“A winter wedding filled with good food, ambiant lighting and lots of close family and friends.”
Winter weddings in Cape Town are rare occasions – yet with the right setting, ambiance and enough “fire”, they can be absolutely extraordinary! Maëlle & George wanted anything but a traditional wedding. Their requests were simple: a venue that would feel like home from home, flowers that would look like those picked directly from the garden and authentic home-made food that would mirror that of a large Sunday feast shared with close family and friends. Towerbosch at Knorhoek Wine Estate was the ideal setting for both the intimate candlelit ceremony and cosy reception that followed. With its old-world charm and original family heirlooms displayed in a uniquely stylish approach – it manages to create a setting that is not only memorable but inviting.
On arrival, instead of the traditional welcome glass of bubbly, guests were treated to freshly baked scones with jam & cheese, and hot cups of tea and home-made hot chocolate! As the rain began to fall, guests were kept warm with fleece blankets and fire baskets whilst the couple exchanged their vows by the glow of candlelight and safari lanterns that lined the ceremony area. The décor for the reception was indicative of quirky vases, jars and silver tea pots that would be on standby in any farm house for a family dinner and the flowers – with their soft country feel, seemed like they were literally picked minutes before from the field next door and placed on the undressed oak tables. The crockery was a colourful mix of mismatched China and the cutlery consisted of a variety of silver and bone-handled pieces that added a vintage and relaxed element to the table settings. Merlot – the farm’s friendly resident bull terrier added to the “home from home” feeling by making a cosy spot for himself on the Persian rug next to the fireplace for the duration of the reception.
As Maëlle is French, the menu and wine selection was suitably very important to her. At the same time the entire guest list for the wedding comprised of visitors from all over the world so it was imperative to both Maëlle & George to showcase some truly original and delicious South African dishes that they had come to know and love on their previous visits to Cape Town. Starters consisted of home grown favourites like traditional farm breads, pate’s and preserves; mussel and saffron and sweet corn soup, beef fillet carpaccio, “smoorsnoek”, and finally marinated Tiger Prawns! Whilst main course was a family feast like no other: braaied sirloin & fresh line fish, a medley of roasted winter vegetables, a mix of lentil, calamari and poached pear salads, melanzane, potato and leek gratin, creamy polenta and so much more! As is in the traditional French style of dinner, after main course, a fine selection of cheese is served alongside a simple salad with vinaigrette for guests to lightly sample and enjoy before dessert. Lemon Tart, Towerbosch Cheesecake with berry coulis, Pear Tarte Tatin with vanilla ice cream, milk custard tart and decadent dark chocolate brownies rounded off the exquisite menu.
With the request of no DJ but only a sentimental iPod playlist of their favourite songs and mixes, the couple along with their guests enjoyed the rest of the night dancing in the “living room” and relaxing by the fireplace enjoying cigars and the rest of the delicious home-made hot chocolate and farm-style coffee.
Credits:
Coordinator: Kate Rawbone
Photographer: Ryan Graham
