An Irish Wedding in Franschhoek

An Irish Wedding in Franschhoek

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After a nice relaxing long bank holiday weekend in Ireland we are back with a bang and so excited to share Lynette and Davids wedding in Franschhoek, South Africa. With family in Ireland and friends in Australia where they are currently living, it was too long a distance for one side to travel and so they set their hearts on South Africa, a country they visited and fell in love with six years prior. From Lynette's jaw dropping haute couture Inbal Dror gown to the wondrous landscape of Franschhoek, it's hard not to get lost in the prettiness that was captured so beautifully by Kikitography.

From the Bride

Two years ago, we returned to Ireland for a three week holiday. David comes from Dublin, but I come from Donegal - a small town set amongst breathtaking beaches, cliffs and lakes in the North West of the country. I had always told David of this gorgeous little lighthouse in St. Johns Point on the Atlantic Coast. It held a special place in my memory and David knew it would be the perfect backdrop for a proposal. David organised dinner in the nearby restaurant Castle Murray. On the way, we stopped off at the lighthouse, walked to the cliff edge and David got down on one knee. We then had the most wonderful dining experience in Castle Murray overlooking the wild Atlantic ocean. We were picked up by my sister and her fiancé, and driven to Solis Lough Eske Castle, a five-star castle hotel located on a secluded lake, where we stayed in the Presidential Suite. My family greeted us for a drink there, and for weeks after we celebrated our engagement with our families dotted throughout the country before returning to Australia, where we planned our next big adventure - our wedding day.

Both being Irish, living in Australia, the organisation was sure to be a tad complex. We had the entire world to choose from. Surprisingly quickly we decided against both Ireland and Australia. We opted instead to have another adventure, and this time we would invite those we cherish most along with us. We pondered over our past travel experiences, looked at each other, and both concluded SOUTH AFRICA.

Nestled between towering mountains in the beautiful Cape Winelands lies the magnificent Franschhoek valley. We knew, this setting would capture lasting memories for not only us, but our dearest family and friends.

Our chosen venue, La Petite Dauphine is the most quaint, enchanting location where plum trees line farm lanes and vineyards dot the surroundings. The accommodation was luxurious yet rustic with glimpses of the towering Franschhoek Mountains - quite simply, remarkable. We had never had the opportunity to visit the venue, until one week prior to the wedding, but the photographs on their website captured the beauty perfectly and the service we received from Marie-Louise throughout the organisation comforted us in knowing we had made the right choice in venue.

We wanted our guests to take the time to fall in love with South Africa, just as we had six years prior, with our wedding day climaxing their experience at the end of their travels. I built on our previous experiences and organised a trip which would enable our guests to experience the magnificent beauty of the scenery of the famous Garden Route - the coast drive dotted with exquisite beaches, rolling hills and picturesque lagoons. One day we saw African penguins on the Cape Peninsula, the next we experienced close encounters with great white sharks. Hulking elephants and rhinos, proud lions and zebras greeted us on safari in the breathtaking Shamwari Game Reserve. In the mother city of Cape Town, we were awestruck by Table Mountain, golden beaches, the wondrous Cape of Good Hope and humbled by a trip to the inspirational Robben Island.

On the eve of our wedding, the 5th of January, our guests joined us for a celebration of the Winelands. A wine tour was organised for those who wished to experience the spectacular award winning vineyards of the region. This was followed by a gastronomic adventure at Cafe Des Arts, one of the many famous restaurants of Franschhoek.

We wanted our wedding to be a small but unforgettable celebration of what we hold dearest - our love. More specifically, our love for each other, travel, adventure, fine wine & food, and our closest family & friends. Travel is a very important element of our lives. Throughout the past nine years, David and I have grown and matured together and travelled the world; choosing to settle along the famous Bondi coast in Australia, some 17,000km from our home in Ireland. Our travels saw us discover the wonders of Asia, America, Australia and part of Africa. We wanted our wedding to be an excuse for our guests to go on an adventure. What better place to do this than in South Africa.

Having made the decision on venue, we knew a vintage theme would fit perfectly with the quant rustic surroundings of La Petite Dauphine and the surrounding Franschhoek region. We tied this with our love for travel & adventure and decided on a theme of Vintage Travel.

The decor arranged by Lizanda at Leipzig is a stand out from the day. Lizanda turned my vision and wildest dreams into a reality, and then some. She utilised a simple but elegant approach to decor, which provided a slightly vintage, rustic scene all the while portraying a homemade feel.

Our colour scheme was mainly natural reflecting shades of whites, cream, peaches, light coral and sage green. This was augmented by Leipzig's fitting selection of flowers, being a variety of proteas, gypsophila, roses, tulips and others which naturally blended with our colour scheme. The flowers accompanied accessories of glass and ceramic combined with a variety of suitcases, travel inspired antiques, books and candles to create a soft romantic glow on the tables during the evening.

The tall jagged mountain range set the backdrop to our white wooden gazebo nuptial setting. Scatters of lanterns and large gypsophila bunches framed the aisles, whilst our guests shaded themselves under paper parasols and cool fedora hats. As I walked down the grassy aisle, my eyes skipped the detail of the beautiful penny gum and floral trimming of the draped gazebo, as my eyes were locked on the love of my life, both holding back tears of joy.

From a young age I always dreamed of my dress and my groom. I knew from the age of 19 that I had found my prince charming in David. When i pictured my wedding day, I knew I'd be facing David, so my dreams changed focus, and I dreamed and I fantasised of having the most breathtaking gown. My amazing haute couture dress is the design of the spectacular Israeli designer Inbal Dror, available in Australia exclusively at Helen Rodrigues in Sydney. The fine french lace was breathable in the summer african heat, with the low neckline and backless detail providing a feminine yet sexy frame.

I came across the gown on Pinterest - it was style 13.5. It took me a while to find out the designer and when I did i then needed to find if there were any stockists in Sydney. Lets just say our stars aligned. It turns out there is one exclusive stockist of Inbal Dror in Australia - being Helen Rodrigues in Neutral Bay, Sydney. Firstly, this was so fitting as I at the time lived only a five minute drive away! I called Helen Rodrigues and it turned out there was an Inbal Dror trunk show the following weekend and they had one spot available. I booked it immediately.

When trying on the gown I knew immediately it was the one for me. I tried on five other wonderful Inbal Dror gowns but I was 100% transfixed on my dress. It turns out Helen didn't normally stock the gown so I needed to make my decision there and then or not be able to purchase it again. I had to go for it. It felt like destiny. Ten months later after it was made to measure in Israel I got to see my dress again. I couldn't have been happier with my decision.

The dress was the focus, therefore no jewellery was worn, other than a simple crystal headpiece by Twigs & Honey, available at The Babushka Ballerina. The headpiece was positioned to enhance my loosely styled hair and naturally mastered make-up, the creation of the wonderful Corle Barnard - it is no surprise that Corle was awarded Best Wedding Make-Up Artist in 2014 at the Top Vendor Wedding Awards.

Our day will be with us in our minds forever. However, Kikitography our photographers managed to capture the sincerity, love, and joy that was shared in the most wonderful images of artistry I have ever beheld. Skillie is a true master behind the lens. He and his second shooter Isle, honestly were a huge factor to our day being so enjoyable. Skillie's colourful demeanour and style should accompany all weddings. I am in awe of Skillie and i am so proud to have his art now hanging on my walls.

Photography; Florist; Cake topper: Celebrant: Bridal gown: Veil: Hair piece: Lingerie: Shoes: Hair and Make Up: Suit: Shirt: Shoes: Socks: Watch: Groomsmen suits: Groomsmen suspenders: Kikitography / Leipzig / Stationery; Save the Dates and invites from Lots of Love Invitations. Place Cards available from The Perfect Favour / Ceremony venue: La Petite Dauphine / Reception venue: La Petite Dauphine / Catering: Cafe Bon Bon at La Petite Dauphine / Cake: Cafe Bon Bon at La Petite Dauphine / Better Off Wed Rustics / Decorative Elements; Love is Sweet Banner, Fancy That Loved, Better Off Wed Rustics, Bragging Bags / Fedora's; Leipzig / Hire and Marquee; Leipzig / Lighting and Sound Hire: Trilogy Music / Entertainment: AmaAmbush and Trilogy Jazz available from Trilogy Music and String Along / John De Beer / Rings: Paul Sheeran / Inbal Dror Dress 13.5, available at Jenny Packham available at Twigs & Honey available at TBB / Robes; Agent Provocateur / Jimmy Choo / Bracelet; Helen Rodrigues / Corle Barnard / Bridesmaid dresses: Helen Rodrigues / Silkandmore / Hugo Boss / Calibre / Florsheim / Toe Porn / Tag Heuer / Oxford / SuiPig Leather / Groomsmen gifts: Not On the High Street / Donna Morgan / Bridesmaid shoes: Bridesmaids own / Bridesmaid gifts: Necklaces from Lovisa / Leather flasks from RSVP Handcrafted

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