Ever walked into a wedding and thought, “Wait, did Pinterest just come to life?” That’s exactly what happened when we saw Tariro and Kuda’s floral-filled garden celebration in Nyanga. Think overflowing bougainvillea, marigold halos around tree trunks, and a sweetheart table so stunning it deserved its own zip code.

We caught up with bride Tariro to spill the tea on how she turned a regular garden into a botanical masterpiece—and stayed on budget while doing it.

💬 First off, where was the wedding?

Tariro:
We hosted it at my aunt’s home in Juliasdale—she’s got this incredible view of the mountains and a wraparound garden that we thought would be perfect. We didn’t want to compete with the natural beauty—we just wanted to enhance it.

💐 So what was your Garden Glow-Up plan?

Tariro:
We built it around the idea of colour and calm. My florist and I went heavy on bougainvillea because it grows wild there. We wrapped tree trunks with fresh marigold garlands and added strelitzia (Birds of Paradise) to our centrepieces for that Southern African flair.

We also repurposed my gran’s vintage vases—no two were the same—and used fresh herbs like rosemary and lavender for place settings. People were OBSESSED.

💸 Did you go over budget?

Tariro:
Surprisingly, no! I used mostly in-season, locally sourced flowers—which saved us a lot. And instead of tall centrepieces, we went with low floral runners. Not only cheaper, but guests could actually talk to each other!

My tip? Don’t overthink it. Even a foraged eucalyptus branch can look high-end if styled right.

📸 Favourite design detail?

Tariro:
Our ceremony trellis covered in climbing bougainvillea and wisteria. It looked like it had been there forever. Oh—and we had a biscuit bar with homemade mahenja and rooibos shortbread. That was such a hit!

🌿 One piece of advice for couples planning a garden wedding?

Tariro:
Let nature lead. Don’t fight the landscape—work with it. And always, always have a Plan B for rain. We had clear tents just in case, but the skies held. Blessings!

🛠️ Get the Look:

Flowers: Bougainvillea, strelitzia, marigolds, lavender

DIY Decor: Herb sprig napkin ties, mismatched vintage vases, locally grown blooms

Budget Tip: Use what grows in your area—flowers in bloom are cheaper and more vibrant

Extras: Set up a snack bar with local treats (bonus: less formal catering required!)