Dan & Gabby’s Daytime Wedding at Weltevreden Manor
Dan & Gabby celebrated their wedding at the beautiful Weltevreden Manor in the KZN Midlands on a bright and sunny Friday in March.
With the summer season in full swing and temperatures warm, Weltevreden Manor was a lush haven of natural beauty – the perfect backdrop for what was to be a truly special day.
What made this wedding a little different was that Dan & Gabby steered away from the more traditional wedding timeline and opted for not just a weekday wedding, but a daytime celebration, too. While this may seem unusual to some, it couldn’t have been more fitting for them.
Their decision to have a weekday, daytime wedding allowed them to cut down on the typical costs associated with a weekend wedding, from elaborate dinner feasts to endless hours of dancing. But beyond the practical benefits, it also allowed their day to feel as though time stood still. Every part of their celebration was unrushed, ensuring they could be fully present with each other and their guests. There was plenty of time for joyful conversations, belly laughs, entertaining games and quiet moments. And since weddings typically fly by in the blink of an eye, having that extra time to truly savour the moments that count is something to be cherished.
Another benefit of a daytime wedding was the abundance of light and airy photo opportunities throughout the blossoming grounds of the Manor. The entire atmosphere was one of relaxation, with no rushing to catch that perfect golden-hour light! The extended daylight hours also took the pressure off their guests, particularly elderly family members and those with young children, who could enjoy the celebration without worrying about staying late and driving back to their accommodation in the dark.
One of my favourite aspects of this wedding, and something that further enhanced the intimacy of the day, was that Dan & Gabby chose to share their vows privately before the ceremony. This was a treasured moment, allowing for an emotional first look and the opportunity to take each other into their arms, profess their love and make lifelong promises away from the nerves and watchful eyes of the ceremony.
Being there with just the two of them during this quiet moment was one of those incredible experiences that makes being a photographer so worthwhile. I got to witness the raw love and commitment between these two in a moment that was completely their own – a beautiful reminder that not every special moment needs an audience.
If you, too, are considering a daytime wedding, whether on a weekday or over a weekend, let Dan & Gabby’s joyful celebration be the nudge you need to take the leap. Your wedding day should reflect who you are as a couple and what matters most to you. So, don’t be afraid to do things a little differently and create a celebration that suits not only your guests, but most importantly, YOU.
Credits:
Flowers & Decor: Wildflower Floral Designs
HAMU: Candice Klaas MUA
Dress: Amore Bridal Boutique
Decor & Coordination: Service Excellence
Venue: Weltevreden Manor KZN
