Turbine Hall
Location: Gauteng
Absolute Perfection
ABOUT US
Absolute Perfection is a High End Fine Art Luxury, Wedding Consultancy located in the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa. Absolute Perfection specializes in complete Event Styling, Coordination and Floral Design, predominantly for Luxury South African Safari Destination Weddings. Our unique approach towards our events creates pictures, experiences, made to last for eternity. We assist with not only styling our clients’ wedding receptions, but also provide guidance with entire event production from start to finish. As designers, Absolute Perfection draws inspiration from the past, present and future, from interior design, fine art, fashion, travel, luxurious living; but mostly our passion for life and beautiful things. With attention to quality and detail, we combine colors, shapes, textures, patterns and innovative concepts to create truly memorable occasions. Keeping in mind that event styling is not just about flowers… it is about creating an atmosphere. Absolute Perfection assists with advising on High End industry professionals, event layout, custom lighting, specialty linens, furniture and props that will give your event ambiance and character. Every celebration paints a picture, evokes an emotion and tells a story…we are here to co-create and execute a customized, personal occasion that truly reflects YOU in the heart of African opulence!
CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.absoluteperfection.co.za
+27 (0)72 314 9347
MORE ABOUT US
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
We are based in Johannesburg, South Africa and service nationwide, as well as Mozambique, Kalahari regions.
How did you get started in weddings?
I have an interior design back ground, and started planning events while I was studying Interior. Once I finished I wanted to continue planning events as well as incorporate my interior knowledge, which lead me to open up my own wedding planning business; that was 2009.
What inspires you?
I get inspired by travel, nature, art, music and Interior. I think as a creative we draw inspiration from anything artistic. Just love love and the love for all things beautiful.
Favourite place in South Africa?
Definitely the Dolphin Coast in KZN; I just love being close to anything abundant in green and blue seas.
What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
The most important advice I can give to brides and grooms is never to forget why you decided to get married in the first place. Weddings are a one day event, a marriage is a lifetime achievement, and that is the ultimate goal.
Cathedral Peak Wine Estate
Hanrie Lues Bridal
ABOUT HANRIE LUES BRIDAL
At Hanrie Lues Bridal, we specialise in custom designed and made, luxury bridal gowns for the modern bride (with a nostalgic side!). Our signature elements include exquisite hand-beading, intricate lace appliqué and exceptional fit. Each bespoke bride that enters through our doors leaves feeling like royalty and becomes our friend for life!
CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.hanrielues.com
+27 (0) 72 700 5173
MORE ABOUT THE DESIGNER
How would you describe your design style?
I adore intricate details and interesting elements. My designs are hugely influenced by romantic and nostalgic bygone eras of glamour. I pay special attention to always push the envelope and stay informed on what international bridal trends are going to be, so that my brides can always be assured of a fresh and modern approach to design.
Favourite fabrics to work with?
LACE! Absolutely obsessed with laces and the endless possibilities they offer to create new and unique designs. I also love using experimental fabric, to stay ahead of the pack and ensure that my gowns cater to what the modern bride requires, in terms of fit, quality and comfort.
What would you suggest is the best way to accessorise one of your creations?
I prefer toned-down accessories, that complement instead of overpower the dress. A beautiful pair of earrings, a statement crown or a cathedral veil are some of my favourites!
What process and timeline can a Hanrie Lues bride expect?
I always advise my brides to contact me as soon as their venue has been booked! It is never to early to start the process when opting for a bespoke designer gown. As we require 4-6 months to complete a gown, we book up very far in advance and often if brides wait until the last moment, we aren’t able to accommodate them (which breaks my heart!). Having more time to plan also allows us to do exciting and exclusive things like custom beadwork and ordering fabric from overseas.
Favourite current bridal trends?
Loving the boho-lux trend – laid-back yet elegant and chic. Fit for a boho-princess! Still obsessed with low backs and interesting sleeves, as well as pastel colours used as linings under ivory/white laces.
Any advice for brides?
So much advice, haha! But will narrow it down to:
- Get that videographer! I regret not having one to capture our memories of the day, in a format that also allows you to re-live the emotions.
- Pick a photographer that pays attention to detail and styling.
- Hire a co-ordinator if you have a full-time job and lack creative or organisational skills!
- Choose bridesmaids who will actually put their own needs aside for ONE day and are able to selflessly attend to you. This really takes the pressure off and allows you to just relax and enjoy every second without having to deal with unwanted drama!
Bordeaux Game Farm
Crystal Barn Country Estate
Wedding Concepts
ABOUT US
Decidedly different, and simply superior, Wedding Concepts is one of the world’s most celebrated full service event planning companies. Handcrafting celebrations of distinction for a discerning global clientele throughout South Africa, no expectation is too great for their talented team, and no detail goes unnoticed, while their world class creativity & premium planning service is second to none. With over 400 extraordinary designer weddings in their portfolio, Wedding Concepts is the savvy choice for wedding planning perfection in Southern Africa.
CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.weddingconcepts.co.za
+27 (0)21 426 5783
MORE ABOUT US
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
Our head office is based in Cape Town, however we coordinate and execute our designer celebrations across all of South Africa as well as neighbouring countries.
How did you get started in weddings?
After visiting and falling in love with South Africa, Christina started Wedding Concepts in 2004, followed by sister companies Event Concepts & Travel Concepts that now form the Concepts Collection. The company has since coordinated some of the largest and most high profile nuptials & events conducted on our shores.
What inspires you?
We are inspired by design and detail as well as service excellence, for our international team, these go hand in hand and we love setting trends and creating bespoke designer celebrations for our clients from all corners of the earth.
Favourite place in South Africa?
We are all very proud to call Cape Town home and love sharing this diverse city with our international clients and sharing the hidden gems with our local market. It was recently placed number 1 on the New York Times list of places to visit in the world and we couldn’t agree more. Needless to say our 5 star Game Reserves hold a very close second.
What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
Don’t be shy to set your own trends! Designing a wedding these days has moved into the realm of conceptualising an event, often across several days. Involving a professional coordination team like Wedding Concepts should be a top priority to guarantee stress free perfection from A to Z.
Jack and Jane Photography
ABOUT US
We are a husband and wife team based in Johannesburg, but cover weddings throughout South Africa. Our style is natural and fresh with a romantic edge .We love capturing those real moments, the ones that will make you treasure your celebration for many years to come. We are such a great team and can certainly say that we feed off each other’s creativity! We are so lucky to be able to work together, inspire each other and most of all have fun with every project, client and personal shoot.
CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.jackandjane.co.za
MORE ABOUT US
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
We are based in Johannesburg, South Africa, but cover wedding through SA and abroad.
How did you get started in weddings?
Jack and I both studied graphic design and then I went on to specialize in photography. I spent quite a few years travelling, working as a photographer on a cruise ship and then settled back in South Africa to start my wedding photography business. Jack joined me on a full time basis a few years ago and it has been one incredible ride and we are loving every minute of what we do.
What inspires you?
Most definitely travelling. Being able to step out of our own existence gives us such a perspective of the world and people. Everyone has his or her own unique story and that is incredibly inspiring.
Favourite place in South Africa?
The Natal Midlands
What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
We would say that our biggest advice for brides and grooms would be to have fun. From the planning process, right up to the day of the wedding. Make things personal, incorporate your personalities and remember to not sweat the small stuff.
Hello Love Photography
ABOUT ME
So you want to find out a bit about me…
With nearly 15 years of photography under my belt (that’s right – I had my start in the days when we still bought film), I still love all the aspects of weddings – from a couple’s story, to the small details and fun party – what’s not to enjoy?
I love natural light, photographing people in love and travelling to new places.
My fine art and editorial approach has proven to result in clean, beautiful images that evoke emotion and tell people’s stories.
I feel truly blessed to play such an important role in my clients’ big day!
Photography aside, who am I?
Well……. here are a few of my favourite things:
my husband (the love of my life and my partner in crime) | cat kisses from Jamie and Sam (who are both professional sleepers) | coffee (I must admit I can’t start a day without it) | cupcakes, donuts and brownies | walking around barefoot | good movies and even better books | braaivleis on a summer evening | real friends!
CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.hellolovephotography.co.za
MORE ABOUT ME
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
Based in Johannesburg, I specialize in local and destination weddings & will gladly travel to any location for a wedding celebration.
How did you get started in weddings?
By accident actually. But a happy accident ;) A friend got married on her granddad’s farm in Zimbabwe (almost 15 years ago), and asked my husband and I if we would take a few photos of their day. At that stage we were amateur wildlife photographers, so we had the kit and were stoked at the opportunity. Apparently we did such a good job, that one wedding became two, and two became three… I then started shooting weddings with other photographers. The bug had bitten, and I was passionate to learn all I could about wedding photography. There’s absolutely nothing that compares to on the job training! Learning to deal with bad weather, emotional clients, timelines that don’t exactly run on time… but also the joy of seeing two people vow to love each other till the end of their days, a dad’s proud smile when he sees his gorgeous daughter in her wedding dress… Priceless! All these experiences have moulded me into the photographer I am today. And proud to be!
What inspires you?
Life and those around me… seeing random acts of kindness from humanity, unconditional love from an animal, joy in a child’s face. And of course the occasional cupcake ;)
Favourite place in South Africa?
Honestly… South Africa! Our country has so many breathtaking destinations, from the apple orchards nestled in Elgin Valley, to the golden light of the bushveld in the Kruger, a painted sky over Table Mountain, or the vast expanse of open space in Dullstroom… one cannot be compared to the other – but they all make my heart beat fondly and bring my imagination to life!
What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
Do what makes you happy! It’s your day, plan it your way. There are no more rules about what your wedding should be. So have fun with it! On a practical note, do your homework when booking suppliers and then have faith in them! If they are industry professionals they will be able to guide you in all the other decisions you have to make.