A Striking Monochromatic Villa Wedding in Franschhoek

Bonny & Philipp’s wedding would naturally exude style and elegance combined with old-world charm for this sophisticated, globe-trotting German couple.

They fell in love with South Africa when visiting Bonny’s parents, who had recently moved to Cape Town. When Covid made it impossible to marry in Germany, South Africa was top of their list for an intimate Winelands wedding.

After not seeing their families for an entire year, getting married in an exquisite villa surrounded by their family was their main priority. Sandstone House in Franschhoek provided the perfect setting for their wedding day.

Bonny & Philipp wanted to spoil their families throughout their stay in South Africa and arranged a 4-day wedding experience for their guests using food inspired from their favourite countries as the inspiration behind each day’s theme.

Bespoke personalised wedding decor

On arrival, each family member received a personalized custom-designed gift box that included boutique wines from Sandstone Houses private vineyards, olive oil from their olive groves, an artisan hand-poured candle with a unique fragrance for each guest, and handmade chocolates from Alexander Avery.

Bespoke gifting for wedding guests

Multi-day wedding celebrations

Guests were hosted to a traditional Tuscan inspired dinner on the first night with fresh handmade pasta, pulled Burrata and Italian inspired cocktails.

Italian-themed pre-wedding dinner

Soaking up some sun rays, swimming and a competitive tennis match amongst the siblings, a Tuscan themed brunch in the olive groves was the perfect setting to escape the wedding day heat and enjoy a wholesome, organic feast before the evening’s wedding festivities began.

Mediterranean-themed brunch in the olive orchards

After the delicious al fresco brunch, the gents had a vintage car self-drive excursion to the famous La’Ormarins car museum, followed by refreshments at Boschendal, South Africa’s oldest wine farm before returning to the villa for whiskies and getting dressed for the wedding.

Grooms getting ready at Sandstone House

Surrounded by family and plenty of laughter, Bonny and the ladies relaxed at the guest cottage, having their hair styled and makeup applied by a few of South Africa’s top makeup artists and hairstylists.

Bridal make-up

Bonny with her family

Wedding Day

Surrounded by beautiful luxurious white flowers, which enhanced the already stunning setting, Bonny and Philipp’s intimate, all-white wedding ceremony took place in the rose garden under a pergola adorned with peonies, roses, lilies and orchids, Bonnny’s favourite flowers.

Wedding ceremony in the rose courtyard

Inspired by the beach bars of Ibiza, the pre-reception drinks took place alongside the upper guest pool. Seated under stylish white and grey cabanas, guests sipped on individually tailored cocktails and delectable Japanese canapés. South Africa’s famous beatbox duo, Acoustic Element, provided the perfect backdrop for the late afternoon entertainment and to get guests in the mood for the celebration ahead.

Intimate wedding ceremony

Signing the wedding register

Pre-reception canapés and drinks

Confetti moments

Bonny and Philipp

Under the stars, Bonny & Philipp’s sophisticated dark-themed wedding reception took place in the central gardens of Sandstone House. The elegant and chic monochromatic wedding decor inspired by Bonny’s favourite architects and interior designers included an oversized chandelier and an enormous urn adorned with orchids and lilies. The custom-made charcoal grey dining chairs and slate grey tablecloth were offset with striking white orchids, lilies, peonies and Setamono crockery. The handmade fine-art menus were letterpressed and embossed for a touch of old-world elegance.

Monochromatic outdoor wedding reception

Intimate reception under the African skies

Bespoke wedding bar and table elements

Live entertainment by Acoustic Element

In life, you can control almost everything except the weather! Despite the forecast indicating no evening wind, an unfortunate freak weather pattern changed the direction of the wind, and despite waiting for the wind to calm down, we sadly had to move the reception dinner inside. Equally beautiful yet slightly more intimate, the feast continued with poignant, heart-felt speeches, tears and lots of laughter.

Table Seven wowed guests with a gastronomic feast of seven Japanese-inspired courses served on designer Setamono crockery purchased especially for the occasion. The menu, carefully curated with Bonny, included dishes that she, Philipp, and their family most loved from their global adventures.

Plan B – indoor wedding reception

His and Her wedding cakes

After the reception, Bonny & Philipp surprised their guests with a Jungle-themed after-party inside the Conservatory. Surrounded by tropical birds, exotic flowers and a custom-designed decor, guests sipped on tropical-themed cocktails and partied the night away.

Tropical forest-themed wedding After Party with cigar and whiskey lounge

Late-night dancing to Valve State

Decadent desserts

The following day, the family enjoyed lunch at Indochine at the world-renowned Delaire Graaf Wine Estate in Franschhoek. After lunch, guests were chauffeured to villas in Llandudno for the remainder of their Cape Town stay.

After three additional nights in Cape Town, Bonny’s dad hosted Philipp’s family for four nights at Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve so that everyone could relax and unwind in the majestic, wild surroundings of the African bushveld.

Our Luxurious Destination Weddings:

Opulance at La Roche Estate