Text by Roxzanne van Eyk Photography by Rinus Dorhmel Venue: Casa Toscana Lodge (ad on page 47) Decor and Flowers: Fresh Look Natural Creations (ad on page 62) The first couple of months of Pieter and Marelize’s contact was limited to inside the court room, where the legal professionals saw, eyed and argued cases against each other. When Pieter finally found the courage to tell Marelize how he felt about her, he boldly admitted he had bought several suits to impress her on a weekly basis. “He may have lost some arguments but in the end he truly won me over!” smiles Marelize. Pieter’s engagement proposal came in the form of a romantic picnic at the gorgeously authentic and upmarket Irene Country Estate, a working dairy farm (also featured in this issue of Wedding Collection as one of SA’s Most Unusual Wedding Venues). “He proposed so unexpectedly, and on both knees! Thereafter our friends and family joined us in an unforgettable “all night” celebration!” gushes Marelize. When Marelize found her wedding gown, she admits to crying almost every time she fitted it because it was so perfectly what she had dreamed of. “The most beautiful part of my dress was the dazzling flowery trail!” exclaims Marelize. My mom made my bridesmaid’s dress and although the final touches were made just before 7pm, the evening before our wedding, she did an amazing job and my bridesmaid looked striking! My sister’s three year old daughter was my flower girl and wore a smaller replica of my dress. She looked adorable and had little pink flowers in her hair. To everyone’s amusement, she helped me in her own special way with my trail. I will always remember how my family was such a special part of the fullness of joy I experienced on my wedding day”.   The couple celebrated their wedding day at Casa Toscana Lodge. Rogan, Casa Toscana’s manager, assisted the couple in every possible way to make their special day, according to them, the “best day of their lives and extremely well organised”. “Included in the venue fee, we received two night’s complimentary accommodation at Casa Toscana, which made all the difference as I was able to wake up relaxed at the venue on my wedding day. Casa Toscana also surprised us with a beautifully decorated honeymoon suite furnished with personalised luxurious gowns, champagne, rose petals and a complimentary breakfast,” says the bride. As one would expect, the bride arrived fashionably late, but guests were kept entertained by classic and comforting music in the beautifully decorated chapel. Judging by the coos and smiles Marelize received from her guests, she was well worth the wait. “The manner in which the service was held and guests were looked after, as well as the lighting at this unique venue, made us feel as though romance and happiness were wholly embraced on our wedding day by all who were present,” says the newlyweds. Marelize and Pieter envisaged their guests being able to celebrate their special day with them, while feeling free and comfortable to socialise with others and en joy themselves. The unique colour scheme, which incorporated black, white and cerise pink, created both a fashionable and relaxed ambiance, while smaller candelabras on the tables allowed guests to socialise easily with each other across the table. To further ensure interaction between everyone, guests were furnished with disposable cameras to take spontaneous photos. Pieter and Marelize’s wedding is a perfect example of how spectacular and romantic a wedding at Casa Toscana can be. The unique and striking colour scheme sparked conversation and ensured the wedding’s overall look and feel mirrored the couple’s vision of an elegantly stylish, yet modern and fun affair.