Inside a Franschhoek Wedding That Dripped Elegance & Ease

Some weddings feel like magic. Others feel like poetry. And some—like Anjali and Nicholas’ destination celebration in Franschhoek—feel like both.

Set at the effortlessly chic Le Lude Estate, their wedding combined soft romance, timeless details, and the kind of understated luxury that whispers, not shouts. Based in Surrey, UK, the couple brought together guests from across the globe for a weekend filled with fine wine, deep love, and warm South African hospitality.

“We didn’t want to be overwhelmed by the planning,” said Anjali. “Our goal was simple elegance—something that felt thoughtful, not overdone.”

🍃 Ceremony: White Roses, Wooden Chairs, and Mountain Views

The ceremony took place in the estate’s lower garden, framed by vineyards and dramatic mountain silhouettes. A live string quartet welcomed guests with Clair de Lune, while chilled sparkling water and linen parasols offered relief from the early autumn sun.

Anjali stunned in an ivory crepe sheath gown by Jenny Packham with a dramatic open back and cathedral veil. Her bouquet? A single clutch of white long-stemmed roses wrapped in silk.

Nicholas wore a tailored black tux with satin lapels, a crisp white pocket square, and a silver cufflink heirloom passed down from his grandfather.

“There was a moment,” Nicholas recalls, “just as the sun hit the tops of the vines behind her—I’ll never forget it.”

The couple exchanged handwritten vows beneath a minimal floral arch of olive branches and roses, letting the scenery take centre stage.

🕯 Reception: Candlelight, Cape Cuisine & Laid-Back Luxury

As the sun dipped behind the Franschhoek hills, the reception began with a toast of MCC in crystal coupes and soft jazz echoing through the courtyard.

Tables were arranged in a long, communal style with natural linen runners, floating tea lights, and clusters of white roses in glass bud vases. No over-styling. No clutter. Just classic beauty.

The menu was a curated blend of Cape seasonal flavours:

Starter: Sourdough bruschetta with heirloom tomato confit and whipped feta

Main: Slow-roasted Karoo lamb with lemony rosemary jus

Dessert: A trio of miniatures—milk tart brûlée, dark chocolate torte, and rosewater poached pears

Later, a vintage dessert cart served espresso and handmade macarons under the stars, as a saxophonist played a soulful rendition of At Last.

💡 Bride’s Real Advice for Elegant Ease

Anjali swears by keeping the process simple but intentional. Her advice?

Invest in good vendors you trust and then let them do their thing.

Stick to one statement piece. Hers was the veil. “Everything else was just supporting detail.”

Don’t overschedule the day. “Leave space to just be. Some of our best memories came from the unplanned moments.”

Choose a venue with built-in beauty. That way, the location becomes part of your décor.

📸 Standout Moments We Loved

Their first look under an ancient oak tree—private, personal, perfect.

A live artist painting the ceremony in real time (yes, really!)

A champagne tower pour before dinner that had guests cheering

And a quiet dance at the end of the night, barefoot on the lawn, as fairy lights twinkled above

The Verdict?

This wasn’t just a wedding. It was a mood. A moment. A masterclass in letting the setting—and the love—speak for itself.

If you’re dreaming of a vineyard wedding that feels soft, soulful, and effortlessly chic, Franschhoek might just be your place. And with the right team (and our wedding planning tools!), you can absolutely plan it all from abroad.