Because Christel and Francois were so hands-on throughout the wedding planning (just about everything was DIY), it was easy to get lost in the details. On the verge of cutting out a few things in order to make it work, they realized something: their wedding should include everything they knew they’d regret not having been there. Five months and lots of DIY projects later, they had exactly what they dreamt of from the beginning—including Carolien and Ben Photography to capture all those handmade details…
All of the bridal bouquets featured ornamental cabbage—so unexpected!
The bride, on having a first look…
I read so many different blogs and articles about the ‘first look’, reasons for it and reasons against it. We knew we wanted to have a quick chat before the big day started but we didn’t want to actually see each other. Carolien & Ben arranged a very nice setting where we could talk without seeing each other, they took a few photos and gave us some privacy. We are best friends and want to share everything but obviously couldn’t be with each other during the morning of the big day so this was a perfect way of getting in that special time. We chatted about how the day went, how we felt about what was about to happen and how we want to remember that moment. We both felt so calm and ready afterwards. It was absolutely amazing!
The bridesmaids outfits were handcrafted, with the exception of those colorful Topshop socks.
C + F created the galvanized pipe coat hanger lamps, window + rope name placements, wooden table names, and all stationery. Christel’s mom made the tablecloths, guest blankets, buntings, and knitted the bridesmaid scarves. Her grandfather even crafted all the white paper used as confetti!
They got engaged on December 30th, took January to celebrate, and hit the ground running in February 2014 for a wedding in June. All the hard work definitely paid off from the looks of it! Congrats guys!
Photographer: Carolien and Ben Photography / Videographer MSM Productions / Venue: Poortjie Venue and Guest House / Florist: Lucretia Schabort / Bride’s Hair: Shear Style / Makeup: Beauty 4 You / Catering: Elsabe Cronje / Bar: Lenie Burgers / Bride’s Dress:  Modeca by Enzoani from Bridal Wardrobe / Jacket: Forever New / Shoes: Redemption Leather / Wedding Ring: Brescoe Diamonds / Groom’s Suit: Baldini / Shoes: Truworths / Groom’s Wedding Ring: Vena Amoris / Bridesmaid’s Outfits: Handmade / Groomsmen: Bride & Co.
