With wide open space, mountains on the horizon, and the feeling of a backyard dinner party, Francines Venue was the perfect place for Blanche and JP to become husband and wife. Their easy-going, DIY wedding had many bohemian and romantic elements from homemade bouquets and flower crowns, Persian rugs, and greenery wreaths hanging around the ceremony and reception space. Both in custom pieces, Blanche designed her wedding dress with Annelize Scheepers and JP was rocking a hand-tailored suit by Tailor Me. Blanche and JP’s good friend, Maryke Albertyn, beautifully photographed their wedding and captured all the small, in-between moments along the way.

The Couple:

Blanche and JP

The Wedding:

Francines Venue, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, South Africa

SHOP THE POST

Our outdoor ceremony was under trees on a citrus plantation and Persian rugs in the isle. I asked my stepfather and father to both walk me down the isle. My grandfather was our ring bearer and we ended it all off by walking through the flower arch for the confetti.

Not only is Maryke amazing, but she captured those moments so perfectly. Although while also being my best friend, I would not have chosen any other photographer for our day.

I think it came out as a Bohemian, bush, Moroccan style and inspiration was drawn from my surroundings. I loved that I chose my own fabrics and designed my dress as well. JP‘s suit was tailor made and we loved the colour. The rest of the bridal party… guys, blues and girls, something lacy in a different colour.

Hoedspruit in the Lowveld is close to our hearts, small community with amazing down to earth people, beautiful farms and of course those mountains. Specifically the venue, open open open, we wanted all to be included in the party at all times.

We brought a lot of decor from family houses like candle chandeliers and carpets, table numbers and other printouts I designed myself. Flowers we bought and it was the job of the bridesmaids to through a bouquet together and a flower crown for each. We had fun.

Dont overthink it, we wanted to create an atmosphere where everybody could be engaged at all times. This was very important, if you were standing at the bar, seated at your table, standing smoking a cigar, or on the dance floor, everybody was a part of the party, no one had to stand aside and miss any of the action. As long as you have that, the small details like printed menus and perfect flowers does not matter.

Our friends and family are dear to our hearts, and the most important thing for us was that we needed to have fun. That our day should be a feast, sharing food, wine, laughter and dancing the night away like there is no tomorrow.

Congratulations to Blanche and JP, and a special thanks to Junebug member Maryke Albertyn for sharing their wedding with us! For more South African weddings, take a look at this cozy Cape Town wedding inspiration at The Dairy Shed.