Tessa remembersHow did your groom propose?On one of our trips home from London, Nick and I went away to my folks’ place at Olifants River Private Game Reserve – one of my favourite places in SA. We were on a mid-morning game drive, in 35 degrees heat, battling to find a secluded look-out point we remembered when Nick (who was becoming increasingly agitated) pulled over on the top of a hill. He told me he had something to show me and placed a black velvet box on the dashboard on the Land Rover and said, “Open it”. Taken by surprise, I answered, “No, you open it!". So he did, revealing the most beautiful engagement ring I could imagine, and said simply, “I want you to marry me". I, of course, said yes!

Nicholas and Tessa de KockPHOTOGRAPHS: JANI B PHOTOGRAPHy

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Laid-back love

Little black bookBRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Marion Mellor 011 646 0966 / 083 384 9755 (Johannesburg).CAKE: Roxanne Floquet Cake Design 083 226 2471; roxannefloquet.comCOORDINATOR/WEDDING PLANNER: Kim Werner at Wedding Concepts 021 426 5783; weddingconcepts.co.zaDECOR AND FLOWERS: Okasie 021 887 9904; okasie.co.zaDRESS: Emma Victoria Payne (London); emmavictoriapayne.comENTERTAINMENT: Me and Mr Brown 079 734 8433; meandmrbrown.comFOOD: Stir Food 076 028 1041; stirfood.co.za. Ice cream from The Creamery 021 447 7690; thecreamery.co.zaGROOM’S OUTFIT: Tom James (London); tomjames.comGROOMSMEN’S OUTFITS (not shown): Tailor made in Hong KongHAIR: Chantelle Thackwray 021 709 0323; chantellethackwray.co.zaMAKE-UP: Rose Bruins 083 300 7663; rosebruinsmakeup.comPHOTOGRAPHER: Jani B Photography 082 297 9796; janibphotography.co.zaSTATIONERy: Lara’s Designs 082 681 4500; larasdesigns.co.zaVENUE: Lourensford Wine Estate 021 847 1623; lourensford.co.zaVIDEOGRAPHER: Goosebump Productions; goosebump.co.za

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Tell us about the theme of your wedding.We chose to marry at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West as we loved the venue’s dramatic mountain views and modern, yet homely feel. Our theme was a laid-back summer garden party with understated, elegant decor. We chose a palette of neutral colours such as cream, beige, taupe and grey and added touches of French navy. Wooden elements such as mahogany Tiffany chairs and distressed wooden plank table runners provided warmth and texture. Our flower arrangements featured seasonal flowers in neutral colours and herbs such as mint, thyme and rosemary. We also had four olive trees in wooden pots dotted around the room. I love blue-and-white Ming vases and used these to create a backdrop to the altar at the ceremony. Lounge furniture was a mixture of old and new – the venue's modern furniture plus a selection of colonial side tables and a riempie bench.

And the menu?We loved the idea of having big “sharing” platters brought to each table to reinforce the laid-back, summer garden party feel. For starters, we served a selection of artisan breads with virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, hummus, olive tapenade, cannellini and artichoke dip, followed by basil and lime sorbet. The main course menu was inspired by (Israeli-born chef) Yotam Ottolenghi and featured beef tagliata (sliced beef sirloin served with slow-roasted plum tomatoes, rocket and salsa verde); roast baby potato and artichoke salad with lemon and sage; chargrilled asparagus, courgette and halloumi salad; and French beans and mangetout with hazelnuts and orange. Dessert was homemade ice cream from The Creamery. And then of course there was the delicious wedding cake made by one of my bridesmaids, Roxanne Floquet.

What was the highlight of the day?Walking down the aisle and seeing Nick waiting for me at the altar – I don't think I've ever smiled as widely! Being introduced to our guests as husband and wife for the first time; watching my nieces and nephews doing a Gangnam-style dance; and having everyone we love under one roof.

Any special advice for brides-to-be?If your budget allows, definitely hire a wedding coordinator – especially if you are planning your celebration from abroad. Also, have a pre-wedding event so that you can spend time with your guests before the big day, especially those who have travelled from afar. Finally, plan something to look forward to a few months after the wedding itself. We had the most amazing honeymoon, but post-wedding blues set in when we got back to a cold and rainy London after five weeks off in the sun. So we very quickly planned a trip to New York!

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Feeling bold? Colour your love in bright hues inspired by a

fabulous Mexican fiesta!

By WEDDING CONCEPTS. PHOTOGRAPHS: TASHA SECCOMBE

VIBraNTVowS

With summer just a few months away, the time is right to embrace all things bright and beautiful. This exquisite theme, created by the Wedding Concepts team, does just that! Scared of colour? Don’t be. With a few metallic touches and the right accessories, you can easily combine vivid shades to create a magnificent effect. Stylist Kate Rawbone, senior project manager at Wedding Concepts, shares her expert advice and inspiration.

The idea“The name of the look is ‘Glamorous Summer Fiesta’! This look is vibrant, sophisticated and rich in colour and culture, but with undeniable elements of elegance and glamour. Gold, champagne and bronze highlights add warmth and keep the look rich to prevent the bright colour combinations from becoming too playful. We kept the base colours solid and in dusty hues of brick red, dark brown and plum. The setting was an exquisite villa in Camps Bay called Sasso House. We chose it so that we could take advantage of the dramatic views and the villa’s neutral-coloured interiors.”

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The inspiration“The current summer lifestyle and home decor trends in the US and Europe are bright and colourful with a focus on prints, specifically the ikat print, as well as a vibrant South American colour palette and look and feel. We were inspired by a sophisticated picnic table and our aim was to recreate the look with a definite glamour focus to make it suitable for a wedding celebration, but without losing the fiesta feeling!”