Meet some of our locals responsible for helping couples create the wedding of their dreams.
studio Petals
This floral design studio and curated shop is located in Nottingham Road and owned by Annie Hedley. “Flowers have been an intrinsic part of my life for as long as I can remember, even as a Fine Art graduate my paintings were botanically focused,” Annie explains. Having completed two floral design courses specialising in weddings and events in London, it was almost inevitable that she would buy her own florist shop in 2014. Getting married is wonderful, exciting and magical, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Luckily, choosing flowers and décor is one of the most enjoyable parts of wedding planning and studio Petals make the experience as simple and as fun as possible, whilst ensuring that your flowers are the most uniquely beautiful things you could possibly want.
“As we look at weddings and other celebrations in 2021, we anticipate seeing a continuation of smaller, more intimate weddings – micro weddings.” Ceremony floral décor is a trend that now makes more sense than ever. This doesn’t necessarily mean only ‘luxe’ arches. Couples can be semi-framed, asymmetrically formed in, or completely surrounded. It could also be as simple as two beautiful floral arrangements placed on either side of you at the altar. All eyes on you… and a perfect photo booth! At studio Petals, they’ll take the time to carefully listen to you and to interpret and develop your ideas into the wedding flowers of your dreams. Book your free no-obligation consultation at their floral studio.
Address: Shop 2, Junction Complex, Nottingham Road
Email: info@petals-midlands.com
Website: www.petals-midlands.com
The Wedding Co.
The Wedding Co. is based in the Midlands and specialises in planning, event management, styling, floral design, lighting, and catering and has a carefully curated range of décor and furniture for hire. After returning from working on the yachts, Kate and her husband Scott decided to stay in South Africa. Kate was just about to start an events business when a friend offered Kate her existing wedding business. At the time, The Wedding Co. SA ran Tala’s wedding department and had over 60 weddings booked so it definitely was a no-brainer. And as they say, the rest is history!
When planning weddings for our couples, The Wedding Co. always focuses on their couples enjoying their day to the max and really being able to be present, not just getting swept up in a whirlwind day that passes in the blink of an eye. They try to structure the day around the couple and them being able to enjoy every single part of the magnificent day that they have envisioned. “We do not believe in our couples being rushed through their day but rather in them being able to enjoy it and to relish in the time spent with their special guests. Take time to breathe it all in,” explains Kate. “I think that big weddings are, for now, definitely something of the past. People’s circles have shrunk during COVID-19 and I think that this is going to be the biggest change when it comes to weddings. I see smaller weddings where couples can now really focus on and afford exactly what they want because their weddings will be smaller and more intimate. I see more destination weddings and people leaning more towards spending more quality time over their weddings with a smaller set of people.” Smaller weddings also mean that very often you are celebrating with those who you spend time with socially anyway, meaning there is less risk to you, your family and your friends.
“We are there to advise our couples every single step of the way. We have been in this business for a long enough to have gained invaluable experience in not only planning but in styling, florals, budgeting, catering and the logistics that come with having a wedding in a private space, a venue, in the bush or on an empty field. We have the experience needed to be able to give the most sound, but also current, advice to ensure that your function runs smoothly and is also stress-free. Hire a planner people – it’s the best investment you can make in your special day. And if a planner is out of your budget, then at least have someone to do your décor and florals. Having been an integral part of close on 500 wedding, there is a big difference between those couples who try to ‘do it all’ and those couples who sit back and enjoy their special day and leave it all to the professionals. Trust me, in the long run you save more by spending money on the right person,” says Kate.
Call: 031 764 1337
E-mail: kate@theweddingcosa.co.za
Facebook: @weddingcosa
Calderwood Hall
We believe that planning your wedding is a very special time and one that should be exciting, fun, and filled with beautiful memories. Owing to her rich and diverse history, Calderwood Hall has a heritage and a presence, and yet, because she was also a family home, she is extremely welcoming. Many of our past guests have commented on the relaxed atmosphere that they have enjoyed during their time spent with us.
We believe your wedding day should be all about you and yours so we don’t take any other bookings for your very special day. Our venue allows for personal styles to be reflected in the reception. You will not be limited by what we can do, so whether or not you stick to tradition or personalise your wedding to suit the occasion, it’s all just a matter of choice.
The pretty and tranquil thatched stained glass chapel can seat 150 guests. As an alternative to the chapel, you can use the gazebo in the front garden, or our forest chapel. The inviting Jardine Function Centre seats 250 guests comfortably whilst still allowing for a dance floor. The owner, Wade Coetzer, enjoys preparing menus to suit individual tastes and budgets. He has decades of experience in the wedding industry, will listen to you, gently advise you, and is happy to share his extensive knowledge. He enjoys helping couples celebrate their love for each other.
You can host a wedding with us for only R38 000 (for 80 guests) in 2021, with our Heritage Package which is unique and includes all of the key elements of your wedding (venue, chapel, and catering).
Our accommodation is very popular with bridal parties who want to make their wedding a weekend event. Our Edwardian Manor House is usually chosen for the family and close friends by the bridal party with its five oversized, luxury en-suite bedrooms, all exquisitely themed. For that larger wedding, we can sleep up to 70 guests on our estate (we are AA Highly Recommended).
You will find Calderwood Hall Guest House nestled in the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg mountains. We are just 31km from the Howick turnoff, on the R617, the Underberg Road (Exit 99 off the N3), just outside the hamlet of Boston. If you’d like to know more please email weddings@calderwood.co.za or visit www.calderwood.co.za
“Calderwood is more than a venue but rather an amazing experience. Wade and his team really added a special touch and thought of all the details that we often missed. The food was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for the once in a lifetime experience.”
“We loved every minute of our time and experience at Calderwood Hall. I would highly recommend Calderwood Hall to anyone who wants a stress-free wedding.”
The Groves
The Groves is an elegant and romantic wedding venue situated in the rolling hills of the Caversham Valley in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. This countryside gem has been lovingly crafted into a beautiful and intimate venue perfect for weddings and events.
The venue was lovingly created by the Bouwer family, who own Gowan Valley just across the river, and has now been purchased by Scott and Kate Bain, the current business owners of Crystal Barn Country Estate and The Wedding Company South Africa. This beautiful venue is set on the most gorgeous piece of property lovingly embraced by the Mfofane River. It is a venue full of character with the most gorgeous gardens.
Kate runs the venue along with her amazing The Wedding Company team who has a wealth of experience in weddings and events and specialises in coordination, décor and styling, and also offers the most amazing catering complements of Chef Jeanne. You won’t find any stock standard wedding food being served here. Booking The Groves ensures that you also have the advice of professional wedding planners to tap into and over 10 years of experience which is invaluable and not something you will find at most other venues.
The venue has a manor house that can be either self-catering or catered and sleeps up to 14 guests, which was the original Balgowan farmhouse. The Bouwer family lovingly renovated and restored the home to its former glory. The house is available to the bridal party as part of their wedding package but is also available for rental as a B&B or self-catering accommodation by leisure guests.
The Groves has a charming stables area which is used for pre-reception for weddings but can also be hired for smaller events. It’s the perfect venue for smaller, more inmate gatherings and overlooks the beautiful orchard grove down to the river. The venue offers catering, in-house bar services (it is fully licensed) and encapsulates everything that the Midlands is all about. This is a true country gem.
Contact: 078 666 8546
Email: kate@thegrovesvenue.co.za