Our dear friends, Madri and Sinjin, celebrated their love surrounded by their closest friends and family with an alfresco garden affair on a balmy summers-like evening beneath the oak trees and glittering stars at De Meye Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, South Africa.The bride wore our effortlessly elegant GABRIELLE gown which couldn’t have been more perfect for their natural, breathtaking, and fuss free special day, "Both Sinjin and I wanted a romantic and intimate setting with a few vintage elements - we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day.
Madri & Sinjin Süllwald
WEDDING DATE
19 March 2022
GUEST TOTAL
92
HOW WE MET
My sister and Sinjin became close friends while studying in Stellenbosch and I quickly came to know of this guy called ‘Sinjin’ in my sister’s conversations. My sister dragged me along to visit one of her close friends, little did I know Sinjin was going to drive us there. According to Sinjin which I later found out, he couldn’t stop looking in the rear mirror which later ended up in him asking me to go on a pancake and coffee date in a small mountain café. This lead to multiple follow-up dates and eventually, we just knew…
HOW WE GOT ENGAGED
Sinjin took me on a trip to visit our best friends and explore the US in December of 2020, at this point we had been together for over eight years. We took a beautiful drive to Brattleboro, Vermont where he romantically proposed to me in a snow-covered forest. It was magical.
MARRIAGE TO US MEANS
Feeling at home when you are in the presence of one another. Creating a safe and intentional bond that is unbreakable and balancing each other in the best way possible.
PHOTOGRAPHY
We chose Love made Visible as they have such an authentic approach, something that we are drawn to. Their photographs are real moments captured beautifully. Rebecca and Bruce were truly the best!
MOST TREASURED MOMENT OF MY WEDDING DAY
For me there were two. Our first dance was very special to me. It felt like time had no hold on us. We could finally enjoy a moment where it was just us. Surrounded by everyone celebrating and seeing our families blend so seamlessly was a very special moment for me. Secondly, during our dinner the sky turned into a canvas of soft pink and muted orange, and we were able to look around and appreciate our special day.
FINDING YOUR DREAM WEDDING GOWN
The beautiful bride once worked at Bo & Luca and was able to really take her time finding a gown, "Shannon and the team made this process so special and memorable.”Madri exclaimed that she’s always been in awe of Bo & Luca’s signature beading and whimsical craftsmanship, “After trying countless favourites on, the Gabrielle made me feel my most beautiful and elegant self and nothing could compare.
BRIDE’S DRESS
The Gabrielle
WEDDING SCENT
Pour Femme, Lacoste
WEDDING DAY ACCESSORIES
I trusted Bo & Luca not only with my dress but also for my entire bridal look. For the ceremony, I wore the beautiful rolled gold Alessandra earrings and a custom-length single-tier Everly veil. I switched to the timeless Beau earrings for our reception. I also wore my late grandmother’s gold engagement ring to honour her.
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
My bridesmaids wore custom dresses designed and made by our talented friend. I chose an off-white crepe, matching our earthy tones with ethereal organza sleeves reminiscent of the ’70s.
WEDDING RINGS
We both love the feel of 18K gold. Sinjin has a classic thin wedding band, and mine is a dainty gold band with scattered diamonds – a custom piece from Lorean Jewellery.
HAIR & MAKEUP
My sister is a makeup artist so having her do my hair and makeup was incredibly special. Having natural dewy skin with lots of crème blush was my only request. My hair was loosely curled.
ADVICE FOR BRIDES-TO-BE
Be present and enjoy every moment because it will pass so quickly. Don’t get too hung up if something doesn’t go according to plan, no one will notice.
FLOWERS & BOUQUETS
We wanted neutral tones and beautiful fluffy textures. Our idea was to create dreamy and airy arrangements that felt like a wildflower garden.
WEDDING CAKE
We cut our wedding cake during cocktail hour to “Real Love Baby” by Father John Misty and it was one of our favorite moments. We chose a two-tier cake with delicate hand-painted textures made by our dear friend Carmen.
FOOD & DRINKS
Leigh and Brendan from The Table fully catered our wedding. Their food is not only delicious but a special experience. They set out the most delectable harvest table during our cocktail hour served with beer on tap, rosé, and a gin bar. Our reception menu was served as a shared family-style feast, this created a real sense of togetherness and nostalgia.
CEREMONY & RECEPTION DÉCOR
Our décor can be described in three words – natural, romantic, and vintage. We wanted uncomplicated and unconventional styling that layered different neutral tones and soft textures. Dinner candles and bistro lights above our tables created a warm feeling throughout our reception. All our stationery was designed by Sinjin and printed on handmade paper, extra special!
SPECIAL WEDDING SONGS
Promise, Ben Howard (Walking down the aisle)You are the best thing, Ray LaMontagne (Confetti)Beyond, Leon Bridges (First dance)
HONEYMOON
Sinjin planned our honeymoon for the longest time and having to plan it during peak covid made it much more challenging. He planned the most incredible surprise honeymoon to the luxury Pullman resort in the Maldives and the only in thee gave me was to pack summer attire.
SOURCES OF INSPIRATION
Our main inspiration came from our vision of having an outdoor-style family feast. Our wedding day was an authentic expression of who we are as individuals and as a couple. Our styles have always aligned perfectly and having a husband that is such a creative visionary, I felt so at ease dreaming this wedding into existence.
OUR WEDDING VENDORS
Photographers: Love Made Visible
Catering: The Table @ De Meye
Suit: Kale & Co
Cake: Carmen Eksteen Patisseries
Hair & Makeup: Marle Boltman