Kay and Monty Weddings: Natasha & Bryce

Natasha and Bryce’s wedding at Kay and Monty Vineyards was a perfect celebration of love. They held their ceremony overlooking our glassy dam, surrounded by the Tsitsikamma Mountains and picturesque polo fields, and they celebrated late into the night with family and friends gathered at candlelit tables brimming with the most spectacular Mediterranean-inspired flowers and decor. We chatted to them about their big day, the standout moments and their wedding planning tips.

HOW DID YOU MEET? AND THE PROPOSAL?

Bryce and I met at the South African Music Awards in 2017. I noticed the DJ’s hat kept changing colour and this captured my attention for the full duration of the ceremony. The more I watched the DJ, the more I felt his energy and decided I had to meet him. At the after party, a colleague insisted that he introduce me to him. He was so cool, so handsome and so much fun on those decks! Fortunately, he took a liking to me too and once the after party ended, he came over and started chatting to me.

In December 2017 (yes, only six months into our relationship) we went to Hibberdene in KwaZulu-Natal with his family to celebrate Christmas. When we all gathered on Christmas morning to open presents, our families were giving me the most bizarre gifts – like beanies, scarves and gloves. Then Bryce surprised me with two tickets for him and I to go to Dublin the very next day. Bryce’s plan was to propose to me on the Cliffs of Moher but his Aunt mentioned that he could very easily get stopped by security at the airport and he might have to show them the ring. So he decided to propose then and there. We went outside, we had a long hug, he went down on one knee and pulled out a box with my dream ring. I was so overwhelmed, I just held him for about 10 minutes before he asked me if it was a ‘yes’.

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE KAY AND MONTY AS YOUR WEDDING VENUE?

One night we popped some bubbly and sat on our patio going through every venue that we thought we might like but we didn’t fall in love with any of them, until we looked at Kay and Monty. As soon as we opened the website, we instantly fell in love! It had the wines, the horses, exquisite views – it was everything we imagined! We booked flights to Plett then and there and headed over about one week later to confirm the venue. We signed on the dotted line as soon as we saw it! Plus, everyone had to travel to get there. Us Joburgers are always travelling to Cape Town for weddings, so now no one could complain because everyone needed to get to Plett!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR WEDDING STYLE…

We went for more of a Mediterranean feel for the wedding with rustic tables, bougainvilleas in glass vases, oranges, lemons, cocktails, fairy lights, and lots of candles. The overall term I would use to describe the wedding is ‘simplistic chic’.

WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR WEDDING DAY?

Highlights include the day before the wedding, where we had our closest family and friends over for a braai. It was amazing having everyone together and getting excited about the wedding. Walking down the aisle and seeing my husband on the other side was another highlight for both of us. We also both loved the reception – having everyone we loved in one space, dancing and celebrating together. It was a dream wedding and we wouldn’t have changed a thing!

YOUR TOP TIPS FOR PLANNING A WEDDING?

Make sure you know your budget and go through every invoice with a fine tooth comb. Small things add up quickly!
When you are planning, draw out how you imagine the wedding set up. You may be able to eliminate things once you see it sketched out on paper. Put together a mood board too – it helps the suppliers have a better idea of what you want!
Don’t expect your husband to stay up every night discussing the same thing over and over again – you are BOTH excited but I can tell you that expecting him to be part of every single detail is not likely!
If you need help with something, be sure to ask. You can’t do everything alone.
Trust your suppliers and make time to get to know them – they are so important when it comes to the big day. Respect them and their expertise, and listen to their advice – this isn’t their first rodeo!
And finally, take a minute away from everyone else on the big day – just you and your husband. When people say it flies by, it’s no joke! Take a step back, look at the dream wedding you both made happen and enjoy a minute, just the two of you!