There’s something magical about a beautifully lit space filled with towering trees and the smell of pine. Nature always has a way of calming the mind and rejuvenating the soul, so it’s no surprise that basking in the glow of a few sparkly fairy lights and the delights of Mother Nature makes for an incredible wedding venue.
There is an array of mesmerising wedding spots in South Africa that make for the perfect forest wedding. If you’re in love with the idea of donning your bohemian wedding dress, grabbing your groom and getting married while being surrounded by a sea of tall trees, here are a few incredible forest wedding venues around South Africa to add to your list:
Former Miss South Africa Tamaryn Green and her fiancé Zesimdumise Nxumalo, better known as ‘Ze’, have shared snaps from their traditional Zulu ‘umembeso’ ceremony, which took place last weekend.
The ceremony came seven months after the couple got engaged in the Kruger National Park while on baecation in April, according to Times Live.
Umembeso is a Zulu traditional wedding ceremony in which the groom’s relatives bring gifts to the bride’s family. The ceremony occurs after the lobola negotiations but prior to the official Zulu traditional wedding.
Hear the distant roars of wild lions while watching the blazing African sunset at none other than Limpopo’s finest Abelana Game Reserve — the perfect place to escape the bustle of everyday life and dive into a little romance.
2020 was a tough year for the travel industry, and many love birds had to put their wedding day on hold. But now, all that’s left to focus on is a whole lot of love as couples across the world get ready to say “I do”.
It’s time for love to take center stage and there’s no better way to celebrate than at one of the most gorgeous locations in South Africa.
Welcome to Abelana Game Reserve…
A history of union with Abelana Game Reserve’s first bush wedding:
Situated on 15 000 hectares of pure unadulterated beauty, Abelana welcomed their first bride and groom on the scenic Malati Weir.
An intimate, mid-afternoon gathering saw no more than 42 guests come together in celebration of the couple, who said yes to forever with panoramic views overlooking the Selati River, which only enhanced the already magical moment.
The dinner reception was a classic-chic affair hosted at the Abelana River Lodge with not much of the lodge altered in terms of decor — raw beauty. A beaming bride and groom ensured that Abelana’s first bush wedding was the perfect African-ever-after.
Saying “I do” at Abelana Game Reserve
There’s something uniquely indescribable about being serenaded by the sounds of the bushveld, and Abelana is hoping to bring boatloads of African ambience to your wedding day.
Located just a 5 hours drive from Johannesburg, the luxury lodge is now launching its bespoke wedding package to the public. The perfect bushveld wedding is not only available but accessible to brides and grooms ready to tie the knot.
Thanks to Abelana Game Reserve, Limpopo’s burnt skies and natural brilliance are just a booking way from becoming your wedding reality.
Couples can expect only the best service from the Abelana team with wedding packages including, but not limited to:
A dedicated team was allocated to attend to the bride and groom on the wedding day
A complimentary Abelana wedding cake
A romantic turndown
Luxurious king-suite accommodation for up to 40 overnight guests
All standard accommodation inclusions apply to overnight guests, such as meals and game viewing activities
COVID-19 has played a big part in wedding plans, but an intimate bush wedding still remains an attractive prospect for couples who are considering the implications of the pandemic.
COVID precautions are the lodge’s top priority and nothing beats naturally wide-open spaces, fresh air, and ample room for social distancing that’s offered when choosing to book your wedding here.
Abelana River Lodge follows stringent protocols to protect tourists, wedding guests and staff, including:
Guest temperatures are scanned on arrival at the reserve gate, and each guest completes a contact-tracing and general wellness form.
Staff temperatures and wellness are assessed and recorded on a daily basis.
All staff are required to wear a mask at all times, and to sanitise their hands frequently.
Guests are required to wear their masks in the lodge’s indoor public areas.
All suites are rested between guest stays.
Hand sanitising stations are positioned at all entrances to the lodge and hand sanitiser supply is available on each game viewing vehicle.
All surfaces are wiped down with sanitiser on a regular basis, and game viewing vehicles are wiped down between each game drive.
So, what are a few things that brides and grooms-to-be should consider when planning their “safari wedding?”
“Wedding couples should be passionate about nature, animals and bush life. Don’t be too attached to the timing of your big day. Out here, we could run into any number of situations that could delay the whole itinerary. We encounter roadblocks – not the city kind – and detours created by fallen trees and wildlife. We may put a plan in place, but when you come face-to-face with a breeding herd of elephants, we wait; you wait – everyone waits. It’s part of the magic,” says Natalie Roberts, assistant lodge manager.
Ready to book the venue of your dreams and say “I do” while immersed in nature?
For more information on the lodge and its wedding packages, please contact Bryan West at 061 952 4302 or [email protected]
Weddings are stressful. Throw family into the mix, and sometimes you find a recipe for disaster. However, one wedding couple found that a few family members were ready to douse the traditional disaster recipe in petrol, set it alight and watch the flames burn it to smithereens.
A bit dramatic, but we can only imagine that that’s exactly how it must have felt for the couple on their wedding day when all of the groom’s female family membersshowed up to the ceremony dressed in white.
A 33-year-old groom recently took to Reddit to share his story of the wedding “prank,” which hadn’t exactly gone down too well. In an AITA (that stands for ’Am I the A-hole’) post, the groom explained that the women in his family are a very close-knit bunch which he explained is similar to a “unit” that is rather “toxic.” He went on to explain that the women in his family “tease and roast every new woman that enters the family by marriage” as a way to “test” to see if the women deserve to be a part of the family.
Everything from the look and style of the women is roasted as they spend months teasing her before announcing that she has finally been welcomed into the family. Unfortunately, the cycle continues with every new woman that attempts to enter.
According to the groom, his brother warned him of the impending mess that was about to ensue as the “unit” planned to wear white on the wedding day. Despite the group vehemently denying the rumours, the day of the nuptials saw the women sporting white as the “ultimate test.”
The result? The groom asked them to leave, which resulted in a scene being made. His aunts and mother refused to leave, forcing the groom to threaten “harsher action.” Thankfully, they eventually all left, but not without his cousins blasting him on social media.
“My cousin blasted me on social media later, saying I excluded all the women from the wedding because my wife was insecure that she couldn’t handle another woman’s presence at the wedding.”
However, things didn’t end there. The groom had an argument with his mother who states that she simply wanted to see if his future wife was a “bridezilla.”
“I haven’t seen the lot of them in two weeks and they’ve excluded me from everything.”
We love a good photo booth. Not only is it an excellent way to commemorate your wedding day, but it’s bound to keep your guests entertained. While renting a Kardashian-inspired photo booth may set you back thousands, creating your own version can be an affordable and memorable option.
From floral backdrops to iPad Instagram filters, here are a few fun DIY photo booth hacks you can incorporate into your big day.
It’s all about the floral
Come rain or shine, adding a floral backdrop is a great way to add a pop of colour to your pictures. However, you don’t have to get a florist to whip this up for you. Grab your tools, plywood, your favourite flowers and glue for a masterpiece.
Adding a chalkboard is a great way to include a whimsical or industrial touch to your wedding. It all depends on the font you use. It’s also incredibly easy to create and won’t cost you too much.
Is there anything more romantic or ethereal than string lights? Adding this to a neutral backdrop or a large piece of plywood will help create a simple, but a beautiful element to your guest’s photos.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUD4nsiN8cQ/
Nothing wrong with Neon
How about a splash of rock and roll to your wedding day? You can personalise your photo booth by adding a custom neon sign. Having one of these bad boys will certainly get your guests talking and is an incredible way to add something special … maybe your favourite lyrics or quote.
Simple and easy to make at home, adding a photo frame to a stand (perhaps with a few flowers) will leave your photo-loving guests wanting more. You can add your favourite quote or your names and the date of your big day.
Pinterest
A photo box
All you need is a polaroid camera, a box and memories. Adding a photo box to your wedding day is an adorable way to collect memories that you can open when you have a chance. Provide guests with the opportunity to snap a few pics of themselves and deposit them into the box – simple and not too pricey!
Adding macrame as your photo-op background can help blend in with the beautiful surroundings of your wedding or add a touch of simple elegance. Pop a few flowers on the frame and you’ve got a winner!
Weddings and stress go together like All Gold tomato sauce and slap chips – it’s the perfect combination.
The infamous Bridezilla always seems to be a tiny disaster away, but one bride appears to have taken the stereotype to its extreme.
A Reddit usershared a less than flattering story of a bride and groom on their wedding day.
According to a Reddit user, her friend was in desperate need of a photographer as they were on a tight budget – and we all know how expensive weddings can be.
While she was more than happy to help her friend out, the user did admit that snapping adorable dogs pics was actually her forte, opting to charge $250 (R3 600) for 10-hours of work.
The day started great.
“On the day of, I’m driving around following the bride as she goes from appointment to appointment before the ceremony, taking photos along the way. I shoot the ceremony itself, and during the reception I’m shooting speeches and people mingling,” says the photographer, adding that she started around 11:00 and was due to finish around 19:30.
“Around 5pm, food is being served, and I was told I cannot stop to eat because I need to be the photographer; in fact, they didn’t save me a spot at any table. I’m getting tired and at this point kinda regretting doing this for next to nothing,” says the photographer.
That wasn’t the end though. She told the groom that she needed to take a 20-minute break in order to grab something to eat and drink as she didn’t have any more water in her water bottle.
The breaking point? The photographer was told by the groom that she needed to either be a photographer or leave without pay.
“With the heat, being hungry, being generally annoyed at the circumstances, I asked if he was sure, and he said yes, so I deleted all the photos I took in front of him and took off saying I’m not his photographer anymore,” says the photographer who is now wondering if she acted too harshly.
“If I was to be paid $250, honestly at that point, I would have paid $250 just for a glass of cold water and somewhere to sit for 5 min,” says the photographer.
Many users came to the photographer’s defence, stating that “if you’re going to be there all day, then they absolutely should be fed. Plus, it just seems like the polite thing to do,” stated one user.
2021 has been a rollercoaster ride filled with alcohol bans, gathering restrictions and rushing home from your friend’s home to make sure you don’t miss curfew. But finally, spring is in the air, and there are plenty of incredible spring wedding trends to admire.
The wedding industry may still be feeling the effects of the pandemic, and it’s evident in the trends for spring. Think smaller guest lists, more intimate settings, and fresh decor colours that are sure to liven up 2021 and beyond. It’s all about personal details and adding a non-traditional touch.
Here are a few of the top wedding trends for spring that we can’t get enough of right now:
Fairy lights
Outdoor weddings have become the norm thanks to COVID-19 as it provides a safer option for guests and vendors, with fairy lights and whimsical wedding tents now being added to every bride and groom’s shopping cart. Including twinkle lights in your decor offers a touch of romance and ethereal quality. The combination of drapery from tents and the proper mood lighting is sure to create a sense of brightness and ease for your wedding day.
While we’d all love to spend our wedding day frolicking on the beach of Mauritius, travel has been up in the air lately. So, what do you do? You bring the destination to you, of course! Transformative design is the keyword for 2021 as couples use their favourite destinations to inspire their event’s decor, look, feel and colour palette. Whether it’s the sweet and savoury treats of France or the tropical vibes of Bali, this trend is all about immersing your guests in your favourite destination in the world.
We’re looking to keep things simple in 2021 and that extends to the food and entertainment. More couples are turning to acoustic performances to entertain while guests enjoy an intimate restaurant-style dinner service. Hosting a reception service at your favourite restaurant is a great way to support local businesses, provide guests with good food and spend the evening in a relaxed setting. It may even be a little cheaper than hiring a catering company!
There’s no question that 2020 has forced us to re-examine what we find important, and that includes downscaling from quantity to quality. More guests, more flowers, and the biggest wedding cake have all been replaced with a smaller guest list, simple yet beautiful flower arrangements and single-tier cakes. Small events will likely be the trend for the foreseeable future, not that we’re complaining.
Neutral colour palettes are always an elegant touch, but couples are looking to shake things up with vibey colours that add a breath of fresh air. Bold pops of colour mixed with elegant prints are taking over spring as more couples exchange those “typical” wedding decor ideas for fun and bright colours.
It’s been a weird 18-months. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all needed to adjust our lifestyles – sanitise, wear masks, social distance – it’s been an interesting adventure. The pandemic has also spawned a host of trends as various industries learn to pivot and adapt to the “new normal”.
Our new reality has been pretty tough on the wedding industry, with thousands of couples watching their wedding date come and go without saying “I do.” However, grabbing a huge slice of wedding cake and sulking is the last thing couples are doing, birthing a new kind of pre-nuptial ceremony.
There’s plenty that goes into planning a wedding. From choosing your dream venue to the perfect date, many couples are choosing not to compromise on the details of their dream day despite working within the confines of the pandemic.
The pretend wedding, or predding, has been an intimate substitute for wedding celebrations, honouring would-be wedding dates. There might be no signing of a marriage license, but it’s a great way to celebrate love with friends and family.
The hashtag #pretendwedding has been making the rounds on social media, a trend that’s still going strong despite the easing of lockdown restrictions.
A casual setting and dress code, and no strict itinerary makes this new trend a welcome distraction from the stress of wedding planning. Here are a few of our favourite “preddings” online.
You’re about to say your “I dos,” an event that will undoubtedly sweep you up into a love bubble of bliss as you learn to adjust to your new life as Mr and Mrs. But after 18 months of living in close proximately (at least for some of us) with your other half, spending some quality time with the most important person in your life – you – is crucial to stepping into this life of partnership on the right foot.
Indulging in a solomoon is a great way to get some much-needed “me time” before standing at the altar. Whether you choose to enjoy a week-long solo trip or a weekend under the stars, experts are adamant that prioritising some alone time is a must before embarking on your new journey.
What is a Solomoon?
Think of it as a honeymoon, but solo. Basically, it’s an independent trip that’s taken before your wedding day. Marriage is about finding that sweet spot between independence and dependence, learning to build a life with someone while staying authentically you. Taking time out to enjoy your company – alone – is the perfect way to get reacquainted with yourself before getting married.
Perched on a hilltop, Sky Villa offers incredible views of Plettenberg Bay that will definitely make your soon-to-be-husband a little jealous. It’s only a five-minute drive from the beach, but trust us, you won’t want to leave this sprawling property. They offer a range of accommodation options, but it’s the Sky Villa cottage that you have to take advantage of. The cottage provides comfort and luxury, with a touch of independence if you’re not keen on spending your time in a hotel during your getaway. A gym, restaurant, fynbos garden, swimming pool and their famous Sky bar are all on-site, so you’ll never have to leave (or lift a finger).
The key to an incredible solomoon is peace and quiet, and Leobo Private Reserve is paradise. Nestled within the Waterberg mountains, it’s a three hours drive from Johannesburg and offers everything you can possibly imagine for the nature-loving bride-to-be. Spend your day exploring this 20 000 acre reserve, with bird-watching, safaris, kayaking, game viewing and sky diving all on offer. Or enjoy a quiet time out by relaxing alongside the swimming pool or enjoying the mesmerising views. There’s literally something for everyone
Woodsong Cottage – Dargle, KwaZulu-Natal
Woodsong Cottage Airbnb
Resorts aren’t the only place you can enjoy a solo vacation. If you love spending time on your own, blasting some R&B while cooking up a storm, then self-catering is a great option. Whether you’re exploring the lush landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal or looking for something a little closer to home, Woodsong Cottage is a steal. Nestled in the Dargle Valley and overlooking the Umngeni River, it provides some amazing views for the ideal time alone. Each bedroom leads out onto the deck, where views, views, and more views are on offer. A feast for your eyes for sure, but it’s the minimalist interior design and sense of escape from the bustle of wedding planning that will really leave you screaming with delight.
Allow your inner child to live vicariously through you before committing yourself to a life of forever with your person by booking a stay at this incredible Port Elizabeth Treehouse. You know it’s great when it’s ranked one of the top treehouse stays in South Africa, with endless views of the valley and sea in the distance right outside your window. Don’t forget to take your Lush bath bomb as you unwind in a bathtub that offers some incredible views of the forest – a nature lover’s dream! Grab a book and enjoy the incredible bird calls, soaking in the magical yet simple architectural design and interior. If it’s not on your solomoon list, then make sure to add it to your travel bucket list.
South Africa’s favourite city of oaks, Stellenbosch, is pulling out the stops for gardeners and lovers of the great outdoors in a new, week-long festival that will transform its streets and surrounding countryside from 30 September to 10 October. Major drawcards include a first-ever Stellenbosch winelands experience featuring SA Michelin star chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen.
The inaugural Garden Week Stellenbosch – inspired by the world-famous flower festival of Girona, Spain – will encompass everything from horticultural tours to landscape art; dining to hiking; and, guest specialists to music in majestic settings.
In addition to a host of highlights for fans of flora and Mother Nature in general will be a flower parade, which officially launches Garden Week Stellenbosch on 30 September.
The event is an initiative of Visit Stellenbosch, a destination marketing organisation comprising the region’s tourism stakeholders with the objective of growing the tourism and experience economy in Stellenbosch for the benefit of all communities.
Furthermore, it represents the collaboration of a multitude of local businesses, including restaurants and activity providers, as well as Stellenbosch Wine Routes, Stellenbosch Municipality, Stellenbosch Visio, Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust (SOST), Rama, Remgro, Candide App and Garden Day SA.
“What better way to celebrate the start of Spring than through this one-of-a-kind festival,” says Adv Gesie van Deventer, Stellenbosch Executive Mayor. “As an avid gardener, I regularly get my hands dirty and love the multitude of beautiful gardens we have in our area. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting residents who take great pride in their gardens – from lush traditional havens, to smart waterwise and newly established green paradises.
“I encourage all residents and visitors to participate in this unique event and to support our local tourism and experience economy for the benefit of all communities.”
Visit Stellenbosch general manager Jeanneret Momberg says that after many challenging months, Team Stellenbosch has “really pulled together for what promises to become a major annual highlight in the Cape and much-needed boost for the tourism economy”.
Garden Week takes place in the run-up to National Garden Day on 17 October and encompasses the school break. Together, they inspired Garden Week’s educational initiative, organised in partnership with Rama and New Life Microgreens and which provides children with “Microshooters” – microgreen grow kits-in-a-tub.
The project is an extension of Rama’s work with the Department of Education, undertaken since 2017 to help teach school-going children about the value of good nutrition via the Rama Good Breakfast programme.
“We are so proud to be partnering with Microshooters for the Stellenbosch Garden Week, when 6 200 school children will be provided a Rama tub filled with goodies that allow them to experience the wonderful world of growing good food,” says Rama brand manager Sasha Sathianathan. “We are honoured to be part of this initiative.”
Garden Week will also feature several installations to be carried out by landscapers and local botanical artists. Located at landmarks throughout town, these works will not only be part of the pageantry, but also serve to highlight the town’s well-preserved history. Among them will be a giant centre-piece – a plant labyrinth at The Braak, the town’s main square.
Storefronts around town as well as local wine farms will echo the theme with special offers, floral designs, and greenery while local accommodation providers have instituted promotional rates for the run of the festival.
Open gardens and nature walks
Some of the region’s most splendid public gardens will be open to visitors, including the historic Old Nectar estate in the Jonkershoek Valley; the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden in Paradyskloof; Spier Wine Farm, whose workshops include one for children; and, Delaire Graff Estate. The owners of some 20 private gardens will participate too, giving visitors a rare glimpse of exquisite and usually inaccessible spaces.
Guided walks give visitors the chance to enjoy the gardens in the company of guides while the more energetic might wish to undertake fynbos wilderness hikes on offer.
Porcupine Trail, Waterford
Talks and workshops
A renowned centre of excellence, the Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens has compiled a special programme of daily walks and talks to be presented by acclaimed specialists. Workshops are also to be presented at the Rupert Museum; Blaauwklippen Wine Farm off the R44; Jordan Wines; Spier Estate and Babylonstoren, where tours will be presented by Ernst van Jaarsveld. Topics include flower arranging, dye art, photography, growing-your-own and learning about bees. For budding artists, the Stellenbosch Arts Association will present a botanical drawing workshop.
Food and wine
Stellenbosch is the heartland of South African wine and home to leading chefs and restaurateurs too. This reputation will be showcased in festival-inspired dishes to feature on menus as well as a series of garden-and-wine dining events.
Among them is an exquisite Finding Eden experience with South African Michelin star chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. This casual tête à tête will take place at Blaauwklippen Estate’s magical Cathedral and will include an exploration of the gardens in Jan Hendrik’s life. From Le Jardin de JAN in Nice, France – his Michelin-star restaurant’s new potager garden and picnic spot – to his new culinary playground in the Kalahari; and, how the journey is documented in JAN the Journal.
Another festival highlight is a seven-course Botanical Banquet prepared by JAN Innovation Studio in Cape Town, which brings the JAN experience to the Stellenbosch winelands for the first time. It’s a homecoming of sorts; this is where Jan Hendrik attended culinary school and refined his taste in wine. The meal will comprise elements from his award-winning establishments in Nice and the Kalahari, at a table created by renowned floral designer Alwijn Burger a.k.a Blomboy, and inspired by Blaauwklippen’s beautiful gardens and rare finds.
