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.

Whether your look is an elegant affair, country-chic or über-contemporary – fashionable furniture compliments every style and is a chic extension of your wedding décor! We love to push the creative boundaries and here we share some of our top “wedding lounges” for your inspiration.

From custom-made couches to elegant ottomans and stylish daybeds, coffee tables, scatter cushions and softly draped cabanas – the variety is endless and glamorous. With every lounge element correctly styled and creatively (and practically) placed your guests can lounge with flair – wow factor included!

So whether you are looking to relax in style under the South African stars, simply enjoy a scenic view or enjoy a personalised cigar & whiskey corner with your groomsmen – creating your very own designer seating area is essential for every sophisticated celebration!

Photographers: Jean Pierre Uys, Zara Zoo, Wesley Vorster, Du Wayne Denton, Tasha Seccombe, Vivid Blue Photography, Lad & Lass Photography, Tyme Photography, We Love Pictures

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Honouring the best of global luxury brands, the Luxury Lifestyle Awards is an internationally recognized award granted to companies for their initiatives, innovation and excellence in the luxury sector. This prestigious award is recognized worldwide, and confirm the exceptional nature of a brand in the eyes of the global professional community.

With nominations from other luxury sector professionals and past clients alike – we are incredibly proud to have been rewarded for our dedication, our business approach and commitment to 5* service excellence.

Our owners & directors Christina & Richard Holt recently received the award at a glittering gala awards night at the Conrad Hotel in Dubai – alongside 300 guests representing the world of international luxury brands.

“Whilst we are not in business to win awards, but to give our clients the most stylish celebrations with the highest standards of service, it is such a wonderful accomplishment to celebrate after 12 years in the industry. To stand back from all our hard work and realise that our clients and peers around the world recognize our commitment to the event industry – make us incredibly proud. So we pat ourselves on the back and look forward to designing & planning many more years of luxury weddings in Southern Africa!”.

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