5 Exquisite Venues with a Gown to Match!

Our office in South Africa put together a panel of their top picks for venues in their area plus 5 gowns that paired perfectly with the location! Luxury, old world glamour, and picturesque locations are on the menu for these venues.

1. SABI SABI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

If luxury is what you’re after, and the call of the African savannah is just the thing your wedding dreams are made of, look no further than the award-winning Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve. Set in the Sabi Sands, part of the greater Kruger National Park, Sabi Sabi offers a variety of choices for a five-star safari-style wedding. And, as oneof the world’s most famed game reserves, it’s the perfect place for a romantic honeymoon.

Dress: Gabes 2014 Blue Collection:

The gold beaded detail on this dress fits in perfectly with the colours of the African bush, and the light tulle skirt would flow gracefully among the long field grasses.

2. RAVOS RAIL

Step back to an age of glamour, elegance and old-world charm by inviting your guests on board “the most luxurious train in the world” for a wedding celebration that promises to be something superb. Ravos Rail has been hailed as the “Pride of Africa” and what better way to enjoy your special day than a romantic train journey through spectacular scenery.

Dress: Dillon 2011 Blue Collection:This exquisitely different and dramatic dress fits in perfectly with the old Hollywood glamour of Ravos Rail.

3. CATHEDRAL PEAK

For something less savannah and more country chic, the Cathedral Peak Hotel – about three hours from Durban – provides an unforgettable setting for your special day.

Since 2000, the spectacular Drakensberg Mountain range has been declared a World Heritage site and sets the scene for a dramatic backdrop. The quaint stone-and-thatch chapel, made from original farmhouse wood and stone, boasts an expansive window behind the pulpit with magnifi cent views

Dress: Diana 2009 Enzoani Collection:

This gorgeous lace gown creates the perfect vintage look for this amazing country wedding venue and the matching belt compliments the magnificent nature scenes that surround the hotel.

4. ALLÉE BLEUE

As one of the oldest vineyards in the Cape, the Allée Bleue Estate lies in a picturesque location in the Franschhoek Valley and offers an exciting blend of new and old, where age-old tradition merges with modern innovation.

Franschhoek, an area witha distinctly French infl uence, is one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the Western Cape offering breathtaking views of the Drakenstein Mountains and vineyards while traditional thatched buildings permeate the landscape.

Dress: Inara 2014 Enzoani Collection:

The Inara dress with its clean cut silhouette and intricate beading is classic, yet modern, just like this beautiful venue.

5. UMBHABA LODGE

Situated on the edge of the Drakensburg escarpment, this luxurious four-star lodge is styled as a perfect wedding venue. Not only is it a great location, but it is also within easy reach of the Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window – quintessential South African honeymoon locations.

With palm-fringed walkways, fern-fi lled gardens and crystal-clear rock pools, Umbhaba Lodge provides both the bridal couple and their guests with the ultimate in African sophistication.

Dress: Gainesville 2014 Blue Collection:

The fitted silhouette with soft mermaid skirt and gold beading creates a very interesting look with a lot of texture, just like the bush surrounding the lodge.

resource: http://www.thesouthafrican.com