South African Beach Wedding
There are really no words to describe the feeling we get when we come across a wedding that’s so stunningly personal and… perfect. Kobus and Lynette’s wedding, shot by welovepictures, is one of those weddings, beyond a doubt. I mean really, how could a wedding ceremony on the beaches of South Africa be anything but perfect?
From the bride, Lynette: We envisaged a relaxed and fun filled festival celebrating first and foremost our love and commitment to one another in the presence of God, our family and friends. When Kobus and I went venue hunting we fell in love with the simplicity and honesty that the “Strandkombuis” venue reflected. We immediately knew that all we wanted for our wedding could be achieved here.
We used bunting, beach games, signage, fairy lights, candles in jam jars and beautiful table stationery to help create the fair/festival feel. To help everyone to get into the festive spirit we used our favourite drink – tequila – as welcoming drinks! The colourful bunting spanned around the tented roof created a joyous expectation and a welcome entrance to the more earthy beachwashed-wood interior of the venue.
The theme for the wedding was “Kaapse Liefdesfees” (The Cape Festival of Love) as the wedding was being held in the Cape. The color scheme represented the immediate surroundings each in a special way: teal = fynbos flowers, brown= earth, red = love & blue = sea.
Most of our decorating was handmade. DIY projects such as table runners and the flowers were arranged in 9 canned fruit jars piled in old coke cola crates per table. Each guest name was then stitched to their napkin with a funky material button. Driftwood and candles in canned fruit bottles completed the décor which subtly enhanced the basic character of “Strandkombuis.” Each guest also received a CD that we compiled of our favorite love songs along with a printed material pouch of farm coffee.
View all images from this wedding HERE
Wedding Music:
Wedding song for ceremony: Suikerbossie – Traditional Afrikaans song
Reception Entrance: “I’m Gonna Be (500 miles),” The Proclaimers
First Dance: “Book of Love,” Peter Gabriel
Father/Daughter Dance: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” Jason Castro
Wedding Vendors (Yzerfontein, Western Cape, South Africa):
Wedding Venue: Strandkombuis / Wedding Photographer: welovepictures / Wedding Dress and Bridesmaids’ Dress: House of Fashion / Wedding Shoes: Trenery / Groom’s Suit: Hilton Weiner / Groom’s Shoes: Hugo Boss / DJ: Cape DJs / Wedding Cake: Nelle Cakes / Wedding Invitations: Seven Swans
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Long Beach School-Themed Wedding
We can’t help but fall in love with this school-themed wedding shot by California photographer Candice Benjamin and coordinated by Katie of Intertwined Events. Jenna and Matt have known each other since their elementary school days, so they infused the theme into their wedding day many moons later. One of our favorite details of the day — the couple used cootie catchers as wedding programs!
From the bride, Jenna: Matt and I originally wanted a winter snowy wedding in the mountains but after careful thought with elderly grandparents we didn’t think it would be the best idea to have a destination wedding. My Mom told me about the Chapel and the second we saw it we knew this was everything we wanted (minus the snow). We felt like we were standing in the middle of the mountains. The floor to ceiling glass windows are breathtaking with the redwood trees. Its like the outdoors our inside.
The reception venue wasn’t as important detail to our wedding as other things. Matt and I knew we wanted to spend our money on the details that went into our wedding and needed a space that complimented our theme. When we saw The Reef we instantly connected with the garden room. It reminded us of a living room. Since our wedding was under 100 people we loved the idea that it gave us the warm and cozy feeling we were looking for.
Love their ceremony programs printed on graph paper! You can download a template for your DIY cootie catcher template here.
Any advice for future brides planning their weddings? Really put thought into all the details of your wedding. You may not think they are important but in the long run when you look back at your wedding through photos you will see they played a big part in bringing your wedding together. Make sure you are including details of your wedding that represent you as a couple. And definitely take the time with each other at the wedding to take a step back and soak in the your day, even if its for just for a few minutes.
View all images from this wedding in the gallery
From the photographer: Candice: Jenna and Matt met in elementary school, and while their love story did not start there, it inspired their adorable wedding! Jenna and Matt’s wedding ceremony was held at the Wayfarers Chapel; the almost entirely glass structure is stunning and overlooks the ocean cliffs of Palos Verdes! Guests loved their unique cootie-catcher ceremony programs! The reception was then moved to The Reef Restaurant in beautiful Long Beach. During the cocktail hour, guests were able to sign the ‘guest book’ a large canvas where guest could place their fingerprint to create leaves on a tree, find their grade (AKA tables) on pencils, enjoy the courtyard with adorable school bus florals from Tustin Florist Floral Designs, and visit with a silhouette artist!
Wedding Music:
Prelude: “Cannon in D Major” by Pachelbel – piano version
“The Ludlows” from Soundtrack Legends of the Fall – piano version
Processional: “Love Theme” from Soundtrack Romeo and Juliet – piano version
Bridal Walk: “Marry Me” by Train – piano version
Rose Ceremony “Marry Me” by Train – piano version
Recessional: “Everything,” Michael Buble – piano version
Wedding Vendors (Long Beach, CA):
Ceremony Venue: Wayfarer’s Chapel / Reception Venue: The Reef Restaurant / Wedding Photographer: Candice Benjamin / Event Stylist: Intertwined Events / Wedding Dress: Saison Blanch Boutique / Wedding Shoes: Vince Camuto / Garter Belt: Garter Lady / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale / Wedding Flowers: Tustin Flowers / Wedding Cake: Rossmoor Bakery / DJ: Andy Nation / Videographer: Click 54 / Vintage Rentals: Archive Vintage Rentals / Chairs and Linens: Baker Party Rentals / Transportation: White Rose Limo
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Weddings in Kissimmee
Whether you are a Florida native, or simply think that the idea of a lakeside destination wedding sounds dreamy, Kissimmee might just be the perfect place for you to say “I Do”. Our sponsor, The Kissimmee Convention & Visitors Bureau, is offering a promotion worth up to $1000 for couples who book their wedding venue through them. Kissimmee, has many inviting and unique locations for your Central Florida wedding – from quaint chapels to impressive resorts, manicured golf courses to lake-front parks, or under a canopy of 100-year-old Oak trees. Whether your style is sophisticated romance or intimate and laidback, they have the right place for you.
Not only can you save $1000 on wedding expenses, but the Kissimmee Convention & Visitors Bureau will also provide free planning assistance to connect you with all of the professional services and beautiful, unique venues that Osceola County has to offer. How fun would it be to have your e-sesh with a hot air balloon ride?
Visit WeddingsInKissimmee.com to enter for a chance to receive this massive discount of $1000 off of your wedding!
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The Luminous Portrait by Elizabeth Messina
Elizabeth Messina, whose work you’ve came to love can now be devoured in a hardcover book, available for ordering here at Amazon or here at Barnes and Noble. This is a must-have just not for photographers, but a great source of inspiration for any creative professional.
You may remember these images she took for our Shop?
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