Today's wedding is incredible.
Really incredible.
Photographed by the wonderful Amy Caroline Photography, when we first clapped eyes on these nuptials, we knew they were something special.
Along with a beautiful bride, a handsome groom, gorgeous DIY details and stunning scenery, there's also majestic elephants, cute monkeys, and even a cameo from a giraffe.
Leah and Philip's safari wedding in Zimbabwe is as breath-taking as they come. From a beautiful outdoor ceremony under a fig tree in the bush, to a gorgeous marquee reception filled with rustic features, these fabulous photographs capture every gorgeous detail.
We'll never get sick of wedding dresses and centrepieces, but we can't help but be a little beside ourselves when a wedding is stripped back and simplified, (and there's some wild animals thrown into the mix as well!)
We think you'll agree…
From the Photographer
Leah and Philip's DIY wedding was based on African earth tones and the love of the African Bush.
The bride and groom were wed under a giant fig tree. The guests were all driven in in typical land drovers, to this perfect ceremony site truly in the middle of no where in the bush.
The bridesmaids dresses were all hand made and each color chosen based on colors found in typical African scenery.
The baby's breath was a simple flower accent, the bride wanted to keep the flowers simple and not distract from the natural colors in Zimbabwe.
The groomsmen all worn typical khakis and simple rolled up white shirts. The table details were all carved wooden pieces made just for the wedding.
Wildlife surrounded the day, elephants, giraffe and a few monkeys here and there.
It was a typical hot African summer day, with a thunderstorm rolling in and out, but rained off in the distance and not a drop fell all day.
The greenery that surrounded this day was breathtaking, and in true simple African from, was stunning in it's own natural way.
From The Bride
My husband and I chose Chengeta Safari Lodge for our wedding venue because we both share a love for the outdoors. My husband is a professional hunter and guide so the African bush is his home.
We found this beautiful place just an hour or so away from our home and it felt as if we had been transported to another place entirely – tranquil, the lion roar in the morning, and the giant fig tree found in this beautiful open plain.
Our theme for the wedding was very simple… wood and white with the bridesmaids in different earth tones to blend with the African bush. We love the bush and wanted the colours to blend instead of contrast to the majestic setting we were in – to let the bush speak for itself.
We wanted the day to be simple – a day for Phil and I to celebrate joining our lives and sharing it with those that we are closest to – our friends and family.
We loved the simplicity of gathering under a giant fig tree, with loved ones as we celebrated our marriage.
We wanted our day to be fun, a celebration of two lives coming together and we didn’t want it to get lost in the details or colour choices.
When we look back on the day, on our memories and the photos that captured so many precious moments we know we made the right choice – simple elegance. It was a perfect day.”
Wow. We just can't stop looking at these pictures, striped back, simple, and very, very, special.
Thanks so much to Amy Caroline Photography and of course to Leah and Philip for sharing their beautiful wedding day with us.
For more one-of-a-kind real weddings, see Destination Weddings + Unique Weddings.
