A Beautiful Burgundy-Themed Wedding in South Africa

The Perfect Fit

After trying on fewer than 10 gowns, Yolana fell for a Pronovias wedding dress that featured a sweetheart bodice. "The volume of the Mikado fabric was elegant and timeless, and it had me from the start," Yolana says. "My friend and I call it the butter dress because it was like butter on my skin!"

Pretty in Pink

While Yolana kept her look simple—she didn't even wear a necklace—she added a pop of color in the form of her pink satin Ted Baker heels. "The minute I saw the bows on those blush heels it literally took my breath away," Yolana says. "I knew [the shoes were] the perfect pairing with my dress and fit well with my wedding colors."

Formal Attire

Douglas donned a tailored black tux from Indochino.

Bridesmaids in Burgundy

Yolana's sister—her maid of honor—and bridesmaids were allowed to choose their own burgundy gowns. Because they all live in different parts of the world, Yolana explains, this simply made sense—but it ended up working out. "I loved that their unique personalities shone through on the day and that everyone did not look the same," Yolana says. "I did not see their dresses side-by-side until the wedding [day], so it was a wonderful surprise to see how beautifully they blended."

The Bouquets

The bridesmaids each carried a bouquet of burgundy-hued orchids.

Rain Check

Yolana and Douglas planned to hold their ceremony on the great lawn of Vrede en Lust Wine Estate, but hours before their wedding—after weeks of drought—it was finally raining. "All my life, I had dreamed of an outdoor wedding with mountains in the backdrop," says Yolana, who grew up in South Africa. "Now, it looked like I would be married inside." But two hours before the ceremony was slated to begin, the skies cleared. "This overcast and gloomy morning gave way to the most stunning picturesque mountain landscape emerging behind the parting clouds," she adds.

The Ceremony

The ceremony arbor provided a beautiful frame to an even more stunning backdrop: green, cloud-topped mountains.

On the Aisle

Yolana and Douglas didn't have a first look—instead, the couple saw each other for the first time on their wedding day as Yolana walked down the aisle with her mother.

Keep It Simple

The couple chose to have a non-denominational Christian ceremony with traditional vows sans music.

The Recessional

After the ceremony, Yolana and Douglas walked back up the aisle as husband and wife to Nina Simone's "Feeling Good."

Music to Their Ears

Thanks to the good weather, the couple was able to host their cocktail hour outside. Guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and music played by Kirya Kuti Project Band, a mix of saxophone and African marimba. "They were an absolute hit," Yolana says.

The Reception

For the reception, the couple moved inside the estate's glass-enclosed terrace "so [that] guests could enjoy the view of the vineyards and mountain," Yolana says.

The Décor

Long wooden tables were draped in blush fabric and illuminated with Edison bulbs. Botanica Floral Design created stunning burgundy, white, and green arrangements.

Candle Magic

Taper candles lent a romantic feel to the reception.

Table Numbers

Large gold numbers helped guests find their seats.

Place Cards

Light pink monogrammed menus doubled as place cards. "The food was five-star—completely out of this world and guests keep telling us how good it was," says Yolana, adding, "I still have dreams about the lamb shank we had for dinner."

The Food

In addition to lamb shank, guests dined on potato gnocchi, risotto, and more.

Dessert Table

Not only did Yolana and Douglas offer guests cake, but they also provided an entire dessert table spread, packed with chocolate brownies, donuts, and macarons.

The Cake

For the cake, by Wade's Cakes, "we went with red velvet, which is a favorite in our household," Yolana says. The two-tiered confection was decorated with fresh flowers and raspberries.

First Dance

Yolana and Douglas shared their first dance to Ray LaMontagne's "You Are The Best Thing." Yolana says, "It's such a great song to dance to and the words ring so true."

Sources

Photography, Tasha Seccombe Photography

Venue and catering, Vrede en Lust Wine Estate

Event planning, The Mosaic Wedding Company

Flowers, Botanica Floral Design

Videography, White Jasmine Films

Officiant: Johannes Muller

Stationery, Lara Friday Design

Cake,

Wades Cakes

Music, Kirya Kuti Project, Gina Jeanz, Benjamin McCarthy

Bride's gown and veil, Pronovias

Bride's shoes, Ted Baker

Hair and makeup, Kirsten Murphy Makeup and Hair

Groom's suit, accessories, and menswear, Indochino

Lighting, Authentic Planning

Sound, FSharpMusic