One of the advantages of being a wedding photographer is you get to photograph weddings abroad. This is getting to be known as destination wedding photography.
We asked Cheryl and Simon about their wonderful wedding in South Africa.
When and where did your wedding take place ?
7th of April 2012, 4.30 pm at Roca Restaurant at Dieu Donne Vineyards in Franschhoek, South Africa
Why did you choose a wedding venue abroad ?
I’m South African and we got engaged there. Franschhoek is known as the wedding venue in South Africa and we looked at a few places whilst on holiday there. Chose this venue as it’s high up in the mountains and has beautiful views and sunsets. It’s also quite small and intimate (didn’t want a big wedding) We wanted to have the ceremony and reception in one place and the venue had back up space with views should it rain..and it did! (in buckets!)
What was your colour scheme or theme ?
Simplicity was key, I didn’t want to detract from the view and natural surroundings. Colours were white and green.
What were your outfits and dresses like ?
My dress was bought from Angelica Bridal in Islington, London. Through researching online I found an American designer called Melissa Sweet from Priscilla of Boston and Angelica was their only European supplier. The house has since closed down and rebranded as David’s Bridal to accommodate the US mass market. So I wore one of her last designs..
Had 2 pairs of shoes. One ivory satin medium heels and platform high heels silver glitzy ones! Wore both.
Who were your bridesmaids ?
Two bridesmaids. They wore royal blue off the peg dresses bought in Johannesburg. I chose the colour and they chose what they’re comfortable with. I didn’t want to be too prescriptive in telling them what to wear. Their names were Alison McPhee ( my sister) and Simone Burgesmeir (sister in law)
What wedding cars did you have ?
A car was needed just to take me to the venue from the guest house to the venue 10 minutes away so didn’t hire a car. My brother drove us there in my Dad’s volvo.
Flowers – where from and what type of flowers did you have ?
Mabel Steenkamp from Die Gieter in Paarl. Flowers were white and green – white roses and succulents. My bouquet was chiefly green as I had 2 flowers on my dress.
What was your wedding cake like ?
Lilia de Wet from The Cake Box in Claremont, Cape Town. 2 round layers with some icing detail. Flowers and greenery on the cake and petals on the cake stand.
What were your table decorations and favours ? - any other special details you wish to mention ?
Again minimalist – Plain white tablecloths. Favours/place cards were small silver elephants so our guests had something African to remember. My father in law does calligraphy and wrote all the names on place setting cards and cover of the menus in green. Menus were simple – we printed them ourselves at home and folded in half and tied with various shades of green ribbon.
Where did you go for your honeymoon ?
Cuba – something different. Stayed at the Iberostar Varadero for 8 days – was paradise! Simon and I have travelled extensively and chose Cuba as neither of us had been there. It was the perfect combination of beautiful beaches, friendly, colourful people and interesting culture. We had a UK reception party the week we got back so a break the following week away from it all was much needed!
It was your very special day but what made it even more special ?
We had friends from the US, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Australia, UK and all over South Africa travel to my wedding. 40 out of 49 people travelled from afar..what an honour!
Most of Simon’s friends were unable to travel from the UK for our wedding so we set up a live Skype broadcast with six of them for the best men speeches…they went to so much trouble and planned and practiced to perfection. One was in Tenerife and the others were in our house in Essex so they could see us on our big screen too. It meant so much to Simon that they were part of our day and they really did take the stage with true laddish humour!
Why did you choose Paul’s Studio and would you recommend us ?
I’ve known Paul for a few years. He’s taken some studio shots with me and I was very impressed with his professionalism, energy and calm manner. I’m quite shy and not a natural model at all! Paul was the right choice as he takes charge and has a great sense of fun. He drove us even further up the Franschhoek mountains (not possible to go any higher I had thought) in the hammering rain to take more photos. The sky opened up for us at the right moment and as expected Paul was a master at work. That was one of the highlights of our day.
So many people have commented on our photos! and one of them was even an award winner
