When I first saw this wedding photographed by the talented duo of welovepictures, I fell head over heels for their gorgeous + unique reception decor inspired by edible gardens, greenhouses, antique botanical illustrations + the wild flowers of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Simply stunning and pretty perfect for Josi since she is an environmental scientist and growing up in Cape Town she has a deep appreciation for nature. A bit more about the inspiration for their day from Josi:
I have always been fascinated by anything botanical: South African artist Clinton Freedman‘s photography, books like “Fifty Plants that Changed the Course of History”, the vegetable garden at Babylonstoren’s and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town. I am also really passionate about food issues – growing your own food, farmer’s markets and foraging for wild food. I loved the idea of bringing all these things together as an artistic display of botanical beauty. Curly stemmed leek flowers, artichoke flowers, aubergines placed in bell jars, red onion arrangements and branches of pomegranates and new figs. On the napkins at everyone’s place seating we put a rose geranium leaf, which has the most beautiful scent. It reminds me of Cape Town on a sunny day. This is how I wanted to feel on our wedding day.
There were so many special moments! For Jamess it was walking into the marquee. We had finished our photo session and we were waiting next to the vineyard while all the guests were being seated. We had the opportunity to share a laugh with each other and take in the sunset, the fairy lights lighting up the marquee and the anticipation of seeing all our guests as we were presented as husband and wife.
For me it was the wedding ceremony performed by my wonderful aunt Liv, who has been an inspiration to both of us. We wrote the ceremony together over many skype calls and it was the most beautiful experience to say all those words surrounded by family and friends. I also loved listening to the special readings we had chosen for the occasion, having our bridesmaids and groomsmen beside us, sharing a special moment with my mother as she gave me away, seeing the baskets of rosemary, pomegranates and figs in front of us, taking in the mountains and marrying Jamess! I also absolutely loved the dance floor and never left our first dance
Such a gorgeous couple!
I think their reception tent is one of the most gorgeous reception tents I’ve seen! Love all the crisp white with the food decor + flowers!
1. Make the planning process as fun as possible!
2. Make sure you set time aside on the day to enjoy yourself + just have time with your husband or wife.
3. Once you have made a decision, move onto the next one, don't keep revisiting it. Trust your instincts on your choices, only you know what is right for you.
Congrats to Josi + Jamess and thanks so much for sharing your beautiful wedding day with us!
photography: welovepictures // venue name: Vrede en Lust, Franschhoek South Africa // wedding dress: Lace Blossom // hairpiece: Lulu Belle // bride's shoes: BHLDN // bridesmaid dresses: They each chose their own within a range of colours // hair stylist: Cheryl Parker // makeup artist: Cheryl Parker // groom attire: P.Johnson // paper goods: Secret Diary // catering: Vrede en Lust // cake: Kanya Hunt // music: Heather Honeybee // event planner: Yolanda from Vrede en Lust // floral design: Heike at Fleur de Cordeur // cinematography: Peter from Just Shoot Me // invitations: Secret Diary
love the theme!
Thanks for featuring our work GWS, we are super chuffed to see it here. Even though the pictures don’t quite do justice to the immense beauty of The Cape, they do come spectacularly close. Hope everyone enjoys this wedding as much as we did. :)
SUPER cute bridesmaid dresses! Love the idea of the maxi dresses!
I’m so lucky to say I’ve been to a wedding at Vrede en Lust – my husbands cousin was married there a year ago. what a stunning couple and absolutely amazing reception set up. makes me miss SA! cheers!
Botanical it is. The uniqueness really flourished.
You are a stunning couple! Love every moment dealing with you. Were one of the prettiest and most unique weddings I have seen working at Vrede en Lust. xxx
Love all the botanicals. Not sure why, but the first image looks like it was cut and pasted into the background.
Gorgeous wedding! The bride has a killer smile, she lights up all these photos.
Such beautiful people! Such a beautiful event! Very inspiring!
woah,,,,,amazing wedding and lovely plants and flowers
How Gorgeous this wedding is!!!!the theme, the flower, the plants, the people….everything wonderful here!!!http://www.lightupshoe.sale/