“This glamorous black tie destination wedding formed the high point of a four-day celebration, and fused sleek modern design and sparkling opulence with natural flair. ”
Maia and Wissam dreamed of a multiple-day celebration with their loved ones in a memorable location. The international couple chose South Africa for their sophisticated, Lebanese-style, black tie destination wedding, as they had enjoyed many happy visits to our shores in the past. And what a wedding it was!
The weekend was packed with events, which began with a cocktail party at Zeitz MOCAA and ended with an elegant luncheon at Waterkloof (you can see more of these celebrations here). But it was the wedding day itself that was of course the highlight. It took place at Molenvliet, nestled on the banks of the breathtakingly beautiful Banghoek river valley, in the heart of the Cape winelands. The perfect venue to marry sleek modern design and sparkling opulence with natural flair.
The ceremony took place on the scenic top lawn. The bride, resplendent in her stunning Zuhair Murad gown and lace cape, processed up the flower-lined aisle to her beaming groom. A classic white arch decorated with pink, blush, and white garden roses entwined with greenery formed a beautiful backdrop for their vows. Afterwards, guests were treated to a sumptuous harvest table and summer cocktails, set around a beautifully styled, modern outdoor lounge. The groom had flown in an American band, fronted by Joey Dosick, for the occasion, and they performed through pre-drinks and dinner.
Dinner took place on Molenvliet’s terrace, which was decorated in soft shades of white, blush, sage, and taupe with silver and crystal accents. The florals were elegant and sophisticated, with just a touch of the bohemian. Lush garden flower centrepieces served as a refined counterpoint to bold hanging arrangements, which also included feathery pampas grass and dried tropical foliage. These were interspersed with glamorous crystal chandeliers, their light reflecting beautifully on the mirror-top tables to create a warm and whimsical ambience. On each of the tables, clear glassware accents were used for a clean, contemporary feel, while a mix of dinner chairs added extra dimension.
The party started with the first dance and continued until the very last song, interrupted only by the entrance of the cake – a decadent chef-commissioned mille-feuille. Afterwards, all one hundred and thirty guests danced the night away in a styled nightclub area, adorned with mirror balls, special lighting, and custom panels, stage and DJ booth.
Photographer: Hewitt Wright
