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
~’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
~A Modern French Chapter.
The style of our Diamant Estate Wedding was classical, soft and romantic with a Modern French touch. I guess the inspiration came from my love for the story behind vintage things and the classics of the 1920 era, Château’s in France, coupe champagne glasses and beautiful soft classical gowns.
Other than the feeling of “this is the one” we both felt when Erik and I walked on to the cobbled stones at Diamant Estate, the venue had everything described in the style of the wedding. The ancient history dating back to 1692 with the vintage characteristics, but yet still modern in a way that gave me that modern French touch that I was looking for.
(Please do not lift, download or copy images from this site. A downloadable link to the full gallery will be provided to you)
Venue: Diamant Estate.
Cape Town Wedding Photography: – ORGANICTALES PHOTOGRAPHY
Dress: The Wedding Boutique
Earrings: Trouver Jewelry and Watches
Bridesmaids dresses: Lola Wild
Makeup: Mia’s Makeup
Hair: Devoted Hair Salon
Décor and flowers: Iets Niets
Catering: Red Pepper Catering
DJ & Sound: John The Frank
Wedding Cake: The Birdcage
~A Riverside Chapter
We met each other on the 29th of August 2015 while out with friends. Wiehann introduced himself in a very convincing Irish accent which I loved!! He was leaving for the USA a month later and we had to make the most of our time together. It wasn’t difficult to feel comfortable together as we had an instant connection. I loved the fact that I could totally be myself with him. He has a sense of humour and is easy to talk to and he knows what he wants out of life.
We went to Onrus for my birthday and Wiehann told me that we should go for wine tasting, without giving too much details. He took me to Domaine Des Dieux in the Hemel and Aarde Valley which has the most amazing view of the mountains. As we were sipping on our champagne he suggested we take one last photo. As we finished he started telling me how much he loved me and went on one knee… it was so special and the best birthday surprise and present I could have wished for. The lady at the tasting room was in on the whole thing and captured everything on camera. Wiehann arranged everything for months to make sure it was perfect.
We never had a specific style in mind but we wanted a relaxed/simplistic style with a pop of colour. We added some personal touches and DIY items. We found inspiration in a few Wedding magazines, Pinterest, suggestions from family/friends and most of all guidance from our decor and flower provider.
We had a few venues in the area that we wanted to visit and it was actually Wiehann’s sister that suggested Delsma Farm Wedding Venue. The one thing that stood out to me was the fact that Delsma Farm had so much accommodation on site for our guests, which was very important. The space where we would have the ceremony was by the river under big trees and we both just knew this was the one!
My dress was designed and made by Annelie Designs in Saldanha. She has made wedding dresses for many of my family members so I knew her work was impeccable. I gave Annelie a few pictures of different styles and focus points that I liked. I wanted a simple ‘A’ line dress with some lace detail and a low cut back. She took all of those elements and created something out of a fairytale.
Deline Engelbrecht from Anuk in Ceres was in charge of making us all look fabulous and she did an amazing job!! She made us feel comfortable and relaxed during the whole process and her work speaks for itself. All of the Mothers, Bridesmaids and myself looked and felt beautiful on the day.
All I can remember is the nerves, no one can ever try to even explain how nervous it is asking a mother and farther if you can marry their daughter, asking the love of your life to marry you and finally what it is like on your wedding day when you stand in front of all of your friends and family and seeing her come down the aisle. I still get tears in my eyes when I see videos of Lara walking down the aisle, I think that would be something I would not forget for the rest of my life.
Alwyn Carstens from Welgelegen NG Church officiated the wedding. Alwyn also officiated Wiehann’s cousin’s wedding, did the funeral of Wiehann’s grandmother and also baptised Wiehann’s cousin’s first son, so it was a no brainer when we had to approach someone to officiate the wedding. Alwyn was absolutely great, it was a real pleasure sharing this experience with him and he made us feel so calm the day of the wedding.
Lara had previously shown me photos of rings that she really liked which were on her Pinterest profile. At that point we had not even discussed the possibility of getting engaged even though we both knew it was inevitable. Trying to keep it a secret I took a screen shot off of her phone, sms’d it to myself (not Whatsapp as I was afraid that she might notice it), contacted Zuyda van Dyk and crossed my fingers that she would fall in love with the ring.
Landi Groenewald from Organictatles really out did herself as our photographer and made us feel completely comfortable in front of the camera. She is very professional at all times and knows how to have fun while on the job. Landi was proactive in looking for places to capture the perfect moment prior to the photo shoot. The photographs you have of the day are the precious memories you get to cherish forever and that is why photography played a big role on our special day.
This was purely team work. Lara enjoys more modern music while I enjoy more of the old school classics. I remember sitting one evening working through playlists until 1am in the morning trying the find the perfect wedding songs, when the list was complete I let Lara also have a listen to the song selections to see what she thought. Of course my knowledge of modern music is very limited so she was able to add the final touches for the “after 10pm” music. Our DJ, Justin from Pie in the sky handled the rest.
Delsma Farm Wedding venue did the catering for the day and the food was beautifully prepared and very delicious.
Canapes:
Mini boerewors rolls, mini tacos, spring rolls and bruschetta with caramelised onion and camembert.
Starters:
Rooster koeke with preserves
Mains:
Deboned leg of lamb, stuffed pork neck, blanched green beans and mushrooms and roasted vegetable couscous salad.
Desserts:
Lamingtons, melktert spring rolls and chocolate éclairs
Our stunning wedding cake was made by my brother in law, Terrence as a wedding gift. The most delicious carrot cake with naked icing and beautifully decorated with fresh flowers.
I would say take your time to figure out what you want from the day and what it means to you. Once you have an idea everything will flow. Communication is also very important, not only between you and your fiancé but your service providers as well to make sure everyone is on the same page. The best thing we did was firstly set up a budget and then we divided the responsibilities, so that we both had a part in the planning. Believe me two heads are better than one and you have fun while planning your special day together. We also had an amazing team that helped us and knowing your wedding day is in good hands takes away a lot of the stress.
Best day of our lives and the perfect start to our future together.
Please DO NOT download, copy or screenshot images from this webpage. A downloadable link with the full wedding will be made available soon.
Venue: Delsma Farm Wedding Venue
Photography: Organictales
Dress: Annelie Designs
Bridesmaids Dresses: Daisy Island
Rings: Zuyda van Dyk
Hair and Make-up: ANUK
~An AfrikaBurn Chapter
“We met on 15 January 5 years ago at a friend’s welcoming back party from Canada. The party was at Pakolo Beach Bar in Houtbay and Conrad and I started a conversation about AfrikaBurn Outreach. I was very keen to get involved in the outreach and the charity side of AfrikaBurn which is something that Conrad and his friend Rob Weinek started a few years earlier. The party moved to my friend, Danielle’s house and it went in to the early morning hours with lots of laughing, dancing and guitar playing out on the porch. Two days later, two different friends informed me that Conrad would like to have my number so he could take me out on a date. Conrad’s generous and kind heart is what drew me to him. He always try to give back to people less fortunate than himself and he is also a little old fashioned which I like.
On my birthday, 3 years ago, Conrad planned a big surprise; A secret he and my friends kept from me for months! Friends were so scared of accidentally saying something or letting the cat out of the bag that they avoided me and didn’t talk to me, so I was completely in the dark! For my birthday he booked us in to the Twelve Apostles Hotel and after a whole bunch of funny things happened, he proposed to me after dinner. It was absolutely amazing! The room had so many rose petals thrown all over that we could hardly open the hotel room door! I really did not expect a thing! I initially thought that the hotel really over did things for a birthday and I was completely oblivious to the fact that this beautiful man was going to pop the question!”
Service Providers:
(Please do not copy, lift or screenshot images from this page. A downloadable link will soon be made available for all images)
Coordinator: Mon Amour Events
Photography: ORGANICTALES
Catering: Two Chefs Catering
Dress: The Wedding Boutique
Hair: Craig Taylor
Make-up: Algria Ferreira
~A Medieval Festival
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate. Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a date. Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimmed; And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance, or nature’s changing course, untrimmed; But thy eternal summer shall not fade, Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st, Nor shall death brag thou wand’rest in his shade, When in eternal lines to Time thou grow’st. So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.
Ben proposed during a getaway in January 2018. We went glamping near Caledon, and one evening before dinner he just went down on one knee and popped the question. There was no cellphone signal, so we had to wait two days to tell everyone!
My dress is a one of a kind Elria Ellis creation. Elria is my aunt, and she asked me whether I would allow her to make the dress. Naturally I said YES! We discussed the colour and design at length, and since I was not keen on a normal white dress, we decided that gold, with and undertone of grey, would be the best choice. It took her just under a year to make the dress, and it will forever be one of my most prized possessions.
