Today we are in beautiful South Africa for the rustic romantic DIY wedding celebration of Hanri and Jacques. They had rustic wooden tables with succulents and green blooms, scrumptious looking food and so many personal touches.

Hanri and Jacques look so happy and in love, these images are a joy to behold.

Thanks so much to Erna Loock Photography for sharing such lovely photographs with us today.

As Jacques and I were together for 7 years and 3 days before tying the knot, we had a pretty good idea of what we wanted and what we didn't want at our wedding. We knew that our day had to be filled with special people, people who we loved, people that supported us and most of all, people that have built memories with us. Because we like teasing each other and believe that laughter is probably one of the big building blocks of a relationship, it was only natural that our wedding would also be built around these blocks - lots of fun, laughter and dancing.

We decided on the theme, Rustic Romance. We both love the natural beauty of the outdoors and did not want anything formal. Natural looking bouquets using flowers that were natural occurring in the area where we live, as well as shades of green, ivory, brown and grey were all inspired by the Rustic theme. Pearls, lace, ribbon and chandeliers were representative of Romance. Once we had the theme, everything else kind of fell in place.

I remember our photographer telling me about the wooden tables that was quite new to the venue and I immediately wanted to know more. When I eventually got to see the tables, I could not resist them - the wood had so much character and I knew I had to have them. The tables made quite an impression and really emphasized the look and feel of our theme.

As we relocated 3 years before our wedding, we were very far from most of our groomsmen and bridesmaids and had to organize most things ourselves. Luckily we did plan for this and started organizing and making all the DIY bits and pieces about a year in advance. I really wanted to add some personal touch to the décor, so we decided to make the napkin holders and decorate tins and glass jars. I also made my own ring cushion and we cut most of the wood décor ourselves.

We are very privileged to have talented family members who helped us out where possible. Our moms made all the flower arrangements and bouquets, our dads helped with hanging all the décor and ensuring that there were always coffee or cool drinks to keep everyone going during set-up.

Almost all our friends and family came from far and arrived the Friday before the wedding. Jacques and I rented two houses next to the coast, where we spent our last night as being 'single' with our closest friends and family - him with the guys and me with the girls. With all the excitement and good company, we really had an amazing time.

It felt so unreal waking up and it's your wedding day. The term is actually too big to grasp at that time. I remember waking up and hearing the wind howl like never before, the waves crashing down on the rocks - yes this was my wedding day and it was going to be cold and windy, the sooner I made peace with it, the sooner I could relax and enjoy what was coming, and luckily nothing could spoil the fact that I was going to walk down that aisle and place my life and my heart in the hands of my best friend and my husband to be.

The day started out slow, but as soon as I sat down for my hair, it felt like there was not enough hours to get everything done. My photographer arrived while the last touch of make-up was being done. The girls all wore their gowns with their names stitched on, that I got as gifts for them for pre-dress up photos. Before I knew it I was in my dress and ready to go. Stepping into the car (after almost blowing away) I realized...this is it.

I always said that I would never be late for my own wedding (7 years is a long enough time to wait), but apparently it is expected to be a bit late, so 5 minutes was late enough for me. With my sister-in-law and bridesmaids walking down the aisle and the door closing behind them, I couldn't wait to see Jacques' face...and then suddenly my song began and the doors opened...and it was happening - I was walking down the aisle towards the man of my dreams.

I am a real giggler when I become nervous - so naturally I was giggling and came to a point where the moment was so big I wanted to cry, luckily I managed to get my emotions under control and could 'meet' my future husband with a BIG smile on my face.

Our pastor really had a good way of breaking the ice and started reading from our little newspaper that we made, containing all the information regarding our bridal party and of us. He had us in fits of laughter even before the sermon started. With the wind howling in the background and a feeling of pride we promised our love to each other and were declared husband and wife, Mr and Mrs Benadie.

After being showered with rose petals as we left the ceremony, everyone got together to enjoy some snacks and cocktails. We had some time to join in the many conversations, laughter and good wishes from all our loved ones, before braving the cold and wind for our couple shoot. It was a good time for my new husband to hold me tight.

Luckily Jacques' groomsmen gave him a small flask with sherry as a gift, which he was happy to share with me before we entered the reception area. The vibe inside was absolutely amazing. So much laughter and love could be felt as we walked inside. Our bridal party did an amazing job with the speeches, and everyone was laughing so much, our tummies were hurting even before the real party started.

As the speeches ended my sister-in-law stood up and while her boyfriend played guitar, she sang a song, specially written for us, with a slide show of our 7 year adventure together. This was a real surprise and so amazingly special. Once all the formalities were out of the way and everyone's tummies were full, the party started. Everyone joined in the dancing, which only ended in the early hours of the morning...and with sore feet and a happy heart my husband carried me into our Honeymoon Suite. Absolutely the best day of our lives!

Photography | Erna Loock Photography

How lovely.

Thanks so so much for sharing guys XOXO Lou