The Aleit Group Magazine - Twenty-first edition

Twenty-first Edition // April 2013

Featuring Aleit Wedding Coordination Aleit Events Aleit Academy

38 1

THE OPENING

TWENTY-FIRST EDITION – APRIL 2013

3 WEDDINGS

DIANA & NICK

2

FANIE FOURIE INTERVIEW WITH PROJECT MANAGER AND MEDIA LIAISON

JANINE & ILAN

4 EVENTS

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION - FRENCH EVENING - BIRTHDAY AFTER PARTY

FINANCIAL ADVISOR ROAD SHOWS 2013

YEAR-END AT THE RUNWAY 2009

32

22 35 5 FEATURE

THE ALEIT ACADEMY - CHARITY PROJECT 6

IN CLOSING

WEARING THE PLANNING HAT

INDEX // 3

OPENING //

OPENING Twenty-first Edition – April 2013

With the decreasing mercury level becoming more noticeable it is evident that the chilliest season is most certainly upon us. This could only mean we are approaching the dreaded by many winter season. “The laid back light” wardrobe is now being swopped for the puffed up “keep me warm” wardrobe.

Once again I am tasked with dotting down a synopsis reflection of what has been an eventful period since our last online issue.

This month has been a truly exciting experience for the events department - an average of 5 events per week, at times as many as 3 events countrywide on the same day. To say that the team has been working nonstop is no exaggeration. We are thus thrilled to share some of our latest work with you.

First off we have a private birthday celebration, which formed part of one of the biggest birthday weekend experiences we’ve ever hosted. The entire weekend was composed of four separate events relating to one celebration, with some of the biggest names in the music industry partaking in the entertainment line-up. It was a party like none other.

A short feature follows on the past economic road shows hosted by us, where 4 events in 4 days saw our teams flying across the country and working alongside only the best service providers in the industry in order to pull off this mighty task.

This got us reminiscing on days gone by when we, very much like today, created extraordinary events in a very limited amount of time. One of these being the fantastic yearend of 2009, one I would have loved to experience myself. The timeless quality of the visuals has to serve as proof of our ability to create events way ahead of their time.

Now on to the wedding feature in this edition - one which in my opinion surpassed anything done before in a vintage look and feel. My colleague Johnny is renowned for creating magic, but even he had to be surprised by the incredible result of this work of art.

It is with this vision that we are soldiering onwards - constantly creating innovation in everything we touch.

Should this happen to be the first of our online magazine issue you lay your eyes on; I welcome you and should you be one of our many avid readers thank you for the continued support.

Kind Regards, Thabo Matlhako Director – The Aleit Group

THE OPENING // 5

PHOTOGRAPHER: INECKE PHOTOGRAPHY

FANIE FOURIE For this edition the man usually conducting the interviews is on the other side feeling the pressure. We plucked our Media Liaison from his busy day in order to ask him a few questions about exactly what it is that makes this dynamic young man tick. Comfortably seated with a coffee in hand we had a chat with Fanie Fourie, to find out a bit more about our favourite Ginger.

You have spent the last three years as a student at The Aleit Academy. Tell us about your experience.

It has been a truly exhilarating experience. I think to say that it has been a learning experience like no other is very true. As with anything in this life, there were highs and there were lows. It truly has been a journey of blood, sweat and tears and the course in itself has taught me so much more than simply the ins and outs of being a great events manager, it has taught me how to be the person that I am today. The course is structured in such a manner that one deals with the actual hard execution of functions and events. We had to learn very early on how to deal with immense pressure, how to interact with people in stressful situations and how to react in those situations (of which there are many, I can assure you) in order keep the client happy and to achieve the results one ultimately strives toward.

When I started out as a bright eyed first year I pictured myself as a very hard worker, I quickly found out that what I deemed hard work and what the events industry deemed hard work were two very, very different things. I had a lot to learn and not very much time to do it in. I quickly learned just how far I could push my body if I just put my mind to it. Though the practical side of the course was quite a bit to handle, the theoretical side also provides an immense advantage in that it armed us with enough knowledge to handle the practical side involved in event management.

As a recent graduate from The Aleit Academy and newly appointed media liaison of the Group, what does it mean to you to fulfil such a promising and important role in the company at such a young age?

It is a truly frightening experience. I come from a background of events coordination, and although I have shown interest in journalism and media I never

expected to be in charge of the media for a large company such as The Aleit Group. Although it has been a daunting journey, it is one I relish. It is such an amazingly exciting opportunity. I have learned so many new skills that I will be able to apply to all different aspects of my job. It is one thing to write a truly beautiful essay, however it is quite another to write a magazine article or to bring an event to life using only words. It can be a bit of a challenge, to create new and interesting material for the various media aspects, Facebook, Twitter, the company blog etc, nonetheless it has taught me to hone my creative skills in a manner I never thought I would. The amount of trust the directors have placed in me is astounding, for me to be able to bring a little bit of myself, of my vision into the brand is such an immense honour, one I am very proud of.

Aleit has been a great inspiration to young people and supports the growth of the South African events industry. What is your experience of the man behind the company?

Aleit is a genius, but not only for the reasons he is usually credited with. He truly supports the growth of young people as is evident in my appointment in the company even before my graduation. He truly has such a passion for the service industry and is very invested in the growth thereof. It is near impossible to not be inspired when working in such an environment.

Obviously Aleit is a complete perfectionist, in every sense of the word. This could very often lead to frustration on our part, however Aleit has showed me that even if you feel you are giving an event your all, you can always push yourself that little bit extra. Though some people might not realise it at first, Aleit pushes one to be better than you are, he ultimately brings out the best in his coordinators. As he is a very demanding person and has the highest of expectations, the greatest job satisfaction is getting that Aleit stamp of approval.

In your three years as a student and your subsequent time as an Aleit employee, you must

WEDDINGS | DIANA & NICK //

DIANA & NICK TINTSWALO

In the native Shangaan language, Tintswalo means “the intangible feeling of love, gratitude and peace bestowed upon someone offering you a meaningful and worthy gift.” It was thus most fitting that Diana and Nicolas set their incredible wedding day at this haven of tranquillity, beauty and intimacy. With a backdrop of the majestic Atlantic Ocean on the one side and the glorious Table Mountain on the other, this celebration promised to be an unforgettable one.

When a union is formed between a French man and a Mexican woman, one can only imagine the sense of magic and oh dear… how does one decide on a menu? French wines paired with Mexican cuisine was the solution! 87 guests were seated in the intimate dining room of Tintswalo, which sprawled out onto the deck (once again overlooking the unmatched view of the sea and mountain). This dreamy setting was further complemented by hundreds of fairy lights, setting a romantic and warm ambience.

White frosted water goblets on ornate damask linen set the tone, with votive candles and soft pastel floral décor complementing the look and feel to create a romantic and timeless setting. Lime washed Tiffany chairs added a playful beach tone, while Orchids and St Joseph Lilies added a modern touch to the evening. The logistics of this incredible wedding was left in the hands of our very own creative genius Johnny Hamman, who skilfully designed and executed a setting for 87 guests in this intimate venue without so much as a glitch.

The beach ceremony under a natural raw wood cabana truly captured the essence of marriage – a celebration of love between two people. It truly was a privilege to be a part of this beautiful couple’s day.

How did you meet?

Out dancing one night – he spoke Spanish to me – even though I had known him as the ‘French guy’.

Blown away.

How did he propose?

At home. It was a complete surprise. After the proposal we attended a 30 Seconds to Mars Concert – a truly magical evening.

How did you experience your wedding day?

It was amazing. The venue itself is simply incredible, but under Johnny’s guidance – bliss. We simply couldn’t get ourselves to be nervous at all!

What was your best moment of the day?

Walking down the aisle towards my husband to be, with the incredible view behind him was probably the most thrilling moment of my life. I felt I was meeting my destiny.

Tell us about your experience working with us.

The team was absolutely professional and a pleasure to work with. You handled every situation with panache and brought everything together in a sweet symphony.

Tell us more about the honeymoon.

We went to Mauritius - Le Tousserok. We simply couldn’t have made a better choice! The hotel absolutely caters for honeymoons, and it is the most romantic hotel in the world for a good reason.

What is your advice to other Bridal couples tying the knot soon?

Never lose sight of the fact that at the end of the day it’s about you two – and no one else. It’s your day and everyone will understand.

WEDDINGS // 13

WEDDINGS | JANINE & ILAN //

JANINE & ILAN GRAND DÉDALE When fulfilling the job of a wedding specialist, your knowledge and experience of the industry often brings with it an expectation of what’s to follow. On a rare occasion however a wedding turns out to be so special and touching that you have to stop yourself in the midst of it and just take in the wonderful celebration you have created. The wedding of Janine and Ilan was such an occasion.

Surrounded by a panoramic mountain range in the glorious Wellington valley, Grand Dédale was the perfect setting for their intimate celebration of love. The manor house proved to be the perfect backdrop for their garden celebration, while the ceremony could be hosted at no space more idyllic than the riverbank amongst willowed oak trees.

Everything was inspired by a vintage farm style theme, from the raw wood benches used at the ceremony to the vintage / antique mis-matched chairs surrounding a single long table for reception. Wooden antique milk crates provided a beautiful alternative to traditional vases, while brown leather luggage tags became nametags for each guest at their setting.

The true beauty of the setting came to light when the sun had left only a few last rays of warmth and the fairy lights in the trees started to glow. A fairy-tale setting had unfolded itself.

The raw wood dance floor was boxed by an oversized wooden cabana, covered in vintage touches and adorned with incredible detail.

The most gentle and romantic of occasions had become a reality, and after a long day of hard work we could kick back and absorb the festivities unravel in front of us.

Thank you to two beautiful people for allowing us to share in your very special day.

How did you meet?

We met at the coffee machine when working for the same agency in Amsterdam. He was Mr Charming and pursued me until I moved with him to Singapore!

What was your best moment of the day?

Hmmmmm. There were so many, we can’t think of one in particular. They were all so special… Wonderful flashbacks to: the walk down the aisle, exchanging our vows, the bubbly and congratulatory hugging thereafter, the pre-dinner drinks by the pool, the groom’s speech but also my (the bride’s) brother’s, the party on the dance floor till the wee hours! What can we say… The day & evening was simply... perfect.

How was your experience working with us?

Aleit did a great job. Being a control freak, it was a bit hard as we had to co-ordinate the entire wedding from abroad (we live in Berlin) but with regular Skype sessions with Johnny and Aleit, together we ensured that it was the perfect wedding. Aleit knows how to throw a stylish & elegant party! :) Tell us more about the honeymoon.

We’re saving the honeymoon for another date. There was just too much travel co-ordination and sightseeing with family and friends coming to South Africa from abroad, so arranging our honeymoon was simply impossible. We did have a mini honeymoon straight after the wedding and spent a few wonderful relaxing days at the gorgeous Tintswalo Atlantic. It was a lovely little getaway.

Advice to other couples tying the knot soon No matter how much we tell ourselves to calm down, try to keep in mind that you are getting married to the person you know and love, that this is all that matters – it always ends up being stressful when last minute panic kicks in.

Mostly, it ends up perfectly. Well, ours did. :) And looking back, we wouldn’t have done anything differently.

WEDDINGS // 13

WEDDINGS // 15

EVENTS / FRENCH EVENING & BIRTHDAY AFTER PARTY //

FRENCH EVENING The idea was to create an informal evening for friends and family to get together and enjoy a scrumptious dinner in a relaxed environment.

We chose the deli at Babylonstoren and set-up a Bedouin tent between the beautiful oak trees.

We decided on a French inspired theme for this celebration – where everything revolves around the food and wine. Small tables of different shapes and sizes were set-up with tablecloths that were specially made to tie in with the theme.

We also used different chairs to compliment the look and feel. Lace napkins were used and the flowers were placed in a selection of ceramic pots. These flowers consisted of mainly lavender, herbs and some fantastic wild flowers.

Wines were served from wooden tables where the idea was for guests to rather help themselves from the fine wine selection, chosen by the host himself. Each bottle had hand written cards exlaining the style and type of wine. Menus were cleverly written on black chalk boards.

These delicious menu items consisted of oysters on the open braai, fresh crudité, trout mousse, fine cheese selection, fillet with brandy flambéed mushroom cream, garden marinated vegetables, harvest salad with Cabernet Sauvignon vinaigrette and a selection of breads with a variety of spreads.

The French gypsy jazz band, Manouche entertained guests with their background melodies.

This relaxed yet sophisticated occasion was enjoyed by all.

EVENTS // 25

BIRTHDAY AFTER PARTY What can be more fun than being asked to put together the after party of the year? This was certainly a one of a kind event. Babylonstoren played host to this weekend long celebration. They have so many different feels in one space, it lends itself to anything one might want to do. One of the many gems on the farm is the old shed, hidden next to the beautiful manor house.

Once you walk into the first section of the shed, you step into a little piece of heaven. The entire shed ( walls, floor, ceilings etc) is painted white.

Now that is what you call a blank canvas. This was to be the entrance of the party, the dessert and coffee section. Then there is this little white door that reveals a whole different world. An old traditional shed with all wood finishings. Wooden slates in the roof give this room the larger than life feel, perfect for the after party.

What is a party without extraordinary entertainment? As guests walked down the solar jar lit path, they could hear the rhythm of a familiar tune playing in the shed. They entered the white shed, lit up with lights in every corner, to enjoy the treats and the center piece, a stunning croquembouche made by Cassis in Cape Town. As they made their way down the stairs to the massive stage, Freshlyground broke out in song, welcoming guests with their catchy songs that are simply impossible not to sing along to.

The outdoor bar ensured that drinks were flowing throughout the evening. Just as guests thought they could take a break from all the dancing, as Freshlyground winded down with their last song, the party kept going with the ever so cool Goldfish.

The technical equipment for the stage and dance floor was enough for an entire rock show, it was go big or go home and boy did they go big!

All the elements came together seamlessly and even though, it was all about the party, the beautifully lit building still kept its old farm feel and added to the magnificent ambience of the evening.

EVENTS |FINANCIAL ADVISOR ROAD SHOWS 2013 //

EVENTS // 33

FINANCIAL ADVISOR ROAD SHOWS 2013 Four cities, in four days! Yes, the Aleit Group Events team did it again.

Starting at The Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, delegates attending the Investment Seminar were in for a royal affair as the Aleit Event team dressed the aweinspiring ballroom in shades of plum, light pinks and cream. Complemented with navy blue table cloths and gold tiffany chairs, these Capetonian delegates attended the seminar in style.

Day Two of the Road Show and speakers, service professionals and coordinators alike travelled the 1 002km to the beautiful city of Bloemfontein, where the Aleit Event team hosted the local delegates at The President Hotel.

Another sophisticated setting unfolded itself where chic modern splendour married a royal ambience.

Day Three of the nationwide seminar and we had landed in the sunny and bustling city of Durban. The Aleit Event team hosted the Durban-based delegates at The Square Boutique Hotel in Umhlanga, where once again delegates were treated to interesting, informative and often humourous dialogue from the presenters.

The fourth and final day of the seminar – welcome to the Sandton Sun in Johannesburg! Delegates made their way through city traffic in the early hours of the morning to find the venue dressed by the Aleit Event team in creams, golds and yellows, complemented and somewhat inspired by the colossal chandeliers in the room.

Yellow tulips and arum lilies provided a splash of colour in the room, a prominent feature allowing the room to come alive.

Four days, four cities, four coordinators and 2223kms.

The Aleit Event team truly showed once again why we are the industry leading event specialists in South Africa, being able to handle back to back functions in the farthest corners of our beautiful country with ease.

EVENTS // 37

EVENTS / YEAR-END AT THE RUNWAY 2009 //

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE

Year-end at The Runway 2009

We are reminiscing about a year end a few years ago…

The theme for this year-end was a combination of two different looks. The venue was eloquently split in two by a single long runway. On the one side of the catwalk we went for a very glamorous look that consisted of opulent chandeliers, mirror balls and ornate white furniture with touches of black and silver – very chic back in 2009. On the other side we had an organic look with wooden furniture, earthy textures and touches of green and cream. The flowers and décor arranged throughout the venue tied in with these two very different looks, gracefully coupled by a vision of elegance.

A Jazz duo welcomed guests into the parking area on a rainy Cape Town afternoon. The underground parking area was transformed into a lavish foyer to host guests for the pre-drinks area, with beautiful couches and a projector screen showing old movies. Once all the guests had arrived, they were ushered through the screen to the upstairs studio where the event took place.

Nomfusi welcomed guests with her unique voice – the party was now certainly underway. Canapés and bowl food were served and kept flowing for the duration of the evening. This was followed by a dessert table that included crème brulee, chocolate truffles, turkish delight, chocolate brownies and candyfloss…

The night ended off on a high note with a stellar performance by Goldfish, keeping guests on the dance floor till the early hours of the morning.

EVENTS // 27

FEATURE |THE ACADEMY //

PHOTOGRAPHER: LEON VAN ROOYEN

CHARITY PROJECT “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” ~ Albert Einstein Every year The Aleit Academy takes on a new charity project – a chance to share our success with the world.

This year’s random act of kindness takes us to the Geluksoord old age home, situated in the beautiful Stellenbosch.

Our second year students have taken the responsibility into their own hands to spend time with the elderly and share a few special stories with them. Of course no visit would be complete without a delicious treat, and nights were spent at the office baking scrumptious miniature cakes for each resident of Geluksoord old age home.

It turns out that an act of charity very quickly turned into a spirited social event. An afternoon tea on a dreary winter’s evening was filled with smiles and laughter as the residents regaled students with tales of days gone by.

The bubbly Professor de Villiers had everyone in stitches with stories of his days at The University of Pretoria.

This event has been diarised and is set to become a monthly date – one we all look forward to very much.

We challenge every reader of our splendid Online Magazine to take the time to give a little to another human being. Not only does it mean the world to someone else, it also makes your world mean something.

EVENTS // 27

IN CLOSING //

WEARING THE PLANNING HAT Hats can represent many different cultures, personalities and religions or origins thereof. The French are associated with the Beret, the Jewish religion with the Yamaka, the Russians with the Ushanka, the Pope with the Mitre and in India it is Turbans, and so the list goes on and on.

In the weddings and events industry we have the privilege of wearing a different hat every day.

Sometimes a single day can even require three hats – theoretically speaking of course. You can start the day meeting a Jewish client discussing their Chuppah and end the day off planning a Portuguese wedding. In the modern world you are sometimes even required to wear two hats at the same time.

Building the knowledge of how to handle each culture is essential. What might offend one client will make another extremely happy. There is always a very fine line that can easily be crossed. The ability to understand and respect that line is a skill that comes with experience.

Many of my friends ask me whether it gets to me, adapting to different social settings within the blink of an eye. Does it not make you crazy to present yourself in a different manner daily? Surely it is much easier to just present yourself as you would like to be?

My response - an engineer remains an engineer and a lawyer remains a lawyer. I am a chameleon and changing my persona to make others feel comfortable

is who I am. It is the most rewarding skill anybody can have and is one that no university can teach you. You either have it or you don’t.

Which brings me to my next point – how to change the world’s perspective that wedding and events planning is an inferior and less educated line of employment.

I don’t think this is anybody’s fault other than the wedding and events industry itself. Regrettably it is our own industry that has made itself too easily accessible to anyone that think they can plan a wedding. We come across new “wedding planners” every day of our lives. Aunties that organized their sister’s wedding create a website and Bob’s your uncle – they have a Google listing and immediately “graduate” as a wedding planner.

Regrettably it does not work that way. To be a wedding and event specialist is more than creating just a gorgeous wedding or flawlessly executed event. Anybody can accomplish that! Just book the finest wedding décor supplier in the industry. They will make sure it looks spectacular without you lifting a finger. This is an insult to our industry.

Respectable, great and pronounced event and wedding planning consists of integrity, respect, utmost creativity, generating timeless moments, being one step ahead of your clients and the rest of the industry at all times and then most importantly -

the ultimate wedding and event planner is the one with the knowledge, awareness and comprehension… and a cosmic aggregate of it.

An upright wedding and event planner can play out an entire wedding to their clients verbally in detail after a half hour consultation, because he or she has the experience.

So until the day that un-experienced wedding planners can admit to their clients that their level of experience and knowledge are lacking and remain in the price range equivalent to the service they can offer, our industry will never receive the respect we deserve for our hard work.

My message in summary – you know what hats you can pull of stylishly. If it does not work with your outfit rather take it off and wear the hat you are most comfortable with. There is a hat for everyone.

Kind Regards, Johnny Hamman Creative Director – The Aleit Group

SERVICE PROFESSIONALS EVENTS FRENCH EVENING Venue & Catering Technical Photographer Stationery Musicians Tent Florist Furniture Hiring

Babylonstoren Presentation Staging ZaraZoo A-Design Manouche Nomadik Floral Affairs Okasie Top Table

BIRTHDAY AFTER PARTY Venue Photographer AV & Sound Entertainment Furniture Croquembouche Bar Coffee Bar Flowers & Décor Staffing Flooring

Babylonstoren ZaraZoo Presentation Stagin Freshlyground & Goldfish Okasie & In & Out Events Cassis Thirst Coffee Right Floral Affairs Thirst (Barmen), Babylonstoren (Waitron) Connect-a-floor

FINANCIAL ADVISOR ROAD SHOW Venue Photographer AV & Sound Lighting Staffing Bar & Beverages Stationery Floral Décor Hiring Registration

Sandton Sun Creative Emporium ONG/Presentation Staging ONG/Presentation Staging Sandton Sun Sandton Sun A-Design Okasie - Johannesburg Table Cloth Hiring Propstars A-Tek

YEAR-END AT THE RUNWAY 2009 Catering Waitrons & Bar Technical Florist Lighting Furniture Bathrooms Chauffeur Security Medics Photographer

Stir Food Shake & Serve Audio Engineering Floral Affairs Something Different Lounge Around Foci Okasie Nice Equipment Hire Good Fellas Jetset VIP security guards Tygess Medics Joe Photography

SERVICE PROFESSIONALS WEDDINGS DIANA & NICK Venue Food Photographer Floral Décor Stationery Lighting Cake Entertainment

Tintswalo Atlantic Tintswalo Atlantic Shanna Jones Floral Affairs Secret Diary Something Different Nelle Cakes DJ René

JANINE & ILAN Venue Food Waitrons & Bar Florist Technical Lighting Furniture Photographer Cake Entertainment

Grand Dédale Grand Dédale Shake & Serve Elle Fleur Presentation Staging In & Out Events Prop House DNA Photography Nelle Cakes Sticky Triggers DJ Piet AME