Minimalism and contemporary design are quickly becoming popular wedding trends, and we couldn’t love Bertus and Andree’s interpretation of this modern aesthetic any more! Keep reading for more on their inspiration for their German brewery wedding.
From the couple, Bertus and Andreé:
After a decade together Andreé and I got engaged on our anniversary. As an architect and marketing manager in commercial perfumery, we have an intrinsic admiration for the poetics in life.
In search for a place to host the feast we found a distinct German micro-brewery, in a modest contemporary farm style building set on an open field. Brauhaus am Damm overlooks a scenic portion of the Magaliesburg mountain range, on the Olifantsnek dam.
Brauhaus was very accommodating, preparations with the lovely owners of the brewery presented opportunity to make use of local industry. A neighbouring farm supplied the hay bale seats and nursery trees used as soft edges. Rusted shuttering structures that shaped the interior brick vaults were reused as sculptural elements to demarcate the ceremony.
We crafted the programme to the occasion into defined moments, embracing the opportunity to entertain the German tradition, Baumstamm Sägen or ‘sawing of the log’ – symbolic of the first obstacle a newlywed couple has to face together. The ceremony during dusk opened the patio and lead festivities into the evening. The natural theme was continued by crowning all the ladies with garlands of greenery.
The scenic beauty was complimented by the simplicity of the monochrome colour palette and the décor. White minimalist detailing was a subtle accompaniment to compliment the simplicity of the setting and the pastels of the flora: white umbrellas provided much needed shade to the congregation, practical white covers on the hay bale seats and clean programs and posters with carefully selected typography. Elements that traditionally announce festivity were the light bulb ceiling crossing the deck and the elongated bunting over the dance floor, used as scaling devices lending an intimacy to the open skies. The mountain backdrop was accentuated by the lighting poles adorned with foliage from the gardens of friends.
Our families’ involvement lay at the heart – as extended hosts they provided sentiment and meaning in forming a relaxed festive atmosphere – a familiar setting for all who has spent time at our tables in times past.
Delicately articulating the familiar into sophistication, our aesthetic became a celebration of the local and enhanced the apparent beauty – A reflection of us and what we hold dear. This ancient landscape was the perfect symbol of our relationship – surrounded by the natural elements – eternally representing the natural order of a perfect union.
Photographers: Modern Hearts | Setting: Brauhaus am Damm | Dress: Annelize Scheepers Couture | Suit: Louis Joseph | Band: Awesome Foursome | Chef: Ciaran McCarthy | Decoration: Couple’s own initiative with the help from family and friends. | Flowers: Liesbet Olivier Flowers
