The Aleit Group Online Magazine - Edition 24

Twenty-fourth Edition // August 2013

Featuring Aleit Wedding Coordination Aleit Events Aleit Academy A PLACE

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THE OPENING

TWENTY-FOURTH EDITION – AUGUST 2013

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WEDDINGS & EVENTS

ALEIT & JOHNNY’S FAVOURITE THINGS

BARCELONA AEF DINNER

TELMA & MIGUEL

DEWALD HUMAN

80TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

INTERVIEW WITH A-DESIGN’S INTERNET MARKETER

DURBAN JULY

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FEATURES

ALEIT ACADEMY An update on all three year groups

A PLACE

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IN CLOSING TO END IT OF

INDEX // 3

OPENING //

THE OPENING Twenty-fourth Edition – August 2013

It seems the winter has grounded its roots as the temperature is slowly, but surely decreasing day by day. Usually this season would slam The Aleit Group from a usually energetic bustle in to a more slow moving rhythm as clients tend to rather extend celebratory parties for when the sun is out, however looks like the rain dance has brought a whole new meaning to them as they are booking events more than ever!

The Aleit Group have just ended off their financial year in June. This allowed us to assess each one of our now many business units to see their progress. It is fantastic to report that all our small new businesses are flourishing beyond belief!

Our information Technology Consultants, Izak Ferreira and Etzard Strydom are doing exceptionally well with the latest addition to The Aleit Group, A-Tek. Another entity, Laurent (the Aleit venue at Lourensford) has really taken off! We are proud to be associated with these phenomenal entities.

With these successes in mind, we had no other obvious choice, but to extend into something more. The Aleit group recently introduced another interesting line item that allowed us to be involved in the more creative side of events. We are sitting on the edge of our seat to see what this new endeavor does amongst the arsenal of Aleit Group business units. Such an interesting extension of something so close to our hearts...

On a more personal note, I have recently had a lot of interaction with the more or less 65 students at The Aleit Academy. Having an opportunity to sit down and chat to them on a more personal level reminded me again why I love the school. It is wonderful to see so many different personalities each day and find us, as a Group, become more and more like a family. Although I have no children of my own (yet!!) these students sure do come as a close second.

Kind Regards, Hans Roosenschoon Managing Director - The Aleit Group

ZaraZoo Photography

THE OPENING // 5

Photographer : Inecke Photography

DEWALD HUMAN The Aleit Group is very fortunate to work with A-Design, our sister company and widely recognized as one of the leading design companies in South Africa. We visited their office, situated on the picturesque Lourensford Estate in Somerset West to have a chat with Dewald, the online marketer in the company. Usually a man of very few words, we had a lovely chat with Dewald.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Working for a company such as A-Design allows me to be challenged on a daily basis. Each project that we work on is different and has a distinctive set of obstacles to overcome in order to achieve the perfect end result that our clients require. Working with a client and turning their ideas and concepts into a tangible and visually appealing end result that they can be proud of is truly rewarding. Mostly I enjoy the team that I work with. We are able to use our different skill sets and work together as a unit to achieve end results that are truly astounding. As we would say in the office – they are all “wenners en raakvatters!”

Why A Design?

Before A-Design I worked on board a luxury cruise liner. This was a great experience as I was able to travel all around the world and see some of the most amazing destinations. The lifestyle of working on a cruise ship forces you to leave home for long periods of time, and being close to my family I wanted to settle down and be closer to family and friends.

With my interest in the hospitality industry as well as my studies in marketing, A-Design seemed like the perfect fit. A-Design is a young dynamic group of people from whom I learn on a daily basis.

Your job demands a lot of you creatively, what do you do to unwind?

Weekends are usually spent with family and my girlfriend, Jani. We enjoy going dancing and spending time with our friends. When I really need to unwind I visit my twin brother in Robertson. He is a winemaker and there is nothing better than

enjoying a glass of red wine on his back porch overlooking the vineyards.

I also enjoy cycling, although I am not a good cyclist at all. For that reason I have involved myself in the Western Province Cycling Commissaires Association and act as a cycling official at local races.

What interesting projects are you currently working on?

The most interesting project at the moment is the development of the corporate identity of Aleit’s latest venture, A Place. We are in the process of developing the business cards, flyers, and signs.

This is a perfect example where we work with a client and turn their ideas into a tangible reality. Aleit came to us with an idea, and together the entire A Place brand came to life. It has really been fun so far and I look forward to the completed project.

If you could go on holiday anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

During my time spend on cruise ships I saw many breathtakingly beautiful places, but the one that has always stuck with me would have to be Amalfi in Italy. I would love go there again as on previous visit we never stayed longer than a day. Amalfi is a quaint little town, surrounded by majestic mountains on the one side and the Mediterranean ocean on the other. I would love to take my girlfriend there in order for her to try proper Italian Lemoncello… one of my favourite things.

WEDDINGS & EVENTS |TELMA & MIGUEL //

TELMA & MIGUEL LAURENT AT LOURENSFORD ESTATE In ancient times, the Portuguese wedding was used simply to build a family. Given that in those days the parents decided on all details regarding the wedding - including the selection of the groom and the bride, love was not necessarily the main reason for marriage... Fortunately, times have changed and marriage has become a promise of mutual love that will last forever.

Our gorgeous Portuguese couple Telma and Miguel celebrated their wedding on the picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West on the 5th of April this year.

The timeless ceremony took place on the sweeping lawns in front of the venue, Laurent, where the crisp white gazebo was styled with mass arrangements in oversized containers.

The ceremony came to a spectacular finale when hundreds of white balloons were released across the polo field in the background.

Once the confetti rained down around the couple, the festivities kicked off with pre-dinner drinks on the patio where the theme was Bohemian Gypsy Jazz. Ornate furniture spilled out from underneath the pergola, while the vintage décor transported guests back to a truly Bohemian Gypsy setting. The vibrant sounds of South Africa’s own Manouche added to the electricity of the celebrations. For the gentlemen, Panama hats were on display as part of the vintage décor, all to tie in with the theme. The ladies were treated to ornate hair fascinators. All over, beautiful pastel flowers added to the perfectly decorated day.

The entire day spoke of elegance, with touches of powder pink everywhere. Inside the venue, 25 meters of the wall was decorated with ornate laser cut paper draping, adding to the dramatic effect. Enhanced by even more laser cut paper draping suspended from the ornate crystal chandeliers the venue was transformed to a whimsical and magical setting.

Dinner was served – nothing short of a traditional Portuguese feast. The wedding cake was a fantastic feature, comprising of three vintage suitcases, 1 suitcase for Telma, 1 suitcase for Miguel and one for their beautiful daughter, Luanda. Guests then danced the night away to a Congolese DJ, a perfect rounding off to the earlier classic big band.

WEDDINGS // 13

WEDDINGS & EVENTS |BARCELONA AEF DINNER //

BARCELONA AEF DINNER Founded as a roman city steeped in history, the city of Barcelona has a rich cultural heritage and today it is an important economic centre, ranking Europe’s fourth best city for business. Thus, it is no surprise that this incredible city was chosen for this year’s Africa Energy Forum.

The Palace Hotel played host to the event, being home to Barcelona’s most exclusive halls in the heart of the city. On arrival at the Garden Room, guests were welcomed with a refreshing chilled glass of bubbly and the gentle sounds of classical music.

After pre-dinner drinks guests were ushered to the Gran Via Salon. As its name suggests, the Gran Vía Salon is located in front of one of Barcelona’s most famous avenues and is the epitomy of luxurious splendour. The prestigious dinner menu that followed was nothing short of spectacular. The aperitif was Salmorejo, lobster with guacamole and spicy tomato, followed by a main course of Rossini beef fillet, risotto with pickled tomato, Porcini mushroom and shallots with Sherry vinegar.

The dessert was a Guanaja, 70% mousse, chocolate sablée and grue de cacao.

The décor in the Gran Via Salon was inspired by a crisp green and white palate, this created a stark contrast to the ornate and opulent furnishings of the room. The styling of the Garden Room swiftly took guests back to the 1920s with its elegant black and white checkered floor. A tranquil fountain and detailed wrought iron finishes completed the look and feel.

After the event, the team could finally kick back and enjoy the city. As photographer Stefan Steenkamp put it: “What inspires me is the amazing architecture that you find here. Gaudi was an absolute master and you can see his work scattered around the city. Most impressive is the Sagrada Familia, a cathedral that has been in the process of building since 1882. This modern cathedral is set to tower as the highest building in Barcelona once completed (est. 2026).”

WEDDINGS & EVENTS | ALEIT & JOHNNY’S FAVOURITE THINGS //

Photography: Joe & Creative Emporium

Photography: ZaraZoo Photography

ALEIT’S FAVOURITES

Photography: Joe Photography

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CANDICE AND LARRY - CIGAR BAR WITH OVERSIZED LIGHTS

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SHALIN AND JERRY - FLORAL PAPER GAZEBO INSTALLATION

A cigar bar is always a hit amongst the gentlemen at a wedding, an area where they can escape and just relax. Candice and Larry’s was exceptionally beautiful with the impressive oversized lights adding to the dramatic effect.

Shalin and Jerry’s wedding at the amaz ing Birkenhead House in Hermanus was one for the books. The Floral paper gazebo instal- lation was something completely unique and was so much fun to put together. This goes to show that one can have a truly spectacular wedding with paper flowers!

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Photography: Jean-Pierre Uys

Photography: Joe Photography

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Photography: Joe Photography

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CANDICE AND LARRY - BRIDES MAIDS DRESSES IN FLORAL PRINT

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CANDICE AND LARRY - PAINTINGS DONE BY CHRISTO FROM A DESIGN

Bridesmaids dresses are always a difficult subject. Candice was a wonderful bride in that she ensured her bridesmaids look (almost) as beautiful as herself. The floral print dresses were extremely flattering and the ladies looked amazing.

Christo is the senior designer at our sister

company, A-Design and is an exception-

ally creative individual. It was so amazing

to see some of his work on display at a

wedding. We hope to see much more of it in future!

WEDDINGS // 43

JOHNNY’S FAVOURITES

Photography: Joe Photography

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BRENDAN AND RACHEAL GOLD PERSPEX MENUS

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SARAH AND FRANCOIS PAPER FLOWER ENTRANCE

This was without a doubt the wedding of the year in Zambia. There were so many elements that stood out to make this wed- ding the breathtaking affair that it was.

One of the most unique aspects of this wedding must have been the stunning Gold Perspex menus.

This unique wedding took place at a breath- taking private residence in Johannesburg.

The couple’s pre dinner drinks area was beautifully decorated with comfortable lounge furniture and opulent flowers strewn all over.

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Photography: Joe Photography

Photography: Jean-Pierre Uys

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PERSONALISED ENGRAVED PERSPEX 4 BUTTER KNIVES (TAMARA & KEVIN)

What a lovely idea for lovely Tamara and Kevin’s wedding. This beautiful day took place at Grand Dédale Country House in Wellington. Each guest received a personalized engraved Perspex butter knife as a gift to take home. What an inspiring idea for a gift.

Photography: Jean-Pierre Uys

LAURIAN AND STEVEN FAIRY LIGHT TEEPEE STRUCTURES

Laurian and Steven’s wedding took place

at MolenVliet Wine and Guest Estate in

Stellenbosch. The ethereal look was com-

pleted by the fairy light teepee structures

that were placed strategically inside the venue.

WEDDINGS // 43

WEDDINGS & EVENTS |80 TH BIRTHDAY //

80TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION The celebration of an 80th birthday is an incredibly special occasion, but when you pair a visionary client with a creative team of project managers, an unparalleled experience is sure to result from this partnership. Aleit Event Projects was incredibly honoured to host the 80th birthday celebration of one of our most valued clients earlier this year at his stunning private residence in Hyde Park, Johannesburg.

The team, in conjunction with the décor specialists from A Place, created a magical Indian inspired setting. Brightly coloured fabrics in shades of rich purple, warm deep red and gold hung suspended from the pergola and around the patio, while Indian ornaments, incense, candles and eastern inspired lanterns completed this authentic look. The floral décor was also inspired by India, with stark single stemmed floral pieces, masses of Goldenrods and bright pops of colour completed the vast array of vases. Heavy Persian rugs created a canvas on which richly textured furniture was styled, recreating the same vibrant setting of a busy Indian market.

Of course any Indian themed celebration is synonymous with fragrant curries, and the selection of mouth-watering dishes served was truly something out of this world. Lamb Kareiy with Cashew nuts, Lamb Durban style curry with potato, Chicken Masala Breyani and authentic Butter Chicken was complemented by a buffet of Naans, Rotis, Fulka’s, Pickles and Chutneys.

An over indulgence in good food was inevitable and the dance floor soon became a wonderful space to shake off the extra pounds gained. Kenny’s Band and DJ Ricky kept guests dancing into the early hours of the morning with a mixture of pop tunes, Jazz and various dance numbers – this turned out to be no ordinary 80th birthday celebration...

EVENTS // 31

EVENTS |DURBAN JULY //

DURBAN JULY The prestigious Durban July is has been held on the first Sunday of July since 1897 and this year was no exception...

On the 6th of July 2013 the Greyville Racecourse in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal once again played host to this long standing event.

The 2013 theme was “Posh? Oh my gosh!” and incorporating the client’s precise blue colours was easy as they fit in perfectly with the ongoing nautical theme chosen. As per tradition, the marquee needed an official name and perfect name was chosen – P.O.S.H. The word “posh” was an abbreviation of “Port Out, Starboard Home”. This came about after the wealthy passengers travelling to and from India used to have the word POSH written against their bookings, indicating the more attractive cabins on the ship.

The Aleit Group had the opportunity to plan a new client’s exquisite Marquee and were in for a perturbing 3 days of rain that slowed the progress of every marquee at the event… not to mention the numerous trucks getting stuck in a mudspattered pile in the middle of the field!! All in all, it turned out quite well and a beautiful warm and sunny Durban day emerged for all to enjoy.

For the 117th time, the Greyville Racecourse was filled with spectators from the early morning hours, all-bustling to see the fashion and to peek into the private marquees.

Our guests were welcomed at the entrance to the marquee where ladies were presented with a range of bracelets of which have their pick. They were then in awe as soon as they set their eyes on the spectacular chandelier made out of organic hand-woven rope and ribbon which had centre stage hanging from the roof of the marquee. In order for guests to find their pinned rosette name tag, they had to make their way to this beautiful chandelier, thus affording them a chance to admire it up close.

Crisp white deep-buttoned couches were placed all around; blue striped double ottomans with rugged sandstone carpets complemented each lounge pocket. For additional seating, transparent ghost chairs were placed around slick white tables with blue art deco legs. Beautifully tying in the look of all the elements, glossy white and sky blue floor panels were placed in long rows. Stunning arrangements of white and red flowers complemented the look with red glass vases.

The Aleit Group was lucky enough to win this years Marquee of the year award!

FEATURE //

THE ACADEMY //

FEATURE //

Photographer : Inecke Photography

Elizma Freeman

Riaan Barnard

1st Year Achievements and upcoming events The 1st years have already successfully completed more than half of their 1st year and are now on mid-term break until the 22nd of July. They have stood strong throughout two ICA assessment sessions. Having completed some of their practical hours at more than five events and weddings with an average of 70 hours completed each, they have received some insight on the practical side of things.

Elizma Freeman has been voted by her classmates to take the leading position organizing the Cupcakes for Cancer charity project that the 1st years will be assisting with on the 28th of September. The project aids as a fundraiser where they collect as many cupcakes as possible to be sold on the 28th of September at The Somerset Mall.

The funds will go to those who have been diagnosed with cancer and are therefore struggling to keep up with their on-going medical bills due to this illness The 1st Years will be testing the Hospitality Industry waters from the end of October this year as they step into their very first internship placements!

Our group of twenty four 1st years will be split up into groups of approximately 3 students each. These groups will be moving from one section of The Aleit Group to the next, spending approximately three weeks in each internal department.

Spending time at Aleit Event Projects, Aleit Wedding Company, Shake & Serve Bar and Staffing Company and Laurent (the venue on Lourensford Wine Estate), in these placements the students will be spending one-on-one time with coordinators and supervisors. This allows the interns to get in-house coaching and mentoring on how things get done in the industry. After spending the most part of their year in lectures now is the time to see it all get put into practise by the professionals. The students will be given various responsibilities, such as assisting with drawing up concept proposals, brainstorming on new ideas, on-the-day assistance at events and weddings (this can vary from anything from managing registration to sourcing décor items to completing the overall look and feel of an event).

The 1st Years will also complete a six week placement which is headed up and managed by the ICA. This will once again allows the students to see all they have learnt in the practical kitchen take form in a “heated” professional kitchen – not quite Gordon Ramsay style but close!

Paige Pledger

FEATURE //

Photographer : Inecke Photography

Nanette Pienaar

Ian Dicks

2nd Year Achievements and upcoming events The 2nd Year students have now finished the majority of their lectures for the year. After handing in all five of their subjects Portfolio of Evidence files in June, they are on a well-deserved 3-week holiday!

In their 2nd year, the students have the opportunity to select their own internships at three businesses of their choice where ever in the industry they please!

The only catch? They have to do all the legwork themselves. Their brief is to select internships that they either excel at, want to learn more of or don’t know anything about, but would like to learn all the in’s and out’s of.

Our students have really pushed some boundaries this year, and we are extremely excited on their behalf to intern with some of the best in the industry!

Nanette Pienaar will be the very first intern at A Place, The Aleit Group’s own décor and furniture hiring company that will be launched in September! She will be working alongside Aleit Swanepoel himself, putting new systems in place, liaising with new clients, assisting with décor at weddings and events as well as the day to day running of the stunning shop based on Lourensford Wine Estate which is open daily bursting with new stock! .

Mudiwa Chihota, originally from Zimbabwe has decided to intern at The Tangerine Company and The Thorn Tree Lodge in Harare. This will give her the platform to grow from when she finishes her studies and start working back home. At the same time, we are so honored that the Aleit Academy name is travelling further North in Africa.

When the prospect of an internship at Leeukoppie Estate in Houtbay, the private residence of hotel mogul Sol Kerzner became available, we presented them with not only one, but three students to choose from.

As we thought, all three students were selected, their CV’s speaking volumes of what they can offer during this placement! They will get the chance to assist in the planning of the Kerzner’s private parties, be part of the daily running of the residence and experience first-hand how a private estate is run. Good luck to Ian Dicks, Amanda Forster and Monique Harris – we are jealous of whom you will be rubbing shoulders with but not so much of the hard work this placement entails!

Jana Nel is very interested in marketing and would like to eventually specialize in this field when she graduates from the Academy. One of her placements will be with The World Luxury Hotel Awards who travel to renowned hotels across the globe and assess their performance. She will be part of the marketing team here in Cape Town during her internship and will also be assisting in the planning of their events.

Finally, with the students out carving their destiny, be sure to keep you’re an eye out for them in the industry – just look for the best of the best!

FEATURE //

Photographer : Inecke Photography

Nanette Pienaar

Nicolette Basson

3rd Year Achievements and upcoming events Specializing in a certain area, honing your skills and knowledge within a particular field and learning from the best in the hospitality industry is what our current 3rd years can look forward to with their last placement. This internship is of such value and importance, that the student will most probably go from intern to employee in a matter of months if they’re lucky!

The students pinpoint what exactly they excel at and want to specialize in for the future, together with the guidance and support of both Hans and Cheri as well as the Academy Team, they are placed at companies we feel best suit their talents and personality.

Mariska Viljoen

To name but a few, here are some students to watch out for‌ Victoria Franck will be doing her final placement with Aleit Event Projects in Johannesburg working alongside 2012 Aleit Academy graduate and now Project Manager, Lindi van Heerden and Director of The Aleit Group, Thabo Mathlako.

Nicolette Basson will also be doing her second specialization placement with Amazing Spaces in Cape Town, a company that manage luxury villas, venues and properties all over South Africa – some of the most beautiful properties one could ever imagine.

Nicolette will be working on events alongside some of the best in the business and also working with the film industry.

Madworld is an advertising company that specializes in successful brand building for businesses and this is where Hanje Niehaus will do her last placement. Hanje has interned with them briefly before during her 2nd year, so she will most definitely carve her way into the company structure in the next few month.

Seeing our students move up the hospitality industry ladder just solidifies that The Aleit Academy as a force to be reckoned with.

Soon these students will be the new industry leaders and trend setters!

Chelsea Warren-Stone

FEATURES | A PLACE //

Photographer : Joe Photography

A PLACE For months the industry has been abuzz with rumours of Aleit’s new venture and it has finally realized...!

One of Aleit’s biggest passions has always been interior design and lifestyle, and with the opening of A Place this has become a tangible reality. We are extremely proud to announce that we have recently opened up our show room and retail outlet on Lourensford Wine Estate at Somerset West.

Aleit teamed up with business partner, Jacob Crafford Burger, and the beautiful new show room is already generating quite a bit of buzz in the Somerset West community. With Aleit’s extensive knowledge of the industry and Jacob being a celebrated interior designer and landscape architect, A Place is set to become the preferred destination for all things beautiful in the Helderberg.

A Place stocks a wide array of beautiful smalls as well as stunning furniture to entice anyone who visits. All furniture can also be custom made to a client’s specific wishes.

In September we will be having our exclusive by invitation only launches, so watch this space for even more beautiful images...

Be sure to pop in to see for yourself but be warned - you won’t be leaving empty handed! You can not only look forward to leaving with something wonderful but also being welcomed in Aleit style with a glass of perfectly chilled bubbly and even a slice of homemade red velvet or carrot cake!

THE CLOSING //

TO END IT OFF As we kick off another stellar newsletter, I have to comment on the Academy feature. What a delight to have such dynamic students at our Academy! The quality of the students year after year never ceases to amaze me, we are so blessed!

Our students just seem to go from strength to strength and I feel like a proud father when I hear of the success they are all achieving in their personal and professional lives. We have had a direct hand in training some of the top, most competent and dynamic event coordinators, wedding coordinators, venue managers, media liaisons and so forth in the industry today. To see the students we have gotten to know so well over the years achieve their dreams is really just the best feeling...

Our current students are absolutely setting the standard in the indusrty and without a doubt forging their path quite clearly. For the first time, they are receiving international placements at some of the world’s top hotels and event coordination companies. I am proud to send them off into the world to represent us, and I have the fullest confidence that they will not disappoint.

Good luck guys, I know you will all excel!

A big challenge in our industry is that everyone thinks they can be a competent wedding or event coordinator, and thus the reason why service delivery in the industry is not what it should be. We aim to provide clients with exactly what they are promised and it is my mission to make the dreams of our clients a tangible reality.

Another feature this month (and one that’s very close to my heart) is that of A Place, our brand new interior design and landscape venture. Have a read and a look at the amazing photographs, and I hope to personally welcome you into this beautiful space...

Kind regards

Photographer : Pieter Snyman

SERVICE PROFESSIONALS WEDDINGS

TELMA & MIGUEL Venue Flowers Lighting & Sound Food Flooring Cake Bar & Staffing Stationery Photographer Videographer Hiring Coffee Photo Booth Balloon Decoration Service

Laurent At Lourensford Estate OKASIE Aleit Shop Presentation Staging Manouche Connecta-floor Nelle cakes Shake & Serve Secret Diary Jean-Pierre Uys Goose Bump Production Top Table Coffee Right Retro Photo Booth BaBalloons

SERVICE PROFESSIONALS EVENTS

BARCELONA AEF DINNER Venue Décor AV Photographer Stationery

Hotel El Palace 5*GL Hotel El Palace 5*GL Hotel El Palace 5*GL ZaraZoo A-Design

80TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Tent Lighting & Sound Furniture Catering Bar Stationery Photographer Videographer

Nomadik Tents Presentation Staging A Place Red Dot Black Jack A-Design Christo Toua Leon van Rooyen

DURBAN JULY Décor & Styling Stationery Rosettes Furniture Waiters & Bar Invitation Boxes Flooring Draping Catering

A Place A-Design Secret Diary Propstars Black Jack Events Joseph Technicolor Connect-a-floor Events by Design Franz the Powerchef