A Contemporary Wedding in South Africa

As if pulled from a painting, tones of terracotta, lilac, and greens spill over each other seamlessly while the wedding of Jodie and James ethereally unfolds.

Amidst sprawling fields and a stretch of powdery sky, Kruijd sits at the center, a rustic sanctuary. 

Wanting to maintain the organic feeling the space provides, as well as an air of minimalism, the bride chose soft and contemporary disruptions, like the billowing linen cloths from the ceiling beams, white roses, and unexpected, whimsical details. For the wedding reception, guests were gathered around closely set tables of creams and crystals, flanked by wicker chairs and benches, providing a potent feeling of intimacy.

The wedding was artfully captured by photographer La Dichosa.

Our Story

Names / Jodie Graves & James Bailes

Location / Kruijd, Wellington, South Africa

Wedding Date / January 27th, 2024

Guest Numbers / 113

The Setting

Wedding Location

The couple sought a venue close to their hometown of Cape Town, envisioning a weekend getaway filled with joy and excitement for both their local and international guests. It was crucial for the venue to evoke a distinct ambiance and capture elements reminiscent of a bush-themed wedding, adding a touch of adventure and natural beauty to the celebrations.

Aesthetic

The overarching vision for the wedding aesthetic was to create an atmosphere that felt both romantic and ethereal, evoking a sense of wonder and enchantment. However, the couple also wanted to incorporate unexpected and quirky elements that would intrigue and captivate guests, eliciting a reaction of “wow, that’s weird and strange, but it looks amazing.” This unique blend of romance and whimsy allowed for a truly memorable and visually stunning experience for all attendees. From unconventional floral arrangements to surprising decor choices, every detail was carefully curated to strike the perfect balance between beauty and eccentricity, leaving guests enchanted and delighted throughout the celebration.

Photography

The couple opted for the expertise of La Dichosa, capturing the beauty of various elements and heartfelt moments throughout the wedding day.

Videography

The couple provided no specific brief for either the photographer or videographer, simply encouraging them to “run with it” and unleash their creativity. For the videography, they chose Vision on Fire to capture their special day.

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

The ceremony décor drew inspiration from ethereal visions of expansive clouds of purple bushes, creating a striking contrast against the backdrop of the venue’s neutral and laid-back ambiance.

Reception Décor

With the indoor venue Kruijd accommodating a comfortable seating capacity of 80 people, accommodating 113 guests presented quite the challenge. However, with a strong emphasis on family ties, the couple prioritized an intimate atmosphere where everyone could feel close to one another. To achieve this, they opted for narrower tables and minimal décor, ensuring the room maintained an ethereal and romantic ambiance. Softening the interior of the heritage building, linen fabrics hung delicately from the ceiling beams in light neutrals. The center pieces of the tables featured smaller floral arrangements and candles, adding a touch of elegance to the intimate setting.

Wedding Planner & Stylist

Hannes from Kraak, who also happens to be the owner of the venue Kruijd, brought a bold and imaginative vision to the table. Entrusting him with their own ideas as well as embracing his, the couple embarked on a collaborative journey that resulted in a truly remarkable celebration.

Flowers

Heike from Fleur le Cordeur crafted stunning wedding bouquets for both the bridesmaids and the bride, featuring structured white roses. This choice, although a striking contrast to the rustic ambiance of the farm and its surroundings, ultimately harmonized beautifully, adding an unexpected yet elegant touch to the wedding aesthetic.

Stationery

Owned and operated by the bride, The Salt Studio took charge of all stationary needs for the wedding. Embracing a natural theme with a unique twist, the wedding invites featured sleek envelopes adorned with feather trims. The menus for the day were elegantly presented, tied to linen napkins with either silk or natural ribbon accents.

Food & Beverages

Opting for a family-style experience, the couple chose to foster a sense of warmth and togetherness during the meal. Following the speeches, the center pieces were cleared from the tables, making way for a delightful spread of food to be shared amongst all the guests, enhancing the communal atmosphere of the celebration.

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

For the ceremony, the bride wore a customized Milla Nova dress that perfectly reflected her style, while opting for a Jenny Yoo lace dress for the reception. Although initially planning to wear Gianvito Rossi heels, logistical considerations prompted a pivot to tie-block heels for the ceremony, with the Gianvito’s making an appearance later during the reception and dance. As a finale, the bride slipped into Crocs adorned with Jibbitz, adding a playful touch to her ensemble.

The bridesmaids were adorned in custom white and off-white gowns skillfully crafted by Jacqui Shomang. These elegant ensembles seamlessly intertwined with the wedding theme, enhancing the cohesive aesthetic throughout the day’s festivities.

Wedding Rings, Jewelry & Accessories

Both wedding bands were customized and made by Darren Philips (The Diamond Guy).

“From unconventional floral arrangements to unexpected decor choices, every detail was carefully curated to strike the perfect balance between beauty and eccentricity.”

The Details

Honeymoon

The Couple visited Rwanda and Tanzania for their honeymoon.

Entertainment

The dynamic Starlight Band captivated guests with an array of singalong tunes that appealed to both the younger and older generations in attendance.

Our Advice

One thing I wish I knew before I started my wedding plans…

If you’re struggling with the decision of whether to have a wedding or elope, consider this: there’s a unique magic in gathering all the people who hold a special place in your heart, and who reciprocate that love, in a single room. It’s a rare and beautiful opportunity to celebrate not just your union, but the bonds of love and support that surround you. Go! For! It!

Our Contacts

Wedding Venue / Kruijd

Wedding Stylist & Planner / Hannes @Kraak

Photography / La Dichosa

Videography / Vision on Fire

Bride’s Dress / Milla Nova & Jenny Yoo

Bride’s Shoes / Gianvito Rossi

Bridesmaids / Custom made by Jacqui Shomang

Groomswear / Kale & Co Bespoke Tailors

Wedding Rings / Darren Phillips

Hair / Irina Grant

Makeup / Gina Myers

Stationery / The Salt Studio

Florist / Fleur le Cordeur

Cake / Tina Moritz

Catering / Tina Moritz

Celebrant / Anya Mendel

Entertainment / Starlight Band

Honeymoon  / Singita Kwitonda & Singita Grumeti