Happy Valentines Day

There is an art to the act of giving - roses, a box of chocolates or a handmade card creatively cladded in red .... of course, there is just no other way to go when it's the 14th of Febuary!

So, in the spirit of love, we celebrate the day with all those hopeless romantics, just remeber to celebrate it for the right reasons... even if you are not Cupid's biggest fan, we hope you're encouraged to bestow kind acts of emotion, love and gratitude towards all your loved ones!

Turn your wedding inside out by bringing the outside in…

Living in Dubai, Sheena Lee and Adrian's wedding was an intimate celebration with only the closest family and friends attending. They were eager to take advantage of South Africa’s scenic mountains, vineyards and surroundings as a backdrop and so it came as no surprise that the ceremony and reception was to be held outside at Franschhoek Country House and Villa’s. The look and feel of the occasion was to be natural, fresh and simple. We incorporated soft sage green “mock-silk” table linen to add more greenery and elegance to the surroundings and informally arranged the tables with alternating cream and pottery containers which were filled with a selection of “garden” flowers like lavender, white roses, lisianthus and some dodder. Three thumbs up Sheena Lee for going green! Pictures taken by Kate from Storybook Photography.

New beginnings...

No doubt that with the New Year we all have the urge to turn a new page and begin afresh with a list of resolutions. If you are planning your wedding during this time, you will most probably be searching for new and inspiring ideas, so once you have identified your desired theme & style, try to think out of the box to incorporate these elements in the smaller detail as well.

Strings of ribbon in your colour scheme can be a striking alternative for fairy lights and a post card for each guest rather than a guest book, adds a personal touch. Traditional name cards can be replaced with a personalized broach which guests can wear during the evening and it surely eases the effort of remembering everyone’s name. Why not make a stop at tin town and devise their creations into an interesting boutonnière or corsage? Titivate with chilli’s or treats and a tea cup can make a beautiful container for delicate flowers.

The sky is the limit once you start to unleash your mind… so see where takes you

and make sure you have fun along the way.

(Credits: Jean Pierre Uys and Eric Uys)

Match making...

When you decide to get married it’s important to personalize this special affair so that your guests experience a reflection of your own unique interests, personality and the specific characteristics that tell you apart from any other couple. It needs to be seen, sensed and tasted in every intricate part, from your gorgeous gown and décor pieces, right down to every canapé and cup cake.

Classical, minimalist, bold and whimsical, we’ve seen it all, but today we mix together 4 very different weddings and challenge you to the task of pairing up each distinctive boutonnière with its matching wedding cake or dessert and décor piece.

Photographs taken by Jeanne Pierre Uys, Joe Dreyer and Annelize Langeveldt
Cakes created by Kanya Hunt & Wades Cakes Ice sculpture done by Amri
Wedding coordinated by Karla Oettler from Absolute Weddings

Glamour in glass...

With any outdoor wedding, you’re likely to expect a massive, white Bedouin or Moroccan tent; however Eleanor and Lee had something different in mind when they decided to get married at Dock House Boutique Hotel, opposite the renowned V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

With fewer than 40 guests the emphasis was on close family and friends celebrating the day in luxuriant contemporary style and comfort. The reception was held in an impressive glass house with striking crystal chandeliers and a long table running down the middle. Several tall, glass vases were placed on top of light boxes and filled with a luscious arrangement of crisp, white roses which helped carry the theme through beautifully.

Karla Oettler from Absolute Weddings co-ordinated the wedding and Ryan Graham was the official photographer. To see more stunning pictures of their wedding... click here!