MICHELLE & NATE's INTIMATE ELOPEMENT INTO THE WILDERNESS AT THE PET FRIENDLY GUNFLINT LODGE

Michelle & Nate enjoyed an intimate wedding ceremony in the wilderness surrounded by the northwoods, endless vistas into Canada and the effervescent presence of their most treasured guest, a 15 year old Pug named Bea.

 This photograph has a certain romantic 'ring' to it!

 The silence and solitude of the wilderness at the gunflint lodge makes it the perfect elopement wedding destination. (www.gunflint.com)

 Yes, we did it! Congratulations to the new Mr & Mrs in the woods.

 The Gunflint Lodge is a premier Wilderness Vacation lodge and one of the oldest (1927) in Minnesota (www.gunflint.com)

 Cascading canopies of greenery provide privacy and romance all around the wedding accommodation, peaking out the background.

 Wilderness style: Novel transportation up to the wedding venue at the Gunflint Lodge

 Its showtime: Little dog Bea enjoying centre stage during the photo-shoot

Romance is…….Serenading with a smile!

 Sneaking a few moments amidst the towering pine trees high up above the Gunflint Lodge.

 Michelle's wedding gown was the perfect 'sun-kissed' romantic getaway dress, thanks to BHLDN, a one-on-one online wedding styling service (www.bhldn.com)

Who needs a pool when the Canadian bordered lake provides a one mile wide by eight mile long outlet  right in the midst of the Minnesotan Boundary waters (www.bwca.com)

 

 The gunflint lodge is the perfect elopement/honeymoon/romantic getaway, just a short 45mile drive from Grand Marais, the quaint friendly harbor village bursting with creative personalities and natural beauty on Lake Superior (http://www.visitcookcounty.com/communities/grand-marais/)

Cheers to Michelle & Nate and their wonderful new life together. 

S CLUB HEAVEN AS STEPH & SIMON SEAL THE DEAL AMID A LANZERAC LANDSCAPE FULL OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER

BRIDE TO BE….glowing and gorgeous in her elegant wedding gown thanks to Bristol's" very own Anne Harding (www.anneharding.com)

Sporting a Karen Millen handbag(www.karenmillen.com) and heels from Peter Kaiser (www.peterkaiser.co.uk) Steph radiates both style and beauty. 

 Blowhairboutique (www.stellenboschconnect.co.za/blowhairboutique) blew the bride away with her remarkable job of keeping things natural and free-flowing.

 The groom experiencing a few last-minute nervous giggles

Touching moments

S&S tie the knot under a canopy of oak trees and Cape-Dutch architecture. Thanks to banqueting co-ordinator  Che-Rene Oosthuizen for ensuring a 'smooth operation' and attention to detail throughout the proceedings (www.lanzerac.co.za)

Holding on tight to a few magic moments 

 "A photograph is a biography of a moment" - Unknown

 Wedding and engagement rings thanks to Mirinda Both (www.miko.jewels.co.za)

What would a wedding be without a passionate minister and their ability to personalise the experience for everyone.  Big thanks to the lovely ANDRED HAYWARD (www.idoweddings.co.za) for your words of wisdom and light-hearted humour.

Steph and Simon beautified by 300 years of Cape-Dutch architecture looming large in the background

Entranced by these amazing agapanthus 

 Your happiness is contagious 

 Put your hands together for the new Mr & Mrs on the block

 Thanks to Sylvia Strauss (www.eventsplanner.co.za) for her delightful decor and magnificent floral arrangements which boasted a unique blend of hydrangeas and the delicate blooming lisianthus (known to add an antique feel to floral arrangements).

 Steph's two gorgeous 'Ladies in Red' keeping warm in anticipation of the evening entertainment

 AS DUSK DESCENDS...Simon and Steph enjoying the speeches accompanied by exquisite wines and food thanks to Chef Stephen at Lanzerac

LIGHT FANTASTIC… Fairylights add to the fairytale ambience of Simon and Steph's wedding reception at historic Lanzerac

 Simon strutting his stuff with the famous Guguletho Tenors (www.gugstenors.co.za) This self-taught Afro-operatic pop sensation have become a household name in South Africa and are often referred to as "Pavarotti's Children"

 THOSE HIPS DON'T LIE… The James Jollyboys are determined to show the Africans that some white guys have got rhythm too

 BOARDWALK EMPIRE… Simon and his friends staged a stage coup to give their rendition of the Drifters' classic Under the Boardwalk, with able accompaniment from the Gugulethu Tenors.

 Check out this highly impressive naked wedding cake by Beate Strydom from The Birdcage Tea Bar (www.birdcageteabar.wordpress.com/)

Thanks to DJ Conrad Skillicorn (www.soundprint.co.za) for keeping the dance floor humming through the evening

 SHAPE SHIFTERS… Young and old take to the dance floor as the Lanzerac party pack strut their stuff late into the night

DEEP INTO THE NIGHT… 'highly spirited' wedding guests huddle around as they take the party back outside and continue with more cheerful banter

 THE BANHOEK VALLEY….like a piece of heaven has just fallen from the sky.

SETTING THE SCENE…and thanks to Christine Smith at Zorgvliet Wine Estate (www.zorgvlietwines.com) for organizing an excellent mountain braai, accompanied by both delightful wines and service.

 Endless views and vistas of mountains and vineyards alike

 LEAP OF FAITH… Guests show they'd jump at the chance to do it all again when the anniversaries come round. Big thanks to both Merryl and Steve from 51 (www.51oncampsbay.com) for their exceptional "on the ground" organisation and for accommodating so fantastically guests in Camps Bay

 AINT NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH….to keep me from you

BRAVADO OF BESTMAN BURGO…not only best man, but also the best 'photobomber' in town

WINE O' CLOCK

BANQUETS AND BLANKETS… A sunset braai high up on Zorgvliet brings more food, wine and banter to round off the party

 Guests resorting to a beautiful blend of fire and wine to keep warm amidst the setting sun

A heart-warming ending to two days of jollification and celebration