Charl and Vasti Mc Leod

Venue: Netherwood, Natal Midlands

VASTI REMEMBERS

How did your groom propose?

He took me to Mauritius and proposed the first night on the beach at sunset. It was a complete surprise! I was overwhelmed with happiness…

Tell us about the theme of your wedding.

Our wedding was a visual feast! We used shades of pastels, polka dots, stripes and checks, and hung origami birds and hearts from the trees. The tables were scattered with antique vases and teapots filled with pink and purple tulips, colourful roses and violet kale. We added heart-shaped serviettes, little cookie jars, sweet boxes and “love” beaded in different languages. Glass vases and colourful fabric bunting hung from vintage sleepers and fairy lights twinkled under mesh doilies. A Victorian-inspired candy buffet, a photo booth and Charl’s polka-dot pink tie completed the look.

And the menu?

Guests enjoyed butternut or creamy tomato soup with breadsticks while our photographs were being taken. The main meal began with French onion tartlets and a small salad, followed by potato rosti and fillet topped with green beans and chilli mushroom sauce. For dessert, we served cupcakes and had a candy buffet with origami bags that guests could fill with sweets. We offered a midnight snack comprising cheese platters with biscuits, pâté and biltong.

Advice for brides planning their wedding?

• Before you start, make a mood board of things you like (colours/themes/cute ideas) to give you an idea of what you want.
• It is important that you love the style of your photographer. Be clear about what you like. You have to feel at ease because they will be around you all day.
• Your wedding should reflect your personality and style – you can do anything you want to make it look beautiful. You don’t have to stick to traditional rules.
• Add details to make guests feel special (personalised gifts/name tags/thank-you notes). We played a DVD while guests waited for us with a story and slide show of our lives, showing pictures of all our friends and family – everyone loved it!
• If you are planning a big party be sure to have some snacks at 23h30. People drink and dance and get hungry at that time.
• Music can make or break your atmosphere. Charl and the groomsmen walked in to Going to the Chapel Baby…. Everyone started laughing and from then on everything was light and upbeat! Our first dance was to Juno’s Stand by my Side surrounded by our guests who were standing in a circle holding sparklers. It created such a nice effect…
• Enjoy every second of the day. Take in all the special moments – you may never have it again.

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

Dress: Angela Parkes 083 652 2141

Flowers and decor: All vases, teacups, candle holders and other decorative items were supplied by the bride, her family and friends; the fresh blooms were sourced from the Johannesburg Flower Market.

Groom and groomsmen: Ties, Woolworths; suits, Wade Wingfield at Suit Yourself 083 777 1217 (Durban North)

Food: Rita Lea 084 584 5813 (Hilton)

Music: Hanno van Zyl 084 959 7965

Photographer: Samantha Maber 076 385 5853;
www.samanthamaber.com

Venue: Nertherwood 033 266 6494; www.netherwood.co.za