I love that in weddings I feel like I learn something new every day. Today's fun fact is that the yellow fynbos which is included so liberally and joyfully in Leande & Martin's gorgeously rustic, elegant-with-a-touch-of-Karoo wedding is called Cape Everlasting - which let's be honest, is kind of the most perfect name for a wedding flower, and my new favourite South African touch. It also happens to be the loveliest bright against a palette of navy and rust, one lovely detail amongst many - this really is the kind of wedding that every time you look at Laura Leigh's pictures, you notice something different. Fruits and greenery lining the aisle, red ribbon on the eucalyptus bouquets, shotgun shell boutonnieres... And combined with the fantastic backdrop of The Cowshed (including a herd of Nguni cattle), this is just about as picturesquely South African as a wedding can be.

The Venue Wedding Details
The Dress Proudly South African Details
We only served Hermanuspietersfontein wine at our wedding and had the Everlasting flowers found only on the West Coast.
I have always loved lace and that was an imperative for my gown. The style was something that I wasn't sure of so I tried on quite a few dresses. When I fitted my second last dress from the Bridal Wardobe I was almost won over, until they brought out the Isla dress. I didn't think that it would suit me as I am quite short, but when I saw myself in the mirror in the dress I felt like I have never been more beautiful in my life. The crocheted lace just topped it off, as I love crocheting - it was a sign, it was meant to be. Our wedding details reflected our personalities perfectly. We are relaxed, warm, homey people who love to share our experiences with everyone that is dear to us. The colours showed the warmth and celebration we wanted to share with them all. The fact that family and friends could stay over at the venue just made it more personal, since everyone was involved in the whole wedding experience. Both of us are foodies and use dinner time and a glass of wine to share all our cares and engage in proper conversation. Dinner is where family comes together and shares precious time. This is why we chose Ezette Prinsloo from Farm Inn to cater for us. She believes that food should be an experience and this is what she brought us. She explained and presented the food to everyone at the reception to ensure they shared in the food experience.
I have always wanted to get married in the Dullstroom area, and Martin didn't want anything too formal. When we came across the website of The Cowshed, we fell in love immediately as it describes who we are. The ceremony tree was just perfect as both of us are nature lovers. The warm, inviting colours and feel of the venue stole our hearts and we decided just then and there we had found what we dreamed of!

You can see more from this wedding on Laura Leigh's blog.

SERVICE PROVIDERS
Venue: The Cowshed | Catering: Ezette Prinsloo, Farm Inn, Middelburg | Photography: Laura Leigh Photography | Co-ordination: Ezette Prinsloo and bride | Videography: Mighty Fine Productions | Flowers & décor: Hester Peters, Love & Grace | Bride's dress: Enzoani from the Bridal Wardrobe | Bride's accessories: Larum Jewellers, Middelburg | Hair: Michelle at Kimani | Makeup: Angie Makeup | Bridesmaids' dresses: Forever New | Groom's attire: Woolworths | DJ: Eben Breytenbach (family friend) | Ceremony music: Chris Moss