Classic COUNTRYSIDE ELEGANCE in the Drakensberg
At Oh Happy Day, we absolutely love to push creative boundaries and produce the kind of luxury weddings in KZN that will get people talking. But the heart of our creative philosophy is always the couple themselves. The best kind of client is the one who trusts us to create a design with their ideas at its heart. And the more open and honest a bride and groom are with their vision, the easier it is for us – both to get to know your styles and personalities, and to make sure we design a day that truly reflects your love story. Tammy and Lion were these kinds of dream clients. Both work in high impact roles in Johannesburg, so when it came to planning their Drakensberg destination wedding, most of the design and selection of vendors was left to the Oh Happy Day team. I have known Tam since she was a little girl, and she trusted us to produce her wedding in a way that would best represent her style and taste. Lion was happy as long as his bride was! We absolutely loved putting their big day together, and I’m so excited to be able share it with you today.
As a KZN wedding planner, I normally spend a lot of time chatting to our brides during the design process. But when it came to designing Tammy and Lion’s wedding, I had a bit of a head start. As I mentioned, I have known Tammy since she was a child, so I had a clear idea of the direction their wedding design would take and the vendors who would best suit her personality.
The overall look was soft and feminine, incorporating a fine art approach, and showcasing a few eye-catching modern pieces. For the colour palette, we chose rose gold and soft pink, with pops of coral punching through to make a statement here and there. Our floral designer, Ro, used a variety of bright country blooms which put a smile on everyone’s faces.
The day of the wedding was beautifully misty, but not even a little bit of rain could dampen Tam and Lion’s big day! The bride brought coral wellies and clear umbrellas along for her bridal party, and these made for super cute photos for the bridal portrait sessions. With the mist and the tall trees along the side of the venue, it felt like we were overseas somewhere, seated in a courtyard in the countryside.
The venue was the Champagne Castle Hotel, a stunning Drakensberg destination wedding venue. The chapel has the most incredible views overlooking the mountains, so we felt that too many florals inside would detract from the views. Instead, we opted for a large 5x5x5 metre foliage garland at the entrance, to create a sense of occasion on arrival. This was also used as a backdrop for family photos after the ceremony
For the reception, we felt that traditional round tables would work best. However, we placed the main table down the centre of the room to create more of a social environment. The best of both worlds! To transform the space, we brought in draping and foliage garlands to hang from the rafters, which really enhanced the classic country feel. Overhanging foliage installations over the main table were also used to create a focal point.
When planning your wedding, it’s important to be honest with your planner about your vision. Remember, there’s no such thing as right or wrong when it comes to what you’re considering for your wedding. When you communicate even the smallest meaningful details, we can weave these into your design in unique and magical ways.
Planning your own Drakensberg destination wedding or celebration elsewhere in KZN, South Africa or Mauritius? Find out more about Oh Happy Day and download our rate card here.
Photography: Bright Girl Photography
Design, Planning, Coordination and Styling: Oh Happy Day
Venue: Champagne Castle Hotel
