Moody Romantic Wedding in South Africa

Photography by Michigan Behn Photography

Josh & Savanna's moody romantic wedding took place in the beautiful South African countryside. The whole day oozed pure rustic elegance with pops of fuchsia, turquoise and deep jewel tones. Vintage sofas laid out in the open forest with a Persian rug aisle completed their unique outdoor ceremony. Highlights of this amazing moody affair include Savannah's show stopping gown, their personalised surname neon sign and the couples shoot at golden hour. These two are positively GLOWING in all this mood lighting!

A moody romantic wedding in the South African countryside, bathed in golden hour light.

Overall, we were just super keen to get married and celebrate with the people we loved and we wanted that to be felt throughout the entire day. We wanted it to be a true reflection of us. My husband fishing on the morning of, the spurt of rain we had right as our ceremony finished and the beautiful golden glow of the sunset, all contributed to it being everything we could have ever dreamed of.
Josh & Savanna

Bride carrying a large bouquet of red and pink peonies and roses with fern foliage

Bride in white satin pyjamas having her makeup done

Confetti exit of bride and groom at their rustic outdoor ceremony in South Africa

Bride and groom getting married at a moody romantic outdoor wedding with Persian rug aisle

Bride and groom kiss as they get married, in moody romantic outdoor wedding ceremony with flowers and chandelier

Groom and groomsmen in assorted suits, in the South African countryside

Bride and her parents waiting to enter the ceremony. She is wearing a long tulle veil and layered tulle and applique wedding dress

Bride with three bridesmaids in assorted floral wrap dresses

Bride in delicate lace embroidered wedding dress with layered tulle overskirt, holding bouquet of red and pink peonies, roses and ferns

Lace embroidered wedding dress and tulle overskirt hanging up before the wedding

Bride and bridesmaid in matching silver and black satin pyjamas

Embroidered wedding dress details in floral pattern with mesh under lining

Moody romantic wedding flowers with pink and red peonies and roses, fern foliage and wild flowers

Bride entering wedding reception carrying her tulle skirt

Bride and groom getting married under moody romantic wedding flowers in outdoor woodland ceremony

Groom waiting at the altar for the bride

The bride and groom with their wedding party, sat outside with antique furniture and rugs

Bride and groom holding hands at their moody romantic wedding ceremony

Groom with tattoos wearing a black suit and loafers, sitting with his groomsmen at moody romantic wedding

Groom with tattoos waiting at the altar of his outdoor rustic wedding

Two tier turquoise wedding cake with pink and red peony decorations

The groom, a bridesmaid and the mother of the bride helping the bride with her wedding dress

Groom wearing a black suit, Raybans and loafers for outdoor moody romantic wedding ceremony

Bride and groom cutting their two tier turquoise wedding cake at outdoor rustic South African wedding

Grazing table of food for outdoor rustic wedding reception

Outdoor wedding reception in the South African countryside

ADVICE

Make time for the two of you to have a moment, it was the best advice we were given before our wedding. A glass of champagne together before you walk into your reception or the photoshoot like we did. Disposable cameras around the venue are an absolute win, you'll find some classic memories on those when you get them developed. One last thing is to have breakfast with your family and bridal party the next morning, it makes that extra special wedding feeling last a little longer, and you get to reminisce about the night with your nearest and dearest.

PERSONAL MUSIC

I really wanted to have something special to walk down the aisle to and have our first dance to. So I was lucky enough to have my husband write our first dance song, and the instrumental version of that song is what I walked down the aisle to. I'm really grateful that we will be able to play it for our kids one day. It does play in the beginning of our wedding video, but he hasn't released it yet. I am trying to convince him, but still working on it.

Bride wearing a layered tulle wedding dress at golden hour for moody romantic wedding shoot

Bride and groom kissing as he carries her through the woods

Bride wearing a lace embroidered wedding dress with tulle overskirt, carrying a bouquet of red and pink peonies and roses

Bride and groom by the lake for a moody romantic wedding shoot

Bride and groom in a country field, the bride's veil flying in the air as she smiles

Groom with tattoos fixing his tie in the woods

Bride and groom in a country field for a moody romantic wedding shoot

Groom holding the bride's hand against his chest, she is wearing a large diamond ring

Bride and groom hug in the woods for a moody romantic wedding shoot

Brides long tulle wedding dress train with embroidered lace underskirt

Bride and groom in the woods for their South African moody romantic wedding

Personalised pink 'The Wanties' neon sign by The Glow Co

Bride and groom at golden hour in the woods for rustic outdoor wedding in South Africa

Bride in a field wearing a lace embroidered wedding dress with tulle veil and over skirt

Moody romantic wedding table decor with pink and red flowers and floral menu

Two tier turquoise wedding cake with pink and red peony decoration

Moody romantic wedding decor with banquet tables, pink and red florals and a pink neon wedding sign

Bride and groom on a velvet sofa in front of personalised neon wedding sign by The Glow Co

Rustic chic banquet table set up with moody romantic florals, foliage centrepieces and chandeliers

Bride and groom sitting underneath moody romantic floral installation with Edison bulbs and pillar candles

Bride and groom dancing in confetti at their moody romantic wedding reception

A moody romantic wedding with pops of neon for a rustic chic vibe.

We personally feel like our neon sign was quite a show stopper, and it's been a great wedding souvenir. It got carted all the way back to london with us, and is now a permanent fixture in our kitchen. Would highly recommend!
Josh & Savanna

If you can't get enough of this stunning moody romantic wedding, check out this wild Scottish elopement. For more woodland forest vibes, Francesca and George's wedding was a DIY dream. Or, if you're loving the glowing neon signage, here's everything you need to know about acquiring your own. Savannah told us that she wished she had known about Rock My Wedding before entering the 'overwhelming sphere' of planning. We highly recommend taking a look at our printable wedding checklist to any couples just starting their planning journey.

Written by Georgia Gallant

Venue: Crystal Barn Country Estate |

Photographer: Michigan Behn Photography |

Videographer: Michelle Rabe Films |

Makeup Artist: Kiss & Makeup |

Garter: Luna Intimates |

Bridal Boutique: Jeannelle L'amour Bridal |

Planner & Stylist: The Wedding Co. |

Neon Sign: The Glow Co

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