Dargle Forest Lodge

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

To all of our nearest and dearest,With just less than a month to go until our big day, please see the information below. We hope that we have managed to include everything that you need to know. Timings &amp; location:Both the ceremony and the reception will take place at Dargle Forest Lodge wedding venue. The venue is well signposted. When you get to the venue please make your way to the Chapel. The ceremony will begin at 3.30pm, the reception will begin at 6.30pm after canapes and photos. The venue will close at 12pm. Dress: The dress code is ‘the smarter side of casual’. The groomsmen will be looking dashing in chinos, collared shirts, and smart shoes, if this helps at all. The ceremony and reception will both be indoors, but canapes and cake will be outdoors. With it being summer in the mountains, the weather may be a bit of a gamble and evening thunderstorms (my favourite) are common, so without putting that out there too much, please come prepared (just in case). Gifts: We are fortunate to have all that we need and travelling back to the UK in January, space will be limited. We also know that this trip as been a massive ask for so many of you so we are not expecting any gifts, as your presence is presents enough. If you really are adamant and would like to contribute towards our honeymoon/travels, then please see the options on our wedding website. Roads: The roads in KZN can be a bit here and there, they are tarmacked but there are potholes. Please just drive slowly and carefully: avoid the taxis (white minibuses) and trucks and you will be absolutely fine. Both roads to the venue (coming from JHB/Nottingham Road or from Pietermaritzburg) are tarmacked for the majority of the way. When you plan your trip to the venue, please stick to the main motorways/free-ways for as long as possible (check the route the nav is sending you on). As you get within 30 minutes of the venue you can expect well-graded gravel roads. These roads are okay for all cars, smaller and lower cars will just need slow down a bit and go carefully. Once you get to the cattle gate turning off the main road into the venue, please make sure you close this gate behind you. Otherwise, the farmer will not be happy. If, it has rained overnight before Saturday, this road may be slippery, unless you are driving a 4X4 please do not move to the side for other cars, to avoid anyone getting stuck. We will have some 4X4’s on hand (thanks to Keagan Cox!), but of course, are not going to need them. Transport to the venue:For those of you who have asked for transport to and from the venue, the WhatsApp group, with Siya, has been made. He will be in touch about timings and plan for the afternoon. If your plans have changed since your RSVP and you would like to be added to this group. Please let one of us know and we will pop you onto it. This cost will need to be paid by you, per person. Food &amp; drinks: We are doing food, SA style with a big spit braai. The vegan’s, vegetarians, gluten and lactose free-ers who RSVP’d with these details are catered for. If you are not 100% sure if you have sent this info through to us, please do soon, as it is a sin in SA to send guests home hungry!There will be a limited amount of champagne, gin, wine, and beer available on us to say thank you for being there to celebrate this day. There will also be a well-stocked cash bar available for whatever else tickles your fancy. Communications:Mainly for the international visitors, we have made a WhatsApp group, and if at any point during your time in SA, you need guidance or anything, please just pop a message on there and one of the SA crew (bridal party – love you lot!) will be able to help. This includes but is not limited to, checking routes, directions, if you get stuck in the mud, or looking for recommendations on activities and food. I know a group are already looking at plans in Cape Town together, before the wedding weekend. Whoop whoop! Again, we are beyond excited for this day and to have so many of our special people in the same place to celebrate. 27 days to go! Any questions or help needed, please don’t hesitate to pop either of us a message. We can’t wait for you to experience a place that is so special to us and we hope that you have a lekker time!! All our love,B &amp; O x

Final details for our big day!

Our Story

Photos

Built in bestie to the bride, Sarah is Becca's first and forever best friend. Seh is the joller of the family, making sure to make up for all Becca's granny-like tendencies. She has been signed up for this role, since birth, and takes her job very seriously. Becca & Seh can be found together at all times when in the same country, they are basically the same person. Seh can be contacted for anything wedding related.  

Sarah Paige Bristow

The king of the pint, Jay is the master of all things fun. His dashing good looks have even supported him through his first tv appearance. We basically have a celebrity guest at the wedding. Ozzie's first BFF, and batting partner, we could not be more blessed to have him standing with us. 

Jason Soames

Maddles the lover of all, always looking out for Becca and her big bros (despite the emotional damage Oliver and Jason have bestowed upon her). Mads has become a little sister to Becca, this shindig only making it official. She is always smiley, with a heart of gold and a sense of humour like no other. 

Maddie Soames

Despite being a Scouse, he won't knick your phone. Josh is a gentleman with with a heart of gold who did his best to keep Ols on the straight and narrow at Uni. Fun fact: this will be Josh's longest trip to SA!

Josh Unsworth

Lara Firth, Cousin by blood, best friend by choice. La and Becca go back to 2003 when Lara was introduced to the family courtesy of Nix and Tim Firth (Aunt & Uncle of the Bride). Their relationship has grown from Lara being one of Becca's favourite dolls, to sharing clothes, drinks, and giggles at all family events.  

Lara Firth

Colonial springs to mind, among other words. We do not know how Ross and Ols have remained friends over all of these years, maybe because of a joint love for Call of Duty. However, Ross amongst other things has been a loyal and constant friend to Ols through so much. 

Ross Oliver

She goes by Kezzo or Kabails, from reception class days at school, this friendship has stood the test of time. From sneaking out, hiding booze in water bottles, streaking on golf courses, holding up hair, heart breaks, some questionable life choices, competitive runs and many many giggles, Kerry has seen it all. Bridesmaid was a pact made in the school days.

Kerry Bailey

Keegan's friendship, is a lifelong one, due to the love of cricket, Call of Duty, and litres of brandies. He is consistently on the clock for international drinking rules, watch out for that buffalo. Do not let the rugged exterior fool you. Coxy is a giant marshmallow who enjoys sprinkles on a milkshake, although not visible in this photo. This friendship has withstood both COVID & the international seas. 

Keegan Cox

This friendship was a forced one. Mothers were friends, so we had to be. We decided this would be a formidable and forever friendship when faced with the same arch nemesis (no names mentioned), at the ripe age of six. Clubs, pubs, cigarettes, boys, and giving our mother grey hairs, we've been through it all together. Jess, Kerry and Becca, a trio forever. 

Jess Koch

Words cannot do this guy justice. Making our weekly Wednesday (bar) night meetings despite his chemo treatment. His personality is infectious and gentle giant. No doubt he will be grabbing you on the night, only to make sure you are not thirsty (if Keegan does not get there first). 

Jarryd Cook

The world works in mysterious ways, shown when Sassy came into Becca's life when she was needed the most. This friendship blossomed over coffees, cards, and a few other things. Sassy is sunshine in a human form, caring for any soul who is lucky to cross her path. Fun fact: Becca and Matt (Sassy's soon to be husband) had a covert-like operation going on behind the scenes to get the two of them together after the first time seeing them together.

Steph (Sassy) Watson

What a legend! Oz and David just click. Whether it is as batting partners, drinking partners, or card game opponents, these two have a natural chemistry that even Becca is jealous of. We hope that David comes suitably prepared with his swimming goggles. Fun fact: David and Ols have a podcast together.

David Scott

Daniel and Leah, are the children of Becca's Cousins Andrea and Krinesan. These two bundles of joy will not only steal your hearts but are going to be the life and souls of the party. Daniel, the more reserved, loving little soul that he is, is Ols' idea of perfect. Whereas Leah is blazing her own path, with confidence and sass, taking after Becca (& the Bristow girls).

Daniel & Leah Moodley

The Mango Prince of Uganda, this guy can sort you with fresh mangos anywhere in the world. He even has his own tree, planted in Uganda. Ols' is self proclaimed god father of Ernie, George and Grace's little boy. He is the kind of friend you can call day or night. 

George Thurstance

Where to start... Trip-T or Trev to his mates, Ols did not know James' first name until second year of uni. Despite spending almost every second day with him. With a sense of humour like no other, Trev is known for soldiering on for one more pint!

James 'Trev' Trower

MC MC fitting to be the Master in Charge of Ceremony. Watch out for his Scottish charm and he won't be offended it you have to ask him to repeat what he has said. Friends since day one at uni, he and Ols share many incredible memories, although some a little hazy. 

Murray Collins

Wedding Party

Important info

Below are a heap of accommodation options that are closest to the venue. Unfortunately there are no available spaces to stay at the venue itself. However, there is a lovely taxi company that we have secured for the evening. Siya and his team will be able to transport anyone to and from the venue, if needed. They will be our DD's. Closer to the time we will send out a poll to arrange this. They normally charge R160.00 per guest, but depending on how many guests use his service, this may be discounted. This will be your cost, so please bring cash.We will sort out a WhatsApp group in due course. If you are planning on driving yourselves around the countryside, we would suggest looking to hire or drive a bigger vehicle (SUV/4X4) if you can! To our pommies, this group will also allow us to help you with any questions you have, or to provide you with an SA host family to look after you (SA hospitality at it's finest please SA lot!).

Accommodation options

Mount Park Guest Farm

Everwood Estates

Copperleigh Trout Cottages

Boschberg Cottages

Millford Farm

Elvesida Holiday Farm

Boston T-Party

Travel to the venue

Travelling from Durban or Pietermaritzburg:Take the Howick/Tweedie off-ramp on the N3.Turn left at the off-ramp and continue until T-junction (petrol station on yourleft).Turn right at T-junction, go until the Dargle/Impendle turn off just before Piggly Wiggly.Turn left at the Dargle /Impendle sign board, continue along here for 20km. The roadbecomes a dirt road.Continue along dirt road for 6km then turn left at the Boston turn off (our sign boardis at this left turn).Continue along this dirt road for 4km until our entrance is on the left.Please close the black gate behind you as cattle are in these fields.Continue 2.3km along this dirt road, our lodge entrance is on the left.

Travelling from Pretoria or Johannesburg:

Take the Howick/Tweedie off-ramp on the N3.Turn right at the off-ramp and continue until T-junction (petrol station on your left)Turn right at T-junction go until the Dargle/Impendle turn off just before Piggly Wiggly.Turn left at the Dargle/Impendle sign board, continue along here for 20km the road becomes a dirt road.Continue along dirt road for 6km then turn left at the Boston turn off (our sign board is at this left turn).Continue along this dirt road for 4km until our entrance is on the left.Please close the black gate behind you as cattle are in these fields.Continue 2.3km along this farm dirt road, our lodge entrance is on the left.

Travel & Accommodation

The Midlands Meander has been given it's name due to abundance of little stops, shops, and cafes along the way. We have put a few of our fav's below but there is so much more. Plenty of lovely little boutique shops and cafes, all with some of the best scenery. Make sure you do your research as some things need a bit more travel time, feel free to ask us anything. Piggly Wiggly is always a goodie for a bit of everything!

Restaurants & Coffee shops

St Ives Boma &amp; Restaurant (Dam Views &amp; Wildlife)Piggly Wiggly Restaurant (Heaps to do!)The Pizza Place (Piggly Wiggly)The Deli (Piggly Wiggly)Highgate Wine Estate (Wine tasting &amp; pairing)Caversham Mill Restaurant (A Becca favourite - unreal scenery)Granny Mouse Restaurant (More sophisticated option)Rawdons Boars Head Pub and Restaurant (Once owned by family, good pub grub)The Barn Owl (A bit further from the venue, but worth a detour from the N3)

Activities & Day trips

Highgate Wine TastingPiggly Wiggly: Chocolate dipping, Miniature golf, Candle Dipping, Shopping, Animal farm.Spas: Indigo Fields Farmhouse &amp; Spa; Granny Mouse Country House; Fordoun Spa; Brahman Hills Midlands Spa; Brookdale Health Hydro.Nelson Mandela Capture SiteArdmore CeramicsAbingdon Wine EstateHike through the Milestone ForestSwissland Cheese Shop &amp; tasting (Picnic style)The Old Mushroom FarmKarkloof Canopy ToursKarkloof FallsGround Cover Leather Company (Barn Owl Coffee shop)There are heaps of providers for fishing, hiking, horse-riding, and more!

Becca + Oli

Becca + Oli

Photos