With 100 of their closest friends and family, Leah & Ashley exchanged vows at the Rhodes Chapel, Grahamstown on 5 January 2013. Their reception followed at The Highlander.

ATTIRE

Leah’s dress was hand made by her mom who managed to create exactly what she had envisaged. The result was a stunning white taffeta, sweetheart neckline dress pulled – up over a black netting petti-coat, with black lace and handmade flowers for detail. The Bride wore a delicate pearl necklace and earrings that were a gift from her parents which accentuated her dress.

The Bridesmaids looked stunning in simple but elegant black strapless gowns with diamante detail around the waist and jewellery made by the Bride and Maid of Honour.

Rika from the Cutting Lounge in Grahamstown did an amazing job with both Leah and all her bridesmaids’ hair and Judy-Leigh Elliott, a private make up artist completed their look with gorgeous make-up.

The Groom wore a custom suit purchased in Johannesburg, with a black shirt and white cravat, while the best men wore simple black suits hired from Best Man Suit Hire in East London with black shirts and red cravats to match the red bouquets carried by the Bridesmaids.

DETAILS

The Bride and Groom had envisioned an elegant and formal black and white theme with a hint of red. To give the venue the elegant look wanted by the Bride the tables were dressed with black table cloths, silver overlays and eccentric centre pieces comprising of a black flower stand with a ball of red roses. Leah decided on a subtle musical theme to include her husband’s passion in their wedding day, which was achieved on the tables by having a mirrored music stand holding a CD containing the menu. To allow guests to capture their own spur-of-the-moment pictures white and silver cameras were placed on each table. A black & crystal champagne flute was given to each guest by the Bride and Groom and used on the tables as name cards. To give a soft and romantic feel, the wall behind the main table was draped and fairy light and up-lighting were used to provide soft lighting.

The bride and groom had their guests set off 50 Chinese Sky Lanterns, which was a perfect way to distract guests from the power failure and allow Lester from EC DJ’s to connect his system to a vehicle on the field adjacent to the reception venue

The First dance was an unforgettable moment for not only the Bride and Groom but for the guests as well. The Bridal party quickly arranged for all the guests to form a circle around the patio of the venue with candles in hand, where the Bride and Groom danced to a song specially recorded for Leah, by Ashley which song he also sung after his speech as a surprise to his Bride.

THE CAKE

A three tiered chocolate swirl cake was baked and decorated by Lynn McAllister in East London and delicately transported and set up by the Brides parents. The cake was iced in chocolate ganache and finished with solid chocolate sides, which were decorated with the words of the song that Ashley wrote and proposed to Leah with on Christmas day 2011. The topper was white roses and a sugar replica of Leah, Ashley and their dogs Stanley & Chino sat on the glass ledge of the bottom layer, specially organised by the Bride’s mother as a surprise for the Bride and Groom.

DIY BRIDE

Leah was adamant that she wanted the personal touches of their wedding to be hand made in order to ensure that each guest felt special. The wedding invites were printed by Goshawk PE and hand crafted by the Bride, Groom and a few family and friends. The table numbering was a simple black frame with a large wooden number painted white and glued to the front. The champagne flutes indicated seating at the table with a beaded name tag and music note on each, were meticulously made by Leah. The Bride and Groom wanted a unique table plan and opted for Black shooter glasses with their guests’ names and table numbers pinned onto them with mini red pegs. A guitar served as their guest book and messages were written in white permanent marker giving them a novel keepsake.

The Bride’s mom not only created the Bride’s dream dress but also made many of the decor items, such as the draping and bows for the church and table overlays.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Andrew Elliott and his wife, Judy-Leigh Elliott as assistant, took the incredible photos for the couple and managed to capture some beautiful intimate moments..

Thanks for sharing your wedding with us!

WEDDING SUPPLIERS

• Baker: Lynn McAllister
• Catering: The Highlander
• Decor: Cheryl Moss, The Highlander, Bride & her Parents
• Dress: Deborah Waters
• Florist: Marumbi Roses
• Hair: Rika
• Make-up: Judy-Leigh Elliott
• Photographer: Andrew Elliott
• Reception Music: DJ Lester – EC DJ’s
• Reception Venue: The Highlander
• Videographer: No Show
• Wedding Planner: Leah & Deborah Waters

Would you like us to feature your wedding? E-mail megan@perfectday.co.za for more information.

By adding lace to glass candle light holders, you magically transform something simple into wow. Use different coloured lace and even different types to create beautiful and effective lighting at the base your reception tables. We found this easy DIY tutorial via (Bidesmaid)

By following the simple steps below you'll create your very own lace candles.

This is what you’ll need:

• Glass tealight candle holders
• Lace
• Scissors
• Double Sided Tape

Now follow these easy steps:

STEP ONE

Take a piece of lace and measure the amount needed for one glass holder.

STEP TWO

Cut the amount of lace needed.

STEP THREE

Take double sided tape and stick the lose ends of the lace around the candle.

STEP FOUR

Light the tealight candles and see your reception venue transform into something magical.

And there you have it, a simple DIY eco friendly bouquet.

After searching for "truly South African" favours on google, I came across The Heartfelt Project and my face lit up after browsing their website with their incredible handmade items. I read the The Story of how heartfelt was started, and I couldn't help but have such respect for Martha Letsoalo who found hope when it seemed all was lost.

With 19 dedicated women, The Heartfelt Project has a long term goal that includes helpin thoushands of women by providing job opportunities and creating a unique brand which is instantly recognised throughout the country. There is no doubt in my mind that these women will make it happen, and I hope that all South Africans can support their worthy cause, even if it's simply by telling others about them.

This is the reason I got all excited:

Their range includes (but not limited to) beautiful fridge magnets and brooches,

Keyrings and bookmarks

They also have an entire range dedicated to our furry friends and animals, (which also includes the big 5)

They have a beautiful wedding favour range which also includes felt bouquets and bouttonniers, all of which can be viewed here

To all the ladies at The Heartfelt Project, Martha Letsoalo, Julie Hadley, Charlene Mphuloane, Grace Letswalo, Cecilia Mafunisa, Johanna Mmatsatsi, Lena Majatladi, Katlego Nkuna, Mina Maluleka, Francie Finn, Samantha Yeowart, Olga Tlhokamoni, Bogadi Katoane, Mananki Ringane, Mpho Molefe, Sinah Ringane, Rosemary Sehoole, Magdeline Dithole, and last but not least Lesego Maluleka, keep up the good work girls, you are a true insiration to all South Africans.  

To get in touch with the ladies at Heartfelt contact Charlene on charlene@theheartfeltproject.com or phone her on +27 0823482988