They say it takes a village, and although the expression is supposed to be about raising a child, it could just as easily apply to the way that family and friends pitched in to make Minette and Louis' vision of their beautiful big day come to life. From the flowers arranged by a talented aunt, to the wooden doors that were a beautiful focal point at their outdoor ceremony (built by Minette's dad), to the army of crochet-ers who helped create the doily runners on their rustic vintage tables, it was all a labour of love and togetherness that'll have farm wedding lovers jumping for joy. My personal favourite detail is the blue glassware - a simple but super clever touch, because of the gorgeous pops of blue the glasses bring to the reception. And speaking of pops of blue, Minette's MOH crop and skirt combo is amazing (second only to her own, dreamy lace gown!). But best of all is the relaxed, happy vibe that the couple projects, which was as much part of their day as the decor itself - no wonder their 'village' were happy to pitch in to make their wedding dreams come true. Linda Fourie captured these beautiful images.

The Proposal
Minette: Louis took me away for the weekend. I did not know where we were going, all I knew was that it was somewhere in the Drakensberg. We arrived at Cathedral Peak, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. We came across a hike you could take to one of the waterfalls and decided to do that on the Saturday morning. When we got there, after about 45 minutes of hiking, we stood around and took pictures - it was so beautiful! I told Louis I wanted to take pictures from behind the fall, and it was as we got to the other side, with the water falling round us, that Louis told me he loved me very much, went down on one knee and asked me to marry him. And of course I said YES!
Louis: I decided to take Minette to the Drakensberg for the proposal as that's the place where, as she put it, the magic started. I found this place called Cathedral Peak, which apparently has this gorgeous view of the mountainous valleys. The original plan was for us to hike to the top and I would propose on the mountain. It was, however, a ten hour hike to the peak, and...well, we reached consensus that this hike was not going to happen... Luckily there was an awesome waterfall not too far from the hotel, and proposing underneath a waterfall seemed just as romantic as proposing on top of a mountain, so we headed there. I think she expected the proposal, but the joyous expression on her face when I asked and she said yes is one I'll never forget.

Memorable Moments
Minette: Getting ready with all the special ladies in my life... having my father walk me down the aisle... our first dance as husband and wife... my new husband singing me a song he wrote himself - unbelievably romantic! Enjoying the day and night with family and friends.
Louis: Minette walking down the aisle- magic! The ceremony and exchanging of rings... the big 'I do'... the speech and the song I sang (originally composed - I was very nervous, but pulled it off, I think!)

You can see more from this wedding on Linda Fourie's blog.

SERVICE PROVIDERS
Reception venue: Private farm | Ceremony venue: Broadlands Country House | Catering: Fat Cats Catering | Photography: Linda Fourie | Flowers: Dulcie Ehlers | Stationery: Blooming Wonderful | Cake: House of Bakes | Bride's dress: LOCA Bridal | Bride's jewellery: Marion Rehwinkel Jewellery | Hair: Kevin Johns Hair Design | Makeup: Anneke Basson | Bridesmaids' dress: Forever New & ZARA | Groom's attire: Woolworths | Hiring: Madiba Bay Events; Party Designs; MTE: Elite Hire | DJ: Herman Ferreira