💬 Q&A: Why This Couple Said ‘Yes’ to a Sea Breeze Ceremony

Not all dream weddings are about ballrooms, banquet halls, or chandeliers. For Taryn and David, a South African-Canadian couple based in Toronto, the dream was barefoot vows, salty air, and the sound of waves crashing behind them. And in the small beach town of Tofo, Mozambique, their dream came to life.

They planned their wedding from across the world with the help of a local planner, a lot of patience—and the Plan My Wedding Africa App, which they said became their “pocket-sized wedding planner.”

Here’s their real talk on why they chose the beach, how they pulled it off, and what they’d tell other couples planning something a little salty and a lot magical.

💌 Q: Why did a sea breeze ceremony feel right for you?

Taryn:
“I’ve always felt deeply connected to the ocean. I grew up spending holidays in Umhlanga, and some of my happiest memories are barefoot, sun-kissed, and sandy. So when it came to our wedding, I didn’t want anything that felt stiff or staged. I wanted the breeze, the openness, the natural energy.”

David:
“And honestly? We just aren’t ballroom people. We’re not big on rigid timelines or formal dress codes. The beach allowed us to create a space where people could relax, be present, and feel the love around them.”

🏖️ Q: Why Tofo Beach?

Taryn:
“Tofo had that sweet spot. It was beautiful but still authentic—not overly touristy. We didn’t want a luxury resort with three pools and butlers. We wanted something intimate, with local soul. Tofo gave us that. And it was affordable, which helped a lot.”

David:
“The sand was soft, the food was amazing, and the sunsets…wow. We also loved that everything was walkable—no buses or cars needed between ceremony and reception.”

✈️ Q: How hard was it to plan everything from overseas?

Taryn:
“There were tough moments, for sure. Mozambique isn’t always super connected digitally, so we had to learn to be patient. But we had a fantastic local planner who kept us updated with photos and video calls.”

David:
“The Plan My Wedding Africa App was a game-changer. It helped us stay on top of everything. We shared our vendor list with family, tracked RSVPs, added travel tips for guests, and even sent out reminders for flight bookings and visa deadlines.”

🌅 Q: Walk us through the ceremony vibe

Taryn:
“We held the ceremony at 4:30 PM, just as the light started to get that soft golden hue. A driftwood arch draped in chiffon overlooked the ocean, and our guests sat on woven mats and straw ottomans.”

David:
“Taryn walked down the aisle barefoot with her mom and dad on either side. Our friend played acoustic guitar, and we each read vows we’d written. The wind picked up slightly just as we kissed—it felt like nature was cheering us on.”

🍽️ Q: What did your guests love the most?

Taryn:
“They loved the vibe. There was no dress code drama, no stress. Everyone felt like they were part of something special. We gave out welcome baskets with mozzie spray, beach wraps, and flip-flops. We even had a ‘pre-wedding chill’ day with yoga and a beach picnic.”

David:
“They also loved the food! We served grilled seafood, local piri-piri chicken, cassava fries, and coconut ice cream. It felt like a feast, not a formal plated dinner.”

🎶 Q: Any standout moments you’ll never forget?

Taryn:
“The moon was full that night. After dinner and dancing, a few of us went into the ocean fully dressed. It was spontaneous and completely us. The photos are wild.”

David:
“I’ll never forget our first dance. We danced barefoot in the sand to Can't Take My Eyes Off You, surrounded by tiki torches and our closest people. I’ve never felt more alive.”

🌬️ Q: What would you say to a couple considering a beach wedding?

Taryn:
“Do it—if it speaks to you. But also, prepare for the unexpected. Embrace the wind, the waves, the weather. It’s not perfect in the traditional sense, but it’s perfect in feeling.”

David:
“Also, think practically. Rent a sound system that can handle wind. Have a backup plan in case it rains. And tell guests to leave the stilettos at home.”

📝 Taryn & David’s Top Tips for Planning a Beach Ceremony:

“Choose your time wisely.” Golden hour (an hour before sunset) is ideal for light, heat, and photos.

“Create an FAQ for guests.” Include things like dress code, terrain, and travel tips.

“Keep decor light.” Let the natural beauty do the work.

“Invest in photography and sound.” Ocean breeze + soft vows = mic needed.

“Use a centralised planning app.” “We cannot recommend Plan My Wedding Africa enough.”

Final Thought

Your wedding doesn’t have to follow a template. Taryn and David said yes to the breeze, the sand, and a celebration that felt more like them than anything else ever could.

“The beach has no walls,” said Taryn. “And neither did our love that day.”