Writer's Blog: February 2015

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