Super excited to share the elegant and romantic Burgundy wedding of Martin & Kristen. Perfectly photographed by the visual storytellers of AndStory, Reinhardt & Melanie.
This lovely couple tied the knot on February 23rd, 2019 at the Inimitable Wedding Venue. What a stunning location. Every aspect of Martin & Kristen’s wedding was perfect. Their decor is to die for and we love their floral designs done by Zavion Kotze. Perfection!
For their honeymoon, they went to the Veranda Resort in Mauritius. The perfect place to unwind after our big day. Exactly what we have in mind for the perfect honeymoon. Island-style with some Mojito’s in the hand while soaking up some Island sunlight.
For more gorgeous wedding inspiration browse through our real weddings we featured before. Enjoy the wedding of this lovely couple below. Remember to read their answers to our questions below. Be inspired!
Engagement Story:
We had gone for a family weekend away to our family holiday house in the Kruger. A place that holds special memories for us. We hopped on our usual afternoon game drive with the hope of spotting some animals. While on the drive, we stopped for sundowners at my favourite place. A hidden spot, deep in the bush that looks over the crocodile river and Kruger Park.
With a drink in hand, the most beautiful sun set in the background, sounds of the bush surrounding us and my family surrounding us, Martin got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. He knew that I wanted my parents to be a part of it and I made it very clear that pictures of the moment were a must so he pulled it off very well. Hidden champagne was brought out and although we didn’t see the big five, it was the best game drive of my life.
The story behind the Wedding Dress:
Believe it or not, I had given more thought to my bridesmaid’s dresses than my own dress. I had never given much thought to my dress so when I saw an ad on Facebook by Timeless Bridal Couture, I booked an appointment. My bridesmaids and mom came with me to the appointment and with champagne in hand, we started the hunt. It was the 5th dress I tried on. As soon as I saw myself in the mirror, I got that mythical “feeling” and knew this was the one. When I turned to my mom and bridesmaids, their smiles and tears just confirmed it for me.
Favourite Wedding Memory:
I would have to say walking down the aisle. As soon as I spotted Martin, the moment became so surreal. Seeing him standing there, the sun shining down on him, tears streaming down his face, looking as handsome as ever, I was overcome with this feeling of gratitude. Being surrounded by all of those you love as you say your vows is a chart-topping moment.
Tips for couples planning their wedding:
Communication is key. Planning one of the most important days of your lives can be stressful and overwhelming at times. But it all comes and goes so quickly, it’s important to enjoy every step. Don’t let too many people get involved and take people’s opinions with a pinch of salt. It is your day, you are the only people you need to please.
The Wedding Venue:
The glass chapel was a dream come true, the uniqueness and thought that has been put into every detail is just as the name describes “Inimitable”. Plus, the venue is based along the Crocodile River, the same river that we were overlooking when we got engaged. Their service is out of thing world, plus you get to set your own menu which Martin loved.
Wedding Colour Scheme:
Our colours were burgundy and cream with hints of green. I loved the richness and depth that the burgundy provided, plus it is very flattering on all body types so that was a win for the bridesmaid’s dresses.
Decor Inspiration:
I knew right from the start that I wanted a very elegant and romantic look. My mom has these glass vases that she puts fairy lights in when we have guests over and that sparked the idea of having the hanging glass balls filled with fairy lights. The alternation between the hanging and standing centerpieces provided some variation and of course, we had lots of orchids, mine, my mom’s, gran’s and aunt’s favourite flower. The team at Zavion’s Events Company pulled off my vision flawlessly, I couldn’t have asked for better!
Wedding Cake Inspiration:
I wanted something very simple, not to over the top but still elegant and pretty. I decided to go with a 3 tier cake, the bottom a marble effect to go with the flooring of the reception hall, the middle plain white and the top plain grey topped with real flowers that matched our decor. The cake came at 4pm the day before the wedding in a big box that we put in the fridge.
Being the impatient person that I am, I had to have a peek inside the box. What was inside was the stuff of nightmares. The cake had fallen over and the bottom layer had completed con-caved. Trying to keep calm and my tears at bay – no one wants to have puffy eyes on their wedding day – we phoned Kim, our events manager at Zavion Kotze Events Company, and she organized a replica to be made (the bottom two layers were polystyrene and the top layer cake). No one even noticed anything was out of the ordinary. Thank goodness for Kim!
Musical Choices:
Martin and I first started dating in 2010, we both loved Coldplay – Magic and jokingly said that it would be our wedding song someday. Magic by Coldplay has been the background song of our relationship, the song of choice for anniversary videos, his 21st video etc and so was the perfect fit.
Wedding Service Provider Credits:
Photographers: AndStory
Venue: Inimitable
Dress: Timeless Bridal Couture
Make-up: Artisty by Dyllan
Hair: Erin Smylie
Suit: Zafar Exclusive Design
Videographers: No/Ordinary Productions
Flowers and Decor: Zavion Kotze Events Company
Event Management: Zavion Kotze Events Company
Food: Andrew Draper
