A gorgeous dress, a breathtaking location and darling details are all in store for you from today’s real wedding. And I can’t think of a more perfect way to end this busy week on The Pretty Blog!  Lukas and his beautiful wife Landi tied the knot on a perfect summers day in Tulbagh. These two nature lovers opted to tie the knot in this sleepy town in the Boland winelands, as they wanted a creative, laid back affair surrounded by a beautiful landscape. And with the help of loved one’s, it was exactly what they got.

Now this is what I call a family wedding, seems like everyone was involved. And Landi is blessed with a bunch of very talented people in her family. Why not use them? Even Landi’s granny was put to work. Her sister Zani and friend Erna, the duo from Lace Blossom, made the gorgeous gown. And Landi’s brother-in-law, the formidable Duwayne Denton, took the stunning pictures.

How did you meet and fall in love?

Lukas and I met 10 years ago in Langebaan through a mutual friend. We had a holiday fling! Lukas is from Ceres and I lived in Cape Town so we only saw each other again, 3 years later, when Lukas moved and studied in Cape Town. We started dating early January 2006 and have been inseparable since! We knew we were meant to be and would marry one day!!

So how did pop the question?

 Lukas teamed up with my sister, Zani and her husband, Du Wayne Denton to plan this secret engagement couple shoot!! Du Wayne’s been asking us for months to do a couple shoot for his portfolio. On the 5th of September 2010, a beautiful spring day, we set off to Grabouw to meet with Du Wayne. He took beautiful pictures of us – long grass with the mountain in the background. We had so much fun!! After a few hours we went to our last location – fresh new blossoming apple orchards! Breathtaking!! Lukas stood behind me while Du Wayne did his thing, then Lukas started to whisper sweet words into my ear….he once again declared his love to me and told me he had a present for me! He handed me a cute black and white box with green ribbon and broccoli (I’m vegetarian and broccoli is my favourite!) printed on the lid. I completely froze with shock and excitement mixed together! He told me I had to open this present. When I saw my gorgeous vintage diamond ring, he asked if I’d please be his wife! I was stunned. He had to repeat the question again, as I have still not answered him! I said yes!! We kissed non-stop and embraced each other. I had no idea Lukas would propose that day, non-the-less at our couple shoot! Our magical moments and emotions captured on film, how great is that!

What were the highlights of your wedding day?

Seeing the love of my life waiting patiently for me. He looked at me with so much love in his eyes, he even shed a few tears for me! It was the happiest time of my day!

Any advice form brides-to-be?

Brides to be should just relax! If something goes wrong, embrace it! Don’t spoil your special day with unnecessary stress – enjoy every moment! Before you know it, your wedding day is over! You can never have it over again!

Looking back would you have done anything differently?

I wish I had eaten dessert! Our mothers made all our favourite cakes that we served for dessert at the reception! 

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

Brainstorming with my mother and sister!! We’re a creative bunch of ladies, we did 90% of the wedding décor, planning and crafts!

Any time saving or organising tips?

 Even if it’s a year in advance, start planning your wedding! If you want to make crafts, start straight away. When it’s done, it’s done! Also use what you have or can make yourself. For instance: we used desert roses from Lukas’s garden as table décor!

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

Try to execute tasks yourself – cut out the middle man! Make wedding tasks & crafts fun, do it with your friends and family! You should also always shop around for best prices! We even did our flowers ourselves!

What song did you choose for your opening dance?

We didn’t have an opening dance. Manouche our gypsy jazz band, played ‘I found my baby’ when we were welcomed at the reception.

Did your wedding include any DIY projects?

 Lukas and his best man made 100 placemats out of wire and chicken wire, that they rusted in pool acid. My bridesmaids, family and myself also got together to do and make crafts! My sister and her partner, Erna who is also a friend of mine, made my wedding dress, bunting and crafts! Du Wayne, my brother in law was our fantastic engagement and wedding photographer! My mother Zetta played a very big roll in planning of our wedding. She surprised us with a poppy seed wedding cake and her ideas were never ending! We also made the brooches that we gave the ladies as a thank you gift. My grandmother even crocheted flowers for it. We made our table pieces, signs, placemats, décor, metres of bunting and many more! The gifts that we gave the men were mini bonsai trees! They were grown 4 months in advance by Russell Smal! They’re so small, can stand on 2 of my fingers – too cute!