Under African Skies

‘We’re both wine lovers, and knew we didn’t want a UK wedding. After weeks of searching, we discovered Zorgvliet Wines,’ says Robyn and Henry. ‘It was tricky, as we lived in Greece at the time, so our planning was all done long distance. We didn’t actually see the venue until after we’d paid for it. It could have been a disaster, but it turned out amazingly well!’

The wedding style they chose was loosely based around pastels and florals, a motif they carried through to their menu cards and seating plans. ‘Zorgvliet is light and airy, and it was the middle of summer, so we wanted to avoid dark colours and heavy materials,’ says the couple. ‘Plus we wanted masses of flowers –  Robyn’s a flower fanatic.’

The couple’s friends and family flew in from six different countries for the wedding. So that everyone could meet before the wedding they arranged a braai (BBQ) the day before. ‘It worked really well and meant it wasn’t too awkward on the day,’ says the couple. Robyn’s brother, Robert, walked her down the aisle as her father passed away many years ago. It was definitely one of the biggest moments of the day for both of them and meant the world to Robyn.

After the outdoor ceremony, which featured one of Robyn’s favourite poems – ‘I Carry Your Heart With Me’ by E.E Cummings – it was time for Champagne. ‘We also had a gin station that went down a treat in the summer sun, and canapés including vegetable samosas with sweet chutney, and Parma ham and sweet melon skewers.’

‘It’s important to add your own style and our guests noticed the small gestures that made the day special for them as well as us,’ says Robyn and Henry. ‘It’s good to make people feel appreciated, especially when they’re flying across the world for you. We knew the majority of people never keep wedding favours and we wanted to make them useful, as well as to reflect the day. So we commissioned personalised bottle stoppers featuring our names, the continent of Africa and the date. They worked out so well and everyone has kept them.’

‘Overall, we would say go with a venue that lets you use your own creativity and allows you some free rein. We found a lot of venues can be extremely rigid when it comes to making changes and that’s not great to work with when you have your own vision for the day.’

LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Venue zorgvliet.com
Photography annelimarinovich.com
Bride’s dress bridesvisited.co.uk
Groom’s suit marksandspencer.com
Bridesmaids’ dresses asos.com
Flowers sitting-pretty.co.za
Cake wadescakes.co.za
Stationery secretdiary.co.za