Made With Love : A Tale of Country Elegance
When something comes from love it usually has a great start. This elegant country wedding reminiscent of a Jane Austen novel, is one of the most beautifully executed DIY weddings. All the important details were made with love by the bride’s family. Elizabeth’s beautiful wedding gown was made for her by her mother Leah; with love and sister Francoisné was in charge of flowers and the bride’s make up. I was floored by the beauty of the work Leah did with Elizabeth’s wedding gown. The Chantilly lace bodice complemented the graceful beauty perfectly.
As one would say in a Jane Austen novel Elizabeth { yes she shares the name of one of Jane’s most famous characters} is quite an accomplished lady who found herself quite an accomplished gentleman in Alwyn. Both are literary academics and have poet souls that inspire each other. Elizabeth Louise in English and Alwyn in Afrikaans and together their story just shines by itself.
When two people study the greatest love stories as part of their everyday job and meet each other with a cute “I love books” line you know romance is abound to flourish. Elizabeth Louise & Alwyn whatever souls are made of; I know yours are the same and the feeling of pure love was present throughout your wedding day.
“I love the ground under his feet, and the air over his head, and everything he touches and every word he says. I love all his looks, and all his actions and him entirely and all together.”
~ Emily Brontë~
Louise & Alwyn’s wedding celebration was a small intimate wedding at one of their favourite boutique wineries in Botrivier, a quint little village about an hour outside Cape Town. This little town is filled with nostalgic stories and little places to visit of historical significance and guests were even treated to a tour of the town’s old watermill during their predrinks.
“The historic farm offers quintessential Overberg architecture with barns and homesteads authentically white washed with black tin-roofs. Two of the original buildings have been beautifully restored as quaint self-catering cottages and the farm is home to one of the oldest working watermills in the country.’ ~ Beaumont Website
The First Look
The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again. – Charles Dickens
When you meet fellow foodies then you know the reception will be filled with a lot of great food, wine filled glasses and charming conversation. We were treated to a romantic candlelit dinner in between the wine barrels of the cellar and a food & wine pairing experience with a complete vegetarian menu from Zest Catering. These yummy dishes were eloquently paired with the award wining wines from the farm itself. The Hope Margaurite and the delicious wild mushroom ravioli was by far my favourite.
Love is in the Details
This amazing couple aren’t only complete romantics but live a very eco conscious lifestyle and it was seen throughout their wedding day. All flowers used by the bride’s sister was locally sourced fynbos. Guests also received eco packaged, locally sourced goodies as a welcome gift for the weekend.
Behind The Scenes
We had such a relaxed and fun day with Louise & Alwyn. I might be a bit sentimental but as it is the first wedding I did after getting married the week before myself; this couple will always have a special place in my heart. These are definitely memories I will treasure forever.
Who Made It Happen
Venue: Beaumont Wines
Catering : Zest Catering
Flowers & Decor : Bride’s Sister
Dress: Mother of the Bride
Hair & Make Up : Bride’s Sister
Second Photographer : Angelique Smith
