Today’s wedding is especially for all you city dwellers. As much as I love the countryside there is something really, really cool about getting married in the heart of the city. And it is even cooler if you can say your vows, like Winessa & Bonzet did, surrounded by art galleries and artist studios.
The two got married at Arts on Main, in Johannesburg’s east side, and we are loving the industrial studio vibe of the space. But we also love how they softened the look with a dash of vintage. Oh, and Winessa totally pulled off that carnation bouquet. Simply gorgoeus. The team from Creative Emporium was behind the lens.
Tell us your love story.
We met in 2005 while studying at University in Potchefstroom. Both of us where out with friends in Bourbon Street and we just started talking. I thought his name was Monzet, even had his number saved on my phone under Monzet. We started off as friends, but I knew there was more. Bonzet’s plan was to finish his degree and return to London to teach. But his plans didn’t work out that way, like his friends said: “Bona was in love!” The rest is history!
So how did he pop the question?
We just bought a house, and I was under the impression that there was no money for diamantes. On 27 September, a random Tuesday night, Bonzet asked me to pick up friends from the airport (they were in on it). I arranged to pick them up from the Gautrain station. On our way home they asked if we can stop for a drink. While enjoying drinks with them, Bonzet kept on calling, asking when I am coming home. Our friends suggested that I go home because they still have to get their car from a friend. When I arrived home, I walked through the house to the back garden and there he was. Surrounded by candles and Ben Harper playing in the background – he proposed.
What was the highlight of your wedding day ?
When I saw Bonzet at the end of the aisle – I will never forget the expression on his face…
Any advice for brides-to-be ?
Don’t ever let bridezilla come out! Don’t leave anything for the last minute for the day of the wedding. This is the day you need to relax and enjoy yourself. You don’t have to do everything according to the books – break some rules and be unique!
Where did you get most of your ideas and inspiration from?
The Pretty Blog of course!
What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome while organising your dream wedding?
Because of financial reasons I had to cancel the ghost Perspex chairs I wanted to hire. I called the venue to organise chairs for the reception and they informed me that they won’t have enough seating for all the guests – that was a week before the wedding! I freaked out! Bonzet took everything in his own hands and organised that we use the outside benches of the Canteen and he even borrowed chairs from the school.
Any time saving or organising tips?
First decide on a date, then book the venue, the photographer and then get the dress. The rest is easy and should take too much of your time. Make a check list of everything you need to do and buy, and tick it off as you go. Try to tick off at least one thing a day!
Any hints for other brides on how to keep your wedding budget friendly?
Try to do as much as possible by yourself. There is no need for a wedding coordinator – it cost a lot of money and you can do most things they can do! Do not over do your wedding – less is more! It is a common misconception that the more money you spend the more stylish your wedding will be. If we had to tell people how little the wedding costs us they won’t believe it! Keep it simple. Don’t spend money on unnecessary things that no one will even notice. Buy instead of hire – I bought all the bottles from Consol’s factory store instead of hiring vases.
What song did you choose for your opening dance and why?
“This year’s love” by David Gray. It’s been “our song” forever.
Were any of your family members or friends involved in the wedding and what were their contributions?
Everybody helped. My bridesmaids and I did the decor and my mother and aunts arranged the flowers. My cousin did my hair and own of my bridesmaids was my photographer.
Did your wedding preparations include any DIY projects ?
All of my preparations were DIY. The consol bottles with lace and flowers, die doily bunting, the table runners, the doily confetti holders, everything.
What are you looking forward to now that you are married ?
What’s next for you as a couple? Finishing our DIY projects at home and travelling!
Service Providers
- Bridal Accessories: Bluff by Mariq,
- Bridesmaid Dresses: YDE,
- Cake: My sister Nelmari,
- Wedding Dress: Eloise Naude from Beloved Designs ,
- Florist: My Mother and Aunts,
- Catering: Canteen at Arts on Main,
- Make-up: Eloise McCord from Papilio Elegance ,
- Photographer: Creative Emporium ,
- Second Shooter: Jean Pierre De Villiers,
- Hair: My cousin Corne,
- Shoes: Kenneth Cole,
- Stationery: Creative Emporium,
- Venue: Arts on Main,
Looking for wedding and lifestyle inspiration? Be inspired by our Wedding Photographer Pretoria
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