I got to be a bridesmaid in November last year (my first time believe it or not!).  I was absolutely thrilled to be a part of my dear friends, Stephan and Nikki’s wedding, and today I would like to share their big day with you. Now before you jump to conclusions, I just have to make one thing clear: I’m not sharing this wedding just because they are my friends! ;)  I want to share Stephan and Nikki’s big day with you because there are so many wonderful details and quirky touches to this celebration and I’m sure if you’re planning an informal or colourful celebration, you’ll be inspired by this real post.

Some of my favourite elements were the paper placemats. They looked so pretty! And also the books they had on the tables where guests could write them a message. Everything looked so bright and festive, with long tables,  beautiful flowers and wooden chairs. You can’t go wrong!

The reception was held at Opstal in Rawsonville. I was in awe of this little town. We had driven past the Rawsonville turn-off  a gazillion times, but I have never been there before. The view of the mountains from Opstal is simply majestic, and made the perfect backdrop for Stephan and Nikki to say their vows. Wesley Vorster was there to document the big day.

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

This was a pre-arranged marriage. Our parents are old friends, so we’ve known each other from a young age. We all share a love for hiking and I remember going on my fist hike in standard 6, and we were descending a steep mountain with loose rocks, and this crazy dude came RUNNING down the mountain past everybody- I remember thinking “That is so irresponsible, I would never run down a mountain like that!” The years passed and I joined his family for a hike again in my 3rd year of studies. Stephan was very charming and such a gentleman throughout the hike. I think I fell in love when he made me change my socks to avoid getting blisters after I stepped into a big puddle of mud :0)

So how did he pop the question?

I had recently moved into cottage on a farm and discovered this awesome dam on the farm. February in the Boland is usually pretty hot so we went swimming in the dam quite often. It was my newest favourite place. So one Saturday morning in Feb we were in town running some errands and Stephan was very persistent to go swimming. I went along merrily and he bought this tiny little blow up boat in which I couldn’t fit in? While I floated on the flip side of this mini boat Stephan swam up to me (with the ring in his hand!) and proposed – right there in the middle of the dam! He popped the ring on my finger so quickly in fear of losing it in the dam! After the shock finally set in we had a wonderful picnic under an oak tree in the vineyards next to our new “proposal-dam” . It was so us- unpretentious- I was wearing my oldest bikini and slops.

What were the highlights of your wedding day?

So many highlights! Having a braai the Friday eve with family and friends- everybody was in such a festive mood! Having champers in the Jacuzzi with my girls before getting dressed. Walking down the aisle with my dad, thinking “WOW Nikki, it’s your turn to be the bride!” . Seeing Stephan’s beautiful face knowing that at the end of this day I’m going to be his wife! Seeing everybody we know and care for in the same space and everyone is having a jol! So many smile’s, so much love :0) Lastly dancing with Stephan at the end of the night on Dirty Dancing’s ‘time of your life” :0)

 Any advice for brides-to-be?

Things will go wrong, but accept it and try not to make a big fuss about it- rather save your energy in coming up with a quick plan B. Try to write down all the special moments in the build up to the wedding. It really is the most awesome time of your life.

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

I wouldn’t have the bridesmaids dresses made! Buying dresses is much less stress. Other than that- everything was perfect!

Did anything unexpected happen?

Yes…. My favourite car is a red Land Rover. Early in the planning my mom organised the most perfect red Landy from one of her clients. We still joked saying we should organise a back up car for in case (since Landies have a reputation of breaking down)! I was so excited – driving with all my bridesmaids in my dream car. At the last minute it turned out the Landy broke and couldn’t be used. I was bummed for about 30 seconds and then I couldn’t be bothered if we drove to the church with my Polo – I just wanted to get married.

Any time saving or organising tips?

Google Docs was awesome – I could open our spreadsheet anywhere! And delegate, delegate, delegate. People want to help so let go and give over!

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

“I’m Yours” from Jason Mraz. We just liked the quirkiness of the song!

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

Well…my mom turned out to be the most awesome wedding planner ever! She practically did everything- as I was stuck in an open plan office and couldn’t make calls whole day. Both our parents were involved in logistical arrangements. My darling sister is studying hairdressing so she did all the bridesmaids hair which was awesome. My sister-in-law helped with pre-drinks before the church service and it was great! She’s is also a jeweller and made our stunning wedding rings. A friend of my parents is a videographer and offered to do our wedding video free of charge (what a blessing!) Dorine, an old friend from res did all our awesome stationary and was a superstar in putting everything up at the venue. We also have very talented musical friends, Nicoline, Cobus and Mari that did the music at the church service. And then also my bridesmaids were with me every step of the way! People in my life were really such blessing throughout everything!

Did your wedding preparations include any DIY projects?

Not much DIY. But (in some stupid moment) I decided I wanted these streamer things I saw on Pinterest hanging from the roof of the bedouin tent. I bought meters  of material that had to be cut into strips (880 strips in total!) ….all my friends helped with the cutting. Turned out the material frayed and we had to burn each side with a candle! It drove us all insane! Friends, family everybody helped! In the end it didn’t look as fabulous as I imagined it – but we worked so hard we had to put it up :)

 How does your wedding reflect your personalities?

We just wanted a relaxed wedding feast with lots of laughter. I think the colourful theme and the quirky elements fit our personalities and resembled our relationship.

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

Lots of adventures!