For the Cape Town wedding industry, the first long weekend in May almost always heralds our last wedding for the South African summer season. This year, I was fortunate enough for mine to play out on the canvas of personality, that was Sarel and Una’s glitzy celebration! Held at a hidden gem up the Garden Route, Bramon Wine Estate, guests were wowed by glamorous Una emerging from the stormy sky in a helicopter. Sarel, a pilot himself, simply insisted that his bride arrive in style! Nothing about this wedding was a cliché. The couple chose to have a wedding weekend in Plettenberg Bay (something very different from their local scene in Pretoria), and insisted on not letting the pressure of the day become bigger than the enormous party they’d been looking forward to! Loved one’s were to eat, drink, keep warm and be merry … anything else was secondary (and pretty far down the priority list at that;). Unflappable and elegant, Una’s golden wedding gown and old hollywood look was breathtaking, and her loving groom couldn’t stop smiling when he saw her arrive. And for the rest of the day for that matter! I couldn’t think of a more memorable to way to wrap up what was a sensory overload of a season. Surrounded by the laughter and warmth of Sarel and Una’s guests, a dramatic, wintery sunset, and people who are genuine in their loveliness, to the core,  I wish you all the happiest of winter breaks! So … grab some tea, inch your freezing toes a little closer to the heater you’re hiding under your desk (yes … I know your secret) and let this charming couple take you on a brief journey of their big day! All my love, hugs and gratitude, Claire xxx

venue: bramon wine estate | bridal preparation: plettenberg park hotel & spa  | dress: gert van der merwe | bridesmaids dresses: bridal room | hair: jacques hair studio | make up: make-up diva | stationary: sumé louw | flowers: pippa’s flowers | decor: bramon wine estate | live music: tigger reunert | cakes: clare’s cakes | dj: juan de beer | photographers assistant: