JB and Ashley had one of the most interesting weddings I have ever photographed. It was a pagan wedding. They asked to photograph and film their wedding.
Their wedding was at Memoire Wedding Venue. As a wedding photographer, I am always excited to go there. Unbelievably beautiful with lots of places to take photos, friendly, efficient and professional service (I am looking at you Jaco) And the food. WOW!
Ashley had a BLACK wedding dress, the first time I saw that. She and JB and their friends are just the most beautiful friendly souls you can ever meet. Thanks for making your job super easy on the day guys.
JC, Surika and Miya
I asked Ashley a few questions:
Where did you guys meet?
We met at a mutual friend’s birthday at Greensleeves where we were dressed up in a medieval dress and JB complimented my cloak and after a while we became friends and eventually dated and here we are almost 9 years later.
Tell us about the proposal.
The proposal was an intimate affair at home during a small Xmas celebration that we always do a few days before the actual Xmas, just the two of us so we can exchange gifts and celebrate privately. JB had told me that he had bought me an air fryer for Xmas so I expected the big box he presented me. What I didn’t expect was the smaller box within that one and a cascading set of smaller boxes within that until finally, I reached a ring box. He took the ring box from me and asked me to marry him before slipping the ring on my finger.
Tell us about your wedding day.
Our wedding day was full of joy and laughter and was exactly what I envisioned. The theme was a kind of elegant gothic, fantasy vibe, with everything in black, red, and silver set among the beautiful trees and nature of our stunning venue, Memoire. The ceremony was done by our wonderful pagan officiant, Riaan, who conducted a beautiful ceremony among the trees beside the river. Our guests were free to enjoy delicious snacks and drinks while getting a caricature, having their fortune told, or taking pictures in the photo booth while we had fun taking pictures with our talented photographer and videographer. The food was fantastic, also in red and black and the reception was beautiful with much laughter, dancing, and celebration. Overall, it was one of the best days of our lives.
Tell us about your dress.
My dress was designed and created by the talented Lizette at Bridal Alchemy. It was an elegant black dress in a gothic style with a boned corset on the top, a sweetheart neckline, and a flowing skirt. Made with satin, glittery underlay, and stunning lace with glittery sequins, it was exactly what I wanted.
Tell us about your decor and flowers.
The decor and flowers were done by Jaco from Memoires affiliated “Language of Flowers” and it was absolutely stunning with black drapery, black and deep red flowers, and beautiful silver accents throughout. It was the quintessential gothic eleven wedding I always wanted.
The highlight of my wedding is very hard to choose because it was all so beautiful, but I’d say it was having all the people we love around us and the father-daughter and first dances which was a lot of fun!
Who did your hair and make up?
My hair was done by Milandre Viljoen (who has been doing my hair since high school) and my makeup was done by Michelle at PMC Private M Collections.
People you want to thank?
Jaco from Memoire was an absolute star and so spectacular at making everything perfect at the venue from the food to the decor, everything was done with such love!
Ade and Bianca from Ethereal Events were also so spectacular, helping with planning every detail and helping to make the day run like clockwork while giving us lots of time just to take it all in.
The DJ from Frostbeat was also fantastic and qued all the music perfectly!
Advice for future brides?
Our advice would be to not go into the wedding with over-the-top expectations, plan as much ahead of the time as possible, and on the day, make peace that it will be as it is meant to be and the only thing you need is each other, nothing else matters.
What was your inspiration for your theme?
The inspiration behind the theme and decor was very much fantasy and gothic inspired. So very much elves from Lord of the Rings mixed in with a kind of Count Dracula vibe.
Your honeymoon?
We are going to Japan for our honeymoon.
Your future together?
We’re both looking forward to nothing changing. We’ve been together for 9 years, and we love our lives together, so we got married. 🙂
Ashley
