Careful thought went into planning the overall experience of the wedding, from the outdoor ceremony to creative takes on both catering and reception seating. The couple wanted it to be very relaxed and casual, while also elegant and intimate. They chose a palette of sophisticated neutrals; creams, whites, and greys, with pops of deep midnight blue. It was a celebration in every sense of the word, and one that their guests won’t soon forget!

The ceremony took place in Molenvliet’s magnificent gardens. Guests were welcomed to the estate, presented with personalised confetti cones, and served glasses of the delicious Molenvliet Brut Rosé MCC while they waited for the formalities to begin. We chose an all-white ceremony setting with white oval back chairs, a large 3m gazebo with white draping, white floral tiebacks, and a solid white floral band at the top to complete the display. The flowers were a fragrant mix of all-white roses, orchids and chrysanthemums that shone in the summer sun. And while the groom looked dapper in a navy suit and the bride stunned in a form-fitting white gown with intricate back detail, the real scene-stealers were Thulie and Matthew’s adorable children, Freyja and Ralph, who played flower girl and page boy, respectively.

After the vows, guests were led down the verdant drive to a cocktail area between the vines, which had been beautifully styled for the occasion. In keeping with the theme of this casual chic destination wedding, we set up furnishing under three draped cabanas, where guests could mix and mingle and enjoy the wonderful weather. We chose a mix of finely upholstered pieces in creams, neutrals, and whites, with some light greys to bring in the silver. No less than five food stations from the incredible Slippery Spoon catering team created a moving flow, so guests could roam, and pick and choose according to their tastes. The feast included fresh oysters, West Coast mussel pot, Asian tapas, and yakitori bar with fresh wagyu.

After a delightful afternoon sipping the best wines and cocktails and enjoying the food stations and lounge, guests made their way to the reception inside Molenvliet’s main hall. Instead of having either lounge pockets or traditional tables, Thulie and Matthew opted for a combination of both. Guests were encouraged to mix between the styled lounge furnishings and modern oak tables for a relaxed atmosphere, and there was no formal seating. We also kept the table décor relatively simple. Each was set with clear glassware and silver cutlery, with lots of dinner candles, votives and crystal candelabra nestled around lush white and cream flowers in low arrangements. Matching arrangements were also added to the coffee tables around the venue.

Another stand-out feature of this intimate casual chic destination wedding reception was the opulent crystal chandeliers that we suspended at different heights over some of the lounge pockets. We also had clusters of large mass floral arrangements amongst the tables and lounge areas, to keep the atmosphere cosy and create some stunning focal features. For the furnishings, we selected a combination of creams, neutrals, and greys, but introduced some deep midnight blues into the colour scheme here to add extra depth and romance for dinner.

Once again, the dinner created by Slippery Spoon was exceptional. It was an abundant Asian fusion feast, styled in the centre of the venue, where guests could help themselves. We also had waiter service available. Guests dined happily on Peking Duck, fresh West Coast fish, giant barbeque chicken skewers, and the best Cape Winelands cheese. Speeches were kept informal, and after everyone had filled their plates, Thulie and Matthew cut their semi-naked three-tier cake. They opened the dance floor with their first dance, after which the guests joined them. There they partied and danced the night away to the DJ’s mesmerising tunes.

Photographer: Wesley Vorster

The post Luxurious Casual Chic – Thulie & Matthew’s Cape Town Wedding appeared first on Wedding Concepts.

Katarina and Knud had visited South Africa before, and the bride wanted their wedding to be at a majestic old Cape Dutch style venue, with most of the day’s events taking place outdoors. Le Jardin Villa proved to be the perfect choice. The centerpiece of this charming estate, set amid the old world charm of historic Stellenbosch, is an elegant Sir Herbert Baker-style manor house, surrounded by rose bushes and rolling lavender fields that lend the air an irresistible summer scent.

The marriage ceremony took place outside, on a deck overlooking the natural water dam. Guests were welcomed with the sweet sounds of a harp, guitar and violin, before the bride arrived in a flawlessly chic, modern wedding gown, carrying a simple bouquet of white roses. After vows had been exchanged beneath a beaded chandelier, and guests had thrown dozens of rose petals to celebrate the union, the party moved to he lawns. Here, they enjoyed sumptuous canapés and Ruinart champagne, accompanied by the zingy notes of a jazz duo. A sophisticated garden styled lounge area had also been created for their enjoyment. We chose beautiful pieces with simple, clean lines, and included a few brighter pops of colour for added visual interest.

After the cocktail hour, a magical dinner reception followed. This took place in Le Grand Jardin’s Looking Glasshouse, a Victorian-style conservatory which we transformed into an intimate luxury destination wedding venue. We filled it with flowers, greenery, and romantic lighting, for a classic look and feel with a warm, bijoux twist. The palette was pastel shades, complemented by fresh greens and grey, with arrangements of florals and greenery suspended over the dinner tables, lush with scented garden roses, hydrangea, orchids, tulips, delphiniums, large single crysanthemums, and other seasonal fresh blooms and trailing greenery. These hanging arrangements were interspersed with filament naked bulbs and crystal chandeliers, which created a lavish, but intimate feeling. The table florals were full and low, arranged in glass and handmade white ceramic vases, with an array of candles from low votives to taller glass goblet stands, and cut crystal candleholders. Each setting included fine silver cutlery, vintage blue and white china, crystal glassware, and a personalised menu.

It was one of those days you wish would never end. Over dinner, guests enjoyed the mellow strains of a guitarist while indulging in some of the country’s finest cuisine. The meal was a specially designed four-course tasting menu, with fresh, local ingredients inspired by true South African flavours. To finish, guests were served a delicious single tier almond cake, with hazelnut praline and pulled white buttercream. Afterwards, they danced to a parade of groovy tunes, before being transferred back in style to their accommodation at the Delaire Graff Estate.

Photographer: Hewitt Wright

The post Intimate Opulence in the Cape Winelands – Katarina & Knud’s Destination Wedding appeared first on Wedding Concepts.