“A trip through Namibia and South Africa ended in the best way possible, with this lavish intimate luxury destination wedding at a Cape Dutch manor house in the Stellenbosch winelands filled with flowers, candlelight, and romance!”

When Katarina and Knud contacted us about their destination wedding in South Africa, we knew this pair of German globetrotters were going to treat their guests to a truly special celebration. The couple envisioned a stylish affair for just thirteen guests, at the end of a once-in-a-lifetime trip through Namibia, ending in Cape Town. Nothing too formal, just a meaningful ceremony with their closest friends, in one of the most beautiful corners of the world, and a celebration of all the best things in life: eating, drinking, laughter, exploring new places – and, of course, love. From the ‘I do’s with a winelands backdrop to a night of feasting and dancing, this was the stuff that intimate luxury destination wedding dreams are made of.

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