Real Wedding at Delsma Farm {Anelle & Dirk’s SWAN WEDDING} Part 1

I once had a boyfriend who woke me up on my birthday with champagne for breakfast, a very generous Harrods voucher, and the promise of a day of shoe shopping. That was pretty exciting. I kind of feel the same today, because I’ve been anticipating this wedding (along with many of you) for so long! Today I can finally reveal in all its splendour the wedding of our real life bride, Anelle Mostert of Seven Swans, who kept us wrapped up in her planning process and inspiration for much of last year without ever giving away too many of her wedding secrets (you can read the full series here). When Anelle and I first came up with the idea of Real Life Bride (Swan Wedding), I had no idea just how much enthusiasm and effort she would put into her posts, or that she would become a dear friend. And you guys, she made THE. most. beautiful. bride. She and her handsome husband, Dirk, look like a pair of rockstars and I am just blown away by all of the amazing details as you’ll see from their pictures. And oh, the pictures. Not only is this one of my favourite weddings ever, not only am I thrilled to bring you the big reveal, but I also get to feature images from the absolutely incredible welovepictures (happy dance!). Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you know Travis and Maike are big news in wedding photography (not just in South Africa) and they have knocked this one for a six. Seriously, I could go on and on, because their collective eye is just BEYOND… and more than that, sheer joy just shines out from their pictures. But I’m pretty sure they must be getting bored of hearing how amazing they are. It’s kind of a given at this point. So I’ll cut through the luvviness and just say wowthesepicsarestunning, and thank you so much Travis and Maike! Ok, here we go. (The post is in two parts with a FULL breakdown by Anelle, based loosely around the categories of her previous posts) so make sure to check back after lunch for LOTS more!

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Inspiration Board: Valentine Red

Happy V-Day, readers! This is going to sound weird, but Valentine’s Day always makes me think of my dad. When I was little, he made my mom and I gorgeous (and witty) homemade cards, and always signed them from a secret admirer. So no matter what, I always had a valentine from somebody and knew that I was loved. And the great thing is, even once I grew up (and moved overseas), my Dad hasn’t stopped. Every year, I know I’m going to get some kind of valentine from my ‘secret admirer’ and it always gives me such a big smile to receive them. (Thanks, Dad! Love you!) So, whatever you’re doing this Valentine’s Day, I hope you have a special time celebrating the love in your life, in all its different forms.

Here’s a fun little board to set the mood inspired by Rob Ryan, who is just my favourite favourite (also note the gorgeous bridalwear from new Anthropologie label BHLDN which launches today). And here we’re celebrating the holiday with an awesome giveaway from Little Pink Book! Check in later to enter!

Colours: Cherry red and white

Top row (l-r): Rob Ryan artwork: We Had Everything; cherry butter; red ruffle shoes
Row 2: Hanging tin heart
Row 3: Grosgrain ribbon; heart-shaped red velvet cake; BHLDN dress; champagne with cherry garnish.

Real Wedding at Schaftplaas {Liana & Toy}

A while back I remember coming across a wedding online where, during the reception, one of the groomsmen proposed to one of the bridesmaids. Cute, right? But I remember thinking how if you were going to do that, you would have to be part of a group of friends who would be so excited for you that they wouldn’t feel you were upstaging the bride and groom, simply making the whole night even more special for everyone. It wasn’t until I was putting this post together that I realised Liana and Toy were that couple! And now I can see exactly why the proposal was perfect for them – they are clearly warm and down to earth folks, and like nothing better than chilling out with the people they love. And the great thing is, that’s EXACTLY what their wedding was all about. Forget trends and trappings, this is one wedding that was totally original, because it was designed completely around who the bride and groom really are. From their outfits to the ultimate rustic venue (Schaftplaas), to the proudly South African touches like tin cups and malva pudding for dessert. From the horse cart and hay ride arrivals, to the barbed wire table decorations, to the barn dance festivities and the dogs hanging out like they were just another guest. It all looks like so much FUN! And if you weren’t already convinced that personalised weddings are the Way To Go, then welcome to your conversion. Liana and Toy – you guys rock. Thank you so much for sharing your day with us! And another great big thank you to photographer Annemari Ruthven, who is as talented as she is lovely and took these gorgeous pictures. I’m so excited to have her on the blog again!

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Inspiration Board: Cherries & Gingham

It’s miserable weather in London at the moment and summer seems a very long way away, but only 3 weeks until I get to fly back to Cape Town and enjoy some South African sunshine (the best kind!). So I thought it was time for some cheerful, summery inspiration. I’m a great lover of cherries, which have been popping up (like other fruit) in a few weddings recently, and I think they go perfectly with pretty black and white gingham print. Add a bit of hay and burlap, and you have the perfect rustic combination!

Colours: Red, black, white and beige

Top row (l-r): Cherry punnets & white flower; wedding dress; lantern; gingham ribbon; cherry favours
Row 2: Cherry pie; gingham napkin; tulips; vintage truck
Row 3: Table number; cherries with flowers; red barn; wedding cake; wooden sign.

Real Wedding at the Steenberg Hotel {Irene & Hans Joachim}

Oh, I do love me a winter wedding! I don’t see nearly as many as I’d like to coming out of South Africa. And yes, I know the Cape is spectacular in the summer, and many of you want an outdoor ceremony and reception, but if you’re just setting out in the planning process it’s worth considering the winter months, as they have their own very special beauty. Today’s wedding is a perfect example of that for me – an elegant couple, rich jewelley colours, and one of my favourite ever bride’s outfits. You have to love a girl who gets married in red boots! Photographs are by the ever wonderful Nikki Meyer – every wedding she photographs is serious eye candy, so make sure you head over to her blog (and make yourself a cup of coffee before you do, because you’ll be there a while!). Big thanks to Nikki and of course to Irene and Hans – congratulations again, you two!Read More