Elisha and Iulian’s Wedding:

We created this intimate wedding in Cape Town, at Casa Labia in Muizenberg for the lovely Elisha and Iulian. This exquisite venue was the perfect setting for a bespoke occasion.

We asked the bride a few questions after her big day, as she reflected on the magnificence of this special day. Here are her thoughts and comments:

How did you meet? Tell us your story:

We always tell people we met at the Leuven Belgian Beer Cafe which was where we had our first date. But, we met on an internet dating set. We chatted for a few months before we met in person and by the time we met we felt like we’d known each other our entire lives.

Iulian always says he fell in love with me before he even met me. How cute is that?

(I couldn’t get enough of her – Iulian)

The venue, the dream, the big picture for your day – what was important to you and what did you want your experience to be?

We wanted to get married in Cape Town. Iulian just loved the city, the atmosphere, and the people. When he saw Casa Labia it reminded him of home and the Italian architecture was setting it apart. The surroundings the ocean in the front and the mountain behind … it was like the dream location! This was the perfect venue for us. Now we had to find everything else to match. And we didn’t compromise on quality.

Tell us the details on why you chose what you chose and who your lovely vendors were:

We bought all our attire in NZ. My dress was made especially for me by Shona Rubbery designs in NZ ( www.shonaruberydesigns.co.nz ) and she was absolutely amazing.

Shoes are Italian. My hair was by Monroe Classique in Muizenberg ( monroeclassiquehairstudio.devhub.com ).

The dresses for the matron of honour and junior bridesmaid were designed and made by my dear friend Braemore Lundall Sauls ( www.facebook.com/BraemoreDesign ).

One disappointing experience was our makeup artist not turning up on the wedding day. But Braemore – fashion designer extraordinaire, stepped in and did my make up.

My dear husband Iulian and his best man Claudiu, worn Gibson suits made by Cambridge, New Zealand ( cambridgeclothing.com) from NZ wool threaded in Italy. The suits shirts and silk teal cravats were purchased from Bachari Menswear. Leather Italian handmade shoes by Brando ( www.theiconic.co.nz/brando ).

The best man lives in Australia so… coordinating the clothing sizes and purchases between New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, was all worth while.

We brought the jewellery from Cape Diamonds, simple yet stylish design, just the way we like it – diamonds set in platinum with mounting shaped like a protea flower.

My husband Iulian and Joel from Cape Diamonds sketched the wedding band on a piece of scrap paper and the design was done in minutes. Amazing skill and art from Joel ( www.capediamonds.co.za ).

What went through your head when you saw Iulian for the first time?

Man I’m lucky! He is so handsome and the smile on his face and the faint tears in his eyes were so endearing. He says he keeps falling in love with me over and over again.

Tell us the key details that stood out for you from your reception:

It was all perfect. Tanya Mills and the staff at Casa Labia were awesome ( www.casalabia.co.za ). We enjoyed our wedding day without having to worry about anything.

The flower arrangements supplied by The Rose Cafe ( www.therosecafe.florist/weddings-and-events ) were outstanding, and what a match for the venue!

The gorgeous cake with the dainty damask detailing was by Kanya Hunt, ( www.kanyahunt.co.za ).

The photographer Shireen Louw ( www.shireenlouw.com ) was fantastic, personable, fun and easy going.

And the music … ‘The Hungarian Trio’ was an exquisite treat. Gabor serenading with his old Amati violin, Donat and Nerina playing everything from classic to modern ( www.hungariantrio.com ).

Advice from the couple:

Do whatever makes you happy. After all, it is YOUR wedding day!

Allow for mishaps. Imperfection is beautiful in its innocence.

An intimate wedding in Cape Town, at Casa Labia in Muizenberg