Our brief was clear: keep the planning simple; instead of being too exotic, the food needed to be delicious and plentiful, and rather than an extravagant décor, the look needed to be simply beautiful with soft touches of pink, green and silver. Small personal touches and crystal chandeliers completed the sophisticated chic.

We felt this was a wedding with real soul. The food was hearty and the atmosphere infectious. The reception terrace sparkled with fairy lights that dropped down to the ground and tables adorned with vintage silver candelabra lamps and soft, romantic flower arrangements in eclectic containers.

The bride overlooked no detail! There was a specially baked cake for a friend who had her birthday on the same day, and a hand made biscuit with personalised message on each guest’s place setting. The DJ ended the night off appropriately with a set of have-to-dance-to songs, and those who stayed on the estate were treated to a blissful breakfast the next morning. Our team and Fran & Paul agree – this celebration was a magical joyous affair!

Photographer: Christine Meintjes

In a Nutshell

When & Where: Franschhoek Winelands, January 2010

The Look: A fairytale lush with classical beauty and bold characters

Guest List: 120 mostly local family and friends

Take our word: Reinventing the wheel is not always necessary. Go with what you know and you’ll be amazed by how fabulous familiarity is.

The post Frances & Paul: Soft Sophistication appeared first on Wedding Concepts.

The wedding day can only be described as an absolute feast for the eyes! Soft indigenous field flowers mixed with delicate clusters of dusty coloured roses, lilies, dahlias, lisianthus and chinks in antique vases, silver tea pots and glass bell jars adorned the elegant tables. Vintage books tied together with ribbon and lace served as elements of height on the table for candles in mother of pearl and glass containers. Vintage sewing machines not only contributed towards the theme as decorative features but also became the menu which was printed on beautiful ostrich shell coloured canvas and woven through the machines. Soft pink water glasses, studded glass base plates added a touch of French inspired glamour to the tables. Individual pots of aloes and cacti accompanied by strings of pearls, antique book bricks and candles were heaped together in little nooks especially created as areas of interest for the guests. With the glow of fairy lights hovering above the tables, the evening was nothing short of magical.

What did we love most? Unusual elements like the antique sewing machines that completed the look so perfectly. For more inspiration check our Real Life Weddings section.

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