The Rose Barn – Jeffreys Bay Wedding.
A Windy Chapter
Growing up as a Freestate farm girl, I would always wonder about a shore-side lifestyle in Jeffreys Bay. Little did I know that a love story would be the reason for me to drive hundreds of kilometers to visit this part of our country.
Since moving to Cape Town, wind has become a big part of my daily life and experience. I am sure that all other shore-side dwellers will agree that strong stormy winds are regular visitors. The day before Karla & Martin’s wedding, we all silently hoped for a windless celebration. But as the day quietly woke, the leaves started to softly rustle in the trees – keeping up the rhythm with the guinea fowl song. After breakfast it was clear that the wind had no intention of turning down its song, and why should it?! It was a day to celebrate love and even the wind wanted to sing its greatest love song! And oh! What a song it was!
I asked Karla & Martin to express their emotions from the day. Scroll down and read their story:
Where it began – A Romantic Proposal:
My friend sent me a message asking if we wanted to go for sundowners in Bean se Bos (in Patensie) after work. Obviously, we said yes! Five o’clock I was dressed and ready for Sundowners. Martin called and said he is going to be a bit late as he is still working. I called my friend and wanted to ask her if I can join them while Martin can come when he’s done. She didn’t answer because she was on her way to Port Elizabeth to her boyfriend and Martin and Jeanie (who was my maid of honor) were lighting up Bean se Bos… literally. Eventually Martin picked me up and off we went. We walked through the woods and eventually we came to a little spot next to the river. I saw a fire, fairy lights EVERYWHERE, flowers, a carpet, champagne and two champagne glasses. Everything happened in slow motion. He was on his knees and I cried while saying YES!!
A Minimalistic Classic Atmosphere:
The style of our wedding was minimalistic… chic but classic.
I am not someone who likes “tierlantyntjies” so I always knew I wanted white and lots of candles and fairy lights. I ended up choosing white and the tones of gold/copper/rose gold with a touch of black. Pinterest was my inspiration! I don’t know how people did it before Pinterest LOL!
A Splendid Venue!
We got married at The Rose Barn, Jeffreys Bay. It was love at first sight!
We were at a friend’s wedding at The Rose Barn, when I saw the venue for the first time. I told Martin that if we get married one day I want to get married there. So that is what we did! It was the number one venue for the both of us.
The Perfect Rings to Seal the Deal:
I looked on Pinterest for ring inspiration. I found five designs that I really liked, but couldn’t choose one. Martin ended up choosing the one he liked best and sent it to Marnic Tait, who is a goldsmith and a very close friend. It was incredibly special to have a friend make my ring.
Martin’s ring is from Dear Rae. He tried a lot of rings but couldn’t find the one. A friend suggested that we look on Dear Rea’s website and there we found his gorgeous ring.
Bring the Make Up! Bring the Brushes! Let’s make those lips luscious!
Samuel Beck and one of his stylist, Mia, did our hair. Samuel Beck has his own hair salon in Jeffreys Bay but is originally from England. What an amazing, kind and creative team!
Rose Bruins from St. Francis Bay (originally from Cape Town) did our makeup. She has years of experience and worked with some of the top magazines in South Africa. She is such a sweetheart! She did everything I asked for and surely has a special touch with makeup. I am extremely satisfied with all three of them and thankful that they made sure that we look beautiful.
Lace adorned with love – a Dress to die for!
I had so many ideas for my dress! I eventually decided to go for a few fittings, just to get a better idea of what looks good on me and what doesn’t. I combined a dress and skirt that fit me like a glove. It was not what I thought would look good on me. I didn’t want to buy a dress, I wanted someone to make it. I was told to go to Carina le Roux (in Jeffreys Bay), because she is the best. And WOW!!! She truly is the best! I love my ‘classy and dreamy’ vibe dress.
The Start of Future Nostalgia:
The most memorable moment of the day was walking down the aisle with my dad and having him marry us. I will cherish that forever and a day! For Martin the most memorable moment of the day was seeing me walking down the aisle. Having a night photo session was also very special to the both of us. At the very end of the night we danced on top of the bar while our very dear friends sang “Time of my life”. We will never forget that!
A Down to Earth Photographer:
I love photos! It is such an important part of my life and on our wedding day it was no different. Our photographer is funny, loving, talented and very professional. We had a blast! We feel blessed to have had ORGANICTALES as our photographer. Landi, You captured the most important day of our lives.
Thank you, Annerie Myburgh for assisting on the day.
We wouldn’t change a thing!
At first I thought I wanted to change the weather, if I could. The wind was insane! But looking back now I wouldn’t change the weather because the photo’s are breathtaking. The wind kept it interesting. So, no I wouldn’t change the weather. If I could, though, I would probably make time stand still from time to time. The day went by too fast. I had so much fun and want to do it again! BEST.DAY.EVER!
Food Fit for Kings & Queens!
Aqua Food and Catering from St. Francis Bay oversaw the delicious food for the night and made sure that we ate like kings.
The Harvest Table:
After the ceremony, the guests were treated with flutes of sparkling wine with berries and a harvest table – from stacked cheeses with fruit, a variety of stuffed olives, freshly baked breads, relishes, pesto etc. to a tray service with tempura fish, calamari and fresh onion soup with toasted cheese sandwiches.
The Main:
The main course was plated with tender slow cooked lamb served on rosemary mash potato and ratatouille.
Something for the sweet tooth:
The dessert table and wedding cake were made by Kiosk, situated in Patensie and owned by Jeanie du Preez. Kiosk believes in a balanced approach to life… the 80/20 approach. 80% of the food is wholesome, natural and good for the body. The other 20% is good for the soul! For our wedding, Kiosk wanted indulgence in abundance. The guest feasted on macarons (not macaroons), salted caramel popcorn bedazzled with gold and rose gold edible glitter, baked cheesecakes, brownies, cranberry blondies, and chocolate pretzel cookies. The wedding cake was significant! The top tier: Almond, lemon and raspberry torte; bottom tier: good ol’red velvet cake. All slathered in Italian Meringue Buttercream. I know, right! The best of the best. And yes, we did have a bar.
Boogy on the dance floor!
Collin Nance was our DJ. He did everything, and more, that we asked for. He played a big variety of songs and read the crowd like a boss. The atmosphere was amazing. He knows how to celebrate… we couldn’t stop dancing… hence, we ended up on the bar with the last song.
Karla & Martin’s advice:
To couples who are still planning their wedding: Do not be afraid to ask people to help. Hand out tasks, do not try to do everything yourself. Take care of yourself and your fiancé. Rest and when the day comes relax, breathe and take a good look at everything and everyone every now and again.
The most difficult part was the guest list and table seating. What helped? Keep it close to your heart… You do not have to invite everyone you know. People know that. And the table seating… again, keep it close to your heart.
Budgeting advice:
The budget it always a difficult question. What is your budget for your dress? What is your budget for food? I hated those questions because we didn’t have a fixed budget. We just knew what we could afford and what we couldn’t, and so will you. If it wasn’t affordable I simply had to let it go and you know what? It’s fine! I still had my perfect wedding regardless.
We are off to BALI!!!
Excited to the max! Martin and I couldn’t leave for honeymoon straight after the wedding due to work related reasons – so we still have that to look forward to.
The day in One Sentence:
We had the time of our lives and we owe it all to You! – “I have found the one whom my soul loves.” Song of Solomon 3:4
Have your wedding documented by clicking here