Latisha Duarte and Luke McCoubrey’s South African Wedding

Having a best friend who also happens to be a hair artist is always fun. She was my rock throughout the day, making me laugh and cry, keep a schedule, and drink champagne. Luke wearing his impossible object socks, lacing up his all-white Stacy Adams boots inspired by Clive Owen in The Knick. Khandiz went for a twisted style, a little different from the conventional braid, which is my everyday go-to. Luke’s suit jacket hangs handsomely on his Mr. hanger. I was lucky enough to marry into a family with identical twin nephews—the cutest ring bearers ever. Here I am approving their look. My sister-in-law, Olivia, styled them perfectly in Ralph Lauren seersucker shorts with suspenders and linen shirts. I always knew I wanted a midsummer wedding in South Africa, where I grew up. Hawksmoor House ended up being the perfect venue choice. Here, a view from the manor house toward the ceremony setup. Local eucalyptus garland framed the stoop. A quiet, contemplative moment before my dad fetched me to walk down the aisle. A green ceremony arch made predominantly of our favorite plants, monstera deliciosa and protea banksias. We repurposed the arch to be our photo booth backdrop. Luke approaches the ceremony through the ribbon curtain made by me. My bestie, Kari, wrangles my veil in a gust of wind. The evening before the wedding, my niece Stani met my dear friend’s daughter, Stella, and they became fast friends. Stani insisted Stella also be a flower girl. It all came together perfectly. My dapper dad giving me away. All the love as we exchange our own vows. Listening to our officiant and friend Trevor giving guidance, blessings, and inspiration for our life together. The kiss. Introducing Mr. and Mrs. My talented friend Ariel, of Ariel Dearie Flowers, created my gestural and dreamy bouquet. I have the best friends. Garden kiss. I loved wearing my Rue de Seine dress. The view of the Franschhoek mountains in the distance. Feeling happily married. Ode to American Gothic. A tent for our little friends. Magic hour magic. The statement floral centerpiece, which we enjoyed all weekend—dahlias, pomegranates, and berries. Marissa of Opus, our florist, nailed the concept “Cape Dutch meets Dutch Masters.” Kudu skull, fern wreaths with floral and brass accents. Propeller Period Props generously loaned me all of the brass details, Moroccan rugs, and other styling items to personalize the wedding. The afternoon before the big day, all my lady friends and family helped make Erica flower crowns for the guests. I wanted simple lasting flower crowns for everyone, so we made them ourselves from a local lasting fynbos. Wherever possible, we wanted to keep things natural and elegant, opting for raw oak tables over tablecloths; paper place mats; table landscapes of local fruits, flora, and foliage—using only that which was in season. We wanted a simple garden reception under the old oak trees. Pomegranates, lemon, aubergine, grapes, and a flame lily amid the foliage. We wanted saturated colors of the natural world to complement all of the wood, greens, and neutral tones. The resident farm hound. Our multilayered naked sponge cake filled with lemon curd and crème patisserie. More than half was devoured on the night, and we polished off the rest on the honeymoon. Toasts and speeches bringing the tribe together with special stories that made us all laugh and cry. The first dance of many . . . Cheers! And the vino did flow . . . We didn’t keep to all the wedding traditions, but on account of my crazy sweet tooth, cutting the cake was a must. Listening to our friends Lauren and Gene sing an acoustic version of “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers. A special song from our long-distant-relationship days. It was a perfect wedding day. We wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.