Black Tie South African Wedding with Dried Flowers + Mod Neutrals

If there’s one thing you can count on us loving, it’s unique combinations of dried flowers! And this black tie South African wedding is overflowing with modern ideas. From the neutral bohemian ceremony backdrop to the branch installations suspended at the reception, Tanielle and Alvin’s wedding is one you won’t want to miss. Admire the complex flower arrangements and the texture-forward place settings from Oh Happy Day, and get ready to be hooked on this style once you’ve perused the whole gallery from BrightGirl Photography below!

embroidered lace wedding dress with scalloped hem

From the wedding planner, Oh Happy Day: As soon as we met Tanielle and Alvin, we knew that their wedding would be an extra special one! The epitome of style and fun, they gave us plenty of inspiration for a wedding design that truly complemented their personalities, and trusted us to put every detail in place. The result was a seductive layering of natural textures and minimalist modern shapes with a dash of sophisticated black tie glamour, all in a beautiful South African setting.

boho chic ceremony backdrop with tropical dried flowers and grasses in neutral colors

mother of the bride escorting bride down the aisle for an outdoor wedding in South Africa

boho chic ceremony backdrop with tropical dried flowers and grasses in neutral colors and a bride and groom kiss

For the outdoor ceremony, we created a stunning arch using dried tropical greenery, pampas grass, and white anthurium. This reflected the composition of the bridal party’s bouquets: palm and white anthurium ‘fans’ for the bridesmaids and a breathtaking combination of dried grasses and foliage with blousy white peonies for the bride, all tied with soft silk ribbon. Guests were invited to take their seats on wooden pallet benches overlooking the peaceful backdrop of the Umkomaas River to witness the emotional vows. The couple were the picture of sophistication – the groom in a beautifully fitted black tuxedo, and the bride in an exquisite illusion lace gown and cathedral-length veil.

industrial chic wedding reception with suspended branch floral installation and dried flower centerpieces, ghost chairs, smoke glassware and woven place mats

The Venue Fontana was the perfect choice to host this wedding. Located in a converted tractor barn on a family farm on the Kwazulu Natal south coast, the space boasts a stylish mix of rustic chic and contemporary industrial décor, including concrete walls and high ceilings with exposed wooden beams. To highlight these features and balance the architectural design, we layered earthy elements with sleek contemporary touches, in a muted interpretation of the classic monochrome palette we like to think of as ‘tropical neutrals’. Raw wood tables were set with chic black cutlery and smoky glassware, woven grass placemats, floating candles, and arrangements of pampas, dried foliage, and striking black anthurium. Above each table were artful arrangements of branches and hanging café lights, as well as floating wooden table numbers. The stationery was simple and understated, with touches of modern calligraphy, including the personalized black place cards.

modern minimalist place setting with chic menu, slate cutlery, pebbled goblets and woven place mats

backless embroidered lace wedding dress with scalloped hem and black groom tux couple portraits

illusion v-neck embroidered lace wedding dress with scalloped hem and black groom tux couple portraits

Following the ceremony and a portrait session in the nearby coastal forest, guests enjoyed an incredible meal, followed by a night of dancing and champagne. The day was filled with so many special moments, captured to perfection by Eileen Laubscher of Brightgirl Photography. Tanielle’s mom holding back tears as she handed her daughter her bouquet, a movie-worthy first kiss, a love-filled father-daughter dance, and some serious moves on the dance floor! It was certainly a day and night to remember.