Amy and Sean didn’t just have a destination wedding – they had a full itinerary of parties, picnics, wine trams and holidays!
A legal ceremony in Lanarkshire was only the beginning for Amy and Sean. Less than a month later, they welcomed 90 guests to Boschendal Wine Estate near Cape Town for a South Africa destination wedding shaped by family, sunshine and a packed two-week itinerary of vineyard visits, parties and beach days!
Wedding highlights at a glance
Wedding venue | Boschendal Wine Estate, near Cape Town, South Africa
Ceremony venue | The Town House Hamilton
Date | 16th October 2025
Photography | A Story Born
Guests | 90
Decor | Romantic pastel florals with elegant vineyard styling
Ceremony | Registry office civil ceremony in Scotland and an outdoor symbolic ceremony in South Africa
Why they chose a destination wedding in South Africa
Amy and Sean's love story started with a bold message on social media.
"Sean had a popular Twitter page, and I thought he was funny, so one day, emboldened by a few cocktails, I messaged him asking if he'd go out with me for a drink," laughs Amy.
"Despite him not having a clue who I was, he agreed. We went out the following Sunday, and we've been joined at the hip ever since."
After seven years together, Sean proposed during dinner in Glasgow before surprising Amy with an engagement party waiting just around the corner.
Although the couple live in Lanarkshire, South Africa always felt like the natural choice. "My mum was South African and she passed away when I was young, so marrying in her country would be a tribute to her, and allow her side of the family to be involved, which meant so much to me."
How to get married abroad: popular destination wedding locations from Scotland
The couple were also pleasantly surprised by the value. "We probably spent around £40k all in, but this included a two-week holiday, three days of wedding celebrations, plus accommodation for 14 people for two nights."
A vineyard wedding at Boschendal Wine Estate
While visiting family in Cape Town after getting engaged, Amy and Sean stumbled across Boschendal Wine Estate.
"I remember wandering around thinking it was the most stunning place I'd ever seen, but I never thought we could afford it. When we realised we could make it work, we booked it immediately."
They gave guests more than two years' notice, allowing 90 friends and family to join them for an unforgettable wedding week.
Because a legal marriage in South Africa would have required a religious ceremony, the couple officially married beforehand in a civil ceremony at The Town House Hamilton with just 16 guests before heading to their favourite Chinese restaurant.
How to plan a registry office ceremony in Scotland
Sean's sister Jacs then led a heartfelt symbolic ceremony beneath the South African sunshine.
"It was just the most amazing part of the day. She absolutely knocked it out the park."
A wedding that became a two-week holiday
The celebrations in South Africa were on another level.
"We arrived a week before the wedding and had a stacked itinerary. The run-up was amazing and everyone mixed so well; it was essentially a party every day. By the time of the wedding, everyone felt like one big family."
Amy wore a Woná Concept gown from Opus Couture while Sean chose a classic tuxedo from Slater Menswear.
Read more about the wedding dress shopping experience at Opus Couture
"When I tried the dress I'd been pinning my hopes on, I felt a bit underwhelmed. The Opus team suggested one which, on the hanger, I wasn't bowled over by. But when I tried it, I burst into tears, bought it 10 minutes later and never once doubted it!"
Walking down the aisle to Paolo Nutini's Everywhere became one of Amy's favourite memories.
The celebrations continued back home
The newlyweds spent their wedding night in a luxury mountain villa before meeting guests again for Boschendal's Friday Night Market.
Around 50 friends and family then travelled on to Hermanus for beach days, wine tours and whale spotting.
"We didn't just plan a wedding; it was a whole holiday itinerary with multiple spreadsheets for around seven events over a 14-day period... it was so worth it."
A month later, they rounded everything off with a relaxed party for 150 guests at Castle Rooms in Uddingston.
"We were just keen for it to be as easy as possible... It was perfect."
South Africa suppliers
Venue Boschendal, near Cape Town, South Africa
Planner Rebecca Glen, The Wedding Fairy
Photography A Story Born
Wedding dress Opus Couture
Bridesmaid dresses Rewritten
Flowergirl dresses Next
Rings and bride’s necklace Fraser Hart
Hair, makeup and nails Marnel Toerien
Flowers Wildeflower
Stationery Sulit Design
Venue decor Baie Goeters
Drinks reception music Hajo Marimba Band
Reception music Me and Mr Green
Lanarkshire suppliers
Ceremony venue The Town House Hamilton
Party venue Castle Rooms, Uddingston
Bride’s ceremony outfit Meshki
Groom’s ceremony outfit Zara
Hair Zoe at The Green Room, Strathaven
Makeup Kirsteen Bell, KB Makeup Studios
