Brett and I decided to say our vows to each other at sunset in the wide open bush of the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve in South Africa. Countless emails were exchanged between our travel consultant, myself, and the amazing team at Chitwa Chitwa to create the perfect setting for our special moment. Bags upon bags of rose petals were ordered for the aisle. An unusual duo of musicians (a classical violinist and an African drummer ) were hired to create the perfect background melody. Pink roses were selected for bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces. Pink Champagne was ordered for celebratory toasting. A perfect spot was chosen and decorated with lanterns and candles galore. And of course, a minister was hired to bless the vows and the marriage. For how many guests you might ask? Well…for two! It was just Brett and myself (and our new friends at Chitwa Chitwa). That is all you really need though, right? A Bride and a Groom.
Very little about the day could be considered traditional. I mean our guest list consisted of a herd of giant Water Bucks… Also, the fact that the Bride and Groom got ready together. I did wait to put on my dress until after they had taken Brett to the ceremony spot…but for the make-up and hair roller portion of the primping process – we were together! The day was lovely – perfect really,except for one little, itsy bitsy glitch – but I will save that for later!
Here is the our day summed up in pictures photographed by the wonderful Stefan du Plessis. Warning!! Lots of photos!
Brett sees me like this every day...I figure he must like it or he wouldn't have proposed in the first place! (Although, I am not sure why I am posting it for all of you to see!)
My good-looking groom tying his wedding tie.
Oops! I guess I should have waited to apply my lipstick until after I kissed him goodbye. The groom is not supposed to have ruby-red lips, right? Brett & Morgan Hutchinson
The Dress! I designed and had this made here in Beijing. It was my something new and my something blue!
Brett on his way to the ceremony site. Just about a 5-10 minute drive through the bush.
The elegantly rustic archway that God and the team of Chitwa Chitwa created. (God because the tree became an archway when it was struck by lightning). Tristan, our ranger even made the rails on either side of the arch with fallen branches and covered them with lanterns.
Here comes the bride! (In her open-top ride...) Hair and veil be damned!
The groom - what a jack of all trades. He escorted me down the aisle as well.
The lovely sounds of Anneke Coetzer. In fact, I think their unique beat would be perfect for Hotel Costes soundtrack!
Of course I already knew that I loved this man...what I did not know is what a poet he is. Truth be told...his vows put mine to shame 🙂 Morgan Hutchinson
My turn now! I did get a big laugh from our guests (Water Buck excluded) when I pulled them from my cleavage...I mean - it's not like my wedding dress had pockets!
The prayer and blessing after our vows.
Now you may kiss the bride!
Signing our marriage certificate. This one is just for show...the real one was done back in Beijing. That said - if you are planning to wed in South Africa, they can take care of everything for you so that your marriage is also legal in the USA (or other countries for that matter).
Our first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Brett Hutchinson! (Okay...to be fair - it was our third. First at the Circus of Love and second at our Chinese Wedding celebration). Third time is a charm, right? Brett and Morgan Hutchinson
Popping some pink bubbly!
This might be my favorite. You can see the Water Buck in the background! Brett and Morgan Hutchinson
Just look how perfectly Stefan captured the sunset in our hands
I actually requested the photos on this termite mound. Why you ask?? Because termites are incredible. Not the "eat your deck" kind of termites. They are terrible. South African termites; however, are the bee's knees. The queen can live to be 20 years old and she can lay 300,000 eggs a day. Can you believe that? A 20-year-old insect. Plus they make their own food - it is a fungus, but still. I mean - I love mushrooms so who I am I to judge. Seriously - I heart nature.
Our get-away car! Chitwa Chitwa...you left no stone unturned. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Tristan let me use his Ranger's Rifle as a prop for a few photos. Don't get any ideas - the problem I mentioned at the beginning of this blog entry did not involve me shooting myself or anyone else for that matter!
Just before taking off for our night-time game drive. That's right...we went to see the lions eat before we ate our own wedding meal - in full wedding garb and all. Surreal to say the least!
Since this entry is already quite long…and very photo heavy, I am going to write about the wedding dinner and party portion of the evening separately. This way I can keep you in suspense as to what went WRONG on our wedding day. Believe me… it was pretty terrible. But when looking back, it does make for a great story. Stay tuned!
All images courtesy of Stefan du Plessis Photography
A Blonde in Beijing 
Brett and Morgan: This is absolutely amazing! It brought tears to my eyes. And I am speechless. When I think of anything appropriate for such an astoundinng occasion I will reply in probably thousands of questions. Till then, just know I love you and hope the best for both of you forever .
This wedding was so beautiful. I never would have thought of having a wedding like that.
Just Stunning! More photos, please– I’m dying to see what shoes ABIB would pair with such an awesome dress!
What could have possibly gone wrong, did a puma eat the feast?
Another round of congratulations to you and B! Wishing you love and laughter, always! x
Thank you for all of your sweet comments! Regarding the shoes…little bit of a debacle! We were only allowed 1 bag each (under 40 pounds…btw) for the entire 3 weeks. I did buy wedding shoes – nude silk Roger Viviers with his signature rhinestone buckle – but I had to edit my luggage. Sadly, they didn’t make the cut since they were only going to be worn one time! You know that I prefer to travel with 2 bags weighing in at 70 lbs each – so this was definitely a challenge! xx