Hannes & Mari {Perfect Pastels}

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Nicola

I just realised that both this week’s real weddings were held at the same venue, Roodezand in Tulbagh. Well it just goes to show how versatile it is, and how different every couple can use the same space!

The beautiful Mari and “her Hannes” took the trip down the aisle early December last year. She describes their wedding decor as “mix and match” with a country feel. Soft garden roses also served as a source of inspiration. We’re loving the elegant, feminine feel of Hannes and Mari’s big day. Also the pretty pastel colour scheme that gives the decor that playful feel. We are in awe of the beautiful flowers, and Mari’s bouquet is simply a floral dream. Catherine Mac was behind the lens.

Tell us your love story? How did you meet and fall in love.

I met Hannes through my best friend from University. I noticed him because by that time I was friends with all of his friends from school. Even though we both noticed each other it took quite a while before we eventually spoke. After that he pursued me for 1 whole year (yes what a lucky girl I am). I wasn’t ready for a relationship but eventually I gave in and oh, I am so glad I did. We were together for 8 years before we got engaged so we know each other inside out and have stayed together through thick and thin (including a 1 year long distance relationship with me being in London and him in Paarl.

So how did he pop the question?

It was on Valentine’s Day, but I am such an inquisitive person he did not stand a chance to do anything nice for me without me suspecting something. So the safest day was on Valentine’s day. He surprised me at my office after he arranged with my boss to steel me for the day. He made a booking for us on a guest farm in the mountains between Franschoek and Simondium. We went for a long lunch and upon our return to our room a masseuse was waiting to give us private massage overlooking the mountains. After Dinner that evening on our way back to the cottage he went down on one knee in the garden. I have to say I was blown away because I did not think it will happen on Valentine’s Day so he definitely caught me by surprise.

What was the highlight of your wedding day?

My highlight was definitely when I walked down the aisle and saw Hannes, I wanted to run to him.

Any advice for brides-to-be?

Try to arrange a food tasting, before deciding on the final menu. Try and delegate more, I know it is sometimes hard, but really try and make use of offered help. Oh, and if you do your own flowers and have to order it yourself, make sure that it will be open the day of your wedding. Sometimes they need to order them a few days in advance to open up

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

Try not to work too hard especially a few days before your wedding. I was totally chilled on my wedding day but was pretty tired near the end.

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

I am not really sure. One of my friends sent me a picture of a bouquet and a lot of my flower inspiration came from there. The rest was really by sourcing props, I would stumble across something, wedding websites and off course the Pretty Blog.

Any time saving or organising tips?

Don’t sweat the small stuff, at the end of the day nobody will notice if something is missing except you. Compile an itinerary listing what needs to be done and use checklists, especially for what to pack. I forgot a few things at home.

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

I was very lucky in the sense that I have very creative friends and family. One of my friends, Erika designed my wedding invites. Try to rather deliver the invites when you see your friends and family, it saves on postage. My sister and one of my bridesmaids, Stefeni, did my flowers for my wedding which saved a lot of money. They both are florists, but both lives overseas, so Marle and I did the mock-up before the wedding. If you are going to provide wine for your guests, try to find a venue where you can supply your own wine. Venues tend to charge a lot for their wine. Try and look for your wedding shoes as soon as you have time. There is no need to buy the most expensive shoes as you will probably never wear them again and remember it needs to be comfy.

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

Somebody Loved by The Weepies. I just totally fell in love with the song the first time a heard it and I think it is very much Hannes and I. We did not want one of the typical first dance songs.

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

Yes, our whole family and bridal part was involvedand, lucky us, we have got a very handy family and friends. My entire wedding was basically a DIY wedding. I did almost everything myself, from sourcing vases, napkins, white carpet, flowers, everything.That is the best way to save money! My mother made 60meters of the most beautiful bunting and some of the dessert as well. Hannes’ mother helped make a lot of my décor stuff. The gift to our guests was a little black board with a magnet which you can put on your fridge. My father cut and painted it for me and Imandi and Elzaan helped us with the ribbons. Two of my friends helped us with the rest of the photography on the day as well. Nicola Bester shot the groom and groomsmen and Minette de Villiers shot the guests and pre-drinks.

How does your wedding reflect your personalities?

The wedding was very Mari. Everything fitted in perfectly with my personality. I love pastel colours and roses. The venue had a very Mediterranean feel which I absolutely loved. It brought back a lot of good memories from our European tour a couple of years ago.

What are you looking forward to now that you are married?

I look forward to us setting up our little nest and actually getting to see each other every day. And definitely waking up every morning next to my Hannes