The happy faces say it all - this rustic celebration is full of fun! Jess and Gerard are one of those couples you can see from a mile off have a jol together, and that kind of relaxed goodness infused itself into their wedding day, through everything from an ice-cream cart to Easter bunnies on the table (a nod to the timing of their big day), to his-and-hers cakes to a surprise flashmob at the reception. But that's not to say it was short on pretty - oh no! SBB Directory star Neva Ward of Bright and Beautiful did an amazing job of bringing Jess's navy and blush palette to life, and we also love the stylish mix of two-tone bridesmaids, navy suited groom and groomsmen, and of course Jess's seriously gorgeous Pronovias gown. All beautifully captured by Wil Punt of Peartree Photography !

Wedding Style This is quite a funny story really. My sister, another engaged friend and I went to a sample sale at Pronovias in New Bond Street in London to 'just have a look'. Have you seen that episode of Friends where Monica, Rachel and Phoebe go to a sample sale and they all have whistles to call each other when they find the dress Monica wants? Well, it was exactly like that. Dresses were on sale for 75-80% off, which was a massive bargain given how incredibly amazing (but expensive) Pronovias dresses are. I picked out a dress for my sister to try on, but while I was waiting for her to get out of another dress I tried it on for fun. Well, I put it on and it fitted like a glove. Everyone stopped immediately and said 'that's your dress'. It was the third dress I tried on that afternoon and I didn't get out of it until I paid for it. The shop assistant threatened to start charging me rent. The Honeymoon Advice for Future Brides & Grooms
I like to be in control far too much to enjoy not knowing where our honeymoon was - so, we planned it together. We had friends getting married the week after us in St Francis, so we spent a week driving up the Garden Route (with two nights at La Petite Ferme in Franschhoek of course). After that we went to the Maldives for a week, which was absolute paradise and has ruined me for all other holidays. We spent the week eating, sleeping, reading, snorkelling, swimming and going for massages - exactly the way a honeymoon should be! It was so far from what I thought I would wear. In fact, everything I wanted initially looked like a sack on me - or like I was wearing a nightie or sheet. It's amazing how you have an idea of what you want, but until you actually start trying on dresses you see that you require a totally different style to suit your body type. I loved (and still love) my dress. Obviously I stressed that I had only ever tried on three dresses and bought it fifteen months before my wedding - but actually I think that was the best thing to do. You get so stressed closer to the wedding that you start doubting everything (and especially your dress). But thank goodness I made that decision when I was calm, cool and collected, because on the day I loved it even more than I did when I first tried it on. It was quirky and bold at the same time.
From day one, Gerard and I agreed that we wanted a rustic but pretty wedding. We were also getting married the weekend before Easter and wanted to incorporate that in some way. I always thought of having aqua and peach as my wedding colours, but then after looking extensively at Pinterest, I saw navy blue and peach and decided I wanted that. Closer to the time of the wedding, I saw another colour palette (navy, blush pink, slate and velvet) - I totally fell in love with it and had the ribbons on my bridesmaid dresses changed to blush pink instead of coral. I think it gave a much softer touch to the wedding - and Neva agreed that it would be much easier to find flowers matching this colour scheme. To be honest, after we decided on the style and colours, we handed over to Neva who captured this vision perfectly!

• Even though the planning can be stressful, especially toward the end, enjoy it - because the day goes so quickly (everyone tells you that, but it does).
• Gerard and I took a moment when everyone was dancing to step back and look at our wedding, just the two of us. It was amazing to step back, look at everyone having an amazing time, and appreciate everything that went into organising what was an incredibly special day.
• Don't go somewhere where you have to sightsee on your honeymoon - go somewhere where you can truly relax. I was utterly exhausted by the end of it and was so grateful to just bum around!
• Don't put off until tomorrow the things that can be done today (i.e. don't procrastinate). The admin gets so much more intense a few weeks before the wedding - sorting out your order of service, your seating plan or anything else that can be done early on makes such a difference!
• Get a videographer!! You don't remember the day and I'm so grateful that I can actually listen to the speeches now as I don't remember much of what was said.

You can see more from this wedding on the Peartree Photography blog.

SERVICE PROVIDERS
Venue: Langkloof Roses | Photography: Wil Punt of Peartree Photography | Styling, flowers & decor: Bright and Beautiful | Bride's Bouquet: Aartsappel | Video: MvR Weddings | Cakes: The Birdcage | Stationery: Pretty in Stains | Bride's dress: Pronovias | Hair & makeup: Marli Basson | Bridesmaids dresses: Not Another Boring Bridesmaids Dress, London | Groom's attire: T.M. Lewin | Lasercut bunnies: Liqerish | DJ: Ryan Engelbrecht, Silk Music | Artisan ice lollies: Las Paletas | Bunny biscuit favours: Baked Boutique

SBB ♥ Bright and Beautiful Flowers & Table Decor, a featured member of our Directory