
Picturesque Wedding at The Beach House Collection
The Proposal
Alex proposed on boxing day during the couple’s first holiday to the Netherlands! It all started with a romantic and somewhat adventurous walk through the cobbled streets of Amsterdam. Nina remembers all the sparkling Christmas lights. Sipping on hot gluhwein and being absolutely freezing cold walking along the canals. In the comfort of their cozy, warm and very pretty apartment, Alex asked her to marry him. He said: “My Nina, you’d make me the happiest if you were to be my wife”. They spoke of this dream often and Nina’s response was as though they were having one of their usual chats “Alex my love, yes, of course, I will be…” “No my love”, he interrupted as he gently held her shoulder, “You, don’t understand…”
She looked over and he reached into his pocket and pulled out a shiny box, smiled emotionally and looked at her, “Will you please marry me?” – “Yes, Yes again, of course, I will!” she shouted. He casually passed the box on over to her. Giggling through her happy-tears she had to remind Alex that he still had to put the ring on her finger. Alex popped their favourite champagne before they headed out to the next part of their adventure, she had never been happier, it was so emotional!
The Yzerfontein Wedding Venue
“We really wanted to treat our family to an unforgettable day. It was important to choose a venue that everyone would enjoy, feel comfortable in but also have a luxurious and super special experience. As most of us are based in Johannesburg, this was a little like a destination wedding for us. Thyme & Tide had everything we needed, we said ‘I Do’ on the beach, had a magical reception dinner and dancing indoors, and the most special photo’s during a stunning hour-long sunset. The location was so beautiful and felt that little extra had to be done to make it extra special. The venue had everything that we required.”
Favourite wedding memory
“It’s impossible to simply pick one favourite memory. It was such a special day and we had so many favourite moments. I will never forget the feeling and the look in his eyes when Alex said “I Do!” and the minister officially pronounced us Husband and Wife – that kiss.”
The story behind the wedding dress
“My wedding dress quickly became one of my most treasured wedding experiences. I’ve always wanted a formal snazzy wedding dress but our wedding was casual and I really wanted to enjoy the day, be barefoot playing along the beach and be able dance around. I found my dress from Anna Campbell, I absolutely love her dresses.”
“Mine was called The Mia, it was a sample dress that I bought through a direct online sale. As it was ordered from Australia, I chose the dress carefully based on it’s overall casual look, the potential alterations we may need to make, and it had a lot of the elements I wanted: silk, lace, soft flowing skirt perfect for the beach.”
“The dress is made of 100% natural ivory silk underskirt, with fine silk tulle overskirt and the bodice is finished with delicate handmade french ivory lace.”
“My mom is phenomenal, we kept the structure without compromising the design or classic AC look. My mom shortened the dress (I’m a shorty) and altered the bustle, added a delicate lace trim finished with pearls around the full dress and train, and a couple of alterations to assist with better fit around arms and bust. It was many many hours but we finally had my perfect dress, and the time we spent together on the dress leading up to the wedding, and getting ready together, will always be treasured.”
Wedding Colours
“Our decor and colour inspirations go hand in hand and we’re all about the beautiful natural elements that the coastal area brought.”
“The core colours were blushed pink and dusty blue but we wanted a colourful wedding in soft shades inspired by the area’s environment, it’s so pretty! We wanted all the colours of the sunsets, the oceans dramatic waves of colours, the sand that sparkles with all the pink and purple colours of the shells it’s made of.”
“We had a boho-inspired beach ceremony on the dunes with the ocean behind us, our reception table was filled with the prettiest flowers and dried naturals, with detailed beach themed elements for a luxurious coastal feel.”
Advice to other couples
“Define what the most important things are to you as a couple (The Must Haves & Non-Negotiables versus “it would be nice”). Set your budget and stick to it. Sacrifice items that are not a Must Have to stay within budget. Find creative ways to achieve what you want within the budget. Try your absolute best not to go into massive debt – it’s not worth it.”
“We were originally going to elope but for us, the non-negotiable was having a Yzerfontein beach wedding with our parents & siblings present. It was an extremely difficult decision to not invite friends/extended family to our wedding. We could not afford a large Yzerfontein beach wedding, and it was impossible to choose who should be invited. So, we landed on a micro-wedding which allowed us to do exactly what we wanted, within budget.”
“Have fun planning and don’t sweat the small stuff! Seriously, if it’s causing you stress, anxiety & money loss – let it go! Don’t forget why you’re planning the wedding in the first place…”
“Find the time to enjoy the most important moments as newlyweds. It doesn’t matter what your wedding ends up being; time flies by and before you know it’s all over – be sure to find a special moment together to truly take in and appreciate your special day.”
Vendors of this incredible Yzerfontein Wedding:
- Photographer: Jo-ann Stokes
- Venue: Thyme & Tide
- Accommodation: Maki Saki
- Make-Up & Hairstylist: Makeup by Lauren
- Florist: Yes!ExclusiveFlowers
- Minister: Stephen Van Basten
- Stationary: Oh Yay
- Wedding Cake and Cupcakes: Florentines
- First Dance: Five6Seven8
- Rings: GC Manufacturing