The Aleit Group Magazine - Eleventh Edition

Eleventh Edition // May 2012

Featuring Aleit Wedding Coordination Aleit Events Aleit Academy Stir Food A-DESIGN

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THE OPENING

ELEVENTH EDITION – MAY 2012

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SIMONÈ INTERVIEW WITH ONE OF OUR OWN WEDDING COORDINATORS

3 WEDDINGS CINDY & PIERRE

JOANNA & ANDREAS WOUTRINE & TATE JOANNA & SANDILE

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THE ALEIT SHOP EXCITING NEW ADDITIONS

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EVENTS PEPPER CLUB DINNER HEYNS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION BMW 3 SERIES LAUNCH

STIR FOOD MENU OF THE SEASON OUR NEW WEBSITE

7 A-DESIGN VINYL ART

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IN CLOSING TO END IT OFF

INDEX // 3

THE OPENING Eleventh Edition – May 2012 The 27th of January 2012 was a rather auspicious occasion. A date that marked The Aleit Group birthday party hosted at Casbah in Stellenbosch.

For a moment I stood back, completely humbled and absolutely amazed by the number of people who are part of The Aleit Group family. All present were celebrating a prospectively successful 2012 and the company’s ten year anniversary. T-E-N years! Wow - a whole decade! The number 10 is considered to be the cornerstone of Judaism and Christianity, thus a very important number!

We are indeed incredibly blessed to be the most published and most awarded company within the wedding and events industry of South Africa. The long hours and hard work of the A-Team has most definitely paid off.

It has always been a dream of mine to take the company global. Being situated at the epicentre of the picturesque Cape wine lands has allowed us to service both our local and global clientele.

We are able to celebrate their union in the most beautiful place on earth!

It is quite surprising that four years ago we opened an office in Europe before we had considered office space in the urban heart of Cape Town. Now the time has come! We are very excited to announce a new opportunity that has arisen with Uwe Koetter Jewellers and The Aleit Group is beyond thrilled to announce our new partner in the hospitality and luxury goods industry. We can’t wait to see you at our new offices which will be based in the vibrant Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village from May 2012.

“It was time to update, upgrade and refresh the Uwe Koetter Jewellers Showroom” says designer and director Johan Louw. “The idea is to create a space never seen before in the jewellery industry, something one of a kind – like our designs.”

More recent highlights of the past few months included two extremely high profile weddings coordinated, perfected and executed by The Aleit Group. First off we had the immense honour of being part of Danny K and Lisa Gundelfinger’s wedding which was taken on in partnership with Anne Mann. This most certainly was a high point on the South African social calendar. A week after the celebration of Danny and Lisa’s wedding we were fortunate enough to host the wedding of the very stunning Zintle and Victor Modiba. Victor being an astute businessman whom I have the greatest respect for, and Zintle was one of the most chilled brides ever. Such a pleasure! Watch this space for the release of the visuals as these are certainly two weddings of the year!

As we head into the Winter season, we hear an audible sigh of relief from the weddings team.

They have worked hard and flown The Aleit Group flag with pride! And while these amazing people cannot yet down tools, they can enjoy a slightly slower pace commencing preperation for the next season, affording them some time to indulge in a little wine (ok well a little bit more than normal...) as well as much needed time, catching up with friends and family.

The events team will, however, be hard at work in all of the major South African cities not to mention a few of crossing the border into greater Africa.

Hans just returned from Addis Ababa. They will soon be heading off to Lusaka and then Berlin at the end of June. We wish them all the very best of luck!

Kind Regards, Aleit Swanepoel Founder and CEO - The Aleit Group

THE OPENING // 5

My favourite restaurant is an easy choice, Restaurant Barrique in Stellenbosch – hearty meals and so divine for a relaxed Sunday lunch and a cold beer.

I love lying on a blanket in our garden with my husband Charl and son James, chatting and snacking!

My favourite music to listen to is K’s Choice, Live and Korn – quite the combo I know but I don’t listen to them at weddings!

When I have spare time I lie on the couch with the remote in one hand and a bag of crisps in the other.

My family is insane amazing – my son is crazy loud and adorable and my husband a pillar of strength, sanity and love.

I laugh when I feel like it and often!

SIMONÈ

Ever wondered what goes on in the mind of a Wedding Coordinator? Well, we thought we would take the liberty of answering that question for you by having a little chat with our very own Simonè Gerber, one of Aleit Wedding Coordination’s best...

Q: What is the most rewarding part of planning a wedding for you?

A: For me it’s getting things done from an admin perspective. Lists are a massive thing and I am a major list person. Communication is something I really feel is a must, especially with weddings, so that said I am in constant – and I mean constant - contact with my couples to reassure them that things are going according to their plan for their special day. Ultimately, seeing all our hard work come together on the big day and the planning unfold just as I had pictured it in my head. The knowledge that I have played a role in their lives is a huge honour. The Bride taking her first steps down the aisle to her tearful groom is just breathtaking... Also the moment when the couple take a peek at the venue just before the guests come through and heartfelt speeches always make me cry – you become friends with the couple so it’s really special.

Q: What made you decide to specialise in weddings?

A: I am an emotional person really so I thoroughly enjoy having that one on one relationship building experience with the couple. It’s not a fleeting thing, we deal with some couples for years!! At The Aleit Group we work both in teams as well as individually and I love the mix of the freedom of working on your own but the creative energy of working with other coordinators is awesome.

Q: What sets a wedding venue apart from the rest?

A: Hmmm.... I think at The Aleit Group we strive for perfection so for one, it’s not just the location but cleanliness and tidiness of the actual venue and its surrounds that is a huge factor. When Venue Managers look after their venues and take pride in all aspects of their properties it makes life easier for us to introduce couples to their venues. That said, it also assists us in

selling the venue! Venues that are well thought out where we don’t need to come in and spend budget on things like a kitchen or discreet parking or a service provider’s area. When looking for a wedding venue, look not only for one that takes your breath away but one that can accommodate all your guests both big and small! Also, a venue must be photographer friendly as the pictures are going to be there forever.

Remember to check that all areas that you wish to use are included in your package – accommodation being a bonus...

Q: Three random things to remember when getting married?

A: Ok – Try on as many wedding dresses as possible!!! It’s a big day so put thought into it...

Remember that you are marrying the man of your dreams, after this day is over it is still going to be just the two of you. Although this is the wedding of your dreams, it is a prelude to a marriage for life.

Mothers-in-law never change... *Simoné giggles uncontrollably!* Q: Highlights of the past season A: Well for one, two of my couples that got married this season I have been working with since 2010 so it was incredible to finally get to see them on their special day and have all the planning come to fruition.

We got to do three weddings at Grande Provence in Franschhoek which is one of my favourite venues of all time. It’s so classic and they have the most outstanding staff, they are so accommodating and helpful – what a beautiful venue!

Q: So you have a bun in the oven – are we talking a boy or a girl?

A: Well that’s quite the question... First visit they said to expect a girl and the second visit they say to expect a boy!!! I’ll keep you posted...

WEDDINGS | CINDY & PIERRE

“ Their wedding was a very intimate affair, shared only with their closest family and friends”- Simonè

CINDY & PIERRE THE CONSERVATORY How did you meet?

Cindy: At varsity when I was in my first year and Pierre in his second year, I laid eyes on this man for the very first time and without having spoken a word to him told all my friends that this was the man I was going to marry. What made it worse was the fact that I was in a long term relationship, but just his presence made me weak at the knees.

This went on for three years (still not having spoken a meaningful word to the man but for a few uncomfortable “accidental” encounters). I was however adamant that this was going to be my future husband and to cut a long story short, one of our accidental encounters led to a follow up meeting which led to a seven year relationship which finally came together with our wedding.

Pierre: And she’s the most beautiful, passionate, loving wife a man could wish for. I’m so glad she persisted!

How did he propose?

Pierre: I arranged with a colleague from her work to set up an audit (she being an accountant) at a branch near where I planned to propose one Friday afternoon. On their way back to Jeffrey’s Bay he was to make a quick stop to meet up with some clients to pick up files and have a quick drink with them. This being in a private game reserve took some arranging, but with the help of the staff at the lodge, I set up a red carpet, 100 red roses and authentic French Champagne on top of a “koppie” in the middle of the game park overlooking the bushveld. Dressed in a black suit and bowtie the unsuspecting “bride” came up a steep path in a Land Cruiser to find her “groom” standing with the ring in his hand. She came running out and before I could mutter a word she pulled me up and said yes. Needless to say we stayed at the game lodge for the weekend celebrating. Great place, great moment, truly memorable!

More about your wedding day.

What more can one say about a perfect day! It exceeded our wildest dreams. A day of unmatched beauty. To have servants at your beck and call (one for each of the guests) was a truly something to witness. I strongly doubt whether the Queen’s ceremonies are this well organized?

The best moment of the day.

Pierre: All of it! Except for the moment my bride walked down the aisle. I couldn’t help but cry like a baby, standing in awe of the beauty that was soon to become my wife.

Tell us more about the honeymoon.

Maldives, five star private resort, water villa in the middle of the ocean on stilts, jacuzzi on the balcony… Need I say more?

Something nice about us.

I said it before and I’ll say it again – if you want the best, use the best. You and your team are by far the best in the business and you deserve every accolade that comes your way.

Advice to future Brides and Grooms.

Don’t derail your perfect day by trying to arrange everything yourself. Save up and get these guys to create a memorable experience you’ll never forget. This leaves time for the bride and groom to focus on what is most important – your love for one another (or the wedding night).

WEDDINGS // 11

WEDDINGS | JOANNA & ANDREAS

WEDDINGS // 15

JOANNA & ANDREAS WEBERSBURG WINE ESTATE How did you meet?

Joanna: The first time I ever saw him, I think I was about thirteen. So it was a long while until we actually “met up” properly. Can you believe I bumped into him at the hairdresser? I asked him out for coffee, surely he would say yes after all these years?” Unfortunately he didn’t. After that I made him work for it!

How did he propose?

Andreas: She really messed it up for me, but it was so funny. Joanna is so nosey by nature, you can never keep a secret from her. I had my sister gift wrap the ring in a box that was ten sizes bigger than the ring box. She gave it to Joanna and asked her to take it to a family friend of ours for her birthday. Can you believe my wife-to-be carried her own engagement ring out of the country? My plan was to propose early the next morning when she woke up. I set an alarm to get me up at half five, so that I could arrange everything: Tea in bed. The ring… I should have known better. When my alarm went off, there was no chance that she was staying in bed. She followed me around the kitchen, offering to help me make tea. EVENTUALLY I managed to get her back in bed, and suddenly I was kneeling before her and she was saying yes! It was a private moment and I’m glad I did it like that.

The best moment of the wedding day.

Joanna: The kiss of course. It was only at that moment that it became so real to me. I had married the man of my dreams and at that precise moment, I’ve never been so happy in my entire life.

Andreas: When I saw her walk down the aisle! All the nerves went away.

Something nice about us.

Aleit took every dream and every thought and every wish we have ever had for our big day – and turned it into reality.

Tell us more about the honeymoon.

We spent the summer in Italy - Venice, Florence, Tuscany and Rome.

Advice to future Brides and Grooms.

Pack your stress away. You will never feel more beautiful or more comfortable in your own skin than on your wedding day.

Take a moment to breathe it all in. We sat by the edge of the lake at four in the morning, because it was such a hectic day and it was the first time we got a chance to tell each other how happy we were and how perfect the day had been. Take that moment alone, away from everyone. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy every minute.

“I just loved the flowers “growing” into the beautiful chandeliers”- Simonè

WEDDINGS | WOUTRINE & TATE

“ The bride changed into a gorgeous party dress for their first dance” - Simonè

WOUTRINE & TATE 401ROZENDAL

How did you meet?

Tate: Three years ago I was looking for additional interior designers for the business. Through an employee of another friend, Woutrine came for an interview (she was late!) at a coffee shop in Century City. She had her certificates and portfolio and everything else, but I knew from the minute I met her that she was hired! I just knew that she was exactly what I was looking for and a brief look at her portfolio (all of 1 minute!) confirmed it. Anyway, she then sent an SMS out of the blue saying that she didn’t feel she was ready and she felt I needed someone with more experience, better qualified blah blah blah… Devastated, and having already planned her arrival in the office, I accepted it but let her know that if she should change her mind, the position was hers. About a week later she called to say she was in (I was delighted)… Three or four months later, after lots of laughs, good times, work success, and her birthday, we were driving to a meeting where she proceeded to pull out a birthday present from her friend and show it to me. Without going into too much detail, it was the NOT the sort of gift an employee should show and employer, and I knew then that the feelings that had developed were mutual. Anyway, one night at a work function, lubricated by a glass or two too much red wine, we couldn’t resist any longer and spent most of the evening embraced in each other’s arms and knew that was the start of it! From there our love and friendship just blossomed, through good times and some very sad times, and I knew that she was everything and more that I would want in a wife… Of course it helped that she was the most beautiful girl on the planet, but that just scratches the surface! Two years later we got engaged and the rest is history!

How did he propose?

Woutrine: An island has always been my dream holiday and Tate surprised me with a holiday in Zanzibar! The clear blue water and white sandy beach at La Gemma dell Est, a five star resort on the north-west of the island, was our destination…

We had not even been there for a day when he booked us on a dhow cruise. Arriving at the sunset dhow cruise, the captain informed us that the other guests cancelled and it was only going to be us! We left the shore and not long after Tate asked the captain if he could stop the boat for a while so that we could appreciate the sunset. We climbed up onto the deck and suddenly the captain was there with a bottle of Moët & Chandon! Tate opened it and immediately took a few sips and said to me: “This is not only a holiday, there were never supposed to be other people on the dhow with us and the Champagne is not just to enjoy the sunset.” He then took the ring out of his camera bag and asked me in Afrikaans: “Sal jy met my trou?”. At first I did not answer and asked through tears if my family knew. He told me that I should not be worried about my family, I should just answer the question. Of course I said: “JA” and put the ring on my finger myself! After a while he said he wants to put it on my finger and read the word he had engraved on the inside of the ring to me ‘Ninakupenda’ and proceeded to put it on my finger. It means ‘I love you’ in Swahili. How romantic was that?

More about your wedding day.

Woutrine: Our wedding day was everything and more I ever dreamt of!

The best moment of your day.

Tate: The best moment of my wedding day was reciting the poem that I had written for Woutrine, my beautiful wife, and having the opportunity to have all the people that mean the most to me in the world, in one room, at the same time, acknowledging and witnessing my and Woutrine’s existence and union.

Woutrine: The best part of the day was when I walked down the aisle, looked into Tate’s eye and knew he was mine.

Tell us more about the honeymoon.

Tate: We were blessed and privileged enough to spend our honeymoon in Mauritius at the Heritage Le Telfair Resort, in a beach front suite, enjoying the most amazing French cuisine, sipping on cocktails, soaking up the sun, being chauffeur driven around the island, sightseeing, sailing and relaxing!

Something nice about us.

Tate: Simply the best in the business! Absolute professionalism, passion, commitment and excellence. Our day would not have been nearly as amazing without the Aleit team. They bent over backwards from start to finish to accommodate our every whim, fantasy and wish… Right down to sourcing a little lamb for the photos! THEY ROCK! Woutrine: The Aleit Group is absolutely worth every cent! Very professional! I will definitely recommend them to every single couple.

Advice to future Brides and Grooms.

Tate: Solicit the services of The Aleit Group, involve your best men and bridesmaids as much as possible, follow your own fantasies, add 30% to your budget for last minute wishes, get your guests to book local accommodation, serve the best food you can afford, insist on a dress code, and have more than one rehearsal.

Woutrine: Book The Aleit Group’s services! It is very important to spend time with your friends and family the week before your wedding and with Aleit’s help we could do that. Relax on your wedding day, try take everything in and create memories.

WEDDINGS // 25

WEDDINGS | JOANNA & SANDILE

JOANNA & SANDILE A WEDDING IN WARSAW - POLAND It is with great excitement that we share with you these much anticipated images from Joanna and Sandile’s wedding in Warsaw, Poland which took place in September 2011. We had the opportunity to coordinate a wedding with Eastern European spirit… Planning and finalising each finest detail from South Africa was not an easy feat! Not mentioning the language barrier! One visit to Warsaw three months before the wedding, numerous phone calls and Skype conversations later - we arrived in Poland three days before the wedding. Consumed by the incredible architecture, culture and traditions of this incredible country, we experienced a Polish wedding like no other. Thank you to photographer Sebastian Małachowski... We don’t think we will soon coordinate another ceremony in such a beautiful church such as the Holy Cross Church in Warsaw. The reception commenced at the Belvedere Restaurant, which is situated in the new Orangery of the Warsaw Royal Bath Gardens. Drawing attention to not only the unique interior but also to the excellent menu and several hundred year old nature. Here it was clear to see that this was not just any wedding, it was a Polish Wedding with Vodka-drinking and traditional Polish games. Thank you Joanna and Sandi for the opportunity to share your extraordinary wedding day with you in the heart of Poland!

“ This couple had a fairytale ceremony in a royal church”Simonè

WEDDINGS // 31

SHOP

“These are perfect gifts for both corporate events and wedding guests” - Simonè

SHOP TAKE ME! We are absolutely “taken” and charmed by these luxurious chic products… Finally a range of gifts that you want to take home! Take Me Gifts create promotional and courtesy gifts that are attractive and highly functional for the corporate and hospitality trades. Their aim is to deliver products of international quality adding a unique South African touch - committed to develop sustainable products and to create local employment opportunities. Gifts made from earthy textures and colours reminiscent of nature.

Functional, reusable items, made with natural materials such as hemp, linen, cotton, bamboo and silk.

Plus all items can be customised to specific requirements. www.takemegifts.co.za

SHOP // 33

EVENTS | PEPPER CLUB LUXURY HOTEL DINNER

PEPPER CLUB LUXURY HOTEL DINNER Elegant, exclusive and enticing – three words to sum up the dinner that we hosted in the ultra-modern penthouse of the Pepper Club in Cape Town recently. Guests were warmly welcomed with a perfectly chilled glass of champagne and selection of mouth watering canapés. Light jazz melodies lead the guests out onto the massive open-air veranda to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Cape Town city centre at night.

After a fair bit of networking, guests were ushered through to the dining area where they were seated at two long custom made dove grey tables. The décor combined true opulence and grace, complimenting the style of the evening completely.

Handmade origami flowers were surreptitiously positioned to add to the atmosphere of the evening. Tying into the theme, delicate vinyl floral artwork was placed onto the back of the beautiful ghost chairs. The floral elements were done using only white flowers creating a stark and crisp feel contrasting to the colourful interior. Roses, orchids, chrysanthemums, lisianthus and lilies were displayed in modern white vases throughout the venue and on the veranda accompanied by candles in clear crystal candelabras.

Once seated, guests were treated to an excellent selection of white and red wines to accompany their sumptuous meal.

The Head Chef was busily preparing the menu in front of the guest’s very eyes in the open plan kitchen – entertainment all on its own! The main course for this evening was a tough choice between grilled line fish cleopatra beurre blanc with prawns and a seared fillet of beef Wellington style. Ending off on a sweet note with a wild berry and amaretto zabaglione with caramelised orange and vanilla pod ice cream, guests enjoyed with a selection of coffees as the beautiful voice of the Jazz singer continued to entertain.

EVENTS | HEYNS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

HEYNS BIRTHDAY EVENT CONSTANTIA At the beginning of February this year, a strange request was received – plan a 21st Birthday for a gentleman who was in fact turning 50! As per our usual style, we dove straight in and began planning...

The unique elements of this event were numerous – starting with a Colonial African inspired theme.

The client’s private home in the upper echelons of Constantia was to be utilised for this beautiful event and what a venue it was... Dramatically over-looking the vast Constantia Winelands with views right to False Bay, we could not have asked for a better or more beautiful setting for this family gathering. Each room decorated with the most tasteful furniture and decor, all the while show casing the clients beautiful children and family. Massive manicured gardens wrapped around the expansive family home giving us the perfect amount of space for an outdoor feast.

That said, we started on the date... When we heard it was to be Easter Saturday we began to fret as traditionally weather on this day is always rainy – not too good for an outside feast! So Bedouin tents it was to be – and when we say Bedouin tents, we mean seven to be exact!

Set up took place two days prior to the event as not only did we need to turn the garden into and intimate dining area but we also needed to turn the barbeque hut into an intimate Cigar bar slash man cave, the Jacuzzi room into a lounge area, the veranda into an after party area and the 3 car garage into a mobile kitchen... Whew!

The Aleit Team went into over drive and when the torrential rain came we were ready for it – after the

addition of three more tents... Furniture was carried up the long a steep drive way and place gracefully throughout the venue. Grass under the long dining table for 60 guests was covered in stylish flooring and a decadent table set with beautiful African elements.

Numerous koya carpet runners were laid to create an ambient lit pathway through the garden to guide guests on the night. A multitude of hurricane vases filled with candles begging to be lit adorned every surface possible...

Night time came and the traditional African dancers opened the evening as guests dressed to the occasion arrived at the venue. Gin and Tonic in hand guests moved through to the outdoor lounge area to enjoy a welcome speech from the special couple and a unique choreographed dance done by the couple’s children – what a performance! Ushering to the dining table began and guests were treated to a silver service platter style feast to the table. Treated to music by a live ten piece swing band guests were entertained to the max... Wine that the couple acquired came in the form of exquisite double magnums and was flowing freely throughout... After a mouth-watering selection of canapés as well as a starter and scrumptious main course, the birthday cake in the form of a pavolova was brought to the table by the chef while Ode to Joy, a special memory for the birthday boy, was sung by a professional African Gospel choir.

The evening moved up a level after dinner with the tables being removed and guests began to dance the night away to the live band and then to the especially selected tunes played by the DJ. A great time was had by all and the rain didn’t dampen a spirit at all....

EVENTS // 41

EVENTS | BMW 3 SERIES LAUNCH

BMW 3 SERIES LAUNCH AT BLAAUWKLIPPEN WINE ESTATE Unbridled power combined with sleek design and elegance – this is BMW... We were delighted when we were asked to be part of the launch of BMW’s new 3 series! Set up began at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate on the Friday with elegant furniture and decor being brought in to create just the right atmosphere for the two-day launch of this awesome vehicle. A rainy day made it challenging for us to set-up the three Bedouin tents across the sprawling lawns but we managed with flair. As the cold front slowly made its way through the wine lands, the atmosphere at the venue was warmed up by the excitement of guests as they got to personally interact with the new BMW 3 Series.

With a colour combination of deep blues, clean whites, metallics and of course, the BMW models as the focal points, the decor was breath-taking! The three models were individually displayed in each of the white Bedouin tents, each perfectly paired with custom made lounge furniture and decor. This gave guests the chance to focus on one model at a time at their own leisure throughout the day...

As the brand professionals explored and explained the alterations of the new models, professional waiters served delectable canapés and carefully chilled bubbly to the guests.

Each tent had two signature canapés setting them apart from each other, which were another reason guests found themselves lingering... Delightful items such as smoked springbok wrapped around biltong mousse, finished with pinotage jam and heirloom tomato gazpacho topped with a fougasse crisp & basil salsa were served. It made a clear impression, that class and taste go hand-in-hand...

The two-day event was a roaring success – not only did the event run without a hitch but guests that acquired a vehicle were thankful for the introduction!

ACADEMY

2ND YEARS Obviously famous rather than infamous, The Aleit Academy 2nd Year students have definitely started making their mark in the hospitality industry... Having successfully made the jump from 1st to 2nd year during their first set of internships EVER, they hit The Aleit Group with a bang! All sixteen students had an opportunity to intern within five business units within the Group - namely Stir Food, Shake & Serve, Aleit Events, Aleit Wedding Coordination as well as The Aleit Front Office and Reception.

Students were divided into groups of approximately four students and rotated through each of these five departments, spending approximately one month at each. Chomping at the bit to get out of lectures and into the world that awaits them, the students descended on the offices suited and booted and looking the part in a big way! They promptly got thrown into the deep end as they started off with some of the biggest events that The Aleit Group gets faced with each year – the year ends! Not only did they have a personal hand in the planning of these events, but these 1st years also personally attended the events in their first leadership roles.

After a week or so of holidays they were back at the office as 2nd years in 2012, the students could not get enough of the dressing for success on a daily basis life. They were dressed to kill and ready to face any client or supplier in the most professional manner possible.

We now sit back like proud parents looking at our “kids” – the progress made has been tangible. It is evident in each of their newly polished demeanours that they have gained immense knowledge and a clearer understanding of all that goes into the planning of an event or wedding. They have also come away with direction as to where their studies will take them...

Next up for them? These students will be going out into the big bad world soon for external placements so watch this space. Yet again, The Aleit Academy students are set to take over the world, I mean, industry...

STIR FOOD

MENU OF THE SEASON Making a decision like this was by no means an easy task. Choosing our favourite menu is like asking us to choose our favourite dish, which is next to impossible.

But we had to and we did, eventually.

We love sharing the creative process of designing a bespoke menu with the couple themselves, which is exactly what we did with Willemijn and Jan Willem.

Their vision was a very intimate setting with just 13 of their closest friends and family members. Small weddings like this are not something we get to do very often so we really embraced our opportunity and were open to all that their hearts desired.

The menu was a mix of local and international flavours all based on the couple’s personal tastes, memories shared and of course their love for fine food, our speciality!

It doesn’t get more patriotic than cooking meat on an open fire and the couple wanted us to reflect their love of the rainbow nation through choosing a live braai station as an alternative for canapés.

Live Braai Station - Lightly spiced ostrich kofta’s served on flatbread with minted yoghurt, sumac & toasted cumin - Tiger prawns “lorenzo marques” served avocado salsa on katchumbari salad - Harissa spiced lamb karoo cutlets served with chermoula - Namibian free-range sirloin “plankievleis” served with salsa verde, dijonaisse & braai sauce - Summer vegetable terrine served with pistau Another local favourite, yet let’s say this is much more of a delicacy than braai-vleis. An entrée from the sea, perfectly cooked, tender and rich.

Whole steamed crayfish served with aioli & fresh lemon on wooden planks

The Starter was light and fresh and the colours burst from the plate. A joy to eat, and look at.

Seared yellowtail served on green vegetables with apricot purée, beurre blanc & pea shoots For the Main event we coupled the richness of game with the sweetness of beetroot and parsnips. The combination is faultless and it kept the proudly South African flavours alive throughout the evening.

Seared fillet of kudu, served with beetroot puree, parsnip chips, wilted watercress & slow roasted springbok shin enhanced with a juniper jus Citron lovers, this is one for you. A ménage of zesty, refreshingly sweet bites. Dessert decadence.

Asiette au citron – lemon sorbet, served with lemon jelly, lemon sabayon with pistachio biscotti, lemon & thyme parfait, lemon gel & lemon sorbet The perfect ending to round off their fine food journey.

A selection of perfectly ripened local cheeses served with baby leaves dressed in hazelnut oil, quince preserve & walnut bread STIR FOOD // 49

OUR CHIC AND SLICK NEW WEBSITE As cliché as it sounds, change really is as good as a little trip to the seaside.

There were a few main reasons why we felt a re-vamping and re-launching of the current website should happen.

Firstly to reassess where we stand as a company and to change our brand face accordingly, which is essentially what your website is. Taking a look at the pins that need adding to our lapel as well as noting the changes in roles amongst staff.

A general ‘upgrade’ if you will.

Secondly it’s fun!

And lastly because when you work with a design agency such as A-Design you know without a doubt that the end result will be much more than a breath of fresh air, it will be a masterpiece.

We absolutely love the fresh, clean look of the site now.

From dark colours to light ones. From a more serious tone, to more of who and what we are, which is an approachable bunch of professionals with a passion for the food industry and working with people.

Follow our new blog style ‘Stir Bulletin’ and Facebook posts and updates. Recipes, the latest kitchen products, real weddings and lots of other useful and interesting stuff.

A-DESIGN

VINYL ART Vinyl art is revolutionizing the way we decorate spaces. With its endless design possibilities as well as the wide variety of applications you will be able to create a truly unique accent piece in a matter of minutes. Whether you apply the vinyl as a stand-alone work of art or as an accent to existing decor, you are sure to make a lasting impression with your guests.

The Vinyl Art can be applied to almost any surface surfaces such as walls, floors, windows, mirrors as well as chairs without damaging the surface.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind for those of you who are working with vinyls for the first time: - The surface needs to be smooth - Surfaces must be cleaned properly before application - It is not a good idea to apply vinyl to a freshly painted wall as the chemicals will act against the glue of the vinyl - If you struggle to visualize the end result get your designer to do a digital mock-up for you - One or two color designs work the best For more information please contact A-DESIGN. A-DESIGN // 53

IN CLOSING

TO END IT OFF As we bring another creative collaboration to a close I find myself reflecting on the collective ingenuity and inspired input gathered from our team. While basking in this brilliance, I find myself feeling rather bold and feel that it is as pertinent a moment as any to brag (just a little) about a few very worthy achievements. In 2010 we were the winners of the Cape Talk Softline Pastel Great Business of the Year award. In 2011 we won the Diamond Arrow 2011 City of Cape Town Leaders and Achievers award and in 2012 we repeated the honour by winning the award a second time in a row.

It goes without saying how remarkable The Aleit Group is, a strong team lead by partners Aleit and Hans, who continue to push boundaries and who will not settle for anything less than THE BEST. When you are distinctively excellent at what you do, the accolades really do find you.

As the saying goes; “numbers don’t lie” and we are extremely proud to have been voted into second place on the top 10 business blogs list in South Africa, We are indebted to our sister company A-Design Christo Toua and his remarkable team have out done themselves and over-delivered on the online project. I do invite everyone to view our website – its graphic eye candy.

We look forward to the rest of what has already proven to be an exciting year. This ever-evolving industry that is ours, always excites us.

With great appreciation to the entire A-Team – your amazing work never goes unnoticed. You are the most valuable stakeholders.

As I watch the grey clouds outside, I send you the warmest regards from Stellenbosch

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