An Intimate Beach Wedding At The Beach House Collection

Intimate Beach Wedding

How it started

It all began in the early years of Wynand and Rouxmia’s lives, during their pre-school days when they first crossed paths. Even at such a young age, Rouxmia recalls Wynand’s signature red and white striped tassie and his striking white-blond hair. Little did she know that this chance encounter would lay the foundation for a lifelong connection. As they grew up together in primary school, their friendship remained strong until they parted ways during high school.

Years went by, and it wasn’t until 2016 when they reconnected over a pizza date that their paths began to intertwine once more. The spark of friendship quickly evolved into something more profound, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Wynand’s initial plans to travel abroad to Korea were put on hold after he confessed his feelings for Rouxmia during a fateful walk on the beach. And so, their love story unfolded, setting the stage for the unforgettable moments that would follow.

The engagement

After three and a half years of romance, the couple decided to take their relationship to the next level with an intimate proposal on February 22nd, 2020, in Robertson. The picturesque setting at Cellar 1947 provided the perfect backdrop for this special moment. As fate would have it, the weather was less than ideal, but Wynand had a plan up his sleeve.

While Rouxmia was getting ready for dinner at Restaurant Succulent, where renowned Chef Werner Snoek awaited with a delectable menu, Wynand secretly lit candles downstairs, creating a warm and cozy ambiance that Rouxmia would soon discover.

planning The Intimate Beach Wedding

The couple’s decision to have an intimate beach wedding stemmed from more than just their introverted nature. Even before the pandemic, they desired a celebration that centered around their immediate family and closest friends. As both hailing from tight-knit families, they treasured special moments and wanted to focus on each other and the union of their loved ones. The relaxed atmosphere and quality time with cherished guests were also high priorities for the couple.

The Venue

Wynand and Rouxmia decided to turn their weekend getaway into a relaxing retreat, so they tapped into Rouxmia’s professional network and asked Karen Schräder from Yzerfontein Accommodation for insider tips on the best guest houses in town. Among her recommendations stood out Tide & Thyme, a stunning property that perfectly blended coastal chic with functional convenience.

Its prime beachfront location was just the beginning – the pair also loved the Hamptons-style aesthetic and the fact that it could comfortably accommodate their entire group under one roof, eliminating any need for separate bookings or logistical hassles.

The Catering

The fortunate couple’s culinary adventure took a turn for the better when they discovered that the owner of their accommodations, Denise Levy, is also the mastermind behind Ginger & Lime – a dining experience that defies description. As fate would have it, they decided to book an evening at this extraordinary eatery, and the memories made are still being relished by all involved. The delectable cuisine served up was truly unforgettable, leaving everyone in awe of its magnificence.

The wedding dress

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Shelley Ellis, my mom’s trusted seamstress for many years. When it came time to design my own dress, I shared my Pinterest inspiration with her and she exceeded my expectations by creating a truly perfect garment. My vision was clear: classic and long-sleeved, with a focus on understated elegance. Shelley delivered exactly that, crafting a beautiful dress for me to wear on November 19th, when I’ll be making an appearance at the church.

The Ceremony

The wedding ceremony took on an extra layer of significance when Wynand’s father was asked to officiate the event on the beach in Yzerfontein. This personal touch made the day even more memorable, especially since his passing in 2019. The couple had a special tradition to uphold – a bottle of red wine purchased by Wynand’s father in 2000, meant to be opened on their wedding day. Despite temptation during lockdown, they decided to save it for the big day, honoring their loved one’s intention.

A meaningful touch was also added when Wynand’s father’s initial ‘T’ was sewn onto Rouxmia’s dress petticoat. Having his brother walk her down the aisle made the moment even more poignant, as if he would have been proud to see them exchange vows. The atmosphere was set with Dan Shout from Shout Music Company, who played a romantic saxophone rendition of John Legend’s ‘All of Me’ as Rouxmia walked down the aisle.

In addition to her role as Maid of Honour, Cheryl also took on the responsibility of photographing their special day, capturing every moment from start to finish over three days. Her dedication and editing skills were truly appreciated. Paul, Cheryl’s partner in life and second shooter, played a crucial supporting role, taking care of everyone’s needs while keeping spirits high. He even surprised them with an impromptu ukulele performance, including Ed Sheeran’s ‘Photograph’.

The couple would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to their amazing parents for all they’ve done to make the weekend so unforgettable.

Advice for brides

Opting for an intimate gathering over a grand celebration was the perfect choice for our wedding. We deliberately kept things small, allowing us to savor every moment without the pressure of a packed schedule. While many people dream of having hundreds of loved ones cheer them on as they walk down the aisle, there’s something undeniably romantic about sharing this special day with just those closest to you.

The couple would love to thank all the amazing vendors:

Cheryl McEwan Photography brought a touch of elegance to the special day with their photographer’s eye capturing every moment. The enchanting venue, Tide & Thyme from The Beach House Collection, provided a picturesque backdrop for the celebration. Guests were treated to delectable delights courtesy of The Kitchen Collective, while stationery was a heartfelt and personalized touch by the bride herself, utilizing Print on Demand.

Sweet treats, including cake and macarons, were crafted with love by Lulubelle’s Bakes. Shout Music Company ensured the party kept going with their lively entertainment. The bride looked stunning in her custom-made wedding dress designed by Shelley Ellis Private Seamstress (+27 73 174 1815). Hair and makeup artist Lianne Make-up and Hair Stylist added a polished finish to the overall aesthetic, while flowers on the Stoep brought a pop of color and beauty to the event.