The Wedding Album Magazine

When it came to planning their wedding day, Sam and Wayne did away with convention. ‘Having been to a lot of weddings, I knew what I didn’t want my day to be like. Instead of a traditional reception I wanted a simple, elegant function reminiscent of a dinner party,’ says Sam. 

The couple were married in a civil ceremony performed by the groom’s cousin. Being from a conservative Muslim family, Sam insisted on two receptions to accommodate both her and Wayne’s relatives. ‘The wedding in Johannesburg was with our close friends and Wayne’s family and was a real party with dancing, drinking and a few speeches. We followed this with a reception in Cape Town for all my family, which was a more formal affair.’ 

Sam and Wayne hosted the less traditional reception at the majestic Windmill House, a private residence in the upmarket suburb of Parkhurst. They exchanged vows in a simple ceremony in the garden, after which guests enjoyed a lavish dinner on the veranda. Rather than having several tables, Sam insisted on one long banquet table, which was adorned with her favourite flowers. ‘I decided on the date for the wedding based on when peonies would be in season. They are so beautiful and simple. I don’t think there was a single one left in Joburg after the wedding!’ 

Being food lovers, both Sam and Wayne wanted their reception to be a feast at which their guests could indulge all night. ‘We had the waiters continuously circle the table to ensure everyone had an opportunity to sample everything on the menu.’ And with Peking duck pancakes, Parmesan shortbread hearts with goats cheese and baby tomato coulis, and a dedicated oyster station – just for starters – that’s exactly what it was. For main course there was a choice of rare roast fillet, creamy chicken-and-leek pies served in individual ramekins, rosa tomato, red onion and Parmesan quiche, and hot smoked salmon, all accompanied by bowls of wild greens and fresh bread. The dessert menu was equally decadent, with a buffet of Gorgonzola and Brie accompanied by caramalised nuts, figs and cape gooseberries, raspberry and rose water miniature pavlovas, individual creme brulees and fresh heart-shaped slices of watermelon and strawberries. 

After the toasts, the couple opened the dance floor to Snow Patrol’s ‘Chasing Cars’. ‘Wayne and I love entertaining and we wanted the reception to feel like a dinner party at home, with food and drink flowing all night,’ says Sam. 

‘What really stood out for me was how Sam and I managed to create an effortlessly casual feel to the day,’ adds Wayne. ‘Nothing ever felt contrived, scripted or formal – it really did feel like a fabulous dinner dance rather than a wedding, and that was exactly the mood we had hoped for.’

ADDRESS BOOK

Dress: Howard Green Couture

+27 (0)11 447 1541

Catering: Vicki Clarke Fresh Catering

+27 (0)82 414 9245

Flowers: Otto de Jager Events (ODJE)

+27 (0)11 447 6780/2