When i read about Riana and Jaco’s wedding on Twitter (via someone i know who’d been to it) i knew i had to know more! And i wasn’t disappointed, this cute couple decided to have a rustic food market theme for their wedding reception which was held at a fab eatery called Bar Bar Black Sheep in the postcard pretty town of Riebeek Kasteel about an hour from Cape Town. What a genius idea – i wish The Captain and i could get married again so we could replicate this concept! Read all about their festive day below.

 Jaco and I met our very first week at university, we fell madly in-love straight away – we were that annoying clingy couple for that entire first year and continued to date until our paths split when I finished my degree and went to London.

We didn’t really keep in contact until a chance phone call on my 30th birthday, June 2009. At that stage Jaco was based in Norway and working as an engineer all over the world. He asked whether it would be ok if he started contacting me again (how polite!)

That December he came to Cape Town on holiday and we saw each other for the first time in years (the same night he told me I am the one for him and he was going to marry me!) During the following year he visited me as often as possible while relocating to Australia and I agreed to visit him in Sydney where we got engaged Christmas of 2010. I moved to Sydney in February of 2010 and planned the wedding from Australia!

I was never one of those girls who always dreamt of her wedding, so the task was quite daunting. I needed a flexible place and a venue that didn’t need too much work and I felt that we are now a bit more mature (not being 25 any more!) and the typical fairytale wedding with all the bells and whistles might be a bit too much. Still i didn’t want a second rate event that felt more like a party than a wedding. Striking the right balance was a difficult task for sure!

There is an amazing night market in the Rocks in Sydney with long tables surrounded by food and wine stalls under night lamps and fairy lights.  I loved the relaxed and festive vibe centered around beautiful food and wine.  I took a chance and approached Mynhardt from Bar Bar Black Sheep in Riebeek Kasteel. It’s my favourite lunch venue in the village, I love its atmosphere and the food is always off the charts!

I shared my idea of a night market theme with him. he immediately responded with such enthusiasm and energy and  the most astounding food ideas.  From there he took the lead in every creative aspect and nothing seemed to be asking “too much”. He was such an easy person to work with.

 The rest of the wedding was literally planned and executed by my wonderful bridesmaids. Hanneke Visagie the most wonderful creative woman I know organised the décor for the market. My sister Magdel Kemp took care of all practical stuff, communications as well as the babysitting for our bubs on the day. Liesl Swart my lovely pregnant friend organised our hair and make up and the hand bouquets. Also she did an incredible job encouraging me in the weeks leading up to the event.

Marie Brown my beautiful friend from school days did ALL the flowers. She selected them from the gardens on her sister’s farm in Villiersdorp and arranged them herself with her new 3 month old boy Joshua on one arm. How impressive is that?! And they were incredible. It changed the place to an absolute wonderland.  It was warm and friendly flowers fitting beautifully with the character of the venue. Perfect!

Eric the accordion man was a perfect choice for the market setting. he walked all the guests from the church to the reception, leading them through the streets with his accordion. Loved it!

In truth I can’t take any credit for this stunning wedding. I could not have done it without Mynhardt and my stunning friends and family. Organising this from Australia would not have been possible without them and thank you isn’t enough.

Words of Wisdom:

Look for a venue and a team that ‘feel right’ and works for you. You will just know when it suits you as a unique person. That is the most important thing. Don’t look at what other people have done. Just be true to yourself.

Riana and Jaco, your market day feast really does look like a day in a million, thank you so much for sharing it with us!

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