I had been looking forward to photographing Rich & Judys’ wedding near Nottingham Road, in the Natal Midlands since the day she asked me (almost a year back). Firstly, because she is my sister-in-law, secondly because I know she has great taste and thirdly, I had never been to the Midlands before.
For a wedding planned long-distance for 120 guests, it was an amazingly unstressed, unhurried, well thought out and totally seem-less affair. A true organiser (or perhaps a very good delegator), Judes had everything sorted without missing a beat.
We got up to the Midlands on the Thursday afternoon and I immediately fell completely in-love. Feeling right at home from the moment I arrived, I know I’ll be back someday soon. The ancient oaks, the green rolling hills sprinkled with gentle spring flowers and spattered at intervals with peaceful, grazing ngunis and most importantly for me, the meandering rivers, – all served to delight the senses and add to the magic of the occasion.
We started the Friday morning with a superb facial and massage at Brookdale Spa (I was lucky enough to be involved in this too) and the afternoon was spent scouting the different shoot locations. On Saturday, the simple ceremony was held next door at Farside (the neighbouring farm) in a beautiful stone barn-like building. Guests wearing high heels had to troop in high grasses, past the surprised Nguni’s, to get to the marquee.
The stunning reception was held near a lake on Wildcroft Farm – Richards’ family smallholding – just a short drive from Nottingham Road.
The reception took place in a Marquee near the lake. With a white palettte, and green and blues reflected in the photobooth umbrellas, flowers and origami birds, the simplicity of the decor resulted in stylish and uncluttered perfection.
Happy Days Richard and Judy. Hope these bring you many happy memories of what was indeed a superb occasion.
{Popping the question} – how did you two meet? Rich and I met at university 18 years ago through mutual friends. We both went our separate ways and then 2 years ago, Rich moved back to South Africa and we sat next to each other at a dinner…followed by a few late night drinks….and as the song goes “it all started with a kiss”. Rich proposed to me in January this year at the open air Vertigo restaurant situated on the 61st floor of the Banyon Tree Hotel in Bangkok.
{Plan to party} – The whole year around planning the wedding has been memorable. From the origami bird folding session with friends to Rich sourcing my make up artist to the neighbors dogs who joined the ceremony and reception – every moment has been memorable and special.
{Your wedding} – what was unique about it – give a description of your dream. I was never the girl that planned or dreamt about her wedding and had this perfect day in mind – for me it has always been about the story I would tell my children one day around the event and the friends and love and excitement and memories of the day.
{Advice for future brides} Be present and enjoy each moment!
{Suppliers}
Flowers: Perfect Petals, Nottingham Road, Natal Midlands
Dress: Eve’s Bridal, Illovo and Cavendish,
Hair Wendy, Notties Hair, Nottingham Road, Natal Midlands
Wedding Gown: Eve’s Bridal (Cavendish Square)
Photobooth: GioBooth (Jhb)
Food: CHC Catering (Pietermaritzburg)
Make-up: Gayle Davies, Natal Midlands
Bridesmaids Gillian Smith, Robyn Lurie and Jacolet van Heerden
Ceremony Venue Farside Farm, Curry Post Road, Natal Midlands
Reception Venue: Wildcroft Farm, Curry Post Road, Natal Midlands (Groom’s parents farm)