We celebrate several local couples who decided to tie the knot right here in the Midlands – a picture-perfect place! Read more as they share details from their day, from dress to decor.
BRITTNEY & ROAN McCABE
(Photos by Laura Jean Harris) 
Which venue did you choose and why?
I had always dreamed of getting married on the farm I was lucky enough to grow up on. Everdon Estate is an avocado farm just off Karkloof Road. It’s the most special place for all of us. We got married there on 7 January 2023.
Why did you decide to get married in the Midlands?
I would’ve always chosen the Midlands as I truly believe there is nothing quite like it. There is a certain beauty that is so quintessentially the Midlands, whether it’s the bold summer days with rolling mist in the evenings or the crisp winter mornings with beautiful mountains and trees wherever you look.
Tell us a bit about your decor
I’ve always gravitated towards brighter colours so naturally I was drawn to the beautiful bright colours that have been coming through in decor trends. The bridesmaids wore a beautiful charcoal colour and the groomsmen had simple stone chinos and white shirts with floral, colourful bowties.
… and your fabulous dress
I was certain from the get-go that I didn’t want to buy but rather rent my wedding dress. I felt my ‘finding the right dress’ journey was serendipitous as I stumbled upon Julene Couture when having breakfast at the coffee shop next door. The dress Julene created had a beaded bodice which caught the light beautifully and was a fitted style. I was determined to have my straps be the stand-out feature and they definitely were. Julene spent hours folding tulle to create the waves attached to the straps and I couldn’t have loved how it turned out more.
What was one challenge you faced?
To be honest, there were various challenges. I found it challenging to not overthink small decisions and to stop people pleasing. Getting married just after the festive season also came with challenges as many vendors were closed or only open for a few days, which meant I could only do certain things the week of the wedding which was stressful. The week leading up poured with rain so having marquees and all the wedding furniture delivered in torrential rain was a real tester. It did, however, bring us all together and there wasn’t a drop of rain on the day!
What was your favourite moment?
Looking around and seeing all our favourite people celebrating our love was truly a once-in-a-lifetime kind of feeling. Having friends and family from all corners of the world who previously didn’t know each other mix and mingle was amazing. I loved all the speeches and then the obvious, yet most important one, was having a moment together as a married couple.
KIRSTY & ROSS BUTLER
(Photos by Shannon Gilson)
Which venue did you choose and why?
We chose St Ives Lodge & Venue as our venue for the official legal ceremony held a couple of days before the wedding itself, the chapel service and the reception, which was on 29 April 2023. It was the perfect venue in every respect, offering wonderful facilities for each phase of our special day, and all set in the beautiful environs that St Ives has to offer. What a wonderful ambience!
Why did you decide to get married in the Midlands?
We live just up the road from St Ives. For many years, it has been a favourite venue for many of our family’s “special celebrations” – the dam, the buck, the geese, the beautifully maintained grass areas, and the pathways all help to make it the perfect setting for a wedding.
Tell us a bit about your decor
Our theme was ‘lace on wood’, and my chosen colours were deep forest green with cream and soft pink. We were aiming for a rustic setting with soft and delicate trimmings.
… and your fabulous dress
I chose a design that I knew would suit my physique best. I found a picture of exactly what I wanted and Tracey from Togs Dressmakers made it for me. The bodice was a low-backed halterneck fashioned in chunky lace, and the skirt was made from off-white bridal satin over two layers of fabric which filled it out and gave it depth. It was perfect!
What was one challenge you faced?
This is difficult to say because there were so many people helping me, and they all had challenges of one sort or another. So, if I had to say anything, it was the planning, coordination and communication with each person who helped make it all happen. For this, I say a heartfelt thank you to my new aunt-in-law, Rosemary Hopkins, who kept endless lists and spreadsheets and kept us all on our toes.
What was your favourite moment?
Being able to take off my shoes! No, seriously, it was all magical but, if I had to choose one, then I think walking down the aisle with my dad by my side and seeing Ross waiting for me and all the family and friends smiling at us.
DOMINIQUÉ & JESSE JACOBS
(Photos by Capture It Photography)
Which venue did you choose and why?
We got married at Bushwillow Caravan Park in Karkloof on 12 August 2023. It isn’t a wedding venue, but we were doing all our own decor and we had a very small guest list. It was convenient being so close to home for family members. The park is also a frequent camping spot for Jesse and we used to go on school trips there.
Why did you decide to get married in the Midlands?
We are born and bred Midlands people. There is nowhere else we would have wanted to get married. The scenery is just beyond beautiful, not to mention the great climate.
Tell us a bit about your decor
Our main rule was that anything we had to purchase needed to be used in our home after the wedding. We made the arch so that it fit in a spot in our garden. We also made our own backdrop for the main table, spray painted palms and a mixture of pampas grass, and made a neon “Jacobs” sign. We also made our own candle holders and table decor. We kept it simple and basic, which allowed for easy setup and the guests enjoyed not having “cluttered” tables. Jesse’s favourite colour is orange, so I tried to get pops of it in my bouquet, on the cake and with silk flowers.
… and your fabulous dress
I found my dress on Stillwhite, a secondhand wedding dress site. I tried on a few dresses and fell in love with the a-line design. It suited our theme of the relaxed and romantic feel of the decor. I felt absolutely amazing in it. I wouldn’t have changed a thing about it. The designer is Cindy Bam.
What was one challenge you faced?
The one challenge was that our speaker blew, and then there was load shedding. So we pulled our bakkie right up to the venue and plugged in the smoke machine and party lights, and danced the night away outside around the bonfires. It was one of the best things of the night actually!
What was your favourite moment?
I cried so much on Sunday because I wanted to redo the whole day over and over again. I cannot pinpoint a specific moment. It was such a special day with our closest friends and family. The help we received from friends on the day, carrying the arch, sorting out chairs, cutting our cake to be served, and lighting candles in the hall – everyone jumped in and was happy to do the tasks they were given.