Every wedding we feature here on SouthBound Bride is special, but some are absolute heart-melters, like this gorgeous boho forest fairytale from the lovely Jo-Ann Stokes, which includes the most spectacular couple shoot images! You won't believe this, but it was pulled together in SIX WEEKS. As in, total. Which is pretty incredible by anyone's standards. Of course, the only way to accomplish such a feat of wedding planning is to get friends and family involved, and that's exactly what Chris and Christine did, right down to Christine's amazing dress made my her mother-in-law and crown of flowers made by her sister-to-be. These two have such a lovely, earthy vibe, right down to the words Christine used to describe their big day: "Love. Bliss. Petrichor." Even I had to look that last one up, and it's my new favourite word - it means the smell of rain on dry earth. Which, I thought to myself, in some ways is exactly what love is. The coming of rain - a blessing, a miracle. And the perfect way to sum up the boho perfection of these childhood sweethearts' big day.

The Proposal
Wedding Style Proudly South African Details
Thanks to Beloftebos we had delicious roosterkoek straight from the fire available for the guests just after the ceremony. This was served with homemade apricot jam and cheese from the neighbouring Kleinrivier Cheesery. We also had the bouquet and garter toss with lots of fun and laughter.
I also used a proudly South African (Capetonian) company called Ladies & Gentlemen. They make the cutest, custom-made cake toppers in the world! We had to send photographs and they made a miniature Chris and Christine, complete with a blush rose boutonnière in miniature Chris's lapel, and a lace back for my miniature wedding dress. SERVICE PROVIDERS
Venue & catering: Beloftebos | Photography: Jo-Ann Stokes | Cake: The Velvet Cake Company | Flowers & décor: Bunches4Africa, Hannetjie Lammers, Julia Fourie, Saffron Functions | Stationery, hair & makeup: Julia Fourie | Bride's dress: Louise Fourie | Bridesmaids' dresses: Suzanne Strydom, Abitude Designs | Groom's attire: Hilton Weiner | Cake topper: Ladies & Gentlemen We did not decide on a theme, but when I asked my very talented sister in law to help out with stationery designs, she did an amazing job, which immediately set the tone for our wedding. The exquisite wedding invitation with a tree with little hearts for leaves worked for the wedding program, the menu and the wedding favours. It echoed the beautiful woodland venue we chose. After hours on Pinterest I had many teal and coral palettes I liked, but decided I wanted natural greens and blush, and it toned in perfectly in the fairytale forest of Beloftebos. Chris actually proposed twice! The first time it was an unofficial proposal, as he did not have a ring yet. It was so out of the blue. We were hiking up Lion's Head after coffee with a very inspiring married couple. Halfway up, when I was totally out of breath, red in the face and sweaty (regretting not exercising enough) Chris asked me to turn around. When I looked he was down on one knee. It was such a beautiful moment, we both cried.
The second time Chris popped the question was when we had chosen a ring. It was outside a little country church in the pouring rain - and like a scene from a movie. What I loved about the proposals was that they were spontaneous, no stress and super romantic.

You can see more from this wedding on Jo-Ann Stokes' blog.