Lariska
Our gorgeous Wishbone & Ivory Real Bride Lariska came all the way from Cape Town to order her wedding dress from us. We loved every second of making her beautiful Caroline wedding dress. Read more about her wedding planning journey below:
How did you meet your husband and how did you get engaged?
We were university classmates, I made the first move! Seven years later I was admiring the Hemel & Aarde valley in Hermanus when PJ graciously went down on one knee. My brain was too excited to remember what he said but I said YES. We popped champagne that we hoarded during covid Shhhh ;) Then I asked him to tell me what he said when he was proposing.
Where did you get married and why did you choose that venue and time of year for your wedding?
We got married at Black Horse Brewery in Magaliesburg. The vibe we got from the venue was magical. It was exactly what we wanted. It was the first and last venue we actually checked out. The beautiful gardens, the luscious trees, the atmosphere and the people of North are just so accomodating. The venue ticked all our boxes. We just knew this was it. We got married in May for practical reasons but also because we loved the autumn colours. Black Horse is beautiful that time of year. The transition of colours from green to golden yellow, the sunny blue-sky day followed by a chilly evening which was the perfect excuse to light the fireplaces. It created such a mood. Also, we love beer.
What was the vibe of your wedding?
Rustic. We wanted it to be a 'jol'. We did not want a super formal wedding. Eat, drink beer and dance. Man, we know and love some amazing people. It is so important to invite the people you love, the people who have walked a journey with you or the people that will still walk that journey with you & your partner.
How did you hear about The Wedding Collective?
One of my closest friends got her wedding dress from The Wedding Collective and she looked absolutely stunning. From there on I stalked and dreamed about the Wedding Collective, by far my favourite wedding boutique. Side note: their Instagram shares a lot of advice and inspo.
What made you choose your wedding dress?
The moment I walked out of that dressing room I got a "wow" from everyone in the room. I could not stop thinking about that dress since then. The moment I put the beautiful Caroline on that Mari recommended I knew I was in love. I felt so beautiful. Oh, my dress had pockets, such a win!
How was your wedding dress experience from fittings to the final product?
Amazing! Mari & her team is marvelous. I was treated like I was a life-long friend. From sample dresses to the real deal. I always felt like Mari listened to my ideas, how I wanted to feel and she made it happen. They were very accomodating.
Do you have any advice or tips for new brides-to-be looking for their perfect wedding dress?
Do not have too many options, it will overwhelm & confuse you. Pick two wedding boutiques that you have stalked and loved then check them out. Trust your gut, if you hesitate rather 'los dit uit'.
Who was your wedding photographer?
The magical and talented Rozier from Okay Deer!
Any other vendors you would like to recommend to new brides-to-be?
I highly recommend all of my stunning vendors:
The Wedding Collective obviously!
Okay Deer photography, splurge on your photos, it is so worth it!
Studio keys, their wedding stationary is gorgeous.
Danelle van Vuuren make-up, she is such a treat.
Coenette de Beer from Make-up & modern hair artistry. She is the Queen of Hollywood waves!
Pretty Bunches decor, Miranda is so talented.
What was your most memorable part of your wedding day?
There were a lot of real moments that I will keep in my heart forever but the moment I walked down the aisle and I saw PJ took off his glasses to wipe his tears. Gosh, all the feels. We said no crying but we ended up sharing his handkerchief the whole night. Oh and the dancing! We danced the night away. A really small moment I will always remember is doing a last dance with PJ at the end of the evening. That time just before all the lights go on, grab your partner and have a last moment.
Do you have any advice regarding the overall planning of a wedding?
Do not feel like you have to please everyone, it is your day. Please do not invite that 'tannie' and 'oom' you saw when you were 3 years old just because it will keep someone happy. Make sure you are comfortable with your photographer, you do not want awkward photos. Ask your vendors for advice & what they think, they will surprise and amaze you with pretty cool ideas. Absorb every moment, it goes by so quickly!