It’s not every day that you’re invited to witness a love story unfold in such a magical setting. And it’s even more rare when you get to play a role in it.
My husband Bethesda and I had the honour of being the celebrants for Anton and Rhodi-Anne’s wedding, a day that was as beautiful, unique, and meaningful as their love for each other.
Set in the heart of the Western Cape, South Africa, at Little Rock Garden… a stunning family-owned farm that Anton has called home since 2016. Rhodi-Ann moved onto the farm with Anton and has been living there since 2019.
The ceremony was a perfect reflection of the couple’s deep connection to the land, to one another, and to all of us gathered to celebrate them.
The Love Story Begins
Before the wedding even began, we took some time to recognize the extraordinary effort Anton and Rhodi-Anne had put into making this day truly special. Their attention to detail was everywhere… each part of the farm, each tree, each flower, had been thoughtfully placed with care. It was clear that they had put the same love into the planning of this day as they have into their relationship.
We recently had a visit with them and stayed over for two days in their lovely cottage. It had been cold and raining, but that didn’t stop the four of us—along with Jupiter and Joy, of course—from spending hours curled up by the fire. We ended up having quality time with the couple, talking about their journey together. We enjoyed some of Rhodi-Anne’s famous cooking (I am still dreaming about that Dutch Baby), and in between bites, we heard their dreams, their hopes, and their plans for their farm and their life together. Rhodi-Anne absolutely loves being busy in the kitchen and off course, Anton also loves it too. We certainly enjoyed every moment!
FOTOS IN PERDEKAR VAN MAATJIES
SLIDESHOW ON BRACKET NEXT TO PHOTO:
Waiting for the bride!
Absolutely worth the wait!
The bride looked nothing short of breathtaking, radiating beauty and grace.
Obviously also the groom…
The Fable of Their Love
The couple had a beautiful carpet laid out for us, inviting us to step onto it as we brought the ceremony to life, grounding the sacredness of the moment with its warmth and beauty.
SLIDESHOW ON BRACKET NEXT TO PHOTO:
As part of the ceremony, Bethesda shared a fable that, to us, encapsulated the essence of their relationship.
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who was kidnapped by a jealous witch and hidden away in a dense, enchanted jungle. The witch changed her appearance, leaving the princess trapped and alone.
But, as these stories often go, a prince came searching for his true love. He traveled far and wide, enduring pain, confusion, and even blindness on his quest.
Eventually, the prince stumbled upon the princess, who was sitting peacefully, crocheting a magical blanket. She took him in, cared for him, and helped him heal. Over time, they became friends and, through the act of creating together, they discovered a deeper connection.
One day, as the prince recovered, the magic of their love broke the spell. Their crochet blanket turned into a magic carpet, and together, they flew away to their forest kingdom… where they could begin a new life.
The Ceremony: A Commitment to Forever
As we moved into the vows, I explained to the gathered guests how Anton and Rhodi-Anne were asking each person present to play a role in their journey, just like the colours woven into a crochet blanket.
Everyone present, by their presence and support, is now part of this couple’s love story. We all contribute something unique to the life they will build together.
SLIDESHOW ON BRACKET NEXT TO PHOTO:
Anton and Rhodi-Anne’s wedding theme, From Saplings to Forever, is more than just a clever phrase. Relationships, like trees, require nourishment, attention, and care. There will be challenges along the way, moments when things need a little pruning to help them grow stronger. But the beauty of love lies in that commitment to care, to weathering the storms, and to growing together.
One of the most touching moments of the ceremony came when Bethesda shared some marriage advice we had once received from a wise stranger:
“A marriage is like putting two very rough-edged, coarse stones into a bag together. The longer they stay inside, moving and chafing against each other, the smoother they both become.”
It’s a simple but powerful reminder that, just like stones that become smoother with time, so too do we grow and refine each other in marriage. Sometimes, all we need is someone to listen with a soft ear to help us find the answers we are searching for.
The Vows: A Promise of Forever
We then turned to the vows, where Anton and Rhodi-Anne made their promises to each other. Their words were simple but profound, reflecting the deep love and respect they hold for one another.
After exchanging vows, they exchanged rings, symbols of their eternal love. Just as a ring has no beginning and no end, so too does their love for each other.
And with that, they sealed their vows with a kiss. 💋
A Heartfelt Close
At the end of the ceremony, I took a moment to reflect on why it was so meaningful for Bethesda and I to be the celebrants on this day.
After all, Anton and Rhodi-Anne had started their relationship at our New Year’s event in 2017, and our relationship with them has only grown since then.
We are superblessed with fabulous friends!
Being here, in this moment, witnessing their commitment to one another and to the life they will build together, was a reminder of the importance of love, community, and the support we offer each other through life’s many seasons.
This day, surrounded by friends, family, and a land that will be nurtured with love, marks the beginning of Anton and Rhodi-Anne’s next chapter. And as we leave here today, we all take a piece of that love with us, forever connected to their journey and the magic of this moment.
Following the incredible ceremony, we continued the celebration with great joy, enjoying delicious food and sipping champagne first in their charming Post Office building, and later in the elegant marquee tent.
SLIDESHOW ON BRACKET NEXT TO PHOTO:
A Gift of Love
As celebrants, our gift to Anton and Rhodi-Anne was this ceremony, a reflection of their journey, their dreams, and their love for each other. And as a token of this day, we wanted to share this story with all of you. May it remind you of the importance of tending to the relationships that matter most, of growing together, and of always finding beauty in the journey.
PS: We were gifted Astrology readings for each of us individually and a couples reading. We were blown away by the insights we gained into our lives and can wholeheartedly recommend this amazing couple.
Be superblessed Anton and Rhodi-Anne
with a lifetime of happiness, love, and endless adventure.