What started as an ‘in’ joke about a love of dinosaurs, ended up being the inspiration for Sam & Stew’s wedding, which took place in South Africa last September. “Neither of us can really remember where the dinosaur thing started,” Sam explained, “but it is now well and truly an inside family joke – the fact that Stew and I are ‘dinosaurs-for-life’. I found the plastic models at Pollocks Toy museum in London, and added the little details to turn them into our very own bridasaurus & groomasaur, cake toppers (by far and away the groom’s favourite part of the decor!)”
The couple knew they wanted a casual wedding, one that screamed ‘them’ and one that all their friends and family would enjoy. “The idea of a formal wedding day, frankly – scared me!” the bride continued, “Giving ourselves permission to go ‘off script’ and make our day more FUN than formal made all the difference! My Mom (who never believed I’d get married) used to joke that if the day should ever arrive, she’d stretch the budget as far as the local hamburger joint, and treat everyone to a milkshake and fries. So, that’s just what we did! Our caterer was wonderful, and created a gourmet five star ‘Build Your Own Burger’ feast that included salads, homemade relish, a choice of filling and even a veggie patty – made from chickpeas.”
“We also opted for a lunchtime wedding – unusual in South Africa, because we wanted to relax with our close friends and family after the more official part of the day was over….which we did, looooong into the night!”
“Our day would not have been the same without the help from our families,” she concluded. “My amazing and beloved 92 year old Grandpa hand made all our blackboard signage, and allowed us to raid his shed for old milk cans, farm buckets and brass coal skuttles. To not only have him with us on the day, and share a dance with him, but also look around and see his handiwork displayed on every table was unforgettable!”
“From my Grandpa’s DIY blackboards, to the cake, and to my Dad’s valiant effort to drink enough Miller’s to create the impressive ‘hanging garden’ backdrop. We also asked Stew’s Gran to make us a batch of her famously delicious fudge (which we added to the dessert table) and we made a batch of my Gran’s super secret cookie recipe for our favours.”
The bride even wore her Grandmother’s wedding dress, a vintage original from 1947. Although it needed a few repairs it fitted her like a glove and it was a really special to Sam to be able to wear the same dress that her Grandmother did 64 years ago.
Gosh, don’t you just love these guys?! Thank you so much to Sam & Stew and their photographer Jacki for sharing today.
