Ninirichi Stylings with partnership with Tickled Pink Weddings and Events and As Sweets as Images Photography produced this beautiful African Colonial bush lodge wedding styled shoot concept.
It was wonderful to style a wedding inspired by our homeland – the history, the people, the textures, the colours, the wildlife, the plants and flowers, the light, the fire, the scent of the air…
“Why is it you can never hope to describe the emotion Africa creates? You are lifted. Out of whatever pit, unbound from whatever tie, released from whatever fear. You are lifted and you see it all from above.” ~ Francesca Marciano, “Rules of the Wild”.
Charlotte from Ninirichi Style Studio created this gorgeous invitation. Embossed leather-look envelope folder housing layered information cards. A intricate damask lace-like pattern was designed to frame the couples names – built up from silhouettes of Bushveld trees, plants, flowers and smaller birds and smaller African animals. We steered away from the typical “Big 5” animals; we wanted to show the beauty in the small details of the African wild.
We decorated the fireplace mantel piece with masses of indigenous flowers and twigs to create a textured backdrop for these lovely fireside posed shots.
We created a large rustic bridal bouquet from pin-cushions, fynbos brunia, succulents, flax and moss.
Beautiful bridesmaid dress – champagne satin with black botanical lace bodice detail. Single stem white king protea bud bouquet
We setup the ceremony next to a huge tree. A single long chiffon drape threaded through the branches formed a soft wedding arch.
Silver paraffin lanterns lit up the tree – creating a warm fiery atmosphere. Safari chairs from First Impressions Furniture Rentals were set-out for guest seating and the isle runner was created with orange autumn leaves.
Garden peg signage with complimentary animal graphic marked the way to the ceremony area. White calabash gourds decorated with indigenous flowers – orange pin-cushions, fynbos brunia and succulents – served as aisle markers.
Colonial props and dress-up accessories for the guests pose with for fun post-ceremony shots.
Pretty coral-orange flower-girl dress from White Lily Bridal.
Carved calabash gourd lanterns line the aisle and parafin lanterns light up the tree backdrop – the ceremony area comes alive at night as the African sun sets.
Beautifully designed box style envelope – housing the order of service details and a sparkler for the “fire ceremony” instead of confetti.
Directional signage leading the guests to the “sundowner” post ceremony drinks area. Butler trays, crystal glassware – only the best for a true colonial experience!
Beautifully designed drinks menu and champagne bottles with the bridal couple’s monogram printed onto customized bottle labels.
Typical South African bushveld snacks – dried wors, biltong, nuts and dried fruit. Attention to every detail carried through with the graphic labels.
Gorgeous post ceremony couple shots showing off their elegant understated colonial attire.
We setup this unconventional seating chart in the garden. Classic wrought iron lattice screens displayed the table number cards and escort cards. Rustic buckets with indigenous floral arrangements. Delicate graphic detail on earthy textured card stock and rustic twine.
Amazing bush lodge setting -fire-pits and lanterns lead the way up to the reception area.
A classic silver service tablescape infused with African textured and details. Heavy weight champagne jaquard linen, engraved silver metal charger plates, tall silver candle stands with candle guards and chunky pillar candles. Textured linen napkins in duck-egg blue to freshen the colour pallet and offset with warm tones.
Printed menus and place-cards at each place-setting – delicate graphic detail carried through.
nique customized table number book – African animal damask frame carried through to this signature detail.
Clusters of vintage style candle votives with embossed metal rims bringing wonderful warm glow to the table setting.
Lovely contrast of earthy rustic indigenous flowers, succulents and fynbos paired with classic cream rose – grouped in wooden African bowls.
Tall chocolate cake displayed on cream beaded ceramic stand and dressed with fresh flowers and moss.
Fun with sparklers on this chilly African winters night.
The couples departure from the lodge in a vintage car, mini calabashes instead on tin-cans and a simple sign expressing their love of place and country.
Featured in the Spring Edition of Wedding Inspirations Magazine 2014
Thank you to all the amazing suppliers who partnered with us to produce this beautiful photographic spread.
A special thanks to Natalie from Tickled Pink Weddings and Events for all you amazing co-ordination and persistence.
Thank you to Amy and Will from As Sweet as Images for sharing your wonderful gift of capturing the atmosphere, magic, personality.
Contributing Wedding Vendors:
Styling, Decor, Flowers : Ninirichi Style Studio – Jeanine Richard
Stationery : Ninirichi Style Studio – Charlotte De Kock
Coordination: Tickled Pink Weddings & Events
Photography: As Sweet as Images
Makeup & Hair: Sam Scarborough Make-up
Cake: Annica’s Designer Cakes
Wedding Gown: White Lily Bridal
Honeymoon Outfit: Sun Goddess
Car: Tienkal Vintage Car Rentals
Grooms Suit: Top Hat Suit & Co.
Bridesmaid Dresses: Keys Fashion
Beauty: Spa88
Chairs: First Impressions Furniture
