While every wedding we feature is different, it's inevitable that most follow a traditional timeline - ceremony, photo shoot/cocktail hour, reception, etc. - but I'm always struck by the couples who choose to do things a little differently. There's the first look of course - the chance to have your photographs taken before guests arrive, allowing you to mingle with them during the drinks hour (and have a private moment before the ceremony to take in the enormity of what you're doing together). Today's couple did that - and did it in style, with a sweet little flower bedecked door in the middle of nature as their backdrop (talk about the rustic version of a grand entrance!) But they took it a step further, following the photoshoot up with cocktails and canapes with their guests and only then enjoying the heartfelt ceremony together (again, with a fabulous backdrop - this time soft curtains and a flower chandelier). It was the perfect way for this laid-back couple to experience their big day, and is a great example of how you don't need to follow tradition to have a wedding that's perfect for you. So let's get on and enjoy all the cozy rustic-ness (as the bride says) of Ilze and David's big day, brought to us through the lens of SBB Directory member ST Photography.

Wedding Details
The first bridal shop I went into and and the third dress was the lucky dress! A drop waist tulle gown with bits of rustic lace. DIY Elements
Proudly South African Details
Advice for Future Brides & Grooms
Get a wedding planner and it is a good idea to do the photoshoot before the wedding as it saves so much time and gives you so much more time to mingle with friends and family. To be there welcoming your friends and family with welcoming drinks also takes the "stiff feeling" away of everyone sitting in the church all morbidly waiting and waiting until you show up walking down the aisle and then not having time to talk to anyone as its photos after the ceremony and then you barely have time to say "hello" to everyone thereafter. This is my second wedding. my first wedding was the all traditional church wedding so I know what i am comparing it to. It also saves so much time having the ceremony at the party venue, and it is so much more convenient for everyone. Together with the french croquembouche dessert, we had traditional South African malva pudding. I made the wedding favours. They were little jars with rustic decor and with echeveria succulents planted inside. We also made a website as our invitation, sending the link to all the guests, with a special password to get to the information. The cozy laid back atmosphere with the clean lines was exactly who we are. The wedding was different as we first had the couple shoot before guests arrived and then we both greeted our guests on their arrival and enjoyed the welcome drinks and canapes with them. We then all moved to the ceremony area where the pastor gave a great informal ceremony interacting with the guests. We laughed all the way. And that is who we are.

You can see more from this wedding on the ST Photography blog.

SERVICE PROVIDERS
Venue: Ou Stal Equastrian Estate | Catering: Beanstalk Group | Photography: Samantha Du Toit and Angelique Smith for ST Photography | Co-ordination: Ramona from Journey Weddings & Events | Cake: Danielle Pretorius (bride's friend) | Flowers, décor & hiring: Beanstalk Group | Bride's dress: Bride & Co | Hair & makeup: Bang (part of the Beanstalk Group) | Bridesmaids' dresses: Monsoon | Groom's attire: Stuttafords | DJ: Sound Alive (part of Beanstalk Group)

SBB ♥ ST Photography, a featured member of our Directory