Pre-drinks was held on the lawns with panoramic views of the scenic Stellenbosch winelands and Table Mountain in the distance.  Instead of light jazz, sparkling wine and delicate canapés, Karen and Peter decided on upbeat tunes with a funky Cuban flair, tasty mojitos and themed cocktails served alongside hearty Autumn canapés consisting of mini Beef & Guinness pies, Lamb burgers on sourdough rolls with tomato relish and of course, fish and chips.

The reception shortly followed in the estates award winning restaurant, Overture. Executive Chef Bertus Basson delivered a gastronomic masterpiece of a menu that covered 4 courses. Some highlights include the 2^nd course which was homemade gnocchi with garden peas and pancetta, followed by the 3^rd course of Crown roast and southern fried leg of pasture reared chicken, organic vegetables and pomme cocotte. A canopy of fairy lights provided soft lighting above the guest tables and colourful and playful Chinese lanterns were suspended above the customised dance floor. The décor incorporated elegant and vintage décor elements to create a chic yet classic atmosphere. The colour scheme was a combination of off-white and ivory tones to reflect a vintage backdrop with soft touches of colour in shades of lavender, sage green, muted blue-grey and dusty pink. A variety of seasonal flowers like chinks, cluster roses, tulips, pennygums and inka lilies highlighted the colour story beautifully.

To ensure they partied in comfort, ladies were presented with customised flip-flops and gents were treated to imported cigars to puff-on and celebrate in style. Once the dance floor was opened by the jovial couple, it was never empty from that moment onwards. Late night snacks of caramel popcorn, a variety of mini German sausages and mustards, cheese boards and biltong, helped to satisfy those midnight munchies. We can confidently say that Karen and Peter received their wedding wish: their guests truly celebrated with as much enthusiasm as their crazy in love selves.

Where and when: Hidden Valley, Stellenbosch, April 2011

The Look: A stylish celebration, incorporating elegant and vintage décor elements to create a chic yet classic atmosphere.

Guest List: 122 friends and family from around South Africa

Take our word:Never compromise on the fundamental elements of a celebration: an delicious menu, award winning wine, suitable entertainment and of course plenty of love….actually.

Credits:

Coordinator:Kate Rawbone

Photographer:Gavin Casey

The post Karen & Peters Charming Autumn Winelands Wedding appeared first on Wedding Concepts.

So off we went to the Mattanu Private Game Reserve in Barkley West, which is an hour outside of Kimberley.  The tricky task was not finding the best way to use this gorgeous and rustic setting to its best capabilities but finding trusted suppliers of a high standard and calibre to work with, in order to bring this couple’s unique vision to life.  Many where actually sourced from nearby Bloemfontein, nothing was too far away to make sure that Zola & Qhama’s vision was realized!

Nearly 132 guests flew in from all over the country to celebrate the couple’s special day. From their suggestion we created a fresh and modern chic. With a neutral canvas of white and green, constructed flowers of white orchids, roses, pincushions and splashes of blue delphiniums adorning the tables, and where amber glasses were added to round off the look and serve as a subtle reminder of the colour palate that featured predominantly outdoors.  From the crisp white linens, to the contemporary bikini chairs and carefully arranged flowers, the look communicated was understated modern glamour and simplicity.

The ceremony took place under a thatched gazebo surrounded by water, and the bride’s brother sang an emotional hymn during the traditional proceedings. Crystal chandeliers were suspended at the entrance to the ceremony area and were a stunning contrast against the African thorn trees. Gifts given to guests in thanks included mint green parasols for the ladies to shade the sun’s rays and for the guy’s, personalised handkerchiefs with a Qhama’s family tribal symbol, the elephant, printed onto it. Pre-drinks was held in the adjacent boma, where guests sipped on trendy Cosmos and Mojitios and listened to a classical string quartet play, while Zola & Qhama enjoyed a photo session with the rugged landscape and sunset as their background.

This was a wonderful celebration of two people’s love for each other and the African bush made the perfect setting for this love to be celebrated! On the day of the wedding, a grand male kudu even made an appearance at the ceremony site.  If this wasn’t a blessing from the bush, then we don’t know what is! Being from the Cape we are blessed with majestic mountains, two oceans and lush landscape. Coming to Kimberley with a change of scenery to vast savannah grasslands and imposing Acacia thorn trees initially proved to be a unique challenge, but after all our hard work, we are glad to say that Zola and Qhama’s celebration was one wedding that the Northern Cape will definitely not soon forget!

Credits

Coordinator:Hannes Loubser assisted by Kate Rawbone

Photographer:Monica Dart assisted by Jules Morgan

The post Zola & Qhamas Real Life Wedding: Out of Africa appeared first on Wedding Concepts.