Jamie
We loved working with our gorgeous modern bohemian bride Jamie on her Alice wedding dress by Wishbone & Ivory. And despite Covid they still were able to have their perfect wedding day albeit a year later. Congratulations on your union Jamie, we can feel the love from your photos!
How did you meet your husband and how did you get engaged?
Jacques and I met at work. He noticed my Harry Potter mug on my desk and that’s how we got talking ⚡️
We bonded over stories of travel and scuba diving and didn’t stop talking. When Jacques proposed, he got my friends to take me to all our date spots over the years until we finally arrived at the Living Room in Joburg, where my brother worked. He had arranged for us to have the whole place to ourselves. My friends put me in the elevator and up I went to meet Jacques, who gave me the most beautiful speech and the most beautiful ring.
Where did you get married and why did you choose that venue and time of year for your wedding?
We got married at The Cowshed in Lydenburg. We didn’t look at any other venues, we just went there one weekend and fell in love with how beautiful the space was and how much we could relate to the laid back, easy going vibe. We wanted to get married in Spring in September 2020 but obviously Covid was a bummer and we moved the wedding to January 2021. This was also a no-go (we were very good at choosing dates slap-bang in the middle of the waves and lockdowns 😂). We chose December 2021 because it was far enough away and it allowed us to include some international guests who wouldn’t have been able to make the earlier dates.
What was the vibe of your wedding?
Our wedding was super minimal. We chose to focus on three core aspects – people, photography, and food. We didn’t have any decor that wasn’t functional. Our tables only had Tabard candles on them to keep away the bugs. The venue is so beautiful that adding too much to it would detract from the comfort and aesthetic. We were really laid back and our guests wore clothes they felt comfortable in, no one was expected to dress formally if that wasn’t their vibe. It was all about an authentic experience in which everyone felt happy and themselves.
How did you hear about The Wedding Collective?
Instagram or Google (it was a long time ago 😂)
What made you choose your wedding dress?
I felt like myself in it. It wasn’t overly frilly or embellished, and I loved that I could walk around and dance in it. I loved my dress.
How was your wedding dress experience from fittings to the final product?
It was such a great experience. Mari and Ora were so kind and helpful with their suggestions and feedback. I don’t like being the centre of attention but they made me feel so comfortable and special.
Do you have any advice or tips for new brides-to-be looking for their perfect wedding dress?
Choose the dress you don’t want to change out of. Think about how you feel in it, not what you think other people will like. Ignore the ‘Gram, you know you best ☺️
Who was your wedding photographer?
Rebecca and Bruce from Love Made Visible. They are exceptional photographers and humans. I would choose them again and again.
Any other vendors you would like to recommend to new brides-to-be?
I can’t recommend The Cowshed highly enough. Ann, Di, and Tammy were incredibly helpful and kind. The entire experience from visiting, booking, and celebrating was incredible. Ditto for Love Made Visible. Ivan Richards from Toast Fine Food did our catering and it beyond amazing. Every single item on the menu was carefully considered and cooked with such love and care.
What was your most memorable part of your wedding day?
I was an hour late for our 17:30 ceremony. I usually hate inconveniencing people and making them wait, but on this day, I just felt present and everyone was so chilled about it. Jacques and I got ready together, which was really special. We had Rebecca in the room with us while we got dressed and she captured the intimacy perfectly. When we walked out and met our friends and family under the massive Tipuana tree, Jacques burst out laughing and told me he forgot to tie his shoelaces. Our ceremony was conducted by our close friend and our friends and family formed part of the whole thing by reading beautiful pieces of advice. Above us, a storm was brewing and it got dark so suddenly. It felt like we were on a ship at sea, my dress was completely lifted and flowing in the wind. We giggled and cried and it was beautiful. We had pieces of music in-between the 3 parts of our ceremony, and during the second song, the bluetooth speaker died and my brother started singing the song to us and we joined in. It was so special.
Do you have any advice regarding the overall planning of a wedding?
Jacques and I each picked one thing that was the most important to us. I chose photography and he chose food. We made sure that was our focus so we didn’t get overwhelmed with other aspects of the wedding. It helped us stay within budget and focus on what’s important to us, not what we see on Instagram.
