Jacqui & Alan : Beloftebos

A fairytale wedding in a forest setting, twinkling fairy lights everywhere, a handsome groom and a beautiful bride. Alan and Jacqui (Jax) it was so exciting to be part of your special day. All the e-mails back and forth and yes, I know, it was difficult for you Jacqui being in London and not being able to be in control of every aspect of your wedding!

Jacqui had a vision for her wedding day. I met Jacqui twice, whilst on visits to South Africa, and we were able to discuss her table decor and flowers. On the second occasion we visited the wedding site - Beloftebos, situated in Stanford a 2 hours drive from Cape Town. You approach Beloftebos via a dirt road and it takes your breath away when after turning into the gates you suddenly find yourself in an enchanted forest setting. It is so magical - humungous, old trees embracing the venue. I immediately knew that you didn't need a lot of decor. It is not a good idea to try and compete with nature. Beloftebos have dressed the huge trees with fairy and rope lighting which enhance the forest once the sun has set. The reception area is a huge bedouin tent and Jacqui wanted simple but elegant decor. Jax preferred simple flower arrangements, some vases filled with one type of flower inbetween simple mixed arrangements.

Alan & Jacqui had secured Greg Lumley as their photographer and the photographs he took are truly amazing. He captured the romance with superb shots and I especially love the night shots. These are the photographs that will hold memories of such a special day. It is going to be really hard choosing which ones to share with you all.

Alan & Jacqui are a fun couple, always smiling and wow all the melting moment looks they have for eachother leaves no doubt that they are totally in love. During the speeches Jacqui said that Alan made her so happy that her cheeks ached from smiling some days! You are so lucky to have found eachother and may your love story last forever and ever.

A fabulous set of service providers turned dreams into reality. The floaty dress, Anna Georgina by Kobus Dippenaar and bridesmaids dresses made by Miss Friday Clothing were gorgeous but totally upstaged (lol) by the cutest pageboy, Kayden, Alan's nephew. OMW you could rent him out for weddings he is so adorable. Oh yes, a brand new out the box nephew, sleeping in the arms of Jacqui's brother who escourted her up the aisle!!

Bouquets were simple - bunches of gypsophila for the bridesmaids and for the bride we included 5 White Roses. Even though is was only October I managed to source some white hydrangeas from Jhb and used these in arrangements which also included white and pink roses (just a splash of pink), snapdragons, gypsophila, carnations, lisianthus and stunning dendrodium orchids. We added touches of gold by adding some laser cut "mats" and gold t-lite votives to the table decor. Guests at the bridal shower had made macarons and these were placed in glass containers for female guests. I think we managed to get it right - simple, smart, elegant.

Out of town weddings always present more of a challenge as everything required needs to be packed. There is no turning back for forgotten items and I held my breath thinking of all the flowers being on the road, and the last few kilometres on a dirt road, at the back of a truck. All in all I think it was worth it. I loved being part of this wedding. Jax's mom and I had been at school together and this made it even more special for me. Thanks for entrusting your special day to Bright and Beautiful.

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