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    Weddings are such a happy time and everyone is in the spirit of giving. One couple felt especially generous and spent their wedding day buying coffee for homeless people in the area.

    Jordan Cuff and Bhavana Gupta from Cardiff tied the knot on October 19 in a small intimate ceremony at the Cardiff City hall. The young couple got engaged in May last year and had planned to have a big wedding of 80 to 100 guests but the COVID pandemic tampered with their plans.

    Only Jordan’s family could make it to the ceremony because Bhaavana’s family is in Italy and they would have to isolate for 14 days on arrival for the wedding.

    Jordan came up with a creative alternative to having her parents present by making cardboard cut-outs of them.

    “We were allowed 10 people, including our photographer and videographer and then that perfectly fit the number of our immediate family and then last week they announced that the quarantine in Italy was coming into effect the day they [Bhavana’s family] were due to come over so they couldn’t come. So I ordered these cardboard cutouts  to take their place.” Said Jordan.

    They had the whole ceremony streamed on Youtube so extended family members could watch and be present on the day.

    The lockdown restrictions did not even allow them to host a post-wedding party celebration so instead, they decided to go to Jordan’s favourite coffee shop. While having their coffee, the couple decided to buy 30 homeless people coffee to seal off their day. The coffee owner says Jordan has bought 10 strangers coffee before this so this was no surprise.

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    The couple is planning to have a bigger celebration when the rules allow it.

    Picture: Unsplash

    Choosing your wedding venues can be a tough task, especially in a country like South Africa that boasts a myriad of beautiful locations, from city to sea.

    If you’re wanting to make things a little bit easier, why not pick a restaurant venue? This way, you know the food you’ll be feasting on come wedding day will be at a high standard.

    Here are a few of our favourite restaurants in the country with wedding packages of note.

    Babylonstoren in Franschhoek, Western Cape

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    Babylonstoren is an authentic, versatile venue with one of the country’s best preserved Cape Dutch farmyards, offering a historic yet contemporary farm stay. Couples can pick from an outdoor wedding under the majestic oaks alongside a stream, or at the bottom of the garden in the House of Shadows.

    All three of their rustic, chic and stylish venues are available for the reception, and comfortably seats 100 people. In the Old Cellar you can enjoy a family-style feast, with a surprise dessert station in the White Studio. The Wheat Barn is just the place to dance the night away. For smaller weddings, the Studio package is the ideal choice for intimate family-style feasts.

    Read more about their wedding package HERE.

    Hazendal in Stellenbosch, Western Cape

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    Hazendal in the Stellenbosch winelands offers breathtaking settings, catering for both intimate ceremonies and large celebrations. Take your vows in Hazendal’s architecturally designed Pavilion that floats above water, framed by the magnificent views of the Bottelary Hills and Simonsberg.

    With the one of the best culinary teams in the Stellenbosch Winelands, your wedding guests will be able to relish in gourmet-style food and award-winning estate wines. Host your wedding for a glamorous and luxurious celebration in fine-dining Avant-Garde or the Grand Hall at the Conference Centre. For couples wanting a more informal outdoor style, Hazendal’s heritage Kraal will be the perfect fit.

    Read more about their wedding packages HERE.

    Canelands Beach Club in Salt Rock, Durban

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    With direct access to the beach for that perfect beach wedding, Canelands on the northern coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal is the ideal venue for a formal or informal style wedding.

    The Restaurant can seat up to 50 guests for a private brunch, lunch or dinner and up to 100 guests on the pool deck and grass verge, together with the restaurant for a cocktail style wedding overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean. The adjacent lounge area makes an ideal venue for your ceremony or cocktails on arrival.

    Read more about their wedding packages HERE.

    Ferguson’s 5th Floor in Sandton, Johannesburg

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    Celebrate your nuptials up above on this rooftop restaurant in the heart of Sandton. Your ceremony and reception can be held in the same space, which comfortably fits 150 people seated and 200 guests cocktail style.

    Menu’s are tailored to each guest, and couples can pick between three-course set menus, cocktails and floating dinner options, as well as harvest table buffets.

    Read their wedding packages HERE.

    The Living Room in Maboneng, Johannesburg

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    Situated in the vibrant precinct of Maboneng, the Living Room is a unique blend of the natural and the urban. It offers panoramic city views,  making the perfect backdrop for your dream rooftop event.

    View their wedding package HERE.

    Picture: Instagram / Babylonstoren

    Weddings are (almost) back to normal with the new Level 1 regulations. Venues may be filled to 50% capacity with the cap on outdoor venues at 500 people.  So, unless you live in Buckingham Palace, you shouldn’t have to cut too many from your guest list for a backyard wedding.

    Having your wedding in your own garden might be a very attractive option for some for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, you don’t have to budget for venue hire, and you can get any date you choose. Some might also feel safer in terms of COVID-19, as you don’t have to go into a public space.

    If you decide to go this route, you have to do it well. Here are our top tips on how to make sure your big day is extra special.

    Decide on the number of guests

    Firstly, depending on your space, budget and current lockdown regulations, you and your partner will need to decide how many guests you can invite. Backyard weddings tend to be smaller and more intimate, so firstly set out a list of your closest family and friends you want to invite. Remember to count all the vendors and the marriage officer too. All this will help determine how you lay out of the wedding and the rest of your plans.

    Consider the weather

    Depending on the season in the area you live, you might have to provide some form of cover from wind, rain or sun. Shop around for different styles of marquee tents, tepees, gazebos or even just umbrellas. You wouldn’t want to have everyone slosh around in mud or get heat stroke on your wedding day.

    Use available space economically

    Decide where you want the ceremony, the ‘waiting area’ and the reception. Of course, it can all be the same spot if you choose, but make sure guests know where you want them. Also be mindful of social distancing for your own and your guests’ safety. Place families together at dining tables and place seats at the reception far apart. Names on seats and tables are an easy way to guide everyone.

    Match your decor to what you already have 

    If your garden is the setting, you can work with what you have and just add subtle extras to complement existing beauty. Take note of the plants growing in your garden and match your colour scheme to that. Also try to use functional items doubly as decor. For example, if you have an arch at the ceremony, why not make it double as a photo booth at the reception? If you have a gifts table, ask your bridal parties to move the gifts indoors before the reception and convert that table into the drinks station.

    Images: Pinterest

    Featured Images: Pexels

    A greenhouse venue is the perfect place to tie the knot for those with green fingers. If you love plants, this is the way to go. Not only is it a popular modern trend, getting married in a nursery has many pros.

    The decor is basically taken care of, not to mention the beautiful colours and the incredible wedding pictures you will have.

    If you’re still not convinced but considering this unique venue type, here are five reasons why it’s good idea:

    1. Plants are known to inspire a good mood

    Not only do plants boost oxygen levels and remove pollutants and toxins from the air, they are proven to help with stress relief. According to Plantscrapers, plants bring feelings of vitality and improve the state of mind. An environment that includes natural elements and plants can help bring a positive outlook on life and boosts people into feeling more alive and active. There you go.

    2. Low-effort decor

    What better decor than nature itself? Greenhouses combine the earthy feel of greenery with the sophistication of large glass walls. The setting is already beautiful and requires minimum additional decor. You could go with simplistic floral centre pieces for your tables, or add some fairy light draping. Other than that, we recommend embracing the plants and not driving the attention away from them.

    3. It provides a romantic atmosphere

    A greenhouse is a romantic place, as it allows a lot of natural light, gives you great views to the outside and recreate an “indoor forest”-effect. It almost feels like a fairy tale, another world to step into! If you are a romantic, this venue is certainly your cup of tea.

    4. You experience nature without braving the elements

    A greenhouse is a great compromise for those who love nature and those who are not super comfortable to bundu bash. The setting is fresh and incorporates nature, but in a safe indoor environment. That means you don’t have to worry about rain, wind, cold or heat and you don’t have to hike up a mountain to be in nature.

    5. It’s beautiful!

    Of course, this goes without saying but we do feel the need to emphasise it. If no other reason sounds convincing, the sheer beauty of this venue type should be enough. It inspires wonder, and that’s really what the perfect wedding venue does.

    Images: Pinterest

    Featured image: Unsplash

     

    Table Mountain is a fan favourite across the globe. It is listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cape Town.

    This beloved mountain is more than just a great spot for views of the Mother City though. It’s not commonly known, but couples can also tie the knot while sky high.

    Over the past few years, more than 80 couples have taken their marriage vows on top of Table Mountain

    This location is especially popular during February, the month of love. December and January are also trending times to tie the knot at Table Mountain. Some have even said ‘I do’ during the winter months of May, June and July.

    The Table Mountain Cableway offers outdoor venues perfect for cocktail parties, post-conference drinks, weddings, product launches, end-of-year parties, incentives and more. Why not treat your closest family and friends to a special mountain-top occasion they are sure to remember.

    There are three outdoor venues at the Upper Cable Station and one outdoor venue at the Lower Station. Besides the Twelve Apostles Terrace, most of the venues are small so those wanting to host their wedding at Table Mountain may have to opt for a micro-wedding.

    Indoor venues include the U-shaped Summit Lounge with its three private balconies facing Lion’s Head and the City Bowl, the Twelve Apostles mountains and Devil’s Peak.

    Take a look at the magnificent outdoor venues:

    – The Twelve Apostles Terrace

    As the name suggests, The Twelve Apostles Terrace overlooks this spectacular mountain range. The open-air venue can accommodate up to 200 people, is wheelchair-friendly and ideal for breakfast and cocktail functions.

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    – Café Balcony

    This balcony faces the Twelve Apostle’s mountain range and is a fantastic site for sunset cocktail functions. This open-air venue can accommodate 35 people and is ideal for functions any time of day.

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    – The WiFi Lounge Balcony

    An open-air venue situated outside the WiFi Lounge, in the same building where the cable-car docks. This balcony faces the Twelve Apostle’s mountain range and is a fantastic site for lunch time and sunset cocktail functions. Maximum capacity is 24 people, standing with optional bench seating.’

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    – Kiosk viewing deck at the Lower Station

    A shaded viewing deck situated above the gift shops and Visitors Centre, this venue has spectacular views of the city and Lion’s Head and is ideal for sunset cocktail functions. Maximum capacity is 50 people, standing with optional partial covering to cater to adverse weather conditions.

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    Venue hire includes tables, service equipment and service staff requirements. They unfortunately do not offer sit-down or à la carte events, however.

    To book any of these areas, email [email protected] or fill out their online enquiry form.

     

    Feature image: Instagram / Table Mountain Cableway

    You may love the idea of an intimate dinner in an outdoor barn or the thought of waves lapping your feet as you say your vows, but often these spaces come as they are – meaning you’re left with the additional costs of decorating your chosen venue too.

    If you’re working on a tight budget or prefer having a fully kitted venue from the get-go, check out these beautiful spaces around South Africa.

    Planet Restaurant & Bar, Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

    Source: Instagram

    Opulent is the only word that can describe this luxe eatery situated at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town. Dotted with a number of majestic arches and boasting an intricately carved ceiling and large windows, it’s a well-lit space for a lunch-time fête. When the sun goes down, the room transforms into a nocturnal haven with sparkling light fixtures and a crystal-studded floor. Your guests will enjoy the warmth from the marble fireplace at the bar area, an ideal spot for welcome drinks.

    Website: belmond.com

    2 La Maison and La Grange, Morells Boutique Estate

    Unique Venues
    Source: Facebook

    Morrells Boutique Estate is a chic French-inspired sanctuary in the heart of Johannesburg boasting not one but two amazing venues that are perfect for your European-style wedding. Experience an escape to the town of Provence at La Maison, which houses a piano room, cigar lounge, chapel, rose garden and olive grove. Prefer a more relaxed vibe? La Grange’s quaint bistro sports eclectic furnishings and is perfect for coffee catch-ups when you slip away from the dance floor.

    Website: morrells.co.za

    3 The Venue, Casa Labia

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    Feel like royalty at this gorgeous Muizenberg mansion that was once the seaside residence of the Italian plenipotentiary Count Natale Labia. Intricate wallpaper and stately chandeliers add to the grandeur of its interior while the estate also houses an art gallery so guests can indulge in a spot of culture while celebrating your union.

    Website: casalabia.co.za

    4 The Pearl Room, The Oyster Box

    Source: Instagram

    An all-white zone decked out in glistening mirrors, the Pearl Room is every minimalist’s dream venue. Sleek lines and metallic touches form an eye-catching impact that will transport you into a snow-white world not unreminiscent of Elsa’s snow palace in Frozen – without the chill!

    Website: oysterboxhotel.com

    5 Forest Lodge Boma, Grootbos Nature Reserve

    Unique Venues
    Source: Instagram

    If you’ve been yearning to have your nuptials beneath a canopy of greenery, Grootbos Nature Reserve’s Forest Lodge Boa is an utopian reception site. Paraffin lanterns and cotton linen keep it simple while braziers add a touch of warmth and radiance to this enchanted forest setting.

    Website: grootbos.com

    Feature image: Instagram / Belmond Mount Nelson

    Breathtaking architecture and serene surroundings combine to create one of the most popular South African wedding venues: Bosjes.

    At the foot of the Waaihoek Mountain, situated in the beautiful Breede Valley lies Bosjes, a working Cape Dutch farm meets hotel and bistro.

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    Couples have fallen in love with Bosjes since it was opened to the public in 2016, and it’s clear to see why. The glass-walled chapel features a unique curved roof, making it appear as it the building rests on the body of water. It was designed by Steyn Studio and is inspired by Psalm 36:7

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    Couples wanting to host their wedding at this Avante-garde venue will have to restrict their guest list. Bosjes can only accommodate a maximum of 100 guests.

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    The price of booking this iconic venue includes the use of the chapel, Bosjes Kombuis and gardens, as well as private use of Die Skuur Guesthouse for two nights for a maximum of 13 guests, among other perks.

    For details on hosting your wedding here, read all about Bosjes’s wedding package: Wedding-Package-March-2020-Feb-2021

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    Feature image: Instagram / home_chef_tang

    South Africans are lucky to have a myriad of magnificent wedding venues across the country. From beachside venues and vineyards to countryside stunners and modern museums, there is something for every bridal couple.

    If you’re looking for a venue straight out of a fairytale, we’ve got the perfect one. Shepstone Gardens in Johannesburg mixes old world glamour with modern finishes to give you the best of both worlds.

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    Shepstone Gardens is situated in Hope Road, in the heart of Mountain View in Johannesburg. The main house was one of the original Witwatersrand Ridge houses commissioned by the Modderfontein Dynamite Company after the Anglo Boer War at the turn of the 20th Century.

    The venue has been privately owned by the Rayner family for the past 35 years, and they have worked to restore it while still maintaining its heritage and charm.

    On the grounds are an on-site chapel, a glass marquee and a grand hall. The on-site chapel has intricate stone walls, large stained-glass windows and a stunning glass roof that screams opulence and whimsy.

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    If you’d like an outdoor ceremony, you can say your I do’s at their natural arch, which is is perched right next to a functioning bell tower to add that extra fairytale-esque spin to your big day. To bring you back to earth, the Johannesburg skyline acts as a beautiful backdrop, creating an interesting juxtaposition of city and garden.

    The glass marquee is a mesmerising location. Marble floors, stone pillars and chandeliers create a striking finish against the vibrant green of the grounds. It’s opulent and glamorous yet down to earth at the same time. The glass marquee can be used as a ceremony or reception venue, the choice is up to you.

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    If the glass marquee isn’t your style, another option is the grand hall. This space offers wood flooring and tall pillars that acts as more of a blank canvas to truly allow your decor to take centre stage. It’s the more timeless, old school option of the two locations. It’s even got a library next door that can be used as a cozy lounge or a separate area to display your after dinner sweet treats.

    Shepstone Gardens offers in-house catering and decor, making the planning process even easier. What we love is that they also offer the Lorax Initiative in partnership with Food & Trees for Africa.  For every wedding guest that sponsors a tree as a wedding gift, Shepstone Gardens will match it and sponsor another tree.

    The joy that is experienced around the beauty of Shepstone Gardens is afforded because of a deep love and care for the earth it has risen from. It is fitting, then, that we perpetuate that love and spread it far and wide to where it is needed most,” they explain on their site.

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    Shepstone Gardens is perfect for the couple wanting a little of everything from their wedding day. It’s classic and whimsical, modern and elegant yet grand all at the same time.
    For more about this amazing South African wedding venue, visit their website HERE.

    Feature image: Instagram / Shepstone Gardens

    Remember the childhood excitment of playing in a treehouse? The adventures and possibilites seemed endless.

    While we’ve become adults now, that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy these childhood wonders. If you’re a nature-lover, a treehouse might just be the perfect wedding venue for you. This brings together the beauty of the outdoors and the whimsy of yesteryear.

    Here are a few treehouse wedding venues from around the world.

    Treehouse Point –Washington

    Easily accessible along the Preston-Fall City Road SE and located just 30 minutes from Seattle in a beautiful forest along the Raging River, TreeHouse Point offers a unique wedding location.

    Choose a spot on the river, reserve the Pond Room, or stay the night for your special event. Whether your goal is a quiet getaway for two or a life celebration with friends and family, the TreeHouse Point Staff welcomes you!

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    Tree Top Escape – Devon, England

    Tree Top Escape is a luxurious hideaway haven and unique, intimate wedding venue perched above and amongst the trees on a beautiful private estate in North Devon. Surrounded by glorious rolling hills and valleys, patchwork fields dotted with sheep and leaves of green in every hue, Tree Top Escape offers a perfect setting for romantic breaks, special occasions and intimate weddings.

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    Tree Hotel – Sweden

    The Tree Hotel is set among the fall trees of the pine forest in Northern Sweden. The hotel rooms are all uniquely designed. One resembles a mirrorcube, another a UFO and another a birds nest. The tree rooms are suspended 4-10 metres above the ground and are accessible by ramp, bridge, or electric stairs.

    Whether you’re looking for an adventure, a relaxing break or simply to wind down in nature, Treehotel invites you to experience nature in the most unique and memorable way you can imagine.

    Winvian – New England
    This historic Winvian estate is situated on an 113-acre plot in New England, surrounded by rolling lawns, wildflower meadows and enchanted woodlands.

    Their exclusive treehouse is the perfect place to take your wedding pictures for a rustic glam look nature-lovers will appreciate. End the night by soaking in the Jacuzzi tub or cosying up by the fireplace.

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    Tongabezi Lodge – Zambia

    Say your ‘I do’s’ on the very edge of the iconic Victoria Falls at the Tongabezi Lodge. This stunning lodge is found on the banks of the Zambezi river, and combines exclusive ambience with the legendary warmth and hospitality of the people of Zambia.

    The lodge caters for small or large groups, and arranges all the details including a priest for the blessing, the order of service (if required), plus flowers, menus, cakes, guest gifts, the choir, professional photography and other local entertainment such as a DJ or local dancers.

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    Playa Viva – Mexico

    This stunning eco-resort brings together the rugged, unspoiled beauty of Mexico in the guilt-free luxury of an environmentally conscious resort dedicated to sustainability and regenerative practices.

    Tie the knot on the beach then celebrate with a small wedding party in the private treehouse that overlooks the ocean.

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    Feature image: Unsplash

    Coulpes have had to get extra creative in tying the knot amid the coronavirus pandemic. While weddings cannot go on as we know them, this South African wedding venue has created an excellent alternative.

    Collisheen Estate, one of the most sought-after private function facilities on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, is now offering drive-in wedding packages.

    A representative of the state explained to Wedding ETC that the drive-in wedding concept started off as a joke, but they grew more serious about it as lockdown continued to affect the wedding industry.

    Currently, wedding ceremonies are not allowed during Level 3 lockdown. People may only marry at Home Affairs or with a marriage officer. However, Collisheen Estate hopes that their latest offering will provide a new alternative to allow couples to still say ‘I do’ while following safe social distancing.

    The estate is awaiting further announcements from the government on when they may legally open the service to the public amid the nationwide lockdown. However, they have already had lots of interest from couples still hoping to say ‘I do’ this year.

    “Sunset Oval Drive in weddings are a site to behold! The most magnificent sunsets turn this unconventional day into a magical fairytale,” writes the company on their website.

    “Our very experienced venue coordinators are here to help you coordinate your special day and liaise between you, the venue operations team and coordinate any service providers to ensure a perfect day. Our Executive head chef and team will prepare delicious canape’s for you and we will serve it directly to your guests’ cars. Collisheen Estate adheres strictly to all of the health and safety precautions and we assure you of our best attention at all times.”

    There are two drive-in wedding packages: a standard and all-inclusive option. The standard package includes canapes and venue hire. Couples may choose their own service providers who will be guided by the Collisheen team.

    The all-inclusive package includes venue hire, catering and refreshments, photography and videography, a wedding cake, a bridal salon and much more. This option allows couples to just arrive on their big day, taking away the stress of planning and managing a wedding.

    Visit Collisheen Estate’s website HERE.

    For more info on the standard package, click here: COLLISHEEN-DRIVE-IN-WEDDING-PACKAGE-2020

    For more info on the all-inclusive package, click here: COLLISHEEN-DRIVE-IN-WEDDING-PACKAGE-WITH-SERVICE-PROVIDERS-LAUNCH-SPECIAL-2020

    Feature image: Instagram / Collisheen Estate