Adventurous Real Wedding at a Game Reserve in South Africa

A couple who met in South Africa hosted a simple, sophisticated, and wild event.

Adventurous Real Wedding at a Game Reserve in South Africa

By Kelcy Christy

destination-wedding-at-private-game-reserve-in-south-africa
Photo: Greg Lumley


While working at andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge in South Africa, Nicci Braude and Mark Smith crossed paths for the first time. After striking up a romantic relationship, Mark decided he wanted to propose some time later. Taking into account his beloved’s importance, he knew he needed to pop the question in a different way and chose to do so at andBeyond Mnemba Island in Tanzania. “One of the most incredible experiences on the island, if your timing is good, is to witness the green turtles laboring up the beach to lay their eggs,” he explains. “A couple of months later, and hundreds of tiny turtle hatchlings emerge from the nest and make a dash for the ocean. I decided I needed to somehow incorporate this into the proposal, as it was something we were both desperate to see.” Leading Nicci to the beach under the guise of watching the baby turtles hurry off to sea, staff members prompted the two to assist the hatchlings by digging out one of the nests. Below the sand, Nicci found a plush toy turtle with a ring box inside, and suddenly, Mark was on one knee. Her answer? A resounding “yes!”

Holding their nuptials at the same location they met and fell in love was pertinent to the couple. “Under the stars, in a space open to all the wildlife was perfect for us,” notes the bride. “It was elegant and classy, yet casual, very social, and fun.” Guests found their seats for the vow exchange on simple white deck chairs underneath a canopy of lush trees while a long ivory aisle runner stretched across the ground leading to an austere wooden chuppah. “Walking down the aisle with both parents by my side was very special to me, and seeing all our friends and family there for us and trying to take it all in, and of course walking towards Mark waiting for me at the end of the aisle,” Nicci gushes. 

The reception space featured long tables that displayed low arrangements of a few simple branches of Penny Gums in clear glass vases, as well as an abundance of votives and candles to light up the night. Surrounded by friends, family, and the beauty of African wildlife, Nicci and Mark danced the night away. When picking her favorite moments, besides seeing her husband waiting for her at the altar, Nicci had plenty to share: “[I loved] the Jewish dancing as we entered the reception, which really started the evening off on a great vibe and set the tone for the rest of the night – everybody was on the dance floor going crazy – even our non-Jewish ranger friends who had the time of their lives and vowed that they too would have Jewish weddings; the incredible speeches given by people who are very special to us; our first dance which we nailed somehow for the first time; and giving my bouquet to my mom as her and my dad were the couple married the longest at the wedding; and of course, the party after the formalities that went on until the early hours.”

Watch the couple's wedding video above, and check out some of the photos from their celebration below. 

Photo of bride and groom at sunset in South Africa

White bridesmaid dresses with leaf greenery bouquets

Navy suits for groomsmen in South Africa

Navy blue groomsmen suits and white bridesmaid dresses

Bridal gown and navy blue suit for groom at sunset

Bridesmaids in green safari Jeep for ceremony transportation

Bridesmaids in white dresses walking down aisle

Flower girl in white dress walking down outdoor aisle

Bride walking down aisle with mother in purple gown and father in tuxedo

Simple white wedding ceremony at outdoor venue in South Africa

Bride holding white bouquet with groom at altar chuppah South Africa

Flower petal toss at South Africa outdoor wedding ceremony

Wine and drinks cocktail hour wood hanging from tree

Bruschetta on wood tray for South Africa wedding cocktail hour

Table numbers hanging from wooden sculpture

Dimly lit outdoor wedding reception in South Africa

Food at outdoor wedding reception in South Africa

Wedding reception toasts at private game reserve in South Africa

Bride and groom lifted in chairs doing hora at private game reserve South Africa

Authentic entertainment at South Africa wedding reception

Bride in second wedding dress for first dance at safari camp in South Africa

Photos by Greg Lumley

Bridal Gown by Pronovias (ceremony) & Maggie Sottero (reception); Bridal Salon: Eve's Bridalwear; Bridesmaid Gowns by Philosophy by Jenni Button & Zara; Catering & Cake by andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve; Floral Design by Love Laugh; Formalwear by Fabiani & Woolworths; Hair by Renate Willems; Honeymoon: andBeyond Mnemba Island; Invitations by Fuchsia Designs; Jewelry by Graff Diamonds & Olga Goodman for Olga Jewellers; Lighting Design by Magic Lighting; Makeup by Lesley Whitby; Music by Dumi Qwabe (ceremony) & DJ Richard Anderson (reception); Rentals by Settings Function Decor Hire; Venue: andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve; Videography by Wedding Frames

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