THIRD EDITION SEPTEMBER 2011 WEDDING COORDINATION & STYLING
INDEX INDEXINDEX FROMALEITFROMALEIT FROM ALEIT
Opening letter from Aleit
BRIDAL SHOWER VS KITCHEN TEA BRIDALSHOWERVSKITC PRE - DINNER DRINKS - PASSIONATELY PRE-DINNER DRINKS FEATURED FEATUREDFEATUREDF
Candice & Larry - Webersburg
SHOWCASE SHOWCASESHOWCASE
Anita & Hans - Palmiet Valley Estate Marianne & Damian - Bread and Wine Liz & Mark - Webersburg
ALEIT BRINGING BOLLYWOOD BACK ALEITBRINGINGBOLLY SERVICE PROFESSIONALS SERVICEPROFESSIONA
INCLOSINGINCLOSINGI IN CLOSING
Closing letter from Aleit
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Cover feature and in closing photographs by Joe Photography
FROM OUR MANAGING FROM OUR DIRECTOR MANANA I consider myself blessed...I ponder this fact many times a day and I am so thankful for all I have. One of the top ranking items on my list is most certainly The Aleit Group. Over the past season we have been priveledged to arrange many truly amazing weddings, and it’s now time to focus on the final run of the 2011 / 2012 season. So... you’re reading our newsletter which means that for many, I may surmise that congratulations are in order. You’re getting married! If you are brave enough to consider the coming season, you’re probably under a time pressure, tackling the mad dash to the ‘finish line’... on the other hand I am sure there are a few supremely organised couples who are planning waaaaaay in advance, looking to the 2012/2013 season. Regardless of the time period, you now need to source THE dress, THE location, THE decor, THE lighting, THE music, THE food, THE invitations and no doubt THE cake. Take a deep breath and let us provide you with inspiration! We are really excited to be playing around with a fresh series of “looks” and numerous brilliant ideas. Aleit Weddings is not necessarily a niche brand limited to weddings only – we have recently been lucky enough to be involved in a gorgeous bachelorette party and due to the high demand for unique and detailed birthday celebrations, the wedding team is now also focusing their energy on what we think is THE birthday party of the century!
Photography: Jean - Pierre Uys Photography
BRIDAL SHOWER VS KITCHEN TEA VS KIT BRIDAL SHOWER
The wedding celebration is not just about the wedding day itself, there are lots of other pre and post wedding activities to consider – the kitchen tea being one of them. A number of our brides have asked for advice on this and so we thought it an apt time to include a feature. THE BRIDAL SHOWER Traditionally, the bridal shower was a female-only fun party for the bride. The shower is organised by a close friend or member of the bridal party. It gives the bride the opportunity of catching up with her female friends and relatives before the wedding. The bridal shower is usually held fairly close to the wedding and can be formal or very casual. It can be a champagne breakfast, high tea, a barbeque lunch or sit-down evening meal. Guests traditionally present the bride-to-be with small house oriented gifts, and the bride in turn presents her bridesmaids and other attendants with a thank-you gift, often a piece of jewellery to wear to the wedding.
THE KITCHEN TEA A specialised type of wedding shower is the kitchen tea. This has predominately remained a female-only occasion and involves guests giving gifts for the kitchen, as it still remains, even today to a large extent the woman’s domain. There are, however, many things that are changing and remember there really are no hard and fast rules, so make your own decision on what suits you best. You may even choose to have a bathroom or bedroom shower where gifts are given specifically relating to these areas.
These days, the bridal shower has “expanded” into what we call a ‘wedding shower’, and this is something the boys can attend. It’s a fun occasion - often with a special party theme - for both bride and groom as they don’t have to organise or host it, so they can just relax and enjoy.
BRIDAL SHOWER IN STYLE Jackie Hawtrey, who recently married Jacob Wiese at The Lanzerac Hotel, celebrated her bridal shower on the morning of the 19th March this year. We asked her to share some insight; Your favourite moment? Walking through the Mount Nelson blindfolded and then seeing all of friends and family! “SURPRISE!” What was the most endearing aspect of the day? My bridesmaids made me a gown with ‘Mrs Wiese’ printed in green on the back...I used it on the day of the wedding while I was getting ready...this was very, very special! How did they keep it a surprise? What can I say – I have organized friends who executed this like a Military operation. In fact I heard that my one bridesmaid, Simone, sent out daily reminders not to spoil the surprise! Did you enjoy any spa treatments as part of the pre-wedding build-up? We went to Danté Spa the day before the wedding and had our manicures and pedicures done there. My sister in law treated us to some Moët and Vida e Café cupcakes. Yum!!! Advice to other Brides DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF...and be nice to your husband!
PRE DINNER DRINKS - PASSIONATELY PRE DINNER DRINKS - PAS By now we are all familiar with Cape Town’s original gourmet bazaar – The Neighbourhood Goods Market located in Woodstock. It’s become something of an institution I have to say, featuring over 100 speciality traders and creating a platform for local farmers, fine-food purveyors, organic merchants, bakers, butchers, gourmet products, seasonal items, boutique wine, microbreweries, celebrated chefs and more! This notion was further entrenched during my recent trip to Europe where fresh food markets are a way of life, not just a Saturday morning outing. While sitting at a sidewalk cafe sipping my espresso one afternoon, the epiphany struck! How magnificent it would be to create a mini goods market and combine it with our popular pre-dinner street parties. This would create an all encompassing ‘experience’ for guests as well as a ‘stage’ for boutique food merchants to further distribute and sell their wares. All proudly South African of course! What a treat for foreign guests. Essentially we’re talking a pre-dinner drinks f-e-s-t-i-v-a-l in the greater sense of the word! I mean, why rely on canapés alone (with the chef tucked away in the kitchen), when one can have freshly made sushi, wood fired pizzas,
a fine selection of charcuterie, an assortment of freshly baked breads with intricately combined cheeses and paired preserves – possibly even homemade chocolate truffles and red wine...geez, we’ll even throw in a micro brewery for good measure. And all of this while the passionate proprietors interact with your guests, adding to the day’s entertainment. Now the market ‘vibe’ would of course not be complete without complimentary music and we need to think out of the box - just a little. Forget the string quartet or the standard jazz duo (forgive me my musical colleagues). For this occasion we need to consider eclectic world sounds, gypsy folk music or the Cape Town Tango Ensemble reminiscent of Argentinean street scenes. Festive, feet tapping, foot stomping stuff! And for those who still really are children at heart... one can certainly take this a step further and enhance the atmosphere by way of street performers such as mime artists, jugglers, stilt walkers and illusionists. It may of course be a small challenge to get your guests to move towards the reception, but we embrace challenges with great enthusiasm – so leave that to us!
S
CANDICE & LARRY
OUR FEATURED COUPLE Candice and Larry’s wedding has certainly been a highlight for The Aleit Group. The Bride held a clear vision of her day but required the assistance of professionals to make sure her ideas where perfected and implemented faultlessly. OKASIE was a natural choice for the striking flower installations the couple desired and their grasp of ‘the bigger picture’ provided a seamless effect. The photos bear testimony to this! This breathtaking wedding held three main colours as the core theme - fushia pink, green and yellow. The base colours remained neutral providing solid grounding for the look and allowed us to be creative with the vibrant hues. Grids of 4 - 6 tables were styled with like colours but using various flower types. A clear marquee allowed guests to drink in their surroundings and reflected beautifully in the lake which was a like a mirror on the night. A circular dance floor was custom built for the rectangular tent space and together with the round tables, created a play on round spheres within a linear shape. The wedding day started with romantic Chuppah held at 4pm and ended with an after party of note in the Webersurg venue at 5am the next morning. Entertainment for the evening included; Nomfusi, during the reception as well as club-DJ, Shaun, for the after party.
ANITA & HANS
HOW THEY MET
Hans met Anita in July of 1988 while in the north of the Netherlands. Hans had just finished his studies and Anita was working in a dental practice. Within six months Anita had moved in with Hans and within two years they moved to Amsterdam – together of course. Needless to say, it was a sure thing! “We both love travelling and this is something we did a lot of at the time.” says Anita. In 2000 their first son Laurens Jan was born and two years later the young family moved to Johannesburg. “The plan was for us to return to The Netherlands within a two to three year period but we stayed on...and on...and on.” The couple fell in love with South Africa and it is here that their second son Maarten was born - firmly on South African soil.
THE PROPOSAL
Mother’s Day 2009 saw Anita seated at a rose petal covered breakfast table. Hans suddenly bent down on one knee, a dainty little box in hand, and proposed to Anita who was totally unsuspecting. Hans cleverly kept this a secret from their sons as they would probably not have been able to keep the secret to themselves.
THE WEDDING DAY
Anita and Hans chose the breathtaking setting of Palmiet Valley Estate to celebrate their union. The couple awoke to a perfectly sunny day with a maximum temperature of 34 degrees Celsius predicted. Guests were shuttled from nearby Cascade Manor and treated to African Drummers on arrival while the ladies were handed carved sandalwood fans.
The ceremony perfectly mirrored the vibrancy and love portrayed by this couple. A Gospel Choir appropriately sang “Oh happy day” as Anita and Hans walked down the aisle together as husband and wife. As the couple exited the Manor House, Hans was handed a sabrage sword and a bottle of Veuve Cliquot – a rather apt tribute to the magnitude of the day! Defying tradition, the couple proceeded to cut the wedding cake during pre-drinks and this sweet delicacy was served as part of the canapé selection. Hard to resist when combined with the delicate flavour of French champagne! Anita and Hans had opted for a plated menu which was perfectly complimented by the wine, the ambience and the exquisite setting. As the more formal part of the evening came to an end, children were collected by the appointed child minders and guests were ushered to the party area which had been set-up around the pool. Guests loosened their ties, ladies kicked off their shoes and the festivities were kicked into top gear while bar flares and fire spinners added to the celebratory mood of this incredible day. “Our wedding day was one massive celebration - a celebration of the love we’ve shared together for 22 years, a celebration of our family life with our two wonderful boys and a celebration of our dear friends from all over the world who attended our wedding. We felt like one extended family! Although the day was long, with a fantastic line-up and a full program, we really enjoyed every single moment!”
THE BEST MOMENT
Hans says with a happy smile: “The best moment of the day was most certainly when all the guests were waiting on the lawn under the marvellous white canopies and Anita entered, wedged between our two sons. She walked over a bed of rose petals towards the gazebo where I was waiting – that was momentous.”
HONEYMOON
Anita and Hans decided to introduce their friends and family to the amazing African bushveld! Their description of the adventure: “Absolutely FANTASTIC!”
WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ABOUT US
“The greatest thing about our wedding was that every single item was absolutely perfect. We could enjoy every second without bothering about a thing! It was designed, orchestrated and managed to PERFECTION! From the advice we received from Aleit regarding the flow of the program, to the chandeliers on the tables and the amazing entertainment - everything was top class and carefully balanced. And is that not what life is all about?”
THE COUPLE’S ADVICE TO FUTURE BRIDES AND GROOMS “Our advice is, do not wait for 22 years to get married. And take care of the party element!!”
MARIANNE & DAMIAN
HOW THEY MET
Simple story...Marianne and Damian met in London at Deutsche Bank where they both worked.
THE PROPOSAL
It turns out that Damian is a rather intriguing man! “He took me away to the Westcliffe for the night to celebrate my birthday. The birthday however turned out to be a secondary occasion!” says Marianne with a wry smile.
THE WEDDING DAY
Marianne and Damian wanted a dramatic setting for their wedding and Franschhoek was their location of choice. With a fair amount on offer, they decided to defy the obvious and instead, hosted their ceremony at Cafe Antoinette which is located right at the Huguenot Monument. Guests were treated to a balmy day in Africa, a remarkable wedding in one of the most exquisite settings with outstanding food and wine – after all, they were in the gourmet capital of the Western Cape – dead centre in fact! Picture this; the Huguenot Monument dramatically off set by the majestic Franschhoek Mountains, a gorgeous bridal couple very much in love, the groom walks down the aisle to “You’ll never walk alone” (the Liverpool anthem), and his bride follows to the strains of “The Prayer”. Guests are holding white paper parasols and the love can be felt all around. “I walked around the corner and saw Damian standing there looking right at me. My heart skipped a beat!” says Marian.
The bar had been set high and the tempo now had to be increased. Guests were certainly not disappointed as they arrived at the renowned Bread & Wine Restaurant - known for their hospitality and uncomplicated yet mouth watering food. “We loved every minute of our wedding day. In fact we felt like guests at our own wedding if that’s even possible! Everything was beautiful and so elegant. The whole day was one filled with so much happiness and fun.”
THE BEST MOMENT
Marianne says her “best moment” was arriving at the Huguenot Memorial and seeing all the people that were so dear to her sitting against the most breathtaking backdrop of the Franschhoek Mountains with their white parasols in hand. The other highlight of the day was when the couple walked into Bread and Wine and finally got to see their beautiful décor and flowers for the first time. “All our friends had their cameras out and with the flashes going off it felt like the paparazzi were waiting for us!” she laughs. Damian says his “best moment” was seeing Marianne walk down the aisle. “She looked so lovely and I admit to shedding a tear. Also walking into Bread and Wine Restaurant, with everyone clapping and cheering for us - that was really amazing!”
THE HONEYMOON
“We went to Plantation d Albion in Mauritius. It was the perfect way to end a couple of crazy months. We spent ten days lying in the sun, drinking cocktails and eating too much - it was wonderful.”
WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ABOUT US
“The whole day was so special because the Aleit Team is so amazing. I could write a book on how incredible you made our day. Every single thing was thought of, every mishap dealt with without our knowledge thereof, our guests felt like royalty and have all commented on the amazing service and the little extra’s they noticed. They felt so well taken care of – in fact spoilt is the word – and that’s all down to you! The cherry on top was the blankets and heaters arriving out of nowhere when the weather got a bit chilly. Just like that! We were all blown away! I think our overall impression was that you made us feel like this was not only the most important day for us, but for you too. Not once did we feel like this was your “millionth” wedding. You made us feel like we were the only couple on earth.”
THE COUPLE’S ADVICE TO FUTURE BRIDES AND GROOMS “If you want a wedding where you don’t have to stress about a single thing, where anything you think of has already been thought of and where your day will be everything you dreamed of...and more, you simply have NO choice but to use Aleit.”
LIZ & MARK
HOW THEY MET
As these happy tales so often begin, this lovely couple met through a work scenario. “Initially we became friends but I eventually built up the courage to ask her out. And she accepted. Our first proper date was a dinner in Paris, France. I booked it on a whim and would have gone on my own had she not accepted!” says Mark.
THE PROPOSAL
Their relationship matured and although it took Mark a while to get around to it – he eventually proposed on Valentine’s Day in the couple’s favourite restaurant. “I placed a ring box on the table while Liz paid a visit to the cloakroom. When she returned she immediately noticed it. Inside where two “Love Heart” sweets – on one the words ‘I Love you’ and on the other, ‘Will you Marry Me?”
THE WEDDING DAY
Liz and Mark decided to exchange their vows and further celebrate their union at the glorious Webersburg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. They were blessed with fine weather and the day flowed from one incredible experience to the next. The couple treated their guests to a variety of music and entertainment styles, commencing with a classical ensemble at the ceremony, a bit of African inspiration during pre-drinks by way of traditional gumboot dancers, the rather exceptional sounds of the band Blaze during the dinner reception and finally, ending the night with a ‘get-down-and-boogie’ session guided by the musical brilliance of the DJ.
Furthermore, guests were invited onto the patio to witness a fire dance performance on the banks of the lake prior to the couple performing their first dance. This set a rather thrilling tone as the couple opened the floor to ‘Me and My Shadow’ by Robbie Williams. “The wedding day was just amazing from the moment we woke up. Everyone and everything was perfect and we still talk about it - the wonderful photographs we have constantly remind us of that. They generate such incredible memories. Having your closest friends and family share such a special day is the best thing you can imagine.” says Liz.
THE BEST MOMENT?
“Seeing my darling Liz walk down the aisle – she was a perfect vision and it made me feel so very humble and honoured that she had agreed to become my wife.” says Mark. “Also, walking out after signing the register and seeing all of our family and friends standing there waiting for us.” Liz adds: “And not to forget the food, the photographer and the venue!!”
THE HONEYMOON
“When in Rome do as the Romans and when in Africa, for us it has to be a Safari!” Mark and Liz spent a few days in a lodge in the Kruger National Park with their families and closest friends. They then left the group and went to Camp Jabulani, a luxury lodge that offers elephant back safaris. “This was the most wonderful experience, and sometime in the future we would love to return!”
WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ABOUT US
“Listen, listen and then listen some more. These guys are the experts. Whatever you think of, they already have it covered. They gave us some fantastic support, advice and expertise and we couldn’t have done it without them. Whatever your wedding budget may be, make funds available for Aleit and the team. They are worth every penny and more…We will always be indebted to them for organising and co-ordinating OUR perfect day…”
THE COUPLE’S ADVICE TO FUTURE BRIDES AND GROOMS “Spend your money on the elements that produce the memories! For us the photographs were paramount as they provide you with a lifetime of joy and we cannot thank Jean Pierre enough for ours. Make the day special for you as individuals. With the help of Aleit we introduced a number of special things into the day, which meant so much to us and our guests. Finally take time out for yourselves take a step back and watch your guests, and where possible, try to speak to as many people as you can!!”
ALEIT’S 30-SOMETHING BIRTHDAY BASH ALEIT’S 30-SOMETHING For the South African version of Aleit’s birthday bash we walked a very different path to his romantic and ever so stylish Parisian celebration. This time we brought Bollywood back! Friends and family were invited to a vibrant and fun filled evening at Aleit’s favourite take-out restaurant, Sitara Indian Cuisine in Somerset West. This party proves that as long as you make it personal and let the setting characterize you, it’s sure to be a winner...and in Aleit’s world that would translate as follows: “Have Indian food...lots of it...and be merry...very merry! Upon arrival, guests were thrown into the evening’s festivities immediately, each receiving a welcome cocktail with the most outrageous names (maybe a photo or two will divulge the secret but best we avoid direct publication thereof in case a minor happens to read this.) Sitara’s chefs excelled as always, with the use of a delicate yet punchy variety of spices and their secret grilling techniques. The venue was transformed by the use of vibrant, happy colours. In true Indian style, the space was somewhat ‘overpopulated’, in fact stuffed to the brim with Aleit’s nearest and dearest! The evening was not only enjoyed because of the great Indian cuisine and fantastic company – but for the music, the ethnic fusion, and all the small but memorable touches such as the henna tattoo artists that adorned our skin with their creative talent and the beautiful belly dancers performing such dramatic pieces complete with Isis wings. In fact let me tell you a bit more about that!
Costumed in the finest Indian attire, they made an entrance with candlelit headwear and veils to a fast upbeat and rather cheeky drum solo. The ladies finished off with a sword dance...and all the while this was intensified and perfected by the magnificent Presentation Staging. Bollywood films played in the bar area and guests further embraced the theme (known for its catchy music), by belting out their own song-and-dance numbers through live karaoke...The Aleit Group character came to the fore when hastily, groups of staff gathered to enjoy a competitive ‘sing-off’! The winners will remain secret...for now. Thank you Aleit for a party like never before, where we could celebrate not only your birthday, but also who you are! A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE SERVICE PROVIDERS Venue & Food - Sitara Restaurant Sound & Lighting - Presentation Staging Karaoke & DJ - Bright Midnight Entertainment Belly Dancers - Feminine Devine Henna Artist - The Mystical East Dance Studio Bag Piper - Mark Le Roux Florist and Décor Stylist - Floral Affairs Stationery - A-Design Hiring - Top Table and Ten of Cups Cake - Joanie Schoeman Bar and Staff - Shake and Serve Photography - Inecke Photography
SERVICE PROFESSIONAL EXTRAORDINAIRES SERVICEPROFESSIO ANITA AND HANS
Bedouin Tent - Nomadik Tents Minister - Kevin Needham Bar and Staff - Shake and Serve Catering - Stir Food Wedding Cake - Hunt House Kitchen Classic Trio - Baobab Tree Hiring - Top Table and Exclusive Hire Lighting - Something Different Concepts & Shows Flooring - Instant Flooring Flowers - OKASIE Sound - Presentation Staging Stationery - Elsje Designs Photographer - Jean Pierre Uys Photography Videographer - Zara Zoo Videography DJ - DJ Rene Tanguy
CANDICE AND LARRY
Venue - Webersburg Wine Estate Catering - Merle Reuben Bar and Staff - Shake and Serve Classical Quartet - Aleit Music & Entertainment Nomfusi - Aleit Music & Entertainmnet Stationery - Bella and Co Flowers - OKASIE Lighting - Something Different Concepts & Shows Photographer - Joe Photography 2nd Photographer - Cari Eksteen Marquee - Cozi Hiring Draping - To - Netts Dance floor - Event Flooring Hiring - Top Table, Exclusive Hire & Table Cloth Hiring Company Make-up - Algria Ferreira
LIZ AND MARK
Venue - Webersburg Wine Estate Minister - Kevin Needham Catering - Dish Food and Social Wedding Cake - Dish Food Bar and Staff - Webersburg Wine Estate Musicians - Aleit Music & Entertainment Sound Engineers - Aleit Music & Entertainment Stationery - Creations by Alexa Table Gifts - Aleit Shop Flowers - Aspen Flowers & Company Lighting - Something Different Concepts & Shows Photographer - Jean - Pierre Uys Photography Videographer - Vicky Groslin Video Productions Hair and Make-up - Candice Leigh Arnott Transport- Pickup Tourism and Travel Flooring - Instant Flooring Hiring - Top Table and Table Cloth Hire Tent- Nomadik Stretch Tents & Canopies Bar Services - Urban Tonic Blaze Band - Frank Paco Fire Spinners - Aleit Music & Entertainment Honeymoon - African Pathfinder
MARIANNE AND DAMIAN
Bar and Staff - Shake and Serve Catering - Bread and Wine Hiring - Top Table and Exclusive Hire Lighting - Something Different Concepts & Shows Flooring - Something Different Concepts & Shows Flowers - Floral Affairs Photographer - Jan Hendrik Photography Classical Trio - Aleit Music and Entertainment Jazz Duo - Take2Duo Hair and Make-up - Luciano dos Santos
IN CLOSING IN CLOSING We are acutely aware that global economics are not playing “ball” at the moment - the squeeze is on! We realize that many couples may face limited budgets. Our message to you; “Do not despair!” As illustrated by my recent birthday celebration, one can make a rather understated location go a long way. Just be creative and use what you love most as the key elements on the day. As long as you carefully balance the most important base elements - a great guest list, fabulously tasty food, a good mix of beverages, catchy music and impactful but not necessarily extravagant décor - your special day is sure to be everything you dreamed of! We really are quite mindful of the financial stresses couples bear when hosting a wedding these days and we are up to the challenge! The Aleit team works prudently and with a careful financial plan... without taking away from the end result of course. Right! That said, I’ve just returned from Poland to assist one of our couples in enjoying their special day...with sky lanterns in my luggage and some homespun linen from sunny South Africa neatly tucked away – it sure was a blast! Bon Voyage until next time!
ALEIT SWANEPOEL Managing Director - The Aleit Group