Hestré and Johan chose the beautiful Natte Valleij Estate in South Africa for their wedding. With its magnificent mature gardens of ancient trees, pergolas and ponds, surrounded by the whitewashed walls of the house, it’s clear to see why. It was the perfect setting for their relaxed outdoor wedding.

The couple had a beautiful ceremony under the shade of the trees, surrounded by their family and friends. They were also surrounded by chickens and horses, which made it into some of the pictures!

Bride and groom by lake at Natte Valleij wedding

Bridal Party Style

Hestré wore a sophisticated fitted wedding dress with sexy deep plunging lace neckline with illusion panel that really accentuated her figure. Johan chose a cool burgundy groom’s suit with matching bow tie, which worked well with the groomsmen’s attire of casual beige trousers, white shirts and bow ties.

I love a wedding with lots of bridesmaids, and Hestré had three stunning maids who each wore a long, floaty, pale taupe dress, and five cute flower girls in beautiful white dresses with ribbons to match the bridesmaid dresses. I adore the cute eucalyptus floral crowns the flower girls wore too.

Pink and blue floral wedding stationery

Pink and blue floral wedding invitation

Wedding rings on wedding stationery Wedding dress hanging from pillar

Bride having make-up done

Bride putting on shoes Bride putting on earring

Bride holding large bouquet of flowers and foliage

Bride looking over shoulder showing back of wedding dress

Bride with bridesmaids Flower girls in white dresses with floral crowns

Groom wearing burgundy suit jacket

Groom wearing burgundy suit and bow tie

Basket of wedding order of service Bridesmaid holding wedding order of service

Father walking bride down the aisle

Emotional groom watching bride walk down the aisle

Outdoor ceremony at Natte Valleij wedding

Relaxed and Fun

The styling of this Natte Valleij wedding is relaxed and rustic. After the ceremony their guests enjoyed outdoor dining on wooden tables, with an ornate glass charger, white napkin, menu card and single spring of rosemary adorning each place setting; simple and elegant.

There were no lavish floral arrangements; instead Hestré’s bouquet took all the glory. She carried an incredibly beautiful bridal bouquet filled with seasonal blooms and trailing foliage. The florals carried over to the simple single tier wedding cake, which included flowers and trailing foliage to match the bride’s bouquet.

Bride with arms around groom

Groom hugging bride from behind

Bride and groom walking across field at Natte Valleij wedding

Bride resting head on groom's shoulder

Bride and groom by horse

Bride and groom kissing over the top of horse

Bride and groom kissing by lake at Natte Valleij wedding

Bride and groom stepping off jetty at Natte Valleij

Groom holding bride hand to help her through long grass

Bridal party group shot

Groomsmen in casual outfits

Groom lighting cigar

Groom smoking cigar with chicken behind him

Wedding guests laughing

Burger wedding canapés

Wedding whisky bar Personalised wedding sign

Bride and friend having picture taken behind personalised wedding frame

Groomsmen having picture taken behind personalised wedding frame

Back of bride and bridesmaids' dresses

Wedding seating plan

Simple wedding cake with flowers and foliage

Simple wedding place setting styling

Wedding menu Wedding table number on bottle of wine

Photographer Michelle Du Toit has captured the ambience of the day perfectly… fun. In all the pictures the guests are smiling and laughing (this was probably helped by the whisky bar — I strongly believe all weddings should have one!).

This really is a beautiful wedding, and perfectly romantic in every way.

“Hestré and Johan’s Natte Valleij wedding had a LOT of awesome elements — the groom’s maroon suit, the romantic outdoor reception area, the ridiculously beautiful bride, the groom’s Whisky bar, a Stellenbrau craft beer stand and the bride’s beautiful lush bouquet.” — Michelle Du Toit

Guests seated for outdoor meal at Natte Valleij wedding

Bride and groom cutting wedding cake Bride cheering with arms in the air after cutting wedding cake

Wedding guests clapping

Bride and groom on steps of Natte Valleij

Bride on steps of Natte Valleij

Groom in burgundy suit on steps of Natte Valleij

Groom kissing bride on the head

Bride and groom

Bride

Illusion panel on back of bride's wedding dress Detail on bride's wedding dress

Bride sitting between groom's legs on steps

Bride staring into camera

Photography: Bauermeister Weddings (formerly Michelle Du Toit)

Venue: Natte Valleij Estate, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Wedding Dress: CE Bridal Couture

Groom’s Suit: Tidy Tucs

Bridesmaid Dresses: Truworths

Stationery: Designed by the Bride

Bouquet: Blossom Blessings

Cake: The Velvet Cake Co.

Make-Up: Luhanie Ehlers Make-up Artist

Hair: Juanri Image Consultancy and Fashion Designer

Rings: Dear Rae