The Karoo can be a hot, dry and desolate place but it has it’s own charm and beauty. The Viviers family farm in Beaufort-West was the perfect place for Louise and Henno to celebrate their Wedding.  Organising a wedding in the Karoo had it challenges, but Louise and Henno got their whole family involved to make their wedding day dreams come true. 200 Guests proved to be loyal friends when they made  the journey to this destination wedding with a difference.

Even though the bride looks breathtakingly beautiful, I also love the shots of the groom getting dressed. That bookshelf is such a cool backdrop. Well done Nikki Meyer with all the beautiful images.

Tell us your love story? When and where did you first meet?

It all started with the new freedom that has dawned upon us, 1st year at the University of Stellenbosch! (…didn’t it all start there!?) =) Not interested in locking up my heart with this one boy for forever, it was the season of love, spring was in the air and with this it was kleinser season (this is where a group of girls in each residence compete for the famous title of a cappella singing trophy.. and a few boy’s hearts of course). I was a Minerva resident and Henno was around the corner in Majuba. One of our winning songs was that of a jazzed up version of Summer Time. As it consisted of the following routine; you flirtatiously lock eyes, you smile shyly, challenging each one with a stare down while rocking slowly to the rhythm of the music and by the end of the song this boy you locked eyes with should remember you for the rest of his University career. Little did I know that I would remember him, with black curly hair and green eyes for the rest of MY university career…Let alone life! He locked my heart down right then and there!

Please describe the proposal.

I pretty much knew this one was coming some or other time. We have been dating for 4 years and the farm has been such a big part of our relationship that there was no other place we would have wanted to get married. Knowing this was going to take some planning I knew he had asked my parents way in advance. So as the clock ticked, we planned the ring together and coming December 2009 I knew the ring has been finished for a while! And another love we share is December holidays in Stilbaai. So when he said lets go take a walk along the beach (and NOT take his fishing gear with him – he and his gear is inseparable when we are at the beach) I pretty much knew…Or I prefer to think I had it figured out! So we took the walk along the beach…And he went down on one knee…and OF COURSE, I would LOVE to spend the rest of my life with you silly!

What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?

Everything I say will sound like this cliché, but I did not see myself as the typical bride loving discussions over flowers and THE dress and the colour theme etc. Also not being a real emotional person at all, I didn’t think I would need that Kleenex hidden in the bouquet, but when my father walked me down the aisle, and I saw Henno (he is the softy between the two of us) for the first time, his facial expression of true love and joy, I could NOT stop the tears. Needless to say, neither could he. =)

Any advice for brides-to-be?

You will come across millions of ideas you like, millions of themes and colours and dresses and flower and décor ideas. All of which WILL be pretty, believe me! Decide on one and move on. (Full stop) There is just too many things that you will need to decide on and if you ponder on each thing for a week it is simply too long and will only confuse you and waste precious time!

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

Real weddings! I spent hours in front of the computer browsing all the possible blogs there is, combining ideas. Magazines were also a great help!

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

Getting everything to the farm! Especially the things that were fragile, for e.g. the crystal glasses and crystal chandeliers, they had to travel a 8 km bumpy gravel road..But thank goodness for bubble wrap! We had to take EVERYTHING TO the venue, from Cape Town, George and Mossel Bay. My parents revamped the shed into a wedding venue and I have to thank them. They made the most beautiful origan wooden tables and chairs especially for the day!

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

Was there anybody that wasn’t involved? Henno’s dad (my new Father in law) is a reverend, and led the ceremony. This all contributed to making the church ceremony so much more special. From my aunts and cousins that made all the scatter cushions for the ottomans (which my dad also made for the venue) to the cake and caterers (which were family friends). And last but not the least, my mother, which was the most incredible wedding coordinator!

What personal touches did you include in the wedding in order to make it more personal?

On the farm we produce organic olive oil, olives and biltong which we specially packed and gift wrapped to give to each couple as a gift. This to me was very personal and so much fun to personalise the gifts – with love from Boeteka!

Service Providers:

Venue: Boeteka Game Farm & Wedding Venue

Bridal accessories: Robyn Roberts

Bridesmaids dresses: Jenni Button

Cake: Family friend – Laetitia Ferreira

Church: Dutch Reformed Church Beaufort West

Coordinator: My mother

Flowers: Marius de Vries (from Beaufort West)

Food : Fanie Le Roux (a family friend and caterer)

Photographer: Nikki Meyer

Decor: Huge team effort with Marius de Vries

Dress: Robyn Roberts

Hair and Make-up: Ellma Emmenis

Shoes: Robyn Roberts

Rings: Lady Peculiar

Stationary: Invites – Nikki Meyer, On the day – Marius de Vries