme tydens Seremonie: Moody Affair
Blomme van onthaal, handruikers en blommekranse: Maria Delgardo en Marlize Mouyon
Blommemeisies se rokke: Hezanne Viljoen
DJ: Daleen Burger
Spyseniers: Die Woud