We at Wedding Friends have been waiting for this post for quite some time now, and it was definitely worth the wait. We do not always realize how fortunate we are to live in the beautiful continent of Africa. The 'African' theme tend to draw one towards the big five, but a great team of suppliers came together and recreated an absolute trendsetting theme and shoot. Natatie Elliot from Tickled Pink Weddings and Events is sharing with us the insights of the shoot. Enjoy today's post with us!

What was the inspiration?

Ralph Lauren, Colonial Africa, Bush lodge chic, Ardmore and Mavromac African cushions, fabrics and colours, lanterns, light, game drives and sunsets!

The colours of the fabrics inspired our colour pallet of black, chocolate brown, stone/taupe,white,grey,sky blue,sage green and burnt orange.

What kind of couple, season and setting would this wedding look suit?

All seasons. The bush is beautiful in every season. This look would appeal to couples looking to get married in the bush or create an Out of Africa theme and setting. This would also appeal to couples looking for something a little different and seeking out a destination wedding with a sense of space, nature, bush, style and freedom. Bush, Romantic chic!

Talk us through the key elements: table décor, flowers, stationery, food, fashion, ceremony area etc.

Wedding dress
Detailed beaded silk dress from White Lilly Bridal to add romance and quality of a bygone era. Style is figure hugging sweetheart and mermaid flowing dress.
Bouquet

Burnt orange aloes and sage green succulents, rough/ long/ rustic and bold!

Ceremomy elements
Calabashes with lights, autumn leaves to enhance the pathway to the ceremony, director's chairs for guests with calabash and flower detail, lanterns, fire pits, signs for the ceremony of light, large tree with linen draped and hanging calabashes and lanterns. Instead of confetti - each guest was given a sparkler and instructions to light and wave for the newly married couple. To create an ambience of light and love, the ceremomy took place in the evening.

Stationery
Invites, maps, RSVP, envelope, table names, table numbers, seating cards, order of ceremony, sparkler confetti details, signs were all basd on the colour pallet and the images of the Ardmore fabric. We wanted to stay away from the usual big five animals and incorporate monkeys, mongoose, antelope, bush babies, African loeries, cranes, hoopoes, owls and birds. This added something different and enhanced our African twist! Much thought was put into the script and wording for the stationery to highlight the Bush Chic theme.

Seating chart
Hanging flower hangers placed on a wooden rustic backdrop at the venue provided a home for our table seating chart.
Other elements:

Succulents, pincushions and rose arrangements in wooden bowls. Safari chairs and blankets. Silver elements, silver cutlery, linen, tea lights and silver candle holders.
African book in the burnt orange colour as the table number

Menu
Inspired by South African cuisine with unique touches of bush luxuries and essential ingredients that work well on safari.

Any top tips for couples wanting to recreate this kind of look and feel on their big day?

Choose your venue and destination well. Choose a natural backdrop where one can hang lanterns and drape a beautiful white cloth to enhance the ceremony setting. Collect leaves and petals to highlight the aisle. Use signs to enhance your theme and create excitement for your guests. Add a sunset table with befitting drinks and snacks to treat your guests after the ceremony.