The Wedding Album Magazine

A few days after touching down in Cape Town for their holiday, Monique, who had been living in the UK for 18 months, was whisked off to Stellenbosch for a tour of the university town where she and Kevin had spent the early years of their relationship. After visiting all their favourite haunts, Kevin proposed over a romantic dinner at Spier’s Moyo restaurant. ‘I was completely taken by surprise when he got down on one knee. I think the most special thing about the proposal was all the thought he had put into it.’ They had envisioned a relaxed alfresco celebration and Little Stream, with its secret gardens, enchanting flowers and manicured lawns, provided the perfect setting. Having lived in England, Monique was drawn to the idea of a traditional English garden party with lawn bowls, croquet, badminton finished off with jugs of Pimms and lemonade. Adamant that Kevin and his best man should wear suspenders on the day, Monique trawled through countless London charity shops in search of a vintage pair. ‘I was determined to find them and after a lot of hunting, managed to track some down!’ While her dress didn’t quite match Kevin’s 1920’s inspired cream suit, suspenders and cabby hat, Monique looked breathtaking in a Grecian-style gown under the warm summer sun. The couple did away with traditional seating and spread out picnic blankets and umbrellas instead, encouraging guests to kick off their shoes and enjoy the afternoon. ‘We wanted something very relaxed and for everyone to feel comfortable to mingle freely and just have fun.’ True to the theme, scones with jam and cream and an array of other savoury fare was served. But being self-proclaimed chocolate addicts, Monique and Kevin insisted on an impressive variety of desserts. The couple had a selection of all their favourites from pastel meringues and carrot cake to their decadent chocolate sponge wedding cake with a rich ganache icing – all created by family and friends. ‘Instead of reciting a long list of names in the speeches, we decided to attach a note to each dessert giving credit to the baker.’ This was just one of the many personal touches that made the wedding such a memorable occasion. After a few competitive games of badminton and croquet, the celebrations started winding down and the newlyweds slipped off for sunset photos and time to reflect on the day. ‘Those few minutes before we left the reception were the most special. Everything started to sink in. I remember thinking to myself, “Wow, I’m married to the most beautiful woman and it’s forever”.’ 

ADDRESS BOOK

Venue: Little Stream

+27 (0)21 794 3413

Flowers: Green Goddess Flower Studio

+27 (0)74 101 9375

Photographer: Rebecca Meissner from Love Made Visible

+27 (0)72 170 1890

Catering: Little Stream

+27 (0)21 794 3413