A friend of a friend recommended Tintswalo Atlantic, a hotel-restaurant located on Chapman’s Peak, a west-coast mountain at the south end of scenic Hout Bay. “Once I googled that venue, it met all of the criteria,” says Jamie, as they both fell for its views of the rocky beach curving around the bay, gorgeous sunsets, and intimate scale, with only ten rooms for them and their immediate family to stay on site.
Plus, the property had enough special spaces to stage each part of the wedding somewhere new, with indoor-outdoor areas in case of rain or heavy winds. “They had their own restaurant, and they did all the catering and food on site by a Michelin-recognized chef, so that was also a big thing,” says Richard. “The food was amazing.” Says the very enthusiastic bride, “I want my ashes scattered here. There’s something so special about it.”
Work with a travel agency to create the mother of all itineraries
The couple found their photographer, a California-based destination specialist named Kelley Williams, through more internet research, as well as their planner, Jadee McGowan. Another key hire was a travel agency to help them plot an epic itinerary for guests who wanted to explore the area. “I knew that if we were asking this many people to come over, they’re going to want to do touristy things and see everything,” says Jamie. One of the best and worst parts about being a tourist in Cape Town is the varied activities across a mix of landscapes—safari and wine tasting, sunbathing at the beach and hiking mountains—which can all be spread far apart.
They worked with the Travel Cafe to make a custom two-week itinerary, which was sent to guests months ahead so people could opt in. In the days before the wedding, there were visits to Cape Point and the penguins on Boulders Beach, the winelands, and Table Mountain—excursions that were populated primarily by their guests who were new to South Africa. The agency pulled together shuttles and other private transportation, working through per-person budgets and giving the couple a lump sum to pay. A welcome party was then held at Constantia Royale Winery on Thursday evening. They left Friday entirely open for everyone to get their bearings before the wedding on Saturday, which was followed by a brunch on Sunday. Then, the newlyweds and 21 of their guests flew east for a few days of safari, plotting a stay together at the Lalibela Wildlife Reserve, before the couple finally set off alone for 10 days in the Maldives. It was a whole lot, they admit. “I lost my marbles for a bit there,” Jamie says.
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Don’t expect quick responses
Many Americans who get married outside our Type-A nation are unprepared for the length of time it takes wedding vendors elsewhere in the world to respond to emails, and South Africa provided a similar experience, though Richard knew what to expect. “As a South African, I can say that people from Cape Town in particular are very laid back and relaxed. They take their time with things and they’re not in a rush,” he says.
