“Drawing on the couple’s affinity for contemporary design, modern art and sleek interiors, the winelands venue offered the perfect blank canvas as backdrop. A colour scheme of whites, creams, grey, as well as natural browns soon manifested itself – and conveyed the same sentiment one would get when looking at an Instagram shot of a chic dining room interior.”

We love working with couples from diverse backgrounds.  Not only because of the stimulating cross-continental communication process but also since the intermingling of global energies seems to conjure up the most refreshing ideas.

European Davorka and Canadian Colin both work in the financial sector and are world citizens in the truest sense of the word.  At the time of their wedding, the two resided in Johannesburg and we commenced the conceptualisation of their intimate Franschhoek wedding by considering some of the things they hold very close to their hearts: their home, their hobbies and their friends.  Bride and groom agreed – the look was to be clean but not cold; cosy and comfortable but not cluttered; earthy but not shabby or bohemian; urban rather than countrified.  Form, shape, and balance between structure and softness – these were all key notions that emerged during our initial conversations regarding their unique tastes.

The industrial inspired Conservatory with its distinctive clean lines and uninterrupted views was to play host to the day’s festivities.  Drawing on the couple’s affinity for contemporary design, modern art and sleek interiors, the venue offered the perfect blank canvas as backdrop.  A colour scheme of whites, creams, grey, as well as natural browns soon manifested itself – and conveyed the same sentiment one would get when looking at an Instagram photo or sepia polaroid snap shot of a chic dining room interior.

A picture perfect day it turned out indeed… The ceremony with its striking rose and carnation pomander gazebo took place in the shade of magnificent Oak trees, where after the guests – from no fewer than 18 international destinations – were treated to a sumptuous selection of fusion style canapés and the enchanting sounds of an African children’s choir.  The pre-dinner drinks area sported vibrant purple tulip accents in comparison to the stripped down stylishness and nude palette of dried hydrangea and banksia leaves, slangbos, dendrobium and nude vanda orchids, open garden roses, dusty miller, and lambs ears in the main reception area which patiently waited to unveil itself as the group basked in the late afternoon autumn sunlight.

Designer touches and playful surprises were classily presented throughout the day, and no stone was left unturned to offer each guest something special.  For the young at heart a photo booth – complete with props and costumes – was set-up only metres away from where modern furniture pieces and crystal chandeliers suspended from a tree branch offered a serene outdoor breakaway lounge space.  The reception décor and lighting – with an emphasis on soft, glowing candle light – enabled the creation of a mood appropriately formal without stifling a sense of hearty, homely indulgence and spontaneous social interaction.  Bold menus in black and white and inspired by the famous Royalton Hotel in New York did justice to a delectable five course meal, while the live DJ, known for her eclectic mix of hits across the decades, had the crowd jiving for hours on end.

As always, this was a wedding project that culminated in a day unlike any before it.  Credit needs to go to a team of handpicked suppliers who, collectively, delivered a day that will forever be remembered for a decidedly fresh appearance and equally lively party. Colin and Davorka have since welcomed their first born into the world – and we wish them every happiness on their journey into the future.

Photographer: Jules Morgan