Rhebokskloof remains one of the top Paarl wine estates with wedding venues to accommodate a variety of requests for any party, season, and traditions. It with immense pleasure that we introduce our readers to our June 2022 Bride: Zita Hollenbach.
Zita’s colourful and vibrant wedding at Rhebokskloof cannot only be attributed to the stunning decor, but also the bride and groom who managed to create a day that fused two eclectic cultures through love and happiness.
On 25th March 2022, on a hot late summer’s day, Zita and Daniel tied the knot at Rhebokskloof before 120 loved ones on the slopes of the Noord-Agter Paarl Mountains. Let’s read more about their unique love story where South Africa meets West Africa.
It was that excellent service of making us feel so welcome and the beautiful scenery that cemented our decision to celebrate our big day here.
Briefly tell us about you and the groom as a couple.
Dan and I met back in December 2017 in a very random and most unexpected way. We have not been apart since then.
Fast forward to 3 years later, one evening I walked into our apartment, filled with candles and roses, with Dan welcoming me on one knee. The evening we got engaged was nothing short of magical and I will cherish it forever.
We are what you would consider quite an unorthodox couple as Dan is originally from Uganda and I am a born and bred Capetonian.
There are many Paarl wine estates with wedding venues to choose from. How and why did you decide on Rhebokskloof?
Rhebokskloof met all our expectations for the vision we had of our wedding. We were impressed by the friendly hospitality and service we received from the staff. It was that excellent service of making us feel so welcome and the beautiful scenery that cemented our decision to celebrate our big day here.
Briefly discuss the vision for YOUR wedding. Was there a particular theme?
We knew we wanted deep jewel colours to match the plush greenery of the venue, therefore lots of pink, purple, red and green tones were in the brief.
We also knew that we wanted to incorporate elements of both cultures to ensure we are both presented as individuals at our wedding.
Your wedding was bright and colourful, and it shows in the flower choices! Discuss your choice of flowers/bouquet. Did it represent anything to or of you? Also, who did your flowers and/or décor.
We worked with Limitless Events, a wedding décor company, who guided me on choosing the right flowers to achieve the look and feel we wanted. We wanted bright colours as they presented myself and Dan’s personalities. Looking around on my wedding day, I believe the bright and ornate bouquets helped created a happy and joyous mood all round.
The wedding reception in the Rhebok looked like an absolute blast! What was the music request or playlist genre between you and the groom? Why that choice.
How would we be able to get all our friends and family to enjoy themselves together? We realised it would be from choice of music for the reception! Our DJ understood the brief but with a little bit of guidance and a few personal song choices…he delivered exceptionally.
Talk a bit in detail on the wedding cake.
In Western tradition, you usually have a tiered cake for a wedding. However, in Ugandan tradition you have three individual cakes instead. In Uganda, the couple gifts each set of parents a cake at the reception which symbolises the unification of the two families.
Our cakes were so beautiful and not to mention soooo delicious! The dark chocolate flavoured cake was a hit amongst the guests as they got to also enjoy a piece of it for dessert.
You had an outfit change from a white bridal gown to a stunning emerald piece with sash. Daniel wears a similar sarong over his pants too. Why this choice of garment and does it have any significance?
In Uganda, the couple has their traditional wedding before the white wedding. We decided to have one wedding that would incorporate both. This is why you see us having an outfit change during the reception. My traditional Ugandan look comprised of an emerald green “Gomesi” which is worn by women on any auspicious occasion, while Dan changed into his “Kanzu” the Ugandan attire worn by men.
We see you on your knees in front of Daniel. Could you elaborate more on what’s happening here?
In Ugandan tradition, newlywed brides have to kneel before their husbands as this symbolises the beginning of a marriage.
Looking back at your wedding how would you describe it?
Pure Happiness!
What was on your menu and was there a particular reason you chose it?
Before the reception we had a variety of canapes and assorted pizzas served on the lawns where guests could enjoy it with a variety of drinks from the Flatrock sparkling wine, beers, ciders and juice.
We had a choice of three mains where the guests could choose between a lamb shoulder, salmon, or chicken and to end it off there was a selection of mini desserts. To pair with the menu, guests could choose from the Rhebokskloof Flat Rock wine range, the Rhebokskloof range or the Black Marble Hill Blanc de Blanc MCC 2016.
In your experience and opinion what is the most important part of wedding planning?
I’d say stick to what you know and what you have originally planned for your day. There will be a lot of opinions and suggestions, but at the end of the day it’s YOUR wedding. Don’t be pressurized to do it any different to what you’ve dreamt of.
Describe any special moment/s you loved and will cherish about your wedding day at Rhebokskloof you’d like to share other brides out there.
One moment I would cherish forever is definitely walking down the aisle and seeing my dashing groom, standing at the altar with the most magical backdrop of Rhebokskloof’s beautiful, manicured lawns and serene lake behind him!
The other moment was walking onto the lawns after the ceremony where all the guests were gathered enjoying the canapes and enjoying the music from the live band. Everyone all cheered us with a celebratory glass of Black Marble Hill MCC 2016 as we walked into the crowd. Their laughter, joy and happiness just created the perfect moment and scene that I will never forget. It was exactly what we had envisioned and it all came together so perfectly in the end.
TIPS FROM THE PHOTOGRAPHER: CAPTURING A CROSS-CULTURAL WEDDING IN THE PAARL WINELANDS
“Zita and Daniel’s colourful wedding album was shot by Magriet from Maggie Photography (WEBSITE LINK). Here are her tips on capturing their vibrant wedding.
My style of photography is a combination of documentary and emotional storytelling, so it was quite easy to capture their wedding. Luckily, there was lots of colours in this wedding which made editing easier as colourful is my style.
There was so much more I wanted to highlight besides the vibrant colours of the day. I also wanted to capture the joy of these two individuals from two totally different cultures coming together to celebrate their love! This was the first time I attended a wedding where Western and African wedding customs were combined. It was so exciting to capture ALL the colourful costume, traditions, and happy moments.”
We want to thank Zita Hollenbach – Kiwanuka for allowing us to share her special story and big day at Rhebokskloof. We were absolutely thrilled and excited to have hosted this beautiful wedding which celebrated marriage with different traditions and customs from near and far!
Have you set the date yet for your big day? Do you know someone looking for the perfect wine estate in Paarl with wedding venues indoors and outdoors? Contact us today by filling in the form below or contact our banqueting manager Christine at banqueting@rhebokskloof.co.za.
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