Barrydale Online

Jeremy Crowder & Tessa Kidd fell in love with Barrydale (after falling in love with each other) and after a weekend at the Dung Beetle in January, they promised that we “would see them again in March”. When March rolled around we did in fact hear from them, but it was to announce their engagement and their plans to marry here in Barrydale! They decided that the Dung Beetle was the perfect spot for their reception, and asked us to begin making enquiries for the rest of the elements they wanted – like local food produce, music, accommodation and the church.

Soon a date was set, and this mega-wedding began to take shape; it wasn’t to be just a traditional church service and reception – no. Jeremy and Tessa wanted to show their guests why they had become so besotted with our little town, so they spread the festivities over several venues. The evening before the wedding the family enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at Mez, and many of the guests who had made the trip up on Friday evening had drinks at the Bistro Blues. On Saturday afternoon welcome drinks were served to arriving guests at the Barrydale Hotel. From there they walked to the N.G. Kerk for the service. After that the guests were ferried by Wessel’s bus service to the Blue Cow for fresh milk, tea and scones, while the wedding party had their photos taken at the Labyrinth at the Manger. While enjoying their scones, guests were entertained by Peter Takelo and his drummers / blikkies band. Then it was back on the bus for a short tour of the village and back to the Hotel to collect their cars. Guests then made their way to the Dung Beetle for the reception.


Edged in hundreds of twinkling silver lights and lit inside by vivid crimson, gold and orange floodlights, a huge Bedouin tent transformed the Dung Beetle garden into a magical outdoor venue. Outdoor heaters ensured comfort in case of a chilly night, while giant satin cushions, a carpet of bougainvillea blossoms and feathers of every crimson, orange and pink hue completed the opulent effect. Pierre Kraus and his Boere Orkes provided some authentic Klein Karoo sounds.

Once the couple had made their grand entrance in a vintage Ford Mustang, the DJ took over and the party began. Throughout the night the busy Dung Beetle kitchen kept the food flowing. Mark was undaunted by the challenge of preparing an unusual menu for the 100 guests: cones of slap chips; ostrich fillet in red wine sauce; mini kudu steak rolls; karoo lamb cutlets and more.


In the wee hours of the morning, guests returned to their accommodation. Sunday saw them at various restaurants, enjoying lazy brunches before the long drive home. All agreed that it had been a spectacular event - well worth the journey - and many voiced plans to return.


The Dung Beetle and our guests wish to thank the neighbours for the good spirit in which they handled all the activity and music, and all the other businesses, accommodation and restaurants for their good service and welcoming attitude, which ensured that so many of the guests will return to our little town!