Today we have another oh so cute wedding by Annemari Ruthven. Elfriede and Abri chose to celebrate their wedding in Buffelsbaai, their favourite place in the world! Buffelsbaai, only a few minute’s drive from Knysna, has special meaning to both Elfriede and Abri. Not only did they spend many summer holidays in this beautiful holiday town, but it’s also where they first met.  Having their wedding in Buffelsbaai made the planning a bit harder. But we think it was worth the extra effort because it looks like they had a wonderful time.

We just love the relaxed feel of this wedding. Oh, and also Elfriede’s dress, well actually her whole look! The lacy dress is so feminine and flowy, and her hairstyle and bouquet compliments it perfectly. She looks a little bit like a forest nymph. So gorgeous.

Tell us your love story?

The year: 2002. The Date: New Year’s Eve. The Location: Buffelsbaai As with most summer holidays the day most teenagers look forward to, is New Year’s Eve. After trying on about 10 different outfits and spending an hour in the bathroom putting on my make-up, my best friend and I are finally ready to celebrate New Years Eve around a big beach bonfire. I’m not sure if it was all the “Love Potion” punch we drank or just love at first sight, but once Abri set his eyes on me it was just sparks flying around us. And here my first summer romance started. Unfortunately a summer holiday needs to end, and so my first romance needed to end as well. I was devastated.

The Year: 2006. The Date: I Can’t quite remember exactly. The Location: Buffelsbaai. During a hot summer’s day, while I was walking on the beach, I heard someone call my name. As I turned around I saw Abri abri standing behind me with a huge smile on his face.  I had butterflies in my stomach. Once again the sparks were flying and another summer romance started. However this time it turned out to be true love.

How did Abri propose?

Abri and I decided to join his family in Buffelsbaai for a long weekend. One afternoon, just before sunset ,we decided to go for a walk around Buffelsbaai. We ended our walk with a walk on the beach. As this was my first visit to the beach, since that December, I just had to put my feet in the water and feel the wet sand between my toes.  But Abri just kept on pulling my hand and said that we had to walk on the dunes. With a lot of hesitation, I finally followed him up to the dunes.

And there, on top of the dune, was a table with lots of candles, a big bunch of flowers, good champagne and sushi. I just knew what was going to happen next. Tears of joy started dripping from my eyes. And of course, I said yes!

What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?

There were a few, actually.  Firstly, when I woke up and realised that it was a beautiful day. I decided to go for a run, just to freshen my mind. While I was jogging, I started reminicing about all our happy memories together. That’s when I started smiling. Secondly, my dad and I decided to walk along the beach towards ceremony. He told me about his wedding day and what a blessed day it was, and he assured me  that mine would be the same. As we walked down the aisle and he gave me away to Abri, both of them had tears in their eyes. That was one of the most emotional moments of the day.

Any advice for brides-to-be?

One word – BIRAL. It’s a herbal calming tablet and a must for all brides. Without that I would probably have been a mess. Remember to eat either a good breakfast or at least something small for lunch as you don’t really get time to eat, not even your dinner! Also remember whatever happens on that day, happens for a reason. So don’t stress about it on the day.

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

In wedding blogs, on the internet. My favourite one was OnceWed. As well as in the Sarie Bruid magazine.

We love your dress!

Two months before our wedding I still didn’t have a wedding dress! I tried on about 200 different dresses, but none of them felt right. As I am a visual person,  I wanted to see the dress on me and not have it made up. My mom and I was walking in Rosebank in Johannesburg looking for envelopes, when we walked pass Abigail Betz’s shop. I saw a dress hanging on a doll and thought”that’s quite pretty”. I tried it on, and I fell in love with the dress. It was perfect. Flowing material, soft and feminine. Perfect for a beach wedding. It was made up with French lace for the top part and silk chiffon for the rest.