Tshana and Leswill’s Beautiful South African Wedding. By Sunkissed Studio

Happy Friday everyone and how are you all today? I am SO excited it’s the weekend as it’s my birthday tomorrow! I have a day of shopping planned and then off out with Nik for a lovely dinner and some cocktails, I can’t wait! Today I am taking you off to South Africa for our last wedding of the week. It’s the gorgeous wedding of Tshana and Leswill who got married in the most beautiful of locations, with a stunning outdoor ceremony. They incorporated, natural elements into their table decoration, as well as vintage collectables and plenty of flowers and the results are lovely. With lots of pretty DIY details as well as some amazing fire dancers to finish of the celebrations in style, this really is a fabulous wedding. Thanks to Samantha from Sunkissed Studio for the images.

‘Our wedding day was whimsical and absolutely magical. A blessed time with friends and family!’

Tshana and Leswill were married on 15 February 2014 at Knorhoek Wine Estate – Stellenbosch in South Africa. ‘We were browsing wedding venues on the web and came across a magical image of the reception area of the restaurant. A white, tent-like structure covered a beautiful rock pool with trees wrapped in fairy lights, it was stunning! Further along, we visited the venue and fell in love with the unique, intimate; we instantly made up our minds and did not have to go venue hunting! We had 48 guests and it took about a year to plan.’

How they met
I waitressed at a restaurant along with his little sister and he would often come and fetch her after work. I needed a lift home one night and as I sat at the back, noticed him sneaking peeks in the rear-view mirror. After then, he started walking in to the restaurant after work instead of waiting in the car… the rest is history!

The Proposal
I planned a surprise birthday party for him with close friends … time for the speeches arrived and during his, he just popped the question… the ring was in the car all along!

How did you allocate your budget
We split our budget into 2 main categories: My hubby was responsible for the venue and I was responsible for all other service providers…

How did you choose your photographer
Everything happens for a reason! Our previous photographer let us down and we were on the search for a new one! When I saw Samanthas work, it totally related to my wedding theme!

The Dress
A friend named Jelena Jablanovic designed and hand-made my dress. She helped choose shoes and accessories too!

The Suit and Bridesmaids
My hubby found a picture of the suit he wanted, and all we did was have it made for him. Our wedding was very casual, we found a simple dress with sequence detailing at a local fashion outlet!

Theme or Colour Scheme
I focussed on having most colours very natural and earthy. I did, however add a pop of gold and colour when it came to the flowers

Flowers
Sage greens, grey greens, medium to soft greens combined with various shades of green to create a monochrome palette with a pop of colour. Ming ferns, craspedia, erchiveria, bekia, hydrangeas, aloes

Decoration
Tables were decorated with light coloured glassware in different shapes and heights, as well as doilies on some tables and lace runners on others Ceremony benches were fitted with flowers and ribbons in white consol jars The altar (my favourite) was made from bare branches with flowers in between between the trees on a cable, with ribbons and pearls. Ribbons were hung at the entrance to the ceremony and various Chinese lanterns were also used.

Food
The food was amazing and we received many compliments. Canapes: were served outside, Spicy Lamb with Tzatziki, Pulled Pork with Hoisin sauce and Spring onion along with Lemonade and lots of ciders… a much needed cool down on the grass for the hot day! Starter: Flash fried Calamari salad with Pickled Peppers and roast Cherry tomatoesMain:Leg and Shoulder of Lamb, Beef Sirloin, Vegetable Mélange, Roast Potato, Cous cous salad, Broccoli and Bacon Lardon salad Dessert: Granadilla and Yoghurt Panna Cotta

Wedding Cake
The wedding cake was best of both worlds…. My husband loves the traditional fruit cake and I love chocolate! We decided on one cake for each of us! Red velvet cake and various cupcakes were served aswell

Entertainment
We had amazing fire dancers as our entertainment…. It was a sensual dance performed by a very talented couple!

Buy or DIY your Stationery
DIY all the way!!!

Personal or Handmade Touches
Yes, my two Chihuahuas played a big part in our wedding, although they couldn’t physically be there (which I would’ve loved), they featured in our ‘save the dates’ , wedding invitations, even our wedding cake! I created my table numbers using our engagement shoot photos placed in an elegant gold frame. As our favours we used succulents and little bottles of whiskey, along with ribbon and a thank-you note! Confetti holders were made from paper doilies and gold ribbon Personal notes for guests were written on various chalk boards I designed our very own wedding programs! For the sparkler bridge, I placed many sparklers in glass jars decorated with ribbon We had 3 fire baskets and I supplied our guests with smore kits! Biscuits, chocoloate blocks and marshmallows all wrapped in gold tissue paper! I also made my own lanterns, (well my mom did most of this!) with glass jars (old coffee jars collected over a year), wrapped in lace and ribbons! These were placed along a spiralling pathway and added to the ethereal theme

Special Moments
Walking down the aisle and having my last dance with my late father. He has since passed due to illness and I am so lucky to have had shared that special moment with him! Also, spending time with our guests on the dance floor and finally in the pool! The venue is majestic with a featured rock pool surrounded by trees and fairly lights… being in the water with our clothes on, music playing and friends laughing was a blast!

Advice to other couples
Enjoy being the absolute princess of the day… enjoy spending time in your dress, spending time with your guests and really FEEL the moment because it goes by so very quickly!

Biggest surprise
I think that the fire dancers were a great surprise, as we didn’t quite know what to expect. Also my husbands speech was very cute!

Supplier Shout Outs

• Photography – www.sunkissedstudio.co.za
• Wedding Dress – www.facebook.com/lenajablanovic
• Hair and Make Up – www.facebook.com/CandiceMayProfessionalMakeUpArtist
• Flowers – www.ellefleur.co.za
• Wedding Cake – www.facebook.com/nikkisdeliciouscakes
• Videographer – www.facebook.com/pie.wedding.videos and www.pieintheskyweddinghouse.wordpress.com

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