• Tag

    wedding venue

    Browsing
    In Venues

    The best wedding venue in the Cape, according to locals

    No Comments

    Vrede en Lust is a real-world wonderland and is the latest winner of Kfm 94.5’s Best of the Cape Awards.

    Founded more than 300 years ago, the farm is an ode to standing the test of time. Today, this breathtakingly modern wine farm – a family-owned and managed wine business – is a tribute to its noble roots and continues to build on years of history and heritage.

    Picture: Vrede en Lust

    A Winelands gem that oozes romance at every point, Vrede en Lust’s views are stunning, featuring rolling green lawns, vineyards, and historical Cape Dutch architecture – the perfect backdrop for a stunning wedding ceremony.

    Picture: Vrede en Lust

    After enjoying pre-drinks in the garden, guests can make their way to the Vineyard Terrace. Here, surrounded by frameless glass walls and doused in natural light, couples say I do. A stunning start to forever.

    Picture: Vrede en Lust
    Picture: Vrede en Lust

    Leading up to your big day, Vrede en Lust’s talented team of wedding coordinators will be sure to check all of your dream day boxes. From pre-planning to world-class catering on the day and fabulous accommodation in which to stay after, Vrede en Lust provides the full wedding monty. And it’s all exclusive and customisable, of course.

    Picture: Vrede en Lust

    Planning a wedding on any scale is no walk in the vineyards. This is what makes Vrede en Lust’s Wedding Venue offerings so spectacular.

    Offerings include: 

    • A picturesque venue with historical Cape Dutch architecture and undulating vineyards.
    • A wedding venue enclosed with glass walls.
    • A beautiful ceremony and pre-drinks in the gardens.
    • Seating for up to 120 people, with a dance floor inside. Or, up to 150 guests with a dance floor outside (weather permitting).
    • There’s accommodation for up to 40 guests on the estate within walking distance from the wedding venue.
    • Access to exclusive use of the wedding venue and accommodation section of the farm by the bridal couple and their guests for the duration of their stay.
    • Catering by Lust Bistro and Bakery – delicious!

    The Vineyard Terrace:

    • The Vineyard terrace offers spectacular views with a total of 300sqm outdoor floor space, surrounded by frameless glass (250sqm covered by a permanent roof structure).
    • The historic cellar covers more than 300sqm, with a permanent kitchen and toilets.
    • The venue is backed by generator power to ensure no loss of electricity at any time. Cheers, Eskom.

    The good folks at Vrede en Lust welcome you to visit the venue and discuss your requirements with their incredible wedding coordinators.

    • Contact VNL Coordinators: 021 874 1611 (during business hours, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm) or email [email protected].

    Vrede en Lust’s Details: 

    • Website: www.vnl.co.za
    • Location: Intersection R45 & Klapmuts Road, Simondium, Western Cape.

    The finalists in this category were: 

    Feature image: Vrede en Rust

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Venues

    5 Magical wedding venues in the heart of Gauteng

    No Comments

    We may have to suffer through load shedding and constantly increasing petrol prices on a regular basis, but one of the many things you can admire South Africa for is its natural beauty – a titbit that can be so important when shopping around for the perfect wedding venue.

    From hosting a garden extravaganza to listening to the laughter of your guests against the backdrop of the wild African bush, there’s something for every bridal couple, especially in the province of Gauteng. Thankfully, there are a plethora of gorgeous wedding venues to choose from when saying “I do” in the rugged province of Gauteng. Here are a few of our favourites:

    Oakfield Farm:

    Location: Muldersdrift, Gauteng

    With a splash of romance and a heap of old-fashioned hospitality, Oakfield Farm is an award-winning wedding venue that bridal couples can’t seem to get enough of – judging by the gorgeous backdrop – we understand why. The glass-clad wedding venue is nestled between towering trees within an English country garden, with visitors able to explore all that this area has to offer via the venue’s horse-drawn carriage – talk about going old school. Lush greenery provides the perfect opportunity for the perfect wedding pictures while tall glass walls and ceilings offer a great spot for couples to say “I do.”

    Shepstone Gardens: 

    Location: Magaliesburg, Gauteng

    Bring the outdoors in with this enchanting space and its glass ceiling, offering a chance to breathe in romance as you say your “I dos” while the sky turns various hues of orange – now that’s one way to enjoy a sunset. The wedding venue also offers a chapel and grand hall for those looking to enjoy a more rustic approach, while the space includes the perfect spots for jaw-dropping wedding pictures.

    The Stone Cellar: 

    Location: Heidelberg, Gauteng

    With the spine-tingling sounds of Mother Nature in the background, bridal couples have the opportunity to walk down the aisle of this space’s unique chapel, which was once a milking parlour. The chapel offers bridal couples a wonderful setting if you’re looking for simplicity at its finest – a minimalist’s dream, while the outdoor area offers a wooden frame and the grassy plains as its background – magical no matter which one you choose. The reception venue provides a beautiful combination between rustic and modern with glass, wood and screed finishes that stick to the minimalist theme. The space can seat 150!

    Steynshoop Valley Lodge:

    Location: Magaliesburg, Gauteng

    Breathtaking. That’s one word used to describe this incredible venue. Begin the rest of your life together by walking into this venue’s sprawling thatched chapel and reception hall – perfect for seating 150 guests. There’s nothing wrong with being a hands-off bride and groom, allow the venue’s in-house specialists to handle all the nitty-gritty details of planning your big day – wedding cake and decor included!

    The Kitchen L’antico Giardino  

    Location: Sandton, Gauteng

    You can never beat good food and this incredible venue has plenty of it. Allow your guests to relax under a canopy of trees while serving them the most delicious canapes – yum! The space can seat around 120 guests and offers a relaxing atmosphere for your guests to enjoy. An added bonus? The space also includes a gorgeous backdrop with the rugged landscape of Africa – the perfect spot for incredible wedding pictures.

    Feature Picture: @anandiphotography

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Engagements

    Emerald Resort & Casino launches a premier wedding destination

    No Comments

    There’s a new wedding destination for Gauteng brides and grooms to add to their wedding venue list. Emerald Resort & Casino are upping the ante by ensuring that you have the perfect wedding venue and allowing you to bring your Big Day to life.

    “Emerald is the ultimate destination where the vision of your dream wedding will be brought to life.  We can customize your wedding with the traditions of your heritage and cater for a small intimate affair or create your fairy-tale wedding of up to1500 guests, all without leaving our complex. We are only 45 min from Johannesburg International Airport, on a private estate on the lush banks of the Vaal River”, says Tanuja Gangabishun, Marketing Executive at Emerald Resort and Casino. 

    A 3 000 square meter Arena at Emerald offers the bridal couples a unique opportunity to host large weddings using round tables, while Kilimanjaro has a warm ambience for groups of up to 160 guests.

    The Game Park Lapa is captivating and offers a gorgeous outdoor option, weather permitting. The other enchanting venue for an outdoor wedding is the Outdoor Chapel which can be set up in many different ways, catering for small or large groups. 

    The venues are versatile and the setting offers beautiful locations for dramatic and spectacular photographs right there on complex.  Booking this premiere wedding destination means that the wedding party can enjoy all the before and after events on one complex.  There is no need to travel to enjoy a bachelor party of bridal shower, or entertain the guests.  The complex offers a wide variety of venues and entertainment. 

    Complementing the selection of venues, Emerald offers several accommodation options to suit every taste and every budget, from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star offerings. There are a wide variety of activities available on the complex to keep everyone entertained while the bride is pampered and treated like the queen she is. 

    Enjoy game drives, visit the Aquadome with its heated pools, or take a relaxing river cruise.  The bride can even plan a magical floating wedding on the Vaal River with Emerald Resort and Casino. 

    “Weddings can be very complex and stressful for the happy couple, which is why we have put together several packages with a specialist in the industry, Farzana Mayet rom Panache International. It is a rare opportunity to be able to work with a professional like Farzana,” says Tanuja Gangabishun, Marketing Executive at Emerald Resort and Casino. 

    Tailor-made packages are available which can include arrangements for the bridal shower and bachelor party at Emerald, Mehndi night function, and the wedding day with an array of Halaal food and catering, entertainment, photographer and videographer etc.  

    Optional extras such as a Mehndi artist, Qawali singer, and make-up artist and wedding cakes can also be included.  

    Allow the team to tailor a wedding experience to meet your requirements. 

    Contact Farzana on 072 174 0896 or email [email protected] 

    Picture/s: Emerald Resort & Casino

    by
    Continue Reading
    forest wedding venues
    In Venues

    6 Forest wedding venues around South Africa that are truly magical

    No Comments

    There’s something magical about a beautifully lit space filled with towering trees and the smell of pine. Nature always has a way of calming the mind and rejuvenating the soul, so it’s no surprise that basking in the glow of a few sparkly fairy lights and the delights of Mother Nature makes for an incredible wedding venue.

    There is an array of mesmerising wedding spots in South Africa that make for the perfect forest wedding. If you’re in love with the idea of donning your bohemian wedding dress, grabbing your groom and getting married while being surrounded by a sea of tall trees, here are a few incredible forest wedding venues around South Africa to add to your list:

    Die Woud – Caledon, Western Cape

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Die Woud (@diewoud)

    The Forest Walk Venue – Johannesburg, Gauteng

    Smitsfield Farm Venue – Lothair, Mpumalanga

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Smitsfield Venue (@smitsfieldvenue)

    Winery Road Forest – Cape Winelands, Western Cape

    De Uijlenes – Overberg, Western Cape 

    Beloftebos – Stanford, Western Cape 

    Picture: Instagram Bridgette Wuest

     

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Advice

    Louisvale: love in the winelands

    No Comments

    Romance among the vines, what more could you ask for? South Africans and international couples alike have been choosing from the country’s many beautiful wine farms as wedding venues. For a modern yet traditional venue, look no further than the luxurious Louisvale wine farm.

    Located in the picturesque Devon Valley area of the Stellenbosch wine district, Louisvale carves its own spot in the fluctuating foothills of the 3-million-year-old Cape Folded Mountains.

    A distinct history is honoured here.  The first man-made structures in the area were created by the Nomadic Khoekhoen. Their designs typically featured domed structures resembling tortoises and made from Taaibos laths covered with woven reed mats and animal skins. When the European settles arrived in the 17th century, they brought with them Cape Dutch architecture.

    Louisvale as we know it today combines these design aesthetics: Neo Cape Dutch meets modern Khoekhoen architecture. With a Rheinzink dome roof, open spaces, floating glass and a stunning concrete floor infused with abalone shell chips, the function area is nothing short of breathtaking.

    The original manor house still stands proud, perfectly juxtaposing the modern function area with its traditional gables and lime washed, plastered walls.

    It’s easy to see why Louisvale would make the perfect wedding venue. Couples can have their wedding ceremony outdoors with an impressive 280° view of the winelands, then move their wedding indoors for the reception. With floating glass windows that can be slid open, there is no sacrificing the incredible view.

    It costs R50 000 to rent out the venue for the day, which includes all existing furnitures, tables, ceremony chairs, standard cutlery and glassware and exclusive use for the day. The bridal party organises their own decor and can bring in third suppliers for whatever they desire.

    For in-house catering, Louisvale’s menu’s start at R500 per head depending on the final menu selected. And believe us, you’ll want them to cater. From grilled lamb steak on a bed of creamy polenta to confit duck leg with butternut puree and a citrus glaze, their dishes will have your guests’ mouths watering.

    Louisvale is well-known for their high quality wines, many of which are award-winning. From Chardonnay to Merlot, every wine is expertly crafted by winemaker Simon Smith to suit multiple taste palettes.

    Louisvale is perfect for the modern-yet-traditional couple. Ring in your nuptials at this beautiful venue for a memorable day and even more memorable views.

    For queries and inquiries on holding your wedding at Louisvale, please contact [email protected]

    Address: Devon Valley Rd, Devonvallei, Stellenbosch

    Trading hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am – 4pm.

    Image: Instagram

    by
    Continue Reading