“This gorgeous UK couple brought 50 VIP guests to enjoy a beautiful day in the Cape Winelands for their casual chic destination wedding, with delicious food stations, sophisticated lounge pockets, and a relaxed, elegant atmosphere.”
Thulie and Matthew live in cosmopolitan London, but knew they wanted to exchange the bustle of the city for the slower pace of a wedding in the breathtakingly beautiful Cape winelands. Thulie, who is originally from Zimbabwe, had spent time in South Africa and has family here, and they joined Matthew’s family from the UK and Australia to form a select guest list of just 50 VIP guests. The couple selected the ever gorgeous Molenvliet for their casual chic destination wedding – the perfect wine country venue for a perfect day!
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
