Feb 01, 2023

Mia & Alex

OUR STORY //

Couple’s Names

Mia & Alex Giardini

Wedding Date

19 November 2022

Our Engagement Story

Alex and I got engaged in July 2020, while South Africa was very much in a restricted lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Alex decided to take me away for the weekend to 'get out of the house', meanwhile, he planned our engagement all along! We went to a mountain cabin and decided on a quick sunset hike, and at the top of the mountain, the next thing I knew, Alex was down on one knee. It was such a special weekend celebrating.

Our Love Story

Alex and I are high school sweethearts and have been together for 11 years. Ever since we met, we became best friends, and it has been my biggest joy to experience life together.

FASHION NOTES //

Wedding Gown

I am fortunate enough to work at Catherine Deane, and as soon as I set my wedding date, I went to Catherine and we sat down and started sketching! I wanted something timeless and elegant, but most of all, comfortable. I have always envisioned myself wearing sleeves on my wedding day, and we went with semi-sheer, dramatic bishop sleeves paired with a low back and V-front.

Our designer, Jaime, who happens to be one of my dearest friends and part of my bridal party, decided on a double-full circle skirt, and the gown was finally complete - my dream wedding gown, the Mia gown, was created and is now part of our latest collection, Pearlescent Dreams.

How I Felt in my Catherine Deane Gown

I felt beyond beautiful - like a Roman Goddess. The Mia gown is so feminine and comfortable, and the best part is that it is crafted from 100% ECO satin! The cut of the gown is flattering on all body shapes and sizes, while the built-in cups offers you the support to dance the night away. I loved wearing my gown so much.

Wedding Accessories

I wore a pair of freshwater pearl earrings by Ahseya & Co paired with the Chelsea Veil.

Wedding Scent

Both Alex and I love Jo Malone, and we knew we would find our ideal scent in their boutique. I layered Wood Sage & Sea Salt with English Pear & Freesia, while Alex layered Cypress & Grapevine with Forest Moss.

Bridesmaids Attire

My bridesmaids got to choose their own dresses as I wanted them to feel comfortable and beautiful in a dress that they will wear again. They wore white dresses in either linen or cotton and looked beyond romantic and dreamy. Jaime wore a white linen button shirt paired with a pair of olive green chinos.

WEDDING DETAILS //

Our Wedding Venue

Our wedding was on an old wine farm in the Cape Winelands in Cape Town, South Africa. As our surname translates to gardens in Italian, we have always dreamt of a dreamy summer garden celebration. A dear friend of mine suggested this particular farm, and as soon as we went we knew it was our venue! The old Cape Dutch manor house with the magical garden was everything we dreamt of and more!

Our Wedding Style

Romantic, Italian, family-style, with a touch of magic.

Our Wedding Photographer & Videographer

I wanted a documentary-style photographer, and when I discovered Zeven Media, I was in love. Their photos are raw and real, and they capture beautiful moments and amazing details. I love how much emotion was captured in our wedding photos, and couldn’t have imagined it any better.

Our dear friend Mikayla from Weddings by Mikayla Jean shot our wedding video for us as a gift. Mikayla has such a creative eye, and I cannot wait to see the end result! It was so incredible to have her with me throughout the day.

My Most Memorable Moment

Having my dad walk me down the aisle to Crimson & Clover by Tommy James & the Shondells and seeing a teary-eyed Alex was probably the most memorable moment. The entire weekend was incredibly special, as we had friends and family fly down to South Africa from Europe & Asia to join us. Eating incredible food and dancing with your nearest & dearest - it just doesn't get any better than that.

The Funniest Moments of the Day

Alex and I legally got married in July 2021, and we've been wearing our wedding rings ever since. Our pastor knew this, and when we had our ceremony run-through at our church, we decided to not exchange wedding rings. Somehow she forgot this on the day, and towards the end of the ceremony asked for the rings to be exchanged. We were in fits of laughter as Alex struggled to get the ring off his finger, and we ended up exchanging the rings we'd been wearing for over a year.