Nothing warms the heart quite like a wedding. It is the coming together of so many dreams and is, ultimately, the beginning of a love story. We chatted to two local brides who shared the details of their special day with us.
AUTUMN SUNSET
Bride and groom: Nombuso and Mpilo
Please tell us about the proposal?
It was July 2018 and we went away to Cathedral Peak in the Drakensberg. We booked a helicopter ride that takes you on a romantic picnic at the top of a mountain. It was our first time in a helicopter, so it was an exciting experience. When we got to the top Mpilo wanted to take pictures (which I found quite irritating in that moment, haha). I didn’t realise of course that he was trying to get me to stand up. As soon as we were done with the ‘selfies’ he got down on one knee. Of course, I said yes!
What look and feel did you have in mind for your wedding?
We wanted our wedding feel warm, with orange, mustard and emerald green hues. Ultimately this translated into a theme we called ‘Autumn sunset’.
How did the pandemic affect your plans for your wedding?
We had to postpone our wedding by six months, which meant we ended up having an Autumn-themed wedding in Spring! Covid meant all our plans had to be paused and we had to re-evaluate our priorities. We nearly lost the venue due to the liquidation of the business. It was a tough time with high emotions as the venue is one of the most important parts of a wedding day. Of course, the restriction on numbers meant we couldn’t have all the family and friends we originally planned to invite. It was hard to make cuts, but we are so blessed with understanding family and friends.
Please tell us about the planning process and executing your vision for your wedding?
Hiring Oh Happy Day, the wedding coordinators, is literally the best thing you could ever do for your wedding! They understood our vision and created a stunning mood board, which was perfect and we didn’t change a single detail. Then they brought it to life and literally went beyond our expectations and wildest dreams. They really took the stress away by supporting us and being our calm in the storm.
Please share some of the details of your perfect day …
Venue: The Groves (Previously Orchards Wedding Venue)
Bride’s gown: Diamond Love Bridal Couture
Bridesmaids dresses: Chanelle Wright
Groom: Verge Legacy Tailored
Groomsmen outfits: EuroSuit
Hair & makeup: Lilly Buhle Ngcobo and Makeup by Mpilo
Flowers: Oh Happy Day
Food: CHC Catering
Photographer: Kate Martens Photography
FLOWERS AND FUN
Bride and groom: Kelly and Grant
Please tell us about the proposal.
We are both very close to our families, but while my immediate family all live on the North Coast, Grant’s live in Pietermaritzburg and Cape Town. He wanted to make sure that they would all be around to the share and celebrate the occasion with us, so he proposed when they were all in the area on holiday. Grant took me for lunch at Zimbali for ‘some quality time’. Afterwards, we went for a walk on the beach, which we love doing. On the walk, he dropped to one knee and popped the question. I was so happily surprised and immediately said yes. He had hidden a picnic blanket and champagne in the bushes and we spend some time enjoying the moment. When we were finished, we turned to make our way back and there, gathered at the top of the beach, were both our families. I burst into tears. It was so special.
What look and feel did you have in mind for your wedding?
We wanted a fun, vibrant mood using a bright, warm colour palette. We did this using plenty of flowers and candles … and accentuated the vibe with the music! A special mention must go to my good friend, Gabriela Mckenzie, who was responsible for the absolutely breathtaking flower arrangements.
Please tell us about your beautiful wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses.
My wedding dress was romantic, classic, soft and flowy, in an off white with lace. It was designed by the fabulous, talented Julia Ferrandi. At the reception, I changed my accessories to go for more of a ‘fashionable party’ feel. It was the perfect dress for me and I absolutely loved it! I had four bridesmaids and I wanted them all to feel beautiful and comfortable in their dresses so I decided to leave it to each of them to decide on the style and colour of their dresses, which were to be either a deep cerise pink or tangerine. They all have impeccable style and, when the day arrived, they looked simply stunning! Their dresses were all designed by the incredible designer, Bianca Warren.
Please share any other special details that added to the magic of your day?
There were so many special moments. One I will never forget was when my husband serenaded me on the dance floor to ‘Bed of Roses’ by Bon Jovi (this was definitely not planned!). Also, as the guests were seated in the reception area, the ‘tequila song’ played while waiters served everyone tequila shots. This undoubtedly set the tone for the amazing celebrations that lay ahead! Although we had hoped for a sunny day, the rain and mist of the Midlands worked wonders in creating a magical dream-like setting for our wedding. We had a photo booth and, as the celebrations gathered steam, the photos became so much more fun! What made ours so memorable was that we were able to make use of the exquisite flower arch as a backdrop to all the revelry!
Please share some of the details of your perfect day
Venue: Haycroft Farm
Food: Hamblins Catering
Groom and groomsmen outfits: Eurosuit Umhlanga
Brides gown: Julia Ferrandi
Bridesmaids dresses: Bianca Warren
Hair & Makeup: Volenti Laurentina and Juliet Martin (Nixon)
Flowers: Fresh flowers on Florida – Gabriela McKenzie and Jane Allison
Music: Steven Heyns (The Wedding DJ) and musician James Freedom
Photographer: Wilma Towell Photography
