Real Weddings

Happily ever after

Once upon a time (in true fairytale tradition), school-teacher Elizabeth Coxford and MBA graduate John Henderson met and fell madly in love. After a year-long courtship, much of it by way of email, with John working in Johannesburg and Elizabeth in Cape Town, the couple announced their engagement. Planning to marry in the popular month of December, they fortunately heeded the advice of Celebration House and booked their chosen service providers well in advance, thereby avoiding disappointment.

Saturday 21 December am:
The wedding day dawned warm and bright, with nary a cloud in the sky. Few could have guessed that a few hours later, the afternoon sky would be lined with big black clouds, heralding the start of a tropical thunderstorm!

Langverwagt Estate, Stellenbosch - 3.45 pm:
Liz and John had planned an outside wedding at the beautiful Langverwagt Estate, but at 3.45pm, due to the increasingly threatening weather, Plan B had to swing into action. Pierre Le Roux of Langverwagt swiftly and efficiently organised a work party, who ensured that the chairs and covers assembled for the garden wedding were relocated to the cellar.

Langverwagt - 4.00 pm:
As the bride arrived, the voluminous thunderclouds finally gave way and began to release large, warm drops. Determined not to let the rain ruin her day, Elizabeth hitched up her stunning wedding gown and laughingly made a dash for safety indoors.

4.05pm:
By now the guests were seated in the cellar, which had been transformed into an attractive wedding chapel, complete with warm, glowing candelabra and a floor strewn with rose petals. To the strains of Josh Groban's popular ballad, 'You are still you', Elizabeth - looking every inch a radiant bride - slowly made her way up the aisle, smiling greetings to all her guests...

4.15pm:
The thunder and lightning continued unabated throughout the service, culminating in a dramatic moment which brought much mirth to the occasion. Just as the pastor enquired of Liz, 'Do you know of any reason why you should not take John to be your lawful wedded husband?', there was a loud crack of thunder, followed by a bolt of lightning that succeeded in tripping the lights and plunging Langverwagt and the whole of the surrounding area into darkness!

Fortunately Langverwagt has a generator, which immediately leapt into action, restoring light to the cellar. Undeterred, Liz and John then shared the vows they had composed with their family and friends. Certainly this is one wedding ceremony that those present will always remember...

5.00 - 6.00pm:
After the service, drinks and extremely tasty and varied snacks were served in the bar and patio area. As the rain had stopped, many guests took advantage of the stunning view of the city from Langverwagt's patio.

Meanwhile, photographer Marlene de Villiers set to work. Adapting her skills to the less-than-optimal lighting, she in fact turned it to her advantage and produced very creative photos, some of which can be seen here.

At 6pm, guests were ushered into the main venue which looked utterly spectacular, with tables decked out with a combination of glorious bright pink and orange roses. A year before the wedding day, Elizabeth had discussed the colour scheme for the occasion with John’s father, Duncan Henderson - owner of Duncan’s Roses in Elgin - and he had specially grown over 2000 roses for the event! Careful pruning at the correct time had ensured that the roses were at their peak for the big day.

Carina Basson of Mango Tree Flowers & Gifts created eye-catching table arrangements. Some tables held tall glass vases with towering displays, whilst others, including the bridal table, had roses arranged in modern square perspex vases. White candles in a variety of holders completed the look.

Carina managed to create an atmosphere of all-pervading romance by using small white, twinkly lights, interwoven with roses and fern, running along the edge of the main table. These were also used to decorate the large branches arranged in the gigantic, Spanish olive oil pots standing in the corners.

Designer Robyn Roberts created an elegant, yet contemporary wedding dress that complemented Liz's personality beautifully. The strapless bodice was made up entirely of white feathers, with additional feathers being sewn onto the overlay. To complete the picture, Elizabeth also had small feathers tucked into her upswept hair.

Following short, humorous and meaningful speeches (including one by the bride), a delicious plated meal of lamb and vegetables (and an equally enjoyable vegetarian alternative) was served to the delighted guests. Afterwards, the excellent choice of music - by John Oosthuizen of Capricorn Music - enticed guests to boogie the night away and ensured that the dance floor was never empty.

At around 11pm, the happy couple said their goodbyes, while making their way through the traditional archway of raised arms, with ‘Wish me luck’ playing in the background.

John & Lorraine Salt of Satellite Projects captured Liz and John's special day on video, right from the start until the end of their reception. This enabled them to not only relive the day once more, but also to share it with friends in London who were unable to be at the occasion.

• Serving interesting snacks to guests, accompanied by glasses of bubbly, while the wedding photos were being taken. These snacks doubled up as the starter.
• The use of the same bright orange and pink colour scheme throughout - in everything from the invitation to the bridesmaids dresses, flowers, serviettes, etc.
• The seating of parents with close friends and family at tables alongside the main table. Seated at the main table were the bride and groom, groomsmen and partners and the bridesmaids and their partners.
• The involvement of Liz's close female friends in the proceedings, as Master of Ceremonies, saying of grace, etc.
• The day before the wedding, John and Liz shared a quiet picnic lunch together at Buitenverwachting. According to Liz, after the rehearsal which had taken place the day before, she knew that her wedding was in the hands of professionals and she had nothing to worry about! They both agreed that the time-out spent relaxing together before their wedding was exactly what they needed after the busy build-up to it all, and they would highly recommend it to other couples.

Elizabeth and John are presently in London, where John is completing his MBA conversion. We wish them much happiness in their new life together!

Wedding Details
Venue: Langverwagt Estate, Stellenbosch
Photographer: Marlene de Villiers
Videographer: Satellite Projects
Disco: Capricorn Music
Invitations: Lynne Hosking Wedding Stationery
Flowers: Mango Tree Flowers & Gifts
Dress & Shoes: Robyn Roberts Bridal Wear Studio

Information about all the above service providers is obtainable from Celebration House.

Getting married? Did you plan your wedding through Celebration House and use one of our photographers? If you would like your wedding to be considered for our Real Weddings feature, please send an e-mail to: celebrationhouse@iafrica.com

We would love to hear from you!