Madri and Sinjin celebrated their love with an alfresco garden wedding on a balmy summer's eve beneath the oak trees and glimmering stars at De Meye Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. The bride looked exquisite in our divine Gabrielle Gown - which perfectly embodied their free-spirited, romantic and understated special day.
Madri's sister met Sinjin while studying, and they became close friends. On the day they met, Sinjin drove Madri and her sister to visit another friend and he became smitten - stealing glances at her in the rearview mirror. A little later he worked up the courage to ask her out for crêpes and coffee at a small mountain café. Over the years their love grew, and in December 2020 Sinjin took Madri on vacation to America. On a scenic trip to Brattleboro, surrounded by a vast forest blanketed in snow, Sinjin proposed.
"It was magical."
THE COUPLE
Madri & Sinjin Süllwald
WEDDING DAY
19 March 2022
GUESTS
92
TO US MARRIAGE 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.
MOST TREASURED WEDDING MOMENT
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.
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!
FINDING YOUR DREAM WEDDING GOWN
The beautiful bride once worked at Bo & Luca and could really take her time finding the perfect gown: "Shannon and the team made this process so special and memorable.” Madri mentioned that she’s always been in awe of Bo & Luca’s signature beading and whimsical craftsmanship, adding “...after trying countless favourites on, the Gabrielle made me feel my most beautiful and elegant self and nothing could compare."
WEDDING AESTHETIC
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 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!
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 Everley 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.
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.
SPECIAL WEDDING SONGS
'Promise' by Ben Howard (walking down the aisle), 'You are the best thing' by Ray LaMontagne (confetti), 'Beyond' by Leon Bridges (first dance).
WEDDING CAKE
We cut our wedding cake during cocktail hour to “Real Love Baby” by Father John Misty and it was one of our favourite moments. We chose a two-tier cake with delicate hand-painted textures made by our dear friend Carmen.
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.
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 hint he gave me was to pack summer attire.
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.
WEDDING VENDORS
Venue: De Meye Wine Estate
Photography: Love Made Visible
Food & Drink: The Table @ De Meye
Wedding Cake: Carmen Eksteen Patisseries
Hair & Makeup: Marle Boltman