If I was engaged I would so copy this wedding. I just love their idea of having a whole day to celebrate with friends and family.  Ernst and Christine decided to “split” their wedding day in two. The lovely couple started their big day with a laid-back picnic between the beautiful Franschhoek vineyards. They then said their vows, and celebrated their union with a glamourous old world party.

Christine, a designer, wore two beautiful dresses. One very cute short dress and a long vintage style dress for the reception. The couple had a very hands-on approach to their wedding, including lots of DIY’s. Christine also shares some very sensible advice about DIY’s .

Tell us your love story?

Both of us were playing at a big music event at church (Ernst plays saxophone and I play violin). He says that when he saw me for the first time, he though: “I am going to marry that girl!” When we eventually started a conversation, we couldn’t stop talking. Three weeks later we were dating!

Did you suspect anything before he popped the question?

He took me to Mozambique for a “diving” holiday. On the third day of this holiday he took me to the most beautiful place on the beach: There were coral stairs leading up to an old broken pier from the pre-war period, leading into to the crystal clear azure blue ocean. The sun was setting, and just as we sat down he popped the question. He proposed with a temporary pearl ring, knowing that I would probably want to design my own later.

What was the highlight of your wedding day?

Walking down the aisle knowing that “this is it!” and having confidence in the decision we were making.

Any advice for brides-to-be?

The best advice came from a married friend: Make a point to stop every now and again during the day. Take in what it looks like, sounds like, smells like and feels like. Those are the moments you remember most.

Also, talk to friends who recently got married. We often only think about the bigger elements of planning and don’t realize that those hundred small tasks will hit hard two weeks before the wedding!

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?

I think I should have taken on less DIY projects. We really made everything… from the stationery to the wedding favors. I love projects like those, but it is unnecessary to put so much stress on yourself and on those who help you.

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

The Pretty Blog :) No jokes.

What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome while organizing your dream wedding?

Working till late afternoons, coming home and organizing a wedding until 2am – The same pattern for months on end!

Any time saving or organizing tips?

Try not to change your mind once you’ve decided on something. In other words: Get the process going rather than starting over and over again.

Any hints for other brides on how to keep your wedding budget friendly?

Food is one of your main budget breakers, so try to make the menu not too expensive – you’ll save a LOT. And then, harsh to say but the main way to save is to invite less people.

What song did you choose for your opening dance and why?

“Sh-boom” from The Crew Cuts (1950’s hit!) We forgot to practice our dance, and while we were away for our couple-shoot we only discussed the dance briefly. Luckily my husband is an excellent dancer so it turned out to be a big hit.

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

Our friends and family were VERY involved. The décor, flowers, flags, table runners, wedding cake; men’s braces; and ladies’ gloves were all made by family/friends. My grandma-in-law even cut out all the invites, and it was an intricate pop-up thing! Also, the whole in-law family organized the night-before party (which was massive, another wedding basically!). Friends and family were doing everything on the wedding day, from playing music, putting up chandeliers in trees and packing out chairs.

Did your wedding preparations include any DIY projects?

Almost everything of the wedding were DIY-projects: The invite, wedding dress, festive flags, table runners, all the wedding stationery, ladies’ gloves, men’s braches, wedding cake, and all the décor were either done by myself or family-members or bridesmaids. I lived with my in-law’s during the engagement-period, so they all worked very hard to make the wedding happen, especially my mother-in-law.

What was the “theme” of your wedding, and why?

I have to explain a little more in depth: The night before the wedding we had a huge spitbraai party where I wore my mom’s wedding dress (I changed it a bit, though!) The best way to describe the “theme” of that party is ‘WHIMSICAL BUT VIBEY SUMMER-RELAXATION’. Guests were chilling out underneath a festive tent lit by fairy lights, while my husband’s band from his student-days was performing. The vibe was amazing.

The wedding day was split into two:
Firstly we had a LIVELY, QUIRKY BUT ROMANTIC PICNIC over lunchtime. I wore a short wedding dress and he wore a short “suit” – Even the groomsmen were wearing “short” outfits.
We all got dressed after the picnic, and then we had the ceremony underneath the trees next to a beautiful river.
After that the festive, more formal, OLD WORLD GLAMOUR party started. There were cocktails & photo-booth stands as entertainment, and later we had speeches, dancing, champagne, loads of pudding and crackers & cheese. People confirmed that the whole vibe was different and amazing.

How does your wedding reflect your personalities?

We both rebel a bit against the norm; i.e. the way people do things just because that’s “how it’s done”. As a result our wedding was completely unlike any traditional South African wedding. We simply did whatever we wanted to reflect the freedom, joy, passion and vibe we as couple experience.

What are you looking forward to now that you are married? What’s next for you as a couple?
Stay married forever :) All couples should continuously work on their relationship, and that’s exactly what we’ll do.

Anything else you would like to add?

I don’t think there is any better wedding than your OWN wedding! To all the brides: It’s definitely something to look forward to!

You are a designer. Tell us more about your two wedding dresses.

Being a wedding dress designer, it was a tough choice! My first wedding dress was inspired by Vera Wang. I love her! The second dress was just my dream come true: Layers of different beautiful laces, brooches and jewelery hanging over my back.

Service Providers

Bridal Accessories: Hair jewel: Lilyblue

Bridesmaids dresses: Monsoon

Dress: Christine O’Kennedy

Flowers: Joybells (Mother-of-the-groom) 082 802 1212

Entertainment:  DJ Charlie Brown from club Mercury discjock@mweb.co.za

Hair & Make-up: Helga Bridal

Hiring: To-nett’s

Photographer: Wil Punt

Shoes: (Pumps) Lilyblue

Stationary: DIY with the help of Heleen van Heerden

Save-the-date by Heleen van Heerden

Venue: Holden Manz Wine Estate, Kleingenot Franschhoek