1. Real Weddings

A DIY South African Wedding

The Bride Dana Schmeltzer, 29, a marketing assistant The Groom Johann Gouws, 32, a marketing manager The Date October 8 Dana and Johann chose the p

The Bride Dana Schmeltzer, 29, a marketing assistant The Groom Johann Gouws, 32, a marketing manager The Date October 8 Dana and Johann chose the picturesque town of Franschhoek -- located about an hour outside Cape Town, where Johann grew up -- for their wedding. Though the couple didn’t stick to a specific color palette, touches of indigo helped them pull off the timeless look they were after. For a personal touch, the couple made a lot of the decor themselves.

Dana printed and stamped the escort cards herself and displayed them with red rose petals.
Dana wore her hair back in a loose bun, topped with a veil made by her mom.
Roses and baby’s breath separated the square tiers, and Johann made the topper.
Arrangements of pale-pink and white ranunculus and roses decorated the dinner tables, alongside various glass votives.
Guests danced the night away under a Bedouin-style tent decorated with hanging paper lanterns and string lights.
Guests tossed these dried rose petals at the newlyweds as they left the church. Johann’s mom spent months drying out the petals!
Dana and Johann exchanged vows inside a Cape Dutch-style church built in the 1800s.
These blue table number cards, also made by Dana, were a nice bit of color on the tables.
This croquembouche, caramel-filled profiteroles drizzled with chocolate, was a special treat for Johann.
Dana printed the programs, cut them out, stamped them with a blue design, and tied them with twine.
The bridesmaids wore long strapless chiffon dresses, while the guys wore classic black suits.