SIMONE. ⚡️

“No amount of words or pictures could ever come close to capturing the feeling, the atmosphere, and the energy of the wedding.” Nestled along the Zambezi River, peppered with wildlife and embraced by the thunderous Victoria Falls, we chose Zambia — Africa’s heartbeat — to celebrate our love. It was the most unforgettable four-day adventure. Each day felt like we were on a different movie set — vibrant, experiential, emotional — every scene was a reflection of our roots, shared joys, and the deep love we hold for the people around us. Simone and jason, thanks for everything. What a week… Love you guys!! Coordination and design: @kraak.co.za Venue: @royallivingstone_anantara Florist: @fleurlecordeur Staff + floor manager: @asapstaffingcpt Lighting: @unfazedpro Sound: @fsharp_music Structures: @inandoutevents Furniture: @kapsule____ Carpets: @okasie Entertainment: @choirafrica Local African dancers + drummers @asili_vocal @strlghtbnd Local string quartet Tongabezi school choir DJ N8t MC: Tisa. Photography: @ladichosa Filmmakers: @plustwofilms Project manager: @lonahshawa Transport: @sallymebscarhire #weddingfilm #plustwofilms #wedding

Found and lost at sea. 🤍 . . . . . 🎥 @o.newlove #ladyelliotisland #girlsthatfreedive #queensland #freediving #greatbarrierreef

A little slice of heaven found at Shuanglang Old Town by Erhai Lake in Dali, Yunnan. 💙

The Ruby Lounge // 300325 The brief was a “sexy members club” aesthetic, brought to life with a deep Ruby Red palette and elevated textures. The team designed the space for high-impact energy, featuring intimate lounges encircling the dance floor and immersive screens across the stage and ceiling to create an authentic, 360-degree nightclub feel. With every event, we wondered how the team could possibly top their previous work - yet, they managed to exceed our expectations every time. The evening began with a high-touch welcome: Jason and I greeted guests at the entrance, shaking and pouring Espresso Martinis. While we originally planned to pass shots through the crowd, KRAAK’s vision transformed this into a legendary welcoming moment that immediately established the night’s energy. Outside the main lounge, a dedicated Whiskey and Cigar Bar offered a relaxed retreat. This curated sanctuary allowed guests to step away from the music, rest their feet, and enjoy a quiet moment before heading back to the dance floor. The pulse of the night came from N8 and Starlight Band, whose high-octane performance kept the energy at a peak. Watching our friends (and team) letting their hair down, dancing and having an absolute ball, was the ultimate highlight - it was a night that we never wanted to end! ❤️ Planner/design + production @kraak.co.za Florals + installations @fleurlecordeur Venue @royallivingstone_anantara Local project manager @lonahshawa Photographer @ladichosa Videographer @plustwofilms MUA @alexandra_julliet_mua Hair @saadique Stationary @byv____ Cake @houseofcakeszambia2018 Choir @asili_vocal Singer @n8nmusic Band @strlghtbnd Dress @toryburch Groom’s suit @hugoboss . . . . . . #royallivingstonehotel #weddingafterparty #zambiawedding #weddinginspo #TheRubys

The Reception // 300325 Golden hour by the Zambezi River marked the start of a night we’ll never forget. To create intimacy on the expansive Royal Lawns, our team built an exquisite draped and knotted wall, while the tablescapes were dressed with tasseled cloths, custom handmade lamps, and Ikebanas of florals tied in with our ceremony. The atmosphere was so electric that even the resident zebras felt the compulsion to see what was happening, prancing through the dance floor as Starlight Band set the mood! Jason and I arrived by buggy to cut our epic three-tiered vintage cake — a mix of our favourite carrot, Russian honey, and strawberry and cream. A huge thank you to Fazila at House of Cakes Zambia, who pulled off the request with only a week’s notice and had it flown from Lusaka to Livingstone to arrive on time! As the sun set, we moved into a high-energy Horah. Everyone was up dancing (and sweating!) to Nate and the band until we finally took respite in the cool river breeze to enjoy a beautiful three-course meal by the culinary team at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. Between the moving speeches, more dancing, and shots of Baijiu 白酒 (courtesy of my good friend Johnny!), we were ready for our third outfit change of the day. As we disappeared to prep for the late-night celebrations, the Asili Choir took center stage. Their celestial vocals and soulful harmonies filled the night air, creating a truly transcendent moment as they gathered our guests and personally guided them from the reception to the transport waiting to whisk everyone away to our after-party location. Details coming up next… 🤍 Planner/design + production @kraak.co.za Florals + installations @fleurlecordeur Venue @royallivingstone_anantara Local project manager @lonahshawa Photographer @ladichosa Videographer @plustwofilms MUA @alexandra_julliet_mua Hair @saadique Stationary @byv____ Cake @houseofcakeszambia2018 Choir @asili_vocal Singer @n8nmusic Band @strlghtbnd Dress @daniellefrankelbride @bloom_australia_ Second look @dior Groom’s suit @brentwilsonfashion . . . . . . #royallivingstonehotel #weddingreception #zambiawedding #weddinginspo #TheRubys

The Chuppah // 300325 Behind the scenes, our dedicated team worked tirelessly to craft the ceremony of our dreams at the Kingfisher Boma. They turned the space into a lush sanctuary of wild grasses and orchids in shades of white, lilac and vibrant purple. Neutral drapery adorned the pond bridge and ceremony chairs, elegantly connecting the garden setting to our reception aesthetic. Before the main ceremony, Jason and I met for the Bedeken — the traditional veiling of the bride. It was a poignant moment as we signed our Ketubah, our legal and spiritual marriage document, surrounded by our immediate families and bridal parties. Together, they shared personal blessings before we made our way to the ceremony. As we walked separately toward the Chuppah, the Asili Choir performed unique renditions of our processional, setting a tone that felt both soulful and celebratory. The ceremony itself felt like a fever dream. The sun slowly dipped below the tree line, casting warm rays across the Chuppah while the resident weaver birds chattered in the background. Standing there, looking out across the water at all our nearest and dearest, we were filled with so much gratitude for our community and for each other. More about the wedding celebrations coming up… 🤍 Planner/design + production @kraak.co.za Florals + installations @fleurlecordeur Venue @royallivingstone_anantara Local project manager @lonahshawa Photographer @ladichosa Videographer @plustwofilms MUA @alexandra_julliet_mua Hair @saadique Dress @daniellefrankelbride @bloom_australia_ Choir @asili_vocal Singer @n8nmusic Stationary @byv____ . . . . . . #royallivingstonehotel #weddingceremony #zambiawedding #daniellefrankelbride #TheRubys

The Morning Of // 300325 The morning of our wedding day started off peacefully. My wonderful bridesmaids joined me for a slow and intentional yoga and breathwork meditation led by Kerri from Victoria Falls Yoga. As we practiced, we were blessed with the most gorgeous sunrise, birdsong, and the playful calls of the resident vervet monkeys and baboons. My friends truly are my family, and the support from these women throughout my life has been profound. During our meditation, we poured our energy into sending love and light to one another. It was such an emotional moment that by the end, there was not a single dry eye in sight. Shortly after, the preparations began with the dream glam team, Alexandra Botha on makeup and Saadique Ryklief on hair. Based in Australia, I never had a trial with this South African team, but from our first phone call, I felt an instant connection. They worked their magic over four days, navigating every look and outfit change with such ease and perfection. For my first look, I chose the Lennon gown by Danielle Frankel. After flying from Sydney to Brisbane to meet with Sam from Bloom Bridal for fittings, I knew this was the one. The hand-dyed ombré bodice in almond and blush rose and the voluminous silk taffeta skirt were perfect for the location and the African heat. We custom-lowered the back and extended the train for a little extra drama, pairing it with the Pleated Malfroy Lace Veil — a piece I knew was mine even before I found the dress. More about the wedding day coming up in the next post… Planner/design + production @kraak.co.za Local project manager @lonahshawa Florals + installations @fleurlecordeur Venue @royallivingstone_anantara Photographer @ladichosa Videographer @plustwofilms Yoga instructor @victoriafallsyoga MUA @alexandra_julliet_mua Hair @saadique Dress @daniellefrankelbride @bloom_australia_ Jewelry @oliviabond__ @greeneandgreeneantiques Shoes @maisonvalentino . . . . . . #RoyalLivingstone #ZambiaWedding #bride #daniellefrankelbride #TheRubys

Journey to The Falls // 290325 Our second wedding event was a journey back in time on board the Royal Livingstone Express. A restored 1930s steam locomotive, we designed the evening as a nod to my Chinese heritage, inspired by the elegance of the Eastern and Orient Express. Guests were welcomed by a string quartet before boarding with personalized tickets by the talented Vanessa from BYV. Inside, the air was filled with old-school Chinese jazz, emulating 1930s Shanghai. We created purpose-designed cigar and cognac carriages for moments of calm, while the lounge carriages hosted games of Mahjong and my favorite childhood candy, White Rabbit 大白兔. The menu was a true labour of love. The culinary team at The Royal Livingstone worked with Jason and I through numerous tastings to build their first-ever Asian-inspired menu. For my Chinese friends and family, bottles of Moutai and Hennessy were readily available for the never-ending 敬酒 (toasts). Before dinner, the train paused at sunset on the suspension bridge connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe, with the mighty Mosi-oa-Tunya Victoria Falls as our backdrop. The Tujatane Tongabezi School Choir — a local community school dear to our hearts — performed for us there. It was a profound, soul-warming moment that had everyone singing together. Standing on that bridge, I took a moment to thank those who traveled across the globe to be with us, while honoring loved ones, like my father, who are no longer with us in person. Though they are gone, their presence was deeply felt — held close by the power of Mother Nature surrounding us and the boundless African sky. A night of surreal magic, deep belly laughter, and non-stop 干杯 (cheers) with our nearest and dearest the night before we finally wed. 🤍 Planner/design + production @kraak.co.za Local project manager @lonahshawa Florals + installations @fleurlecordeur Catering @royallivingstone_anantara Photographer @ladichosa Videographer @plustwofilms Choir @tongabezischool MUA @alexandra_julliet_mua Hair @saadique Dress @saulee & custom qipao Suit @brentwilsonfashion Stationary @byv____ . . . . . . #LivingstoneExpress #VictoriaFalls #ZambiaWedding #DestinationWedding #TheRubys

Welcome to Africa // 280325 A year ago today, we welcomed our family and friends to Zambia for the first of four wedding events. We kicked off the celebrations by the Zambezi with sunset drinks and Afro-beats by DJ El Mukuka to set the vibe. As the sun dipped, we moved into the Boma for a meditative Shabbat service. The space was transformed beyond imagination by the KRAAK and Fleur Le Cordeur team; I’m still lost for words when I reflect on our first look at the setup. It was a beautiful moment to introduce our loved ones to this sacred ritual of Shabbat and remind ourselves why we gathered: for love, friendship, community, and family. A special highlight was the Challah. My wonderful Zambian-born mother-in-law used a cherished recipe from her friend Angelique, working with a local baker in Livingstone to bake a truckload for the service. No detail was missed - the bakery actually continues to bake “Friday Bread” to this day! The night ended with an electric and moving performance by the Ndlovu Youth Choir that had everyone on their feet, feeling the magic of Africa, followed by El Mukuka transforming the Boma into an outdoor nightclub. We danced through the jet lag until we couldn’t move anymore. One year since the magic began with @jase.ruby 🤍 Planner/design + production @kraak.co.za Local project manager @lonahshawa Florals + installations @fleurlecordeur Venue + catering @royallivingstone_anantara Photographer @ladichosa Videographer @plustwofilms DJ @elmukuka Choir @choirafrica MUA @alexandra_julliet_mua Hair @saadique Dress @johannaortiz Stationary @byv____ . . . . . . #ZambiaWedding #AfricaShabbat #Livingstone #Zambezi #TheRubys

Pinch me. @thesanubari . . . . . . . #horseriding #sumba #thesanubari #horsegirl

Hearts (and bellies) full. 🤍😌 @thesanubari . . . . . . . . . #sumba #thesanubari #horseriding #indonesia

Riding into the Year of the Horse, Sumba style. . . . . . . #sumba #yearofthehorse #horsegirl #capkaroso