Beach Wedding Dress & Ceremony

Photography by Michigan Behn Photography

The beach wedding dress isn’t the only beautiful thing about this gorgeous day. In fact, the whole thing is pretty damn stunning! Lauren & Robert were married in South Africa with live music and an understated luxurious feel, inspired by the tropical surroundings. Their day went from a ceremony to reception lunch, complete with canapés and dancing. Lauren & Robert wanted to ensure the day was completely theirs, and reflected who they are as a couple, and as individuals. We absolutely adore the outdoor tablescapes, which feature bold blooms and extravagant floral arrangements. So, get ready to step right into a tropical dream! We’ll see you on the other side…

Beach wedding dress in South Africa

The vibe was understated luxury and a unique take on a tropical wedding. We were inspired by the surroundings and by the tropical climate. The day flowed seamlessly from ceremony to reception and felt as if you were all away on holiday together somewhere tropical. I didn't want a formal wedding, but rather a day that felt effortless and organic. Wanting to retain my identity amongst the busyness of being a bride. I didn't want to give in to the feeling of needing to conform, but to instead make the day our own.

Lauren & Robert

Bride in lace beach wedding dress and veil holding bright red flower wedding bouquet for beach wedding ceremony in South Africa

Bride and mother look out at the view together as they get ready for the wedding day

Groomsmen in shirts and light blue trousers and red tropical buttonholes match the groom's in suit jacket for beach wedding

Bride in v-neck fitted lace beach wedding dress and groom in suit jacket walk through red confetti together after beach ceremony

Outdoor wedding seating area for wedding guests with pillows, sofas, beanbags, umbrellas and blankets

Bride in v-neck fitted wedding dress with fishtail train and bright red wedding bouquet with groom in blue suit and white trainers

Bridesmaids in white satin wrap dresses with tropical bouquets with bride in v-neck dress for wedding day

Bride and groom have their wedding ceremony on the beach in South Africa with red and pink tropical flowers

Red and orange flowers with lots of greenery for beach destination wedding

Bride and groom share a kiss at the end of the aisle after beach wedding ceremony

Bride's mermaid lace wedding dress with bright red flower wedding bouquet

Bride in lace v-neck mermaid wedding dress with bridesmaids in white satin wrap dresses

Bride and groom smile at their guests as a married couple for beach ceremony in South Africa

Groom in suit jacket and red buttonhole smiles at the bride with half-up half-down wedding hair

Bride in brown pyjamas and bridesmaids in leaf pattern pyjamas have a glass together on the bed before the wedding

Bride in lace wedding dress with half up half down hair and veil holds bright red tropical flower wedding bouquet

Outdoor wedding ceremony on a beach in South Africa with white chairs, white umbrellas and tropical flower decorations

Bride in lace v-neck mermaid wedding dress with veil and red bouquet for beach ceremony

Groom kisses the bride's neck at the altar for destination beach wedding ceremony

Groom's all cheers together before the wedding as they get ready together

Tropical red flower wedding bouquet in sink with bright green wallpaper

FAVOURITE MOMENTS

Of course being pronounced husband and wife. Other than that, the whole day has very happy memories. The first dance as husband and wife and the father daughter dance, the speeches and the little quiet moments chatting with family and friends. Mostly I remember the feelings of the day, and have snippets of peoples happy faces in my mind. It was also a highlight having our couples pictures, because it gave us a few quiet moments together.

ADVICE

Try not to sweat the small stuff on the day. Things will never be perfect on paper, but that doesn't mean it isn't the perfect day. And guests will never know. Also, all of your hard work and planning will pay off! We were very detail oriented, but it made all the difference and guests kept saying how special they felt and they did notice and appreciate the effort.

Dinner of salmon, mushrooms, asparagus and a sauce for the wedding reception

Groom kisses bride's neck under natural tropical flowers

Wedding guest book with picture of the couple on the front and gold frame with guest book sign in next to green and white flowers

Groom in white shirt and black trousers kisses bride in fitted v-neck wedding dress next to tropical flowers

Bride in fitted v-neck lace wedding dress with long brown hair in half up half down style with groom in white shirt

Outdoor table setting for destination wedding with woven placemats, red and pink flowers and white umbrella with tassels

Tiny succulent wedding decor on tables for destination wedding in South Africa

Groom in white shirt and black trousers with bride in fitted v-neck wedding dress and long brown hair

Hors d'oeuvres for wedding guests with polenta and parmesan fries

Outdoor table setting for destination wedding in South Africa with woven placemats and patterned wedding stationery

Glass drinks station with pineapple and bananas under white umbrella with tassels

Gold frame containing drinks menu for wedding guests on a table with fruits and flowers

Bride in fitted lace beach wedding dress and denim jacket dances with wedding guest for destinaiton wedding

Groom in blue suit and red tropical flower buttonhole with bride in fitted lace beach wedding dress

Whiskey and cigar station on bar cart with sign in gold frame, ice bucket and wooden case of cigars

Wedding guests all laugh at outdoor table wedding reception with tall pink and red flower centrpieces

Bride in lace fitted wedding dress with fishtail train kisses groom in white shirt and black trousers

Authentic wedding entertainment bongo player for destination wedding in South Africa

Bright red tropical wedding flowers decor

Tropical beach wedding setting for destination wedding in South Africa with white umbrella with tassel trim, red and pink flowers

Toffee coloured flowers with gold-rimmed glasses and gold cutlery and woven placemats

Bright and bold red and pink wedding flower arrangements and tall centrepieces for outdoor table settings

Could a destination wedding be for you?

My wedding dress was the first one I ever tried on. When you know, you know.

Lauren

This beautiful beach wedding dress fits Lauren like a glove, and looks positively stunning! It was the first dress Lauren tried on, but we understand finding your gown can be a little daunting. Don’t miss out on our Podcast about buying your wedding dress - it’s a must when you start out on your journey!