A Bohemian Wedding At Alkmaar Farmstay
Andy and Kev’s love story was brought to life in a stunning bohemian wedding celebration amidst the picturesque bush atmosphere. Their choice of venue, Alkmaar farm stay, perfectly reflected their carefree nature and desire for an unforgettable experience. Situated in the heart of Nelspruit’s Schagen Valley, the Maputo corridor, this rustic retreat offered the perfect blend of natural charm and vintage details that embodied the couple’s free-spirited personalities.
The region’s sub-tropical fruits, such as mangos, avocados, oranges, lemons, litchis, and bananas, proved to be a major drawcard for visitors, while the springtime blossoms of orange trees wafted their sweet aroma through the air, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.
The big day
As we arrived in Alkmaar early in the day, we embarked on some location scouting before heading up to greet Andy. The atmosphere at Alkmaar farm stay is uniquely suited for a bohemian wedding, exuding warmth and welcoming vibes from the get-go. As we joined friends and family who had spent the night on site, it was palpable that everyone was already having an incredible time.
The air was electric with anticipation, and we couldn’t help but feel that this was going to be an unforgettable bohemian wedding – a true celebration of love and connection.
The bohemian-inspired wedding decor
Andy and Kevin’s bohemian wedding was a true reflection of their creativity, as they designed every detail themselves. From the table decor to the confetti, which consisted of intricately cut leaves in earthy tones, reds, greens, mustard, and browns, everything was meticulously crafted with love. Andy revealed that it took her months to painstakingly punch out the leaves, a testament to their dedication to making every aspect of their special day uniquely theirs.
The décor featured a harmonious blend of earthy hues with a touch of gold, perfectly capturing the essence of a bohemian celebration. As the ceremony unfolded beneath the lush greenery, the couple’s craftwork seamlessly merged with its surroundings, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that was at once understated and striking.
The African ceremony with a true bohemian wedding twist
In a nod to their friends in the bush, Andy and Kevin infused their ceremony with a Shangaan tradition that paid homage to those they’ve met and worked alongside. A meaningful gesture was made when Kevin wrapped a blanket around both himself and Andy, representing the groom’s vow to provide shelter and protection to his bride. The bride then reciprocated by offering her new partner a sip of non-alcoholic beer, symbolizing her commitment to nourish and care for him.
The ceremony continued with the exchange of gifts between the couple, solidifying their bond.
The portrait session – Boho style
As we ventured into the serene landscape, the gentle breeze carried the sweet aroma of citrus, perfectly complementing the picturesque setting. This enchanting location was tailor-made for a whimsical bohemian wedding portrait session, where newlyweds Andy and Kev were to be captured in all their glory. We abandoned the wedding party and hopped onto our vehicles to explore the nearby citrus plantations.
The prospect of capturing the essence of the citrus season was a major drawcard for this picturesque venue. Earlier that day, Nina and I had scouted out some breathtaking locations, so we knew exactly what we were working towards. We anticipated the sun’s descent at a precise angle – and with it, we planned to position our couples, always facing away from the direct sunlight, and in this case, strategically situated amidst the vibrant orchids, to maximize those stunning orange hues.
The Party
As the night wore on, the party transformed into a vibrant spectacle of traditional wedding dances. The air was electric as guests seamlessly transitioned from the sultry rhythms of Samsara to the energetic beats of the train song, and finally, the infectious energy of the cha-cha slide. Every inch of the dance floor pulsed with movement, as strangers-turned-friends took turns showcasing their impressive dance moves, drawing cheers and laughter from the crowd.
Partnered Vendors
The creative team behind this spectacular event included Karen Pretorius Photography, who captured the essence of the day with her lens. The videographer, Culture Collective Refined, brought the celebration to life on film. The picturesque venue was Alkmaar Farmstay, providing a serene and natural backdrop for the festivities. Fusion Sjef took care of the catering needs, ensuring that every guest enjoyed a delicious meal.
To add a touch of elegance, Monkey Magic Function Hire provided seat cushions and table runners. Deivy – Need a DJ? kept the party going with his expert spinning skills. Finally, MUD Studio at Ilanga Mall was responsible for the stunning hair and makeup looks that completed the overall aesthetic.