We’re starting this week with a bang thanks to our friends at Blackframe Photography who snapped Ian and Anneke’s wedding so creatively. Fashion designer Anneke said “I do” to doctor Ian at the end of last year at Papa’s Real Food Restaurant in Pretoria.

Even though this artsy couple like to do things a little unconventional, they still love all the little traditions behind a wedding. So the two decided to stay clear of  a specific theme. Anneke says instead she was inspired by the colours of a beautiful necklace : ” I chose beautiful colours and let everything fall into place in a nice simplistic way.” Which resulted in an relaxed, eclectic celebrations filled with quirky touches.

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

It all began on the 18th of May 2006 at a birthday party of one of Ian’s friends, I wasn’t actually invited but a mutual friend invited me at the last minute. I immediately recognised him as he was in the boy’s school across the road from my school and I had a little crush on him in high school but never had the guts to introduce myself then. It was a very cold evening so he was very chivalrous by without saying a word, wrapping me with is hoodie; which ‘till this day is known as “the pickup line” We started chatting and immediately hit it off and from that day on we were inseparable, seeing each other every day just made us more and more in love.

Ian proposed to me during the 2010 Soccer World Cup. We had tickets to a game in Port Elizabeth, so we decided to make a little holiday of it. After a picnic on Cape Recife beach I was blinded by an amazingly beautiful ring. That was the single most perfect day in my life and I’m still happy when I think of it!

What were the highlights of your wedding day?

There are so many…. Firstly, I married the most perfect man in the world, my best friend! Then, having all our friends there to share it with us. Our favourite band Fulka, played an amazing acoustic set for us. We had an incredible photographer, André, from Black Frame Photography, which made us feel so comfortable and who really captured our amazing day into photos that will stand the test of time. Three weeks before our wedding (and I know this would sound scary to some) I started working at LUNAR, and they were so kind as to borrow me one of their most amazing dresses. This of course was my little, personal highlight. We decided not to have a conventional cake, so we opted for a frozen yoghurt machine and mix, and we stacked the cups upside down to make a cake, people really enjoyed that and they were able to eat as much as they wanted. And last but not least, my sister and her family were able to be there from Australia, which just made it perfect!

Did anything unexpected happen during your wedding?

Well, what would a wedding be if it was all easy? Our beautiful car, a vintage Continental Mark 5’s battery had to be double jumped before we went to take photos. But we got it started, and we had the most beautiful photos with the car.

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

My colour scheme I got from a necklace I saw and bought with four strands of colours which were soft, etherial and classic. For the rest, I just knew I wanted something very simplistic. I looked at an iphone app, “pinterest” at their “boards” and I have to admit, I always browse The Pretty Blog to get creative ideas.

Any time saving or organising tips?

Your family usually wants to be apart of your special day, let them help. Don’t be to proud to ask, give them chores, ask them advice and trust them! Sometimes it’s a good idea to take a step back and just let it be.

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

We got married at a beautiful restaurant, you know that they have enough cutlery, tables and chairs and they don’t charge you per item. If you know the restaurant, you’ll know their food and you will trust that it would be amazing. I kept it simplistic, there is nothing more beautiful to me, than understated elegance. You don’t have to break the bank to have a good time.

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

We chose, “I want to hold your hand” by The Beatles. We both absolutely love that song, it has the perfect balance of rhythm for an up-beat close dance. And we just like to have fun and not take ourselves too seriously.

Did your wedding preparations include any DIY projects?

I designed, printed and hand made every save the date, invitation, thank you note and even the wrappers that we put around the frozen yogurt cups to make the cake.

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

Well, for our honeymoon he took me to Europe for two weeks. When we got back we had to pack because we had to move from Pretoria and now we live in Port Elizabeth, we’ve gone full circle. Now we are on the beach every day after work and really just enjoying a new city with amazing old and new friends