Blog - Cherry Glamping

Koraal Huisie

2022-11-25T00:00:00+02:00

KORAAL HUISIE OFFERS A...

Kitchenette with stove & fridge
Indoor fireplace
Modern & stylish design
Wood fired hot tub
Braai facilities & wood is provided
Bathroom overlooking the mountains
Complete privacy and off the grid
Incredible Views
Large Hammock
Cargo Net (coming soon)

FAQ

How do I book?

Email, info@cherryglamping.co.za for bookings.

What are the rates per night for Koraal Huisie?

Click for Rates

Is the Koraal Huisie only available weekdays or weekends too?

Koraal Huisie is available during the week and forms part of the group booking over weekends, however feel free to enquire on the possibility of weekend availability.

Who is Koraal Huisie ideal for?

It is ideal for the wedding couple or anyone wanting to get away for a romantic night or two...

Photographer: The Wandering African

A Sustainable Wedding Guide

2022-03-04T00:00:00+02:00

Tips for planning a sustainable and ethical wedding

1.      Consider your wedding venue. The outdoors are great! Making use of natural light will help reduce your impact on the environment. Cherry Glamping situated in the Elgin Valley, surrounded by nature, has a range of outdoor options to choose from .
2.      Eco-friendly materials. Are you having your dress or suit made? Choosing for it to be made from sustainable materials will be a step in the right direction. Consider renting your attire too!
3.      Low-impact & organic flowers. Buying local, organic and seasonal flowers as well as finding a sustainable florist will make the eco-friendly decorating easy for you.
4.      Sourcing locally. Not only does sourcing locally minimise your carbon footprint through transport, it also helps the communities you are sourcing from.
5.      Organic food and catering. Find a catering company who uses sustainable products such as reusable, recyclable and biodegradable cutlery. Ask them about their food wastage policy, food that isn’t consumed could be turned into compost etc. You could also request for the ingredients to be organic where possible.
6.      Conscious consumer wedding registry. If you have a wedding registry try make it as sustainable as possible, this can include earth-friendly gifts, fair-trade products, small and local gifts.
7.      Eco- friendly décor. Make the most out of daylight for lighting, send electronic invites to reduce your paper wastage and make use of biodegradable confetti. If you’re getting a supplier for décor, research them and ask if they have an environmentally friendly vision.
8.      Ethical conflict-free rings. Research jewellers, ensuring their materials are being sourced ethically.

What to try avoid on your wedding day to make it more eco-friendly

Balloons and confetti that isn’t biodegradable often ends up being consumed by animals, avoid using this and rather use natural confetti like petals. Transporting exotic flowers increases CO2 emissions, avoid this impact by using local flowers. Decorations that aren’t made from sustainable materials, recycled materials or that aren’t second hand pollute the environment, limit these materials or even better utilise sustainable materials.

Tips to reduce your carbon footprint

1.      Go vintage / second hand where possible. Reusing décor, tableware and material will prevent you from buying things that will go to waste after the wedding.
2.      DIY where possible. The magic of this is you can do it yourself with materials you already have and it will also give unique elements to your wedding.
3.      Have a recycle plan for after your wedding. Set up recycle bins and arrange a plan for any leftovers.
4.      Consider the time of year. Warm seasons provide natural heat, having your wedding in a warm season could reduce your wedding's carbon footprint as you won’t have to rely on using heaters.
5. Provide group transport. The less vehicles there are on the road the more you can reduce your wedding's carbon footprint.
6.      Have your guests stayover as close to the venue as possible. Less travelling reduces your carbon footprint. Cherry Glamping has glamping accommodation available if you wish to have your special day with us!

A useful reference/ recommended reading on this topic:
https://www.77diamonds.com/sustainable-weddings

All photographs taken by the talented Cheryl McEwan Photography at Cherry Glamping.

All things catering for your wedding/ event at Cherry Glamping- The Goose Roasters

2022-02-18T00:00:00+02:00

Service offered: The Goose Roasters specialize in the following services,

•Catering
•Canape or Bowl food
•Food Truck – Die Wors Rol, Gourmet Hotdogs Buffet menus
•Spit Braais/ Gourmet Braais
•Picnic Menus
•Hiring/Décor
•Consulting •In Home Dinning

About The Goose Roasters:

The Goose Roasters operates from Stellenbosch area, a kitchen specially designed to do catering functions from 2 to 300 guests.
They cover any area for catering, Northern Suburbs, Southern Suburbs, Cape winelands, Helderberg, Overberg, City Centre, Boland, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschoek and of course Cherry Glamping in the beautiful Elgin Valley.

Catering:

From budget to fine dining experiences, they tailor make menus to your occasion ranging from platters to drop offs for companies, to sit down lunches or dinners.

About the Chefs:

Chef Craig Cormack,
is very involved in the industry (30+ yrs. experience), being a member of the South African Chefs Association, and was previously Chairman of SACA for 2 years and the vice counsilier Culinaire for the Chaine Des Rottisseurs bailage du Cap.
He is also on the board of directors of the culinary academy.
He has travelled abroad many times, working in Mauritius and Turkey and representing South Africa at various food promotions.
He opened his own business with Bertus Basson in 2005, the business expanded into Overture restaurant, The Goose Roasters, Die Worsrol, Bertus Basson signature foods, and Amoleh salt.

Beau du Toit,
started off his career working with Craig Cormack and Bertus Basson during his studies.
He has gained significant experience in a lot of different cuisines, but none more so than Thai cuisine. He worked at the only authentic Thai restaurant with a Michelin star, Nahm.
This is why we tend to have a lot of Asian influence in our cooking.
He also worked at Overture and was Head chef of a Eat Out Top 10 restaurant two years running. During his time there he took part in the Chaine de Rottiseur jeunnes commis or Junior chef of the year competition. He won the Western Cape competition and placed 3rd in South Africa.
Beau was Executive chef at Arusha Coffee Lodge in Tanzania, and in his 2nd year with them they were voted in the top 20 Lodges in Africa and the Middle East.
In 2014 his started his own line of preserves and sauces, called “Beau’s handmade original”.

Offerings:

Contact The Goose Roasters for their General Catering Menu

Contact details:

craig@thegooseroasters.co.za
info@thegooseroasters.co.za

All images are taken at Cherry Glamping Dennebos Camp & Bloekombos Camp. All catering in these images are by The Goose Roasters.

Photographs in article by Boland Weddings Photography

All things DJ for your wedding/ event at Cherry Glamping- Southern Sound

2022-01-14T00:00:00+02:00

The duo have been in the business of creating good times since 2011 (10+ years’ experience & 700 Events and weddings!). Purpose fuels passion because their main goal is to ensure that you and your partner have the best day ever!

·       Southern Sound understands the importance of music and that precision + good quality equipment are vital to the success of your big event and “I DO’s”.
·       Their personalized Songbook makes it effortless for their clients and couples to provide all the details of their special day.
·       They are all for creating a genuine experience, joining your journey, and bringing your party to life! And they have various packages available to suit the needs of your day!

Christelle takes care of the brand and relationship with their couples, and U-One (their DJ) will take care of you on the BIG DAY! They promise to provide you with EPIC service and to walk a journey with you to understand what the dream vibe is of your wedding day.

Every love story is different and that’s why they don’t have set prices or hidden costs.

They can customize all of your requirements, and have various packages ranging from:
·       Elopement
·       Intimate Wedding
·       Day to Early Evening,
·       Full Package
·       Custom packages
·       Build your day your way with Southern Sound…because it’s more than music when love wins!

“GUESTS REMEMBER TWO THINGS THE MOST ABOUT WEDDINGS: THE FOOD AND THE MUSIC!” They will help to send your guests home with great memories.

P.S. Are you petrified of public speaking, but want to create something special for your partner?
Talk to them about their free vow recording. 😉

And, they also offer surprise dance mash-ups (At a small additional cost).

Contact Southern Sound: Southern.Sound.CPT@gmail.com

Website link: https://southernsound.co.za

All photos taken at Cherry Glamping by Gustav Klotz Photography.

All things Wedding Coordination/ Planning for your wedding at Cherry Glamping- Ehl-Kah Creative

2021-12-16T00:00:00+02:00

Ehl-kah Creative Services: Provides bespoke coordination, planning and design services, from caterers and professional photographers to décor and floral arrangers.

Photographer- Boland Weddings

Wedding and Event planning requires a host of coordination, not least budgeting, and liaison with service providers, often over a period of months, and culminating in the day of the wedding.
Photographer- Aglow Celeste Photography

With Ehl-Kah Creative, couples can rest assured that everything is managed for a seamless event, so that their clients can really enjoy and take home the best memories of their special day.

Photographer: Foto Asylum Photography

"Making Dreams come true"
I love doing weddings and making dreams come true – playing my part on the happiest day of my clients’ lives, being of service to others, working with people and being a part of a team. I am hands on and always aim to find the YES in my approach to clients. I offer professional and service orientated packages, ensuring my clients walk away with the most memorable experiences. -Elke Prins

Contact details:
Elke Prins | Owner | 082 633 4530 | elke@ehl-kahcreative.com
Mariette Malan | Planner & Coordinator | 076 749 4219 | mariette@ehl-kahcreative.com

Website link:
https://www.ehl-kahcreative.com

All these stunning images are taken at Cherry Glamping Dennebos Camp & Bloekombos Camp & all wedding coordination/planning done in these images by Ehl-kah Creative.

Article cover image photographer- Liezel Volschenk

Additional reading on this topic: https://www.wed2b.com/wedding-dresses/wedding-checklist

All things DÉCOR for your wedding/ event at Cherry Glamping- 4 Every Event

2021-12-02T00:00:00+02:00

“We just love making pretty and doing weddings – it is like getting married again every weekend.”

4 Every Event Services: Décor, flowers, and the hiring of free form tents, linen and furniture, table décor, vases, candelabras and so much more.

The Practical and Pretty side to their services :
· The practical- Tents, dance floors, tables, chairs, cutlery, crockery, glasses, all the items you can’t be without when you get married or have a function. · The pretty- Lighting, table décor, florals, décor, furniture, carpets, scatter cushions and linen.

Green footprint: Consideration towards the environment is an important part of the company’s philosophy. "We aim to take our Green footprint into account – so from trying to buy mostly second hand items to upcycle, furniture re-upholstered, growing most of my own greenery and fynbos – anything to take out footprint on our environment into account."

As a company 4 Every Event's philosophy includes ensuring a service that meets each client’s unique expectations with solutions that are both pretty and practical towards creating the wedding of their dreams.

From Nadia with her contagious laugh and smile, making any bride or client feel at ease and ability to create something spectacular to Stefan who can turn something ordinary to beautiful with his wide practical and woodwork skills.

All these stunning images are taken at Cherry Glamping Dennebos Camp & Bloekombos Camp- All Décor in images are done by the talented 4 Every Event.

Contact 4 Every Event: nadia@4everyevent.co.za / 0218594580

A VISUAL TOUR OF BLOEKOMBOS CAMP

2021-11-15T00:00:00+02:00

First stop: Bell Tent Accommodation

21 spacious and fully equipped bell tents permanently set up in the forest.

Stop 2: Bloekombos Camp’s Glass Venue

Enclosed glass venue, seating up to 150 people, overlooking dam and surrounding mountains.

Linking into a Boma with a fire-pit.

Stop 3: Bloekombos Kitchens

2 fully equipped kitchens.

Stop 4: Bloekombos Dam

A large dam surrounded by lawn.

Stop 5: Terraced lawn area and large open spaces

Ideal for a festival, long-table lunch, or your own set-up.

Final stop: Bloekombos bathrooms

4 shared bathrooms.

We offer FREE venue hire when booking all our accommodation... We can’t wait for your stay-over with us!

A VISUAL TOUR OF DENNEBOS CAMP

2021-11-08T00:00:00+02:00

First stop: Our bell tent accommodation.

12 Spacious and fully equipped bell tents permanently set up in the forest. The tents are equipped with twin beds, cotton linen, towels, extra blankets, luggage rack, bed-end table, bedside tables with lamps, a USB charger, chairs and coat hook. Dennebos Camp also has a large open lawn where 20 more tents can be added for larger groups.

Stop 2: The Dennebos Camp kitchen.

A fully equipped kitchen. Cutlery, crockery, and glassware are provided for your stay; however, you need to rent in cutlery, crockery, and glassware for your function. The kitchen is equipped for use by guests; with a stove, fridges and freezer, pots pans and utensils.

Stop 3: The 3 shared scenic bathrooms.

All bathrooms offer views of the valley.

Stop 4: Dennebos Camp’s 2 Natural Swimming Pools.

Both pools, surrounded by lawn and with a wide view over the valley.

Stop 5: A large, covered deck ideal for functions.

Seating up to 80 people, linking into a Boma area with firepit.

Stop 6: Dennebos Camp's timber lounge.

The lounge has a 24-seater table and fireplace.

Stop 7: Beautiful sundowner area and large lawn for additional tents or own setup.

All overlooking the valley.

Stop 8: An outside “chapel” overlooking the mountains and valley, surrounded by Poplar trees.

Dennebos Camp is a magical Glamping experience you’ll never forget! Don’t forget free venue hire when using all our accommodation!

EXPLORING THE OUTDOORS AT CHERRY GLAMPING

2021-10-26T00:00:00+02:00

1. Walk amongst the wildlife.

Enjoy a morning or afternoon walk at the camp, meeting the locals along the way. There is nothing quite like breathing in the fresh air as you appreciate the natural beauty Cherry Glamping has to offer here in the Elgin Valley…

2. Take a dip in the pool.

We have not only one but two pools for you to enjoy and relax in on those hot summer days! With 360° of good views, you can also enjoy the pool at sunset, bring a blanket, put your feet up and soak in all the beauty.

3. Get cozy at the fire pit.

The perfect time to connect with loved ones, is around the fire! There’s simply nothing better than a toasty cup of hot chocolate, some braaied marshmallows, shared stories and laughs under the night sky.

4. Have a picnic at the dam.

It doesn’t get better than this, a good catch-up with friends or even that book you’ve been waiting for a chance to read accompanied by snacks and some bubbly… Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy the peacefulness Cherry Glamping offers at the dam!

5. Practice some yoga/ take your mountain bike for a spin.

With beautiful and peaceful scenery, Cherry Glamping has ideal spots for you to wind down and get back into practice. The Elgin Valley has many single tracks for you to enjoy… make sure you have the necessary permits and take advantage of the spectacular outdoors while on your stay with us!

There’s something for everybody at Cherry Glamping. We can’t wait for your next event/ celebration with us!

FREE VENUE HIRE when using all our accommodation.

5 ARBOR IDEAS FOR SOON-TO-BE NEWLYWEDS

2021-10-12T00:00:00+02:00

1. This circular arbor, decorated with floral arrangements is perfect for wanting to keep things chic with a touch of country. We love the detail of the classic rustic doors leading to the arbor on the open field with the natural beauty Cherry Glamping offers.

Photographer: Chelsey Selby

If natural tones are more your style, eucalyptus and pampas grass is your go-to this wedding season.

Photographer: Eileen Laubscher

2. This classic arch makes the perfect photograph backdrop. Easily made with wood, netting, shades of green and brown leaves, this is the ideal arbor for a forest wedding at Cherry Glamping.

Photographer: @vividbluestudio

3. The rectangular arbor. If you’re into keeping things classy and elegant, this arbor decorated with big leafy plants is your match. Open landscape, forest or indoors- rectangular arbors suit all sceneries at Cherry Glamping.

Photographer: Charlene Schreuder

4. Are you having a Boho Styled wedding and looking for a décor piece to tie your theme together? A crocheted arbor can do just the job, keeping it simple yet beautiful.

Photographer: @wearecharlieray

5. Trendy yet timeless, the geometric shape decorated with roses creates the perfect romantic backdrop.

Feel free to enquire about using our venue as the backdrop to your beautiful beginning. Free venue when all our tents are booked out for your wedding celebration!

Eating out in the Elgin Valley

2021-03-29T00:00:00+02:00

Here is a one‑stop‑Elgin‑shop for fresh, artisanal food and produce from hearty curries to gourmet sandwiches and ribs and chips and of course, local wine. The Elgin Railway Market is the brainchild of businessman Roger Orpen. He converted the old apple warehouse into a bustling steampunk station market boasting local vendors and live music. Inspired by the barn's railway‑side setting, Orpen took his creative cues from the invention of steam and the industrial age, milestones accompanied by the rapid development of rail networks across the world. Creating a beautiful space where art deco meets Victorian, the Market is unlike any other in South Africa.

In partnership with the Ceres Rail Company, the arriving train's whistle and steam is a must‑see.

Wine‑and‑cheese pairing is presented with artisan cheeses by Kasselshoop of Stilbaai, and the tasting room offers a menu of cheese and snack platters, light meals of quiches and salads and a selection of pizzas baked in the wood‑fired oven. Picnic boxes filled with locally produced treats and seasonal fruit can be booked in advance to enjoy on the deck or the lawns.

Elgin Vintners wines can be bought by the glass or bottle to enjoy with a meal and are available for sale from the tasting room.

The Melting Pot is a summer pop‑up headed by Chef John van Zyl. John was previously Head Chef at Thali and Chef’s Warehouse before starting up The Melting Pot Cafeteria in Cape Town. It’s a flavour-packed global food experience. We’re bringing the world to Oak Valley since we can’t take ourselves to the world. We’re open for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday, 12h00‑16h00 and then picnics in the garden from January. Our tables are mostly outside overlooking the pool, which lends itself to safe outdoor dining. Bookings can be made through our website using Dineplan

Picnics: The Melting Pot offers garden picnics under the trees. Menu and bookings are available on the website. These have to be booked 24 hours in advance and one picnic box serves two people.

Established in the sixties, Peregrine has been serving generations of travellers seeking honest homemade fare and warm country hospitality. Situated in the beautiful and fertile Elgin Valley, Peregrine offers an abundance of locally sourced artisanal goods and wholesome, responsibly farmed, fresh produce.

The South Hill Tasting Room restaurant is open 7 days a week for breakfast from 08h00, lunches until 16h00 and wine tastings until 17h00.

Striving to create the quintessential neighbourhood restaurant, somewhere to kick back and relax – enjoy a leisurely breakfast, a generous country-style lunch or to celebrate special times – a romantic meal, wedding, birthday lunch or make merry with a glass of your favourite South Hill vintage. They advise calling ahead to make a reservation.

Open daily from 08h00‑22h00. Day visitors are welcome too. Please call in advance as they may be closed for private functions.

The Hickory Shack is an authentic Texas style BBQ restaurant located on a scenic apple farm in Elgin, Grabouw with awesome mountain and forest views. They serve a variety of slow-cooked meats such as pork ribs, brisket and free-range chicken along with some unique homemade sides.

Although they specialize in smoking meats, vegetarians will also find something to enjoy from their menu. You can expect some of the best Texas-style BBQ in SA combined with a relaxed atmosphere and excellent service.

WEDDING IN THE WOODS INSPIRATION

2020-11-06T00:00:00+02:00

Wedding In The Woods

It was the perfect day for a few wedding industry specialists to get together and create the perfect “Wedding in The Woods” styled shoot for Pink Book Weddings at the beautiful Cherry Glamping in the Elgin Valley! Elke from Ehl-Kah Creative planned and co-ordinated the shoot, after a few months in lockdown, it was amazing to get creative again!

The Venue

Cherry Glamping is a breathtakingly beautiful wedding venue with so many possibilities and options to create the perfect wedding day, from the 360 views to the wild life on the farm. The perfect venue for the bride who loves the outdoors, being one with nature and enjoying the simpler things in life. The luxury tented accommodation they offer on-site is what makes this venue so unique.

Décor & Flowers

4 Every Event is a hidden Gem in the Elgin Valley and they have a eye for detail.4 Every Event had a fantastic time getting creative with the theme and all elements that were used on the day is available all year round which makes it so cost-effective. The colours used popped on the table and created the perfect balance of rustic/natural feel with flawless elegance.

Creative Stationery

Fiona from Love Wildly created a few stunning stationery designs that worked incredibly well with the theme of the shoot as well as the florals and the décor on the table.

Bridal Gowns, Photographer & Videographer

Marietjie from La Belle Mariée was an absolute gem with her range of gorgeous dresses, she even brought a variety of extra dresses for the team to choose from and the style of the dresses suited the styled shoot perfectly. There was plenty for the awesome Kobus, from Red Beard Productions to capture on the day! Kobus really put a lot of effort in to make sure every angle and moment was caught on camera!

Wedding Catering

The Goose Roasters provided the service providers with a few delicious canapés that really had their mouth watering! Beau & Craig from the Goose Roasters provide fantastic service and amazing food proving once again that your wedding catering can fit in with your wedding theme and colours!

BridalHair and MakeUp

Madeleine from Make Up by MB created the perfect look for our stunning model. Madeleine is absolutely fantastic making the model look effortlessly glow with a natural look and colour palette and hairstyles.

Wedding suppliers list

Coordinator: Ehl-Kah Creative
Photography & Videography: Red Beard Productions
Décor & Flowers: 4 Every Event
Wedding Dresses: La Belle Mariée
Hair & Makeup: Make Up by MB
Stationery: Love Wildly
Catering: Goose Roasters

OUR GUIDE TO A BOHO CHIC WEDDING

2020-10-21T00:00:00+02:00

A Boho Wedding brings to life the pages from a mythical woodland enchanted book. These weddings have a distinct soft and romantic feel that is earthy and inspired by nature and the beautiful outdoors. It's all about braids, greenery, flowers, soft waves, and long hair are beautiful bohemian hairstyles. Featuring all things ethereal, earthly, and exquisite, these are our favourite bohemian wedding ideas!

Featuring all things ethereal, earthly, and exquisite, these are our favourite bohemian wedding ideas, straight from the experts - our past brides and grooms that have tied the knot at Cherry Glamping over the last few years.

Featuring the beautiful bride Kim and stylish groom, Darren, with the majority of the images from their wedding, taking by the creative and extremely talented Grace Charlotte Photo.

1. THE DRESS

The essence of a bohemian wedding dress is based on free and “flowy” fabrics that also make you feel in harmony with yourself and with nature. These romantic dresses are light and very comfortable to wear.

2. THE HAIR

Boho hairstyles are all about the braids, greenery, flowers, soft waves, with long hair flowing loosely over your shoulders. Dreamy, uncomplicated and naturally beautiful.

3. THE FLOWER CROWN

Bohemian weddings are all about channelling effortless and elegant style and no Boho wedding would be complete without a magnificent flower crown, otherwise known as a chaplet. Normally made with eucalyptus leaves and seasonal flowers, this touch to your wedding will be your crowning glory.

4. THE BOUQUET

Natural and asymmetrical, your chosen florals are arranged more naturally for an earthy aesthetic. Filled with foliage and naturally arranged, a boho bouquet is uncomplicated, organic and filled with earthy colour tones.

5. OUTDOOR CEREMONY

Using the natural elements and saying I DO under the shadows of the trees is the best backdrop for a Boho Chic Wedding. Using the natural decor of the greenery and surrounding elements brings a mystical tone to your ceremony, one that perfectly complements your dress and floral arrangements. Our beautiful bride, Kim, chose to create a circular ceremonial area surrounded by her loved ones. The placement of the chairs in a swirl formation embodies fluidity and freedom, with each person present being able to enjoy the bride's walk towards her groom.

And our pathways became the wedding aisle where you take your last steps as a single woman, on your way to marry your soul mate. The wind in the trees, the birds flying by and the natural warmth from the sun is the perfect aesthetic you'll need to create your whimsical wedding.

6. BOHO CHIC DECOR

Using natural elements, rustic furniture combined with elegant dining chair and formal candle settings is the perfect way to decorate and accessorize a Bohemian Wedding. We love the connection between the farm and the formal elements of selected wedding decor.

7. THE BOHEMIAN CAKE

Bohemian cakes have a natural and organic look, with fresh flowers, herbs, and fruits were used to decorate these gorgeous boho wedding cakes. Some of our brides have even swapped the traditional wedding cakes for cakes created from cheese wheels! The beauty of a Boho cake is that the only limit to your design is your level of creativity and whimsy.

8. USE NATURAL ELEMENTS

By incorporating nontraditional elements into the design and decor, such as wood and stone. Even using succulents, in all their simplistic beauty brings a taste of the earth to a wedding. Using earthy element makes a unique statement whilst tying in the natural elements of the surroundings.

9. OUTDOOR BAR

Boho Chic bars demand a dramatic and romantic feel, with the use of greenery and natural products to create a feeling of relaxed and easiness. You can even opt for a mobile bar or food truck to dispense your drinks. And if your wedding is going to be held during the winter months, why not consider a hot chocolate bar?

10. INSTA-WORTH PHOTOGRAPHY

It goes without saying, that a glamping site is a perfect canvas for those insta-worthy photographs. How does saying go 'pics or it didn't happen'? And at Cherry Glamping, around every corner, you'll find the perfect backdrop for your book of lifetime memories.

CHERRY GLAMPING'S ABC'S

2020-09-14T00:00:00+02:00

Cherry Glamping has so much to offer! So much so, that we've compiled an ABC of all our Cherry Glamping favourites.

A is for AWESOME

Our farm is just downright awesome. There is so much for young and old to do. From biking to hiking, swimming to braai'ing, getting married and renewing your vows, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, even 80th birthday parties, bridal weekends, stag do's, you name it, Cherry Glamping is perfect to make your event awesome.

B is for BRIDE

We have seen so many beautiful brides create their dream weddings, and each one has been unique and special in its own way. The beauty with a Cherry Glamping wedding is that we provide a canvas that our brides can create magic with. Whether your budget is small or large, tight or extravagant, the beauty of our farm is that it lends itself easily to your taste and budget.

C is for CAMPING

But not just any camping, luxury camping.Warm duvets, soft mattresses, fluffy pillows to cuddle on at night. Fully equipped kitchens with a gas stove and fridge to create your own culinary masterpieces, as well as hot water showers and clean toilets. Our camps are more than just camps, they are glamourous camps!

D is for DRINKS

The beauty of having your wedding or birthday at Cherry Glamping is that we don't have a liquor license, so you bring your own drinks and when you pop open your bottle of bubbly at your wedding, you don't pay restaurant prices for your toasts! You can bring your own drinks and spend as little or as much you'd like on your event.

E is for ELGIN VALLEY

Our farm is located in the requisite Elgin Valley, surrounded by apple orchards and wine farms. Just one hour from Cape Town, in the Overberg countryside, circled by mountains, Elgin is the perfect spot to wine, dine, stay, explore, relax and play.

F is for FREE venue

Yes, you read right, our venues are all free when you book either or both of our camps and having guests that stay overnight. Our two camps have 23 tents between them, with the option of adding another 25 tents in a mobile camp setup. And you just bring your vendors with to set up your dream event. We can even share our list of preferred suppliers, should you need some help with choosing the right team to partner with.

G is for GLAMPING

A quick search on the internet describes glamping as 'Glamping is where stunning nature meets modern luxury. It's a way to experience the untamed and completely unique parts of the world—without having to sacrifice creature comforts. ... A fusion of glamour and camping, glamping is a way to authentically experience the most awe-inspiring locales around the world.'

H is for HAMMOCKS

Mehmet Murat Ildan says it better than we ever could 'While sleeping in a hammock, with the touch of a warm wind we remember why we are in love the with life'. Dotted around our camps are little corners calling out your name, where you can lie back and listen to the sounds of nature.

I is for INCREDIBLE

We know we are biased, but we have every reason to think our farm is incredible. Two stunning campsites, a number of great venues, an outdoor chapel, a 'tree' chapel, fire pits, lapas, wide-open spaces, beautiful bell tents, timber lounges with fireplaces, a dam filled with fish, two above ground, rustic pools, long tables for long lunches, and so much more, makes Cherry Glamping so incredible.

J is for JUMP

Well face it, our guests are sometimes so delighted with our venue that they feel the need to jump, that right, they jump for joy after spending time at our farm.

K is for Kitchen

It's not really glamping if there's no kitchen! And our kitchen is fully kitted out with a gas stove, fridge/freezer, pots and pans, crockery and cutlery, knives and forks. And a kettle and coffee press to make that perfect cuppa.

L is for LOVE

You know that skin tingling, goosebumps making, heart racing love. Our farm has been blessed with the beautiful privilege of witnessing the joining of soulmates together, whether it's MR and MRS or MR and MR or even MRS and MRS, we've been lucky to see first hand what love stands for.

M is for MEMORIES

Our camps are filled with memories of magical times. Whether its the laughter between friends around the braai or a mother gently dressing her darling child as they get ready for the big day, or someone celebrating their 50 years on earth, our farm rings with the memories of each and every guest.

N is for NEWLYWEDS

I do are two powerful words that are said on our farm weekly. The promise of spending the rest of your life together is a not one made lightly and our brides and grooms have said their I DO's across our farm - in formal surroundings, as well as makeshift chapels within the undulating hills of our farm.

O is for OUTSTANDING

Outstanding venues
Outstanding accommodation
Outstanding amenities
Outstanding facilities
Outstanding guests
Outstanding farm.

P is for POPLAR tree

This lone tree, sits on the hill, overlooking the valley below - our poplar tree has become nature's chapel, gently watching over many ring exchanges and marriage vows. With hay bales placed and beautiful paper umbrellas, this is the perfect spot for those insta-worthy wedding photos.

Q is for QUIET

There's nothing more grounding than the sound of nature all around you. The gentle rustle of the pine leaves and the bird calls in the trees. A quiet place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

R is for REST and RELAXATION

Rest and relaxation before your big day. One of the beauties of a weekend wedding is that you get the whole weekend to celebrate your nuptials. And because the whole farm is exclusively yours, you get the chance to decorate and design the perfect spot for your ceremony. And you can relax together with your family and friends.

S is for SUMMER livin'

If you're not barefoot or in flip flops, then you're overdressed if you visit Cherry Glamping during summer. Our two overground pools are the perfect antidote to our hot summer days. Cool and refreshing.

T is for TENTS

Let's face it, our tents are whimsical and magical, little pockets of shelters, dotted amongst the trees. Each bell tent comes complete with a deck and wooden chairs, the perfect spot to read a book or watch the wind in the trees.

U is for UNIQUE

The one thing we can guarantee is that your event will not only be awesome and outstanding (see A and O), but it will also be one of the most unique events your guests will ever enjoy. There is nothing quite like Cherry Glamping, and even on a rainy day, our events become the stuff dreams are made of.

V is for VENUE

There are a number of different venues available for your wedding or birthday celebration. Our Bloekombos camp has a large glass-enclosed hall, surrounded by lawns and a dam. And our Dennebos camp has a large covered deck, timber lounge and beautiful lapa area complete with a fire pit. And dotted around the farm are corners and nooks, perfect for your ceremony, or even, just for a sundowner drink or three.

W is for WEDDING

Informal, relaxed weekend weddings are what we are famous for! Boho chic, picnic party or festival wedding, you are only limited by your dreams. Setup on your own or use any of our preferred suppliers to assist and create a truly unique experience. We do not charge a venue fee when you have guests staying at either or both of our camps, and you get exclusive use of the venue and all the facilities at the camp that you book.

X is for XANADU

'a place of great beauty, luxury, and contentment' - need we say more?

Y is for YUMMY

The beauty of Cherry Glamping is that you can pick and chose who you want to be your vendors for your function. We supply the venue and you bring your own caterers, drinks, decor and music and entertainment and manage your event according to your budget. So you're 100% in control of the food you'll serve to your guests. And if you can't find the perfect caterer, we have a list of preferred suppliers, including food trucks and mobile bars.

Z is for ZEBRA

Our resident zebra went missing during the wild Cape fires a few years ago, and we thought we had lost them forever. Fast forward a couple of months later and they found their way home. They are free to roam around the farm, together with the resident buck, sometimes even bearing witness to some of our wedding ceremonies.

10 REASONS TO HOLD YOUR WEDDING AT CHERRY GLAMPING

2020-09-11T00:00:00+02:00

#reasonone – no venue fee

We have so many beautiful spaces and various different venue options available. You can use one area for your ceremony and then another area for your reception, and even a third for your wedding breakfast – the choice is yours! And the best bit of it all, your venue hire is FREE.

The only proviso is that you have to book one of our two camps for overnight stays.

#reasontwo – exclusive use of the venue

When you book our camps, we do not allow anyone else to visit that camp – you get exclusive use of our venues and all the facilities at the camp that you book. So you know that you are not only safe, but you don’t have lock everything away or worry that there will be strangers wandering through your camp.

#reasonthree – Dennebos camp

Our Dennebos (pine) camp lies at the top of the farm and offers the best views of the valley with cosy sundowner areas, perfect for those stolen moments with your love. This camp consists of 12 spacious and fully furnished bell tents, an open lawn area where 25 more tents can be added for larger groups. Surrounded by a pine tree forest, with hammocks waiting for tired bodies to climb into and rest.

The tents are fully equipped with comfortable twin beds, cotton linen, towels, extra blankets, luggage racks, side tables and lamps. There are three shared bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen for your use.

This camp is ideal for the smaller, more intimate weddings with a lounge with a 24 seater table and fireplace. And for those cosy evenings, there is a lapa with a firepit, surrounded by a large lawn for games and play.

#reasonfour – Bloekombos Camp

Located at the bottom of the farm is Bloekombos (eucalyptus) camp, which overlooks the dam and grasslands. A firm favourite of our resident springbok, bontebok and zebra, who wander through the camp with little worries or concern.

This camp has 21 spacious and fully furnished bell tents, and space to add another 25 mobile tents. As with Bloekombos camp, all the tents are fully furnished, but this camp has four comfortable shared bathrooms and two fully equipped kitchens.

#reasonfive – Bloekombos Glass venue

360º glass-walled venue that opens up to create an outdoor feeling, while protecting you from the elements. The dam directly in front of the venue has become the perfect backdrop for those insta-worth images. With a lapa area with a fire pit, your wedding guests can kuier nicely together around the campfire.

#reasonsix – Boom van Bewuswording

Situated on the hill, overlooking the valleys of Elgin, is our ‘Lone Tree on the hill’ ceremony area. Our poplar tree can be ‘dressed’ with ribbons and lanterns, draped with flowers and fairy lights, creating the perfect place to get hitched. Add some colourful paper umbrellas, hay bales or wooden benches, and you have the making of a romantic and magical chapel.

#reasonseven – Dennebos deck

Catering for up to 80 people, this large covered deck, surrounded by the pine forest comes with a lapa, enclosed amphitheatre-like grass area and a gorgeous fire pit. This deck lends itself perfectly for those brides and grooms that are creative with their wedding décor and is the perfect canvas for all your ideas and creations.

#reason eight – outdoor chapel

Overlooking the mountains and valleys, our outdoor chapel is simple and neat, with the zebra and buck bearing witness to your union. Surround by grass fields, your guests are able to drink in the views of Elgin Valley as they watch your marry your best friend.

#reasonnine – natural swimming pools

Not one, but two above-ground natural swimming pools, make for the perfect meeting place to cool down. Both adults and kids alike, enjoy splashing around after a hot day of wedding planning and decorating.

#reasonten- unique and special

A glamping wedding is one of the most intimate and personal weddings available. Cherry Glamping doesn’t have catering restrictions, so you can bring your favourite chef, you can braai, you can even bring a funky food truck. You can create something that is uniquely yours. And with nature all around you, our farm is literally yours to create whatever you are able to dream and create.

Having your guests stay overnight, gives you peace of mind knowing that they are just a hop, skip and jump from their tents, so need to drive or navigate the roads back home after a long night of partying.

And if you make your wedding a weekend wedding, your guests can really settle in and allow for two families to come together and really get to know each other before they become one big family. And with a relaxed environment, you can spend quality time together enjoying the moment for longer.

WHAT IS GLAMPING?

2020-08-14T00:00:00+02:00

Do you love the idea of camping, but not quite ready to say goodbye to your creature comforts? Then glamping is the perfect solution. Featuring all the best bits of camping, but with a little luxury and some glamour thrown in! Glamourous camping may sound like a contradiction, but it isn’t! It’s the perfect marriage between comfort and enjoying the great outdoors.

So what is glamping exactly?

It is exactly as the name suggests – Glamarous Camping a combination of outdoor living with hotel comfort. It’s a great alternative to the standard beach holidays and city breaks. Couples, families, singletons and even honeymooners are choosing this type of holiday, with glamping also becoming popular as a corporate team-building option.

What makes Glamping different from camping?

The big differentiator is comfort level – your campsite offer luxuries that you wouldn’t find on the campsite. Like a comfy bed with pillows or a kitchen with a fridge and full gas stove and oven, and even a coffee plunger for those wanting to brew a cup. And although there is something special about sleeping under canvas, being out in the fresh air surrounded by nature, trying to pitch a tent, sleeping in a sleeping bag and wandering around in the dark can lose its appeal. A proper bed, with a duvet and pillows, a comfortable and large tent, even a fully equipped kitchen and some home comforts make glamping a fun and exciting way to camp.

Some of us enjoy chasing the challenge that is the polar opposite of our comfortable lives. We find it exciting to strip life down to its bare essentials. But with glamping, these bare essentials come with some creature comforts to make it a bit easier and snug. Having a tent big enough to stand it, proper chairs to rest in and a beautiful fire pit nearby makes your outdoor adventure perfect. The draw of the big outdoors comes real and more desirable.

And now with lockdown becoming a bit of a slog, after being confirmed to our homes and our local area, now is the time to regain your freedom and roam free in the great outdoors. The desire to spend time outside, together with your family and friends is so strong now. The simplicity of being outdoors, the break from distractions and the opportunity to unplug and be in the moment, being brought alive by just leaving the modern world behind you.

With Cherry Glamping being just one hour from Cape Town, Western Cape, it couldn’t be any easier to escape the humdrum of city life. Located in the Elgin Valley, our beautiful and isolated location is perfectly situated among the orchards and vineyards. And within a 25-kilometre radius of numerous restaurants, coffee shops, wine estates, hiking and biking trails.

Cherry Glamping is your perfect opportunity to disconnect in order to reconnect. Your pace will slow down as you relax and unwind with only the sound of the wind in the trees and the birds up above. Completely enclosed and safe, with wide-open spaces to wander around. Make glamping your next break.

BLOWN AWAY BY THE BEAUTY

2020-08-02T00:00:00+02:00

Johann and Nicolene chose Cherry Glamping for their intimate wedding. Their wedding pictures took our breath away! We asked them for a few words about their big day.

We are extremely grateful and so happy that we found Cherry Glamping. This is the most beautiful, amazing venue. It is difficult to put our amazement and gratitude into words. I don’t think there is a venue that can even compare to Cherry Glamping.

Every single one of our guests said it was one of the best weddings they have been to and they absolutely loved the beautifully styled tents. When you drive into Cherry Glamping you are blown away by the beauty.

Richard and Magriet go above and beyond and they made wedding planning an absolute breeze. They are hands-on, always available and so friendly even if you phone them for help after hours. Planning and organizing a wedding can be stressful, but the beauty and peaceful feel at Cherry Glamping takes all the stress away.

Richard and Magriet, we really just want to thank you again, thank you for allowing us to celebrate our special day at your amazingly beautiful venue. Thank you for making us feel special and making us feel that no task is too big for you.

We can really recommend this amazing venue for EVERYONE!

And so their adventure together begins. We are truly blessed at Cherry Glamping to bear witness to many great weddings and celebrations. Wedding season is almost upon us, and we are excited to work with our brides to create their dream weddings.

The amazing food was deliciously created by the Lotus Food Truck, who went above and beyond on their service. The live performance of beautiful songs by Lize Mynhard, and their lighting and decor came from 4every Event - again, amazing service. And having the rain bless their wedding, meant that a last-minute Bedouin tent rental from Vagabond Stretch was greatly appreciated. Thank you to Nicolene and Johann for graciously allowing us to share their beautiful wedding pictures.

'Micro' weddings are the new trend

2020-07-27T00:00:00+02:00

SO WHAT IS A MICRO WEDDING?

Are you one of one the brides who set your wedding date pre-Covid? You had figured things out and felt good about how your plans were unfolding. A small wedding wasn’t even on your radar. And then suddenly, the world changed and your plans were stopped dead in their tracks. Countless couples are having to navigate through these new waters without a compass. For many, the excitement has been overtaken by disappointment and anxiety because their wedding might be nothing like they had dreamed of.

But there is hope! Enter the micro wedding. They have always been there, always been an option, but now they are gaining momentum and have skyrocketed in popularity. And for some couples, their only option.

So what is a micro wedding?

It’s basically an elopement and reception combined with less than 50 guests. It’s a celebration that follows a quick ceremony and a more casual and relaxed reception, it’s similar to a traditional wedding, but on a smaller, more manageable scale. Gone are all the extras and obligations of a big wedding, gone is the pressure to invite your co-workers, extended family and acquaintances and gone are the big bills and a huge budget. Your Wedding is stripped down to the very essence of marriage – the love between two humans and their commitment to one other.

A scaled-back wedding not only saves you money and time but gives you the flexibility to get married despite the pandemic without too much fuss or planning. And this is where Cherry Glamping comes in, our venue is not only free when you book one of our camps, together with all the open space and fresh air, and not mention the beautiful backdrop of the Elgin Valley, you and your guests will experience the extra feeling of freedom. And with nature all around, your canvas can be dressed as much or as little as your heart desires.

Our two camps have 12 and 21 tents each, with additional tents to top up each camp to increase capacity. Our camps are surrounded by trees and open farmlands, dotted with fire pits and hammocks. Your wedding becomes an all-weekend affair, where you can dictate the pace and speed of your wedding. We have great nooks and crannies where you and your bridal party can get ready, relaxing together, sharing laughs and those last few hours of singledom. And your groom has his pick of the campground for his pre-wedding preparations with his groomsmen.

As you get ready, your guests relax under the trees, by the pools or just kuiering together by the firepits, watching the wind in the trees and the birds flying by. And then as your moment comes, together you join your souls, with your friends and family gathered, with the zebra and springbok casually meandering by. Making this moment one authentic and real, true in every sense of the word.

Some of our brides chose to have a light lunch after the ceremony, followed by a party at night – you have your pick of two camp sights and one enclosed venue, where the sides open up to the cool Elgin breeze. You and your guests can safely party away, knowing that your bed is just a tent or two away from where you are.

And after the night of celebration, breakfast becomes a jovial affair, casually eaten together on the grass verges and picnic blankets, on wooden steps and park benches, even in hammocks and on garden chairs. The morning after the night before creates more memories, more laughter and more great authentic moments that you’ll treasure for years to come.

So if you’re looking for the perfect location for your micro wedding, we’ve got the perfect place for you. With our list of preferred suppliers at your fingertips, or your own that you handpick, or even a DIY that you and your family and friends create, the options are endless. Drop us an email to find out more.

Special thanks to Frikkie & Kirra for giving us permission to share their pictures of their wonderful wedding, held on 22-02-20 (what a wonderful anniversary date!) and for these kind words - 'Cherry Glamping was a dream come true. We couldn't have been more happy with this venue. Richard the owner accommodated us with all our needs and helped wherever he could. The only problem we had is that we couldn't stay there forever. Our guest to this day still talk about how stunning Cherry Glamping is definitely a wow factor to any occasion We will certainly be visiting in the future.'

This magnificent wedding was coordinated by the bride and groom themselves, with their decor items from Something Borrowed Events and Four Every Event Grabouw. The photographer who captured all these memories forever was Joffree Hyman, and the music that kept everyone on their feet was brought to life by DJ Dranged, Feel Good Inc, LSDean and Satori. A unique twist to the coffee on offer was a Coffee Bar that provided dessert milkshakes and Don Pedro's, all created by Pie in the Sky Coffee

Destination Intimate Elopement

2020-07-14T00:00:00+02:00

And so we find ourselves halfway through 2020 and all those planning their weddings for this year have had their lives turned upside down. Back in February, we didn’t know what was coming. March came upon us and suddenly we were thrust into lockdown with little time to think, change plans or reassess our lives, careers, health, nevermind our wedding plans. Brides all over the world started cancelling their weddings, which gave birth to the hashtag #postponedontcancel. Like many 2020 brides, being in limbo with a decision on whether to get married this year or next, even whether you’ll have the option to get married during 2020 proved to be stressful and pushed many brides out of their comfort zone.

Now, as we move through the different phases, brides are having to work through a myriad of legislations and gazettes, trying to figure out how many guests are considered safe, and even legal, can they travel, what’s considered safe distancing, how to keep your venue sanitized, and even, can you serve bubbly for your wedding toast? Nevermind the threat that South Africa might move back up the levels back to level 4 or even 5 after level 3.5 was just announced.

It’s now July and you still want to marry your soul mate. You still want your family and friends to bear witness to your solemn vows. You still want your father to walk you down the aisle. You still want your first dance as your favourite people in the whole world watch you.

One of the options you now have is to elope with a small group of friends and family. Seize the opportunity to be a little crazy, and plan that intimate wedding, where you throw convention out of the window and create a magical wedding without all the trims! Something more than just a photoshoot with just the two of you. Our glamping sites are the perfect canvas for your creativity. You can add as many trims as you want, or you can use what nature has provided with the forest and fields as your backdrop. And the zebra and springbok as part of your guest list.

At Cherry Glamping, all our wedding venues are free of charge when accommodation is booked and everything is self-catered, so you can bring in your own caterers and drinks (including alcohol) and create a wedding weekend that doesn’t break the bank but that ticks all the boxes of fun, happiness, joyful and a beautiful start to your many years of marriage.

Not only is the wedding venue free, but you get exclusive rights to the campsites for the entire duration of your wedding, so you know that it’s only your guests on the property celebrating with you. You get the pick of two great camps, as well as the option to add more guests with our mobile tents, that we can add and create an additional tent town for your group.

All tents are luxurious, with wooden floors, fully made beds, and lamps and access to a fully functional kitchen for those wanting to make themselves a cup of coffee as they prepare for the ceremony.

And our tents are perfectly positioned so that there’s no need to worry about breaking any social distancing rules. Each tent is several metres from each other, with wooden decks leading to most, making accessibility easy for all your guests. There are quiet tents, out of the way tents for those wanting some peace, which is ideal too for those with small kids who need to tuck them in early.

And with a wedding weekend, you can celebrate in ‘shifts’ and celebrate with your elderly family members over brunch and then party with your friends later in the afternoon and well into the evening. That way, even during these unusual times, you can safely say that you are keeping your more vulnerable guests safe and protected.

And because no one has to drive, you can be happy with the knowledge that your friends are safely tucked up in their tents once the evening is over. The most that can happen is that they get into the wrong tent!

So give your wedding a rethink and look at Cherry Glamping as an option for your intimate, fun, authentic location for the start of your life together as Mr & Mrs, Mrs & Mrs or even Mr & Mr!

Creatives in The Forest of Elgin | Wonder & Quintin's summer wedding at Cherry Glamping

2020-07-06T00:00:00+02:00

It started as an unlikely friend fairy-tale. Girl sees artworks at exhibition. Girl wishes she could befriend these talented individuals. Girl finds out who these talented fingers belong to and follows them around the university in awe.

Girl meets boy. Boy also knows these talented individuals. And is friends with them. Girl convinces boy to help her befriend these two talented individuals. Boy and Girl take a road trip down to Cape Town, and somehow one of these talented individuals needs a lift… 8 hours later, Girl and Wonder are friends for life.

Bam!

And that’s the story of how I became friends with my dearest friend Wonder. Lucky for me that meant I also got Quintin as a friend too. Score! (Big fan girl moment here) These two talented creatives are the serious dream team. So it was no wonder (haha, get it) their wedding was nothing short of spectacular.

Just a short drive from Cape Town down Sir Lowry’s pass is a little area called Elgin. When you take the long windy road towards Cherry Glamping, at times you think to yourself, is this the right way? But as soon as you pass the gates you are welcomed by this beauty of a spot; canopied by tall trees, a farm pool and the cutest fire pit and deck overlooking the hills. We had seen photos that Wonder had taken before, but they didn’t quite capture the Cherry Glamping in all its glory.

The Friday afternoon was festive, with all hands on deck as friends and family alike helped setup benches and the beautiful details Wonder and Quint had put together. As the light fell we all gathered around the big braai, and it really felt like one big family. The evening was truly breathtaking with little to no wind and the air filled with laughter and excitement for the next day.

We woke up early and took a walk around the area scoping some secret spots for their couple session, only to run into Wonder and Quint taking a morning stroll together, coffee in hand with Lily their fur child trotting along side them and a couple of friendly Zebras sheepishly following behind them. What an awesome way to start their magical celebration!

The day unfolded with a dip in the pool to escape the heat, an impromptu bachelor and bachelorette breakfast (complete with the now-famous South African speciality of boerewors and croissants), more swims, a bit more setting up, another swim and finally some getting ready. I say finally because if you know Wonder at all, you know she needs some nudging to get started (unless there is awesome swell rolling in at Point).

One of our favourite moments was when her dad Mikey took a peek into the tent and saw Wonder in her dress for the first time. His reaction said it all to us. Wonder walked down a carpet lined path and Quintin did his nervous happy sway as he saw his bride for the first time. The talented Wayne and Stephanie (the me, in Me_and_Norman) sang during their ceremony which lead to more tears and so much love felt around the forest. Lily even had her say as she howled at the distant thunder and brought a light hearted feel to an emotional ceremony.

As we whisked Wonder and Quintin off on their couple session we felt so unbelievably proud to be the ones documenting their special day. We often get asked if we would rather be guests at our friends’ weddings, but honestly, it’s such a privilege to be such a big part of their day that it never fells like work. Their session ended with some of the warmest tones we have ever experienced during a sunset, and Lily running around their legs and barking at the happiness that was all around them.

Their reception was filled with laugher, with all secrets and tales from their childhoods divulged during the speeches. We all learnt a thing or two about these special people we call our friends. They closed out the evening with a dance under the stars, as we gathered around with sparklers in hand to celebrate their love together. We all sat around the fire, stuffing our faces with the most amazing cakes we have ever tasted (thanks Tabita!), and taking in the magic of the day.

That Sunday we awoke with our love tanks filled. Our friends were no longer two talented individuals but the dream team we always saw them as. They reminded us of how special it is to find your person and inspired us to love deeply, take time for a swim in between the busyness of life, and enjoy all the moments in-between.

Dear Diary

2020-06-05T00:00:00+02:00

Dear Diary

It’s been so long since we’ve been together. I know that distance makes the heart grow fonder, but this is now gone too far. Every part of me exists because of my love for my guests – without them, I’m just a field with empty tents! I don’t know which way to turn, because each of my corners is bare, void of guests and all that comes with them. The loneliness is starting to get to me. Creeping into my soul like a heavy mist.

At first, I thought it would be nice to have a little break and just spend some time getting to find myself and just be. But now, after so many weeks I’ve lost count, the sound of silence is deafening.

As my tents remain empty and my fire pits cool and full of soot and dust, I dream of those days when laughter rang loudly, full of fun and mischief. I dream of the parties we held in the pine forest, without a care in the world. I dream of my hammock swinging gently with the weight of their tired bodies. I dream of weekends of weddings and birthday parties. I dream of days full and long.

Oh how my heartaches.
Oh how I wish they were here with me.
Oh!

At night, as the sun sets, they are in my thoughts and dreams. Until we can be together again, dear Diary, I write letters of love and longing that will make the kilometres apart disappear until we will be joined together in that one moment.

I can’t help but think of the words sung by Richard Marx years ago;

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

Chat soon,

Cherry G

💋💋