“Lwanda and Tiro’s wedding was always going to be extraordinarily special from the very beginning. Old school at heart, this madly in love modern couple wanted their celebration to be seemingly different in subtle ways, oozing with style and plenty of glamour!”

Lwanda and Tiro’s wedding was always going to be extraordinarily special from the very beginning. Old school at heart, this madly in love modern couple wanted their celebration to be seemingly different in subtle ways. Having met in college, they envisioned a celebration oozing with effortless style and nuptials witnessed by their closest friends and family who had been part of their love story from the very beginning. Held on December 7^th in the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands, their wedding was to kick-start the 2013 festive season in style!

Lwanda and her ladies got ready in the estates grand 6 bedroomed Manor House, which is surrounded by towering mountain ranges and lush vineyards. With 2 handmade dresses by Kluk CGDT – who were there to personally dress our bride – Lwanda was the epitome of glamour in her first classic figure hugging lace dress. Tiro wore a striking navy suit and looked dashing with his groomsmen as he waited for his bride at the ceremony.

The look and feel of the midday ceremony was a new-take on a traditional set-up. The classic wedding gazebo was replaced by striking 2,4 meter high floral panels which framed a 6 meter long aisle. As guests took their seats, Lwanda arrived in a chauffeur-driven black Maybach.

After the ceremony guests were lead by famed saxophonist, Rus Nurwich, down to pre-drinks. Instead of the usual sunset drinks, this was to be a vineyard street party spanning over 2 hours. Champagne and canapés were served throughout the afternoon and a delicious salmon and oyster station was opened for guests to “Dress their Salmon”. A selection of beers was served on tap for the guys from Tiro’s favourite bar, “Scrumpy Corner”, and Rus Nurwich’s jazz quartet kept the guests jiving with their mix of modern and Afro-Jazz throughout the afternoon. Breaking away from tradition again, 2 speeches were done at pre-drinks, right before guests moved to the reception. This was Lwanda’s chance to change into her 2^nd dress: an exquisite slinky off-white satin dress with beautiful beaded straps.

Whilst pre-drinks was a little eclectic in style with some vintage and rustic touches here and there, the reception was the complete opposite! Filled with lush suspended florals and dozens of crystal chandeliers in between – our design team wanted to ensure this would be an opulent banquet like no other. Exclusive blush pink table clothes flattered the custom-made gold chair slips on alternating tables, and gold Tiffany chairs. The suspended platforms which held the floral arrangements, brought in soft pinks, yellows and creams, and the chandeliers were positioned in between to add romantic lighting and to enrich the golden glow of the space. The bridal table had the largest chandelier of all suspended over them. A towering fabric chandelier was hung above the dance floor to fill the ceiling space and was located right next to what would become the canapé-style dessert station. Dinner consisted of a decadent family-feast style menu consisting of various roasts, summer vegetables and salads.

After speeches, Lwanda and Tiro opened the dance floor and were the perfect picture of a young couple who were having the time of their lives on one of the happiest days shared together with friends and family.

Sadly, Tiro passed away in February 2014 and our entire team was devastated to hear of his passing. One of our favourite couples from 2013 who were a dream to work with, Lwanda you will always be in our thoughts and you both will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

Photography by: Zara-Zoo