Rudi & Katinka {Wintery Wedding}

Posted on August 23, 2010 by Nicola

I have been waiting to share this gorgeous wedding for a long time. Just a side note -> these picture are not from a workshop or special shoot, these two beautiful people are a real couple!!! I think Katinka is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen, and I just LOVE her whole look. It is so soft and feminine. Her dress is just so gorgeous with its lacy neckline, and I can’t get over the Frida Kahlo-style hairpiece. OK, and the white stockings need special mentioning, because not anyone can pull that off, but they look so cute.

Thanks to Adene Niewoudt form Adene Photography for sharing this beautiful wedding. She had her work cut out for her because it was pouring with rain. But we just love the dramatic effect that the rain and the bare trees give to these picture. To make things even more difficult, they also experienced a power failure, so it made photographing the venue exceptionally tricky. Also check out their wedding video by Vision on Fire.

Katinka says they were prepared for rainy weather, “besides, the rain was like confetti from the heavens and we embraced it that way”.

Tell us your love story?

I saw Rudi the first time in my final year of school. I secretly kept going back to that very spot where I first saw him, hoping to get a glimpse of him. So, after three months of peekaboo, you can imagine my reaction when we locked eyes at a local bar. I flashed a sheepish grin, ok it was more like a thank-my -lucky-stars, ear-to-ear smile. We have been together ever since. We have been through tough times and fun times, crying over skype and giggling over melktert. Heart wrenching distances apart and many many sweet airport embraces. Throughout everything we’ve grown stronger together and more in love (if possible).

How did he propose? (Or in this case, how did you propose?!)

We were on a road trip along the Garden Route camping in a little two man tent. We had a day of not-so-successful canooing and tired limbs. After a hot shower and some braaivleis we turned to a game of scrabble at the fire. And he loved the eight letter combo I had, he said yes and I said YES!!!:) I know it sounds funny, and it wasn’t much of a surprise the day I asked Rudi to marry me. Well – not for him.

What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?

There are many special moments, but most of it soon becomes a hazy dream. One moment along with the feelings that I felt was when I entered the cellar. I tried to keep calm and smile at my family and friends but as soon as I saw Rudi down the aisle in front of the candles my bravado gave way and the tears welled up.

Any advise for brides organising their weddings now?

Try to choose a venue that doesn’t need to much to make it pretty, that way you will save on decor costs. Do your best to see everyone you invited, spend a little time with them. But try to have some time with you new hubby during the evening.

When you wake up the morning of your wedding, anything that isn’t done or in its place has to stay. Now is the time to relax and enjoy every minute of this special day. It really does go by way too quickly. Eat the food you so carefully decided on, you’re going to need the energy. I was blessed with a family who wanted to help and take some responsibility on the day too. Let them. If you can manage to get a live band, do it. Nothing can describe the dimension they bring to the reception.

Is there anything you would have done differently? Any regrets about the day?

No. Everything is just the way we dreamed it. Even with some things that didn’t go our way. You can only prepare for so much, leave room for the mishaps, that way even if someone is late or you have a power shortage, no one freaks out and the tension isn’t so high. Besides it becomes part of your unique wedding story.

Where did you get most of your ideas and inspiration from?

We were engaged for about a year and half before we set a date, so I could dream and think up ideas before the pressure of the date added on www.marthastewartweddings.com was a great source. Magazines and blogs also help tons. Once you decide on the feeling you want to convey the rest pops out as you deal with each section.

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding?

My fiance lived abroad at that time, so I had to do most of the planning. But with an angel like my mom and her great organising skills everything fell into place quickly.

Any time saving or organising tips?

Make lists and more lists. Handle a section at a time. For instance, the flowers: decide what and how you want and complete it to move on to the next section. That way you will feel the pressure get less and less as the big day comes closer.

What song did you choose for your opening dance?

‘That’s all’ originally performed by Nat King Cole. However, we were very privileged to have a friend of the family, Jacques Lagesse, performed it live with the band.

Were any of your family members or friends involved in the wedding and what were their contributions?

I had so many helpers. My dad did all the lighting and sound for the ceremony and reception areas and he took care of the band arrangements. He and Jacques performed a little show during the pre-reception drinks, it was very special. My mom was there with all her organising and support even if I had a bizarre idea, she stood behind me. Thanks mom for standing in the rain to tie those flowers to the lamp poles!!! My brothers and their friends even loaded and unloaded the equipment and brought a special energy to the dance floor :) One of my bridesmaids baked the wedding cupcakes, you could just taste the love that went into them.

Nicola

Owner

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