Tanya + James let their love bloom amongst the cherry blossoms. We were honoured to be able to capture their special day. Here are a few words from the couple:
Tell us your love story! How did it all start and how did the journey lead to a proposal?
We met at work after James moved across from another law firm with his then team. We were sent to a conference together, which led to us being sent on a nationwide trip to train clients on a new piece of law that had just been enacted. One night at after work drinks a few glasses of wine made us brave enough to admit that we quite liked each other. From then on, as we both happened to mention in our wedding speeches (unbeknownst to each other while preparing), it was really just a seamless journey to this point without either of us really doubting we would get there. From one very tipsy kiss, to just starting to date without really discussing it, to James moving in with Tanya and her flatmate, to buying a house, getting two amazing little puppies to a proposal. The proposal really was a surprise though and James planned it to perfection. It happened at home in front of a roaring fire, which is totally just our style!
Tell us what the inspiration behind your wedding was? How was your wedding fitting to your style and personality?
We wanted our wedding to be laidback, elegant and full of love. We went for a casual country theme with simple flowers and décor, which turned out to be so beautiful. That’s really us, we aren’t formal or over the top. We knew that it would be the one time in our lives that we would have all the people that we love in the same room and just wanted everyone to have the best. From all accounts, it worked!
Where did you get married and what did you love about your venue?
We got married at Cranford Country Lodge in the Natal Midlands. Cranford is just stunning and embodies everything we love about the Midlands – beautiful landscapes, romantic nooks and crannies, friendly people, delicious wholesome food and a really magical atmosphere that gives you the feeling that good things happen there.
Do you have any tips and advice for couples planning a wedding?
Start planning early! It will take away the stress of the experience and ensure that you spend the last few days before, and the day of, the wedding just soaking up the experience. It is a time filled with such love and excitement and you really want to be able to enjoy it!
Did your wedding include any do-it-yourself projects?
We spent one the evenings before the wedding in front of a fire with family and a few bottles of good red wine folding cardboard boxes for the macaroons we were giving to our guests as wedding favours. It was really such fun doing it all together – folding the boxes, sticking on the thank you stickers, cutting the old-fashioned baking paper and finally packing the macaroons. We can’t take credit for making the macaroons, but they worked really well as wedding favours and were delicious!
Tell us about your experience working with us!
We had the absolute best time working with you! From the moment you met us for our engagement shoot you put us (the most camera-shy two people!) completely at ease. The photos from that shoot made us 100% confident that we had made the right decision. We absolutely loved the creative shoot after our ceremony where we went on our own mini Midlands meander around Cranford. We can’t wait to see the woodpile pics!!!! Thank you so much for capturing the most important moments of our lives so far with such ease, professionalism, and good humour. We could not have wished for a better experience leading up to, or indeed on, the day of the wedding.
The Wedding Credits:
Ceremony: Cranford Country Lodge and Wedding Venue
Reception: Cranford Country Lodge and Wedding Venue
Dress and accessories: Pronovias from Delavida
Grooms Suit and accessories: Viyella and Trenery
Make-up: Laura Halgreen from Nixon Make-up
Hair style: Laura Halgreen from Nixon Make-up
Floral Design: Cranford Country Lodge and Wedding Venue
Decorations: Cranford Country Lodge and Wedding Venue
Catering: Cranford Country Lodge and Wedding Venue
Cake: Lauren-Lee Cake Couture
Music/DJ: Allan McCabe from DJ WORX and Chris Jensen, saxophonist and guitarist
Wedding planner: Alex Drew, Cranford Country Lodge and Wedding Venue
Marriage Officer: Graham Lister, Golden Harvest
Stationary: Janet Haw at Fuchsia Designs;
Framing: Nicky Jules Woodworks (https://www.facebook.com/Nicky-Jules-Woodworks-757614704345487/);
Macaroons : Margie Ross – Biscuit Barrel