Our original plan of renewing our vows in the bush was to have our ceremony and our bush dinner out under the stars but the weather had other plans… But the backdrop of the Phinda Mountain lodge was an incredible back up setting for our intimate dinner.

We wanted our dinner to be fun, casual and delicious. The three course African dinner definitely ticked the delicious box, MC said a very short and casual speech to say thank you to everyone and then a special message to each person in the room – to thank them for their friendship and fellowship, their help on the day and their positive impact on our lives and family.

But the best part of the evening was the dancing…

We opened the dance floor with our wedding song: She’s Got A Way by Billy Joel, and then each of our girls shared a dance with their Daddy. They each got to choose their song, each with their own meaning for dad and daughter, and they danced with him. Cue all the tears again, and everyone thinking about the day that he dances with them at their own weddings. Their chosen songs were: SJ – Cowboys and Angels by Dustin Lynch, EN – Humble & Kind by Tim McGraw and ZB – Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle.

And then we had a surprise for our friends – we had done some sneaky research and played each of their first dance songs. Once they heard their song, they joined each other on the dance floor for their own couples dance – and it was the highlight of our night. We soon realised we don’t slow dance anymore, and it was so special to see all the couple reignite that sparkle in their eyes, have fun and let their hair down on the dance floor and enjoy the magical moments together.

One of our greatest gifts from our vow renewal getaway was hearing how each couple had had the moments to reconnect, to reignite their love and passion for each other, and to reassess their next wedding anniversary and their vows and promise to each other. Watching couples embrace and involve brings endless joy to my heart. And it’s always easier to feel that romance and that love at functions like weddings and vow renewals.

Suppliers:

Venue and catering: Phinda Mountain Lodge

Decor, flowers and set up: Oh Happy Day

Photography: Vanilla Photography

Dress: Sadie Bosworth Atelier

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