A Mesmerizing Destination Wedding In Cape Town
The Love Story
As Nicole reflects on her journey, she recalls saying ‘the drums of Africa still beat in my heart’ – a phrase that would ultimately lead her to where she is today. It was 2016 when Josh first entered the picture in Cape Town, and despite an initial long-distance relationship, they eventually reunited in South Africa in February 2020.
Little did they know that just three weeks later, the COVID-19 pandemic would lock them down in their small apartment, forcing them to confront the true test of their love. But as fate would have it, the pair not only survived but thrived under the circumstances. Two years on, with travel restrictions lifted, Josh’s family visit from Sydney became the perfect opportunity for him to pop the question – and what a surprise it was!
The proposal may not have gone according to plan, but having Nicole’s loved ones by her side made it all the more special.
The Wedding
The Venue
It was only fitting that Josh and I would tie the knot in Cape Town, a city that holds a special place in my heart. The memories we’ve created there are endless – from our first kiss to our first dance, and even sharing our first New Year’s together. And what better way to celebrate our love than in the same place where it all began? As fate would have it, we spent a significant portion of lockdown in Cape Town, further solidifying its importance in our relationship.
It was therefore a no-brainer that we would return to this enchanting city to say ‘I do’. The result was an unforgettable celebration that blended seamlessly with the breathtaking scenery. Speaking of which, our wedding venues – Quoin Rock and Waterford – were simply divine. Quoin Rock’s Manor House stole our hearts with its Dutch colonial architecture and 360-degree views of the mountains, making it the perfect setting for our special day.
Waterford, on the other hand, exuded a warm Tuscan charm that felt cozy and intimate, ideal for a family-style Shabbat dinner. Both venues exceeded our expectations, leaving us with an abundance of magical memories to cherish.
The Dress
While I’ve always had an appreciation for high fashion, getting a dress made from scratch wasn’t my cup of tea. As someone who has worked as a personal shopper and stylist, I’ve had the opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship of esteemed designers like Elie Saab and Oscar de la Renta – their attention to detail and commitment to quality are truly unparalleled. When it came time to choose my own wedding gown, I knew exactly what I wanted.
As a jeans-and-white-t-shirt kind of girl, I wanted my dress to reflect that effortless elegance. I opted for something simple, classic, and modern, with no beading or lace in sight. It was all about the fabric and fit for me – and Elie Saab truly outdid himself in creating a gown that felt tailor-made for me. The contrast between this dress and my Oscar de la Renta number couldn’t have been more striking.
While I wanted to feel elegant and refined on my wedding day, I also knew I wanted to let loose and party the night away. And what better way to do that than by being covered in sequins? In fact, I was so thrilled with my dresses that I even got to wear a bespoke Suzanne Neville gown the following night at our post-wedding Shabbat celebration. A crisp white corset adorned with feathers and flowers was the perfect choice for a romantic dinner in the winelands.
Looking back on those unforgettable days, I know I won’t have any regrets. And who knows – maybe 20 years from now, I’ll be flipping through my wedding photos and still feeling like that rockstar princess I was when I wore each of those stunning outfits.
Advice For Future Brides
As we gazed upon our newlywed friends’ advice, we seized the opportunity to pause and reflect on the life we’d built together. That moment of clarity allowed us to absorb the palpable joy, love, and excitement that surrounded us. The day flew by in a blur, but this brief respite enabled us to savor every precious second. While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the grandeur of the wedding celebration, I urge any soon-to-be-bride to remember that the marriage itself is what truly matters.
Don’t get bogged down in trivial details; instead, focus on the bigger picture and the thrilling future ahead. At its core, a wedding is about love – and it’s the foundation upon which we build our lives.
All The Behind-The-Scenes Details
In the spotlight are @n__bernstein and @joshbernstein7, the loving couple who shared their special day at the picturesque settings of @quoinrock and @waterford_estate. The planning expertise of @bntmanagement and collaborative efforts from @annemanncelebrates brought their vision to life.
The beautiful blooms courtesy of @fleurlecordeur added a romantic touch, while stunning dresses from @eliesaabbridal, @helenrodriguesbridal, @oscardelarenta, @belinda_international and @suzanneneville had the bride looking exquisite. The groom’s stylish suit was courtesy of @canali. Capturing their love story were talented photographers @blumenthalphotography and videographers @sodafilms.
If you’re a destination wedding couple seeking an editorial feature on Wedded Wonderland, simply email us at content@weddedwonderland. com with the details of your special day, along with your wedding album, and we’ll be in touch.
