#RHODurban star Annie Ludick and Kgolo Mthembu’s WHIMSICAL GLAMOUR DESTINATION WEDDING in Franschhoek
What happens when you combine Gatsby grandeur with the whimsical pastels and saturated brights of Bridgerton, and a bride and groom who take fashion and fun to the next level? An unforgettable OHD destination wedding! Luma Hospitality Group founder and owner Kgolo and Real Housewives of Durban and all-round boss babe Annie got married at the exquisite La Paris Estate in Franschhoek – a venue worthy of such a glamorous fete. From day one, this couple gave us all the vibes, and when we visited their nightclub, Views At Twenty5, and Annie’s all-pink salon, Annaesthetic, we knew we were going to get on very well! This couple challenged us to push the envelope as luxury wedding planners and gave us free rein to create a wedding unlike anything SA had ever seen before. We pulled out all the stops, using a joyful palette, fun textures, floral bars, bouji DJ booths and pyrotechnics. Everything about the event screamed luxe and glamour – we wouldn’t have it any other way! This gorgeous wedding in Franschhoek was featured in YOU magazine, Glamour, and on News24’s True Love section, as well as the Pretty Blog’s Instagram feed.
The ceremony took place in La Paris’ spectacular Arbour, where we created the feeling of an intimate secret garden within the larger outdoor space. The aisle was lined by a pastel rainbow of flowers, with a gazebo dripping with blooms where Annie and Kgolo exchanged their vows. After cocktails and canapes in the gardens, the party moved on to the Lyceum for the reception, with its raw brick feature walls and exposed beams. We hung the ceiling with soft peach silk drapery, lush chandeliers, and oversize Edison bulbs for a modern touch. Not only was our couple blown away, but guests and suppliers came up to us during and after the wedding to tell us that they had never seen anything like it. Guests walked in to a riot of colour on the tables, with feathers interspersed with the flowers for a Gatsby touch. At each setting, a clear glass charger rimmed in gold was accompanied by gold flatware and a personalised place card and menu. We had a lot of fun with signage, referencing song lyrics and pop culture right down to the neon ‘Til Death Do Us Party’ sign.
And party they certainly did! Our couple are in the entertainment industry and made sure this was a night to remember with the finest GH Mumm champagne flowing and everyone dancing the night away under the glittering disco balls.
There was also no shortage of great fashion moments! Our couple not only brought us all-round good vibes but insane style too. Kgolo had his very own stylist, showcasing not one but two iconic outfits for the wedding day. His shoes were a pair of navy leather Louise Vuittons (who says only the bride gets to wear designer shoes?). Annie was inspired by Hollywood glamour from the 1920s to the 1960s, choosing a spectacular pink Jacqui Emmanuel wedding gown and later changing into a party dress with a flapper-style silhouette and beautiful beading. She also wowed in designer shoes – a pair of Dolce & Gabbanas that were total wedding shoe goals.
The video was another important part of the day. The couple briefed our videographer, The MNRLS, to create a wedding video inspired by P.Diddy’s 50th birthday video and he knocked it out of the park. If you haven’t yet seen it, do yourself a favour and check it out here!
We couldn’t be prouder of the way this destination wedding in Franschhoek turned out. Not only were Annie and Kgolo blown away, but guests and suppliers came up to us during and after the wedding to tell us that they had never seen anything like it. Congratulations again to the happy couple!
Photography: Lizelle Goussard
Event Planning, Styling & Floral Design: Oh Happy Day
Venue: La Paris Estate
Videography: The MNRLS
Wedding Dress: Jacqui Emanuel
Make-Up Artist: Khwezilokusa Ndlovu
Groom’s Stylist: Prince Nhlengergwa
