GETTING MARRIED AT BOSCHENDAL WINE ESTATE
The pandemic has caused many couples, including Freya and Obie, to make changes to their wedding plans. They had to postpone their wedding multiple times but finally found success on their third try. They decided to have their special day at Boschendal Wine Estate because of its stunning natural beauty and the magnificent mountain views visible from all vistas around the ceremony and reception locations. Another perk was that the estate had accommodations on-site, allowing them to spend the whole weekend celebrating with their loved ones.
As a photographer, I aim to capture the heartfelt and sincere moments of weddings. I specialize in creating beautiful images that are inspired by love, captured in beautiful light, and set against the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa. For couples who are modern romantics with a dash of adventure, I strive to tell their unique love story through my photography.
FREYA & OBIE'S LOVE STORY
We met on New Year's Eve while we were on separate trips to Bali with our respective friends. Obie was on a boys' trip, and I was on a trip with my friends. By chance, we spent the next two days together and hit it off immediately. After those two days, we went back to our respective countries (Obie to South Africa, and I went back to Australia).
Despite the distance, we spoke every day for six months, and then I decided to visit Obie in South Africa for ten days. Our connection only grew stronger during that trip. Six months later, Obie moved to Australia to be with me.
Two years after Obie moved to Australia, we got engaged. Obie, under the guise of my 30th birthday, planned the most incredible engagement. He went above and beyond, renting an Airbnb cabin on the water's edge in Palm Beach, the most northern beach in Sydney. He hired a chef for the evening, rented a BMW convertible, and made a playlist of all our favorite songs.
Little did I know that behind my back, he had packed me an overnight bag. When we arrived at the cabin, I realized this was where we were staying overnight and having dinner. The chef had set up a table outside by the pier, providing uninterrupted views of the ocean and yachts.
Obie had even arranged for the chef to have "Marry Me" written on the dessert plate. When I saw it, he proposed, and it was the most intimate and romantic evening ever. It was a moment we will never forget, and we are so grateful to have each other.
Our love story has been full of adventures, challenges, and most importantly, a deep and unwavering love for each other.
LOCATION DETAILS
Outdoor Wedding Celebration and Indoor Reception Dinner and Dancing at Boschendal The Olive Press, Franschhoek
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Coordinator: Salt & Pepper Creative
Videographer: Mighty Fine Weddings
Decor & Lighting: In and Out Events
MUAH: Andrea van Houten
Flowers: Liezl Kotze Floral Art
Wedding Stationary: Laser Lab Studio
Wedding Cake: Wades Cakes
DJ: Chris K
Canapé Hour Entertainment: Vuthela Marimba Trio
Second Shooter: YeahYeah Photos
Which element of your wedding do you wish you could have / afterwards think you could have left out? We could have probably made our ceremony shorter. It was approximately an hour long and in the sun
What advice would you give future couples planning on getting married? It can be a very stressful event. When planning it make sure you find ways to make it fun whether it's having a glass of wine and listening to your favourite songs whilst choosing your floral arrangements or whatever
Any other feedback or ideas you'd like to share / think should be shared regarding your celebration? Remember your wedding is a reflection of your love. Personalise it as much as you can. Also, it's not just a party for your family and friends, its YOUR party. So have fun, eat your food and drink your liquor.
What did you love most about your wedding venue / location? We tied the knot at the amazing Boschendal estate, and the views of the mountains were the absolute highlight for us. The scenery was so breathtaking, and it gave our special day a dreamy vibe.
The staff at Boschendal were also amazing! They were super friendly and went the extra mile to make sure that everything was perfect for us. They were always there to help us out with anything we needed, and they did it all with a smile.
The combination of the stunning location and the exceptional service made our wedding day unforgettable. We would highly recommend Boschendal as a wedding venue to anyone looking for a unique and stunning experience.
What memory from your wedding do you remember the most vividly? Seeing our family and friends from all over the world having fun!
I can't express how grateful we are to have had Marli as our wedding photographer. She was not just professional, but warm and personable, making us feel like we were working with a friend rather than a stranger. Marli's flexibility was truly remarkable; we had to change our venues and cities twice due to COVID, but she handled everything with ease and without any stress. And let me just say, the photos she captured were absolutely stunning - I still get goosebumps every time I look at them. Marli's talent and dedication to her craft are truly unparalleled. Thank you, Marli, for helping us create such beautiful memories that will last a lifetime!