As much as we adore colour, there’s a lot to be said for the classic beauty and timeless appeal of an all-white wedding. Just take Timothy and Jeanine McDonald’s big day. Held at the Kurland Hotel in Plettenberg Bay, their elegant celebration wedding is a perfect example of “white is wonderful”! We love the reception look from Weddings by Marius; ditto the photos from Liza Wigley…
How did your groom propose?
We were supposedly on our way to go fishing with friends on a houseboat in Knysna when Tim turned off at Phantom Forest, a tree house tucked away in the most idyllic location. After a romantic stroll through the forest he got down on one knee and asked me if I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. It was a dream come true! The ring was a trinity ring symbolising the past, present and forever.
Tell us about the theme of your wedding.
Our theme was “what a wonderful day for a white wedding”. We married at Kurland Pavilion in The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, which overlooks luscious green polo fields and rolling mountains. We wanted a private venue in a picturesque setting that would serve as a destination getaway and help to create a night to remember. Kurland ticked all those boxes and our friends still say it was the best wedding they’ve been to! Our decor reinforced our all-white wedding theme; it was stylishly simple with glass, crystal and wood.
And the menu?
It was the best food we’ve ever had! The starter featured rolled buffalo mozzarella with sun-dried tomatoes, avocado, rocket, biltong, toasted almonds and raspberry vinaigrette. Main course was pan-fried fillet of beef with chanterelle mushroom gratin, pomme purée, roasted vegetables and a truffle jus. For dessert, we served wedding cake, pavlovas with Chantilly cream and berries, mini passion fruit cheesecakes and a selection of farm cheeses, preserves, pickles and biscuits.
What was the highlight of the day?
There are so many to choose from – the day was better than I could ever have dreamed. The way my bridesmaids made me feel like a princess, the hug and words of wisdom from my mother, the look on my husband’s face when I walked down the aisle, the first dance with my father and my husband, everyone having a celebration, and the fact that I’m now a McDonald….
Any special advice for brides-to-be?
Savour every moment. So much planning goes into the big day and the most important thing is to have fun and create memories. A great wedding planner really makes a difference!
Little black book
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Lynette Gryffenberg and Bernina George 044 873 2590; email berninag@icon.co.za
Cake: Clare Roode Cakes 044 533 0000
Coordinator/wedding planner: Weddings by Marius 044 382 3579
Decor: Weddings by Marius 044 382 3579. Events & Tents 044 533 9308/044 535
Dress: Pronovias 011 784 2000
Entertainment: Garden Route Trio 084 513 5653; email richard.vdordel@gmail.com. DJ Nick 082 373 4738; email alec@iafrica.com
Flowers: EcoZest 082 745 7445
Food: Kurland Hotel 044 534 8082
Groom’s outfit: Top Hat 021 424 3579
Groomsmen’s outfits: Top Hat 021 424 3579
Lighting: CCPP Professional Productions 0861 777 295/044 878 0586
Make-up: Liani McLaren of Serendipity Salon 084 506 0097
Photographer: Liza Wigley Photography 084 302 1120
Stationery: Lara’s Designs 021 554 4973/082 681 4500
Venue: Kurland Hotel 044 534 8082
