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

Allison and Demetri was blessed to have two wedding ceremonies when they got married on 29 December 2010 at the Greek Church in Port Elizabeth.

With her dad by her side, Allison made the walk down the aisle to her husband to be Demetri who watched her every step closer to him. With Demetri being Greek and Allison belonging to the Anglican Church, they combined their ceremony to include both of these religions. After their 25 minute Anglican ceremony Pator George from the Greek church finished their wedding ceremony off with a traditional Greek ceremony. Although traditionally no singing is allowed in the Greek Church, Pater George allowed two of Allison's cousins to sing acapella, which finished their blessed ceremonies off perfectly.

ATTIRE

Allison purchsed her Ivory Caroline Castigliano gown overseas, and it is made with 100% raw silk and french lace. It had a fishtail design with lace detail on the sleeves over the shoulder. It had a low V-shaped back. Champagne coloured Swarovski crystals were sewn into the lace patterns and the lace edges were trimmed with ivory beads. The train was up to 1m long. The veil was Italian-made and was also purchased from Caroline Castigliano. Allison wore Jimmy Choo shoes that matched her gorgeous gown. The bridesmaids wore cute black cocktail dresses, black shoes and had pink shawls monogrammed with their initials. Each bridesmaid carried a bouquet of cerise pink roses and had a pink rose in their hair.

Andre from Andre's Hair design did Allison's hair and her make-up was done by Estelle Cunningham who she has known very closely for 25 years.

The couples wedding bands were made by Francarlo Jewellers. Although the wedding invitations were handmade by themselves, the rest of the stationery was made by Papermasters.

The groom wore a Hugo Boss Suit and and the groomsmen wore waistcoats from Heinz In Style.

DETAILS

Whilst the couple was having their photo's taken the talented Claire Harmse entertained the guests.

Allison describes their wedding day décor style as contemporary with white, black and cerise pink. I am not a big fan of extravagant and big flower arrangements said Allison so Lynley from Floral Creations designed a minimalistic but effective floral theme. The Hellenic Hall, in which the main reception was held, was beautifully draped in white chiffon across all the walls as well as the roof. Pink and White chiffon dropped from the centre of the roof into a cascade of roses and crystals, overlooking the dance-floor. The main table was rectangular shaped with detailed draping and fairy lights decorating the backdrop and the table itself. Lynley used pink roses and crystals to decorate the draping in front and behind the main table. The draping in front of the main table was framed by layers of pink rose petals on the floor. The table consisted of 3 large square flower arrangements of pink rosebuds held in place with clear gel. There were a few candlesticks and smaller rose arrangements scattered around the table. Some of the decor items were supplied by Designer Decor.

Each guest table was centered with a large candlebra consisting of 5 lanterns. Dropping from each candlebra arm was a pink rosebud entwined with crystals. Fairy breath was used around the candlebra, which was surrounded by 4 small bowls, each consisting of a large pink rose. Each name tag hung on a string of crystals of the champagne glass. Each lady received a pink rose on their black and cerise pink chiffon serviette and each gentleman received a crystal on a ribbon.

Father and son caterers were resposible for the catering.

The couple had Greek traditional dancing at the wedding so there were lots of plate breaking.

DJ Duncan Crisp kept the guests on their feet the whole night.

THE CAKE

The couple decided on a delicious and old favourite of theirs - a 3 tier, round Greek chocolate cake which was decorated with pink roses. They decided to have a bit of fun with the cake topper, which was of a bride dangling a key in the one hand and holding a chain attached to a ball on the Groom’s leg.

DIY BRIDE

Allison and her close girlfriends made all the wedding invitations. They designed 15 variations and made 10 of each. The invitations were themed black, white, silver and pink. Various materials such as feathers, mesh paper and crystal flowers were used. Allison's Mom and Maid of Honour helped her make the crystal name tags and her Mother-in-Law and cousins made some of the bonbonneira which the couple gave out to guests as wedding favours.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Cherie Theron captured the couple's beautiful wedding while Tryst Video productions captured everything on video.

HONEYMOON

After the wedding the couple enjoyed their honeymoon at the beautiful Sandals Grande St Lucian, St Lucia, in the Caribbean.

ADVICE

Words of wisdom from Allison: "The one thing I would recommend to every bride to be - this is your one day and it goes by unbelievably fast. Every moment feels surreal. You will be shocked at how much you missed in your delirious state on the day and the video and photographs will help you re-live every special moment. Invest in an excellent photographer and videographer to capture every moment. Do some web browsing on websites like Perfect Day and note down the photographer of pictures you feel a particular connection with. Make sure to visit with them both before the wedding to gauge a sense of comfort and trust. I was familiar with Cherie’s work long before I met her, her photography caught my eye from the first wedding photo one of my friends put up on facebook. When we finally met with Cherie for the first time, we just knew she was the perfect person to be part of our wedding day - vivacious and the most incredible eye for capturing the moments you can’t put into words. She put all of us at such ease and we had so much fun with her. She has transformed our day from a bunch of chaotic memories into a story of exquisite pictures."

WWW.PERFECTDAY.CO.ZA

I did view the website a few times during my wedding planning months - I particularly enjoyed the wedding blogs where I gained a few ideas from as well as.

Thanks for sharing your wedding with us!

WEDDING SUPPLIERS

• Baker: Androula
• Catering: Father and Son Caterers
• Cocktail Music: Claire Harmse
• Decor: Designer Decor and Lynley from Floral Creations
• Dress: Caroline Castigliano
• Florist: Lynley from Floral Creations
• Hair: Andre from Andre's hair design
• Honeymoon: Sandals Grande St Lucian, St Lucia, Caribbean
• Make-up: Estelle Cunningham
• Photographer: Cherie Theron
• Reception Music: Duncan Crisp
• Reception Venue: The Hellenic Hall
• Stationery: Self made as well as Papermaster
• Suit Hire: Waistcoats only Heinz In Style
• Videography: Tryst Video Productions
• Wedding Bands: Francarlo Jewellers

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

You can never go wrong when choosing a vintage theme for your wedding. Apart from the beautiful subtle colours, you can also include beautifully unique ideas to bring it all together.

Browse second-hand stores to find geniune vintage items at a fraction of the price. Don't forget that anything can be scraped off, touched up and re-painted to add a personal touch to your wedding decor.

There are some fantastic wedding DIY projects that will fit beautifully in to a vintage theme. Scour the internet to find easy DIY projects that will add a personal touch.