Anne Maton and Simon Parkes’ love story truly has that Oscar-winning movie feel to it. Meeting randomly amidst a sea of over 6000 people in North England, 650 kilometres from where they both live, it is quite clear: Anne and Simon are meant to be together!

When Simon proposed to Anne at the picturesque St Marks Square in Venice, he never imagined having a wedding quite as unforgettable as the one they had. He remembers the moment fondly, “There was a string quartet playing beautiful music in the background, and so I looked her in the eyes and asked her to marry me.”

Indescribable excitement and a touch of disappointment in the rainy Cape Town weather, led to a whirlpool of emotions for both Anne and Simon as they prepared for their late afternoon ceremony. Despite the rain and wind, The Aleit Team arranged a wonderful contingency plan – the ceremony was held in the beautiful courtyard at La Colombe, Constantia. Adorned with floral arrangements, the courtyard was truly transformed into an enchanting ceremony area. Simon put it best, “Plan B thought up by the team was fantastic. It actually made our wedding ceremony better than it would have been outdoors.” A truly intimate and romantic atmosphere was present at the wedding ceremony, which put both the Bride and Groom immediately at ease.

Whilst a sense of calm came over him, Simon still admits to having tears in his eyes as Anne walked down the aisle, accompanied by her father to Pachelbel’s Canon in D. That this couple is madly in love was evident as they stared into each other’s eyes for the entire duration of the ceremony – their wedding photos prove it!

“The overriding emotion I can remember from the day was simply an incredible sense of happiness, and a calm that comes from knowing that everything is perfect,” Simon said, when reflecting on their wedding day.
The reception setup for their intimate dinner was truly amazing. Exquisite chandeliers were hung above the dining room table at different heights to create a romantic yet relaxed atmosphere – which was exactly what this gorgeous couple had requested.

The cuisine was out of this world! Guests could not stop raving about how absolutely delectable every single dish was. Starters consisted of roasted confit of duck, or beetroot tarte, which the guests struggled to choose between as it all looked so divine! Main course was also a difficult decision to make – char grilled fillet of chalmar beef with chasseur sauce, or pan fried fillet of linefish, light shellfish and fine herb risotto and a saffron, chive and tomato velouté. Dessert was a chocolate and orange tart, or a summer berry pavlova with Constantia Uitsig Muscat.

A great compliment to The Aleit Team came from Anne’s cousin and his partner who are part of the serving staff at Buckingham Palace – they commented that the table setting for Anne and Simon’s reception was truly the most beautiful they’d ever laid eyes on!

“We had always pictured a lovely wedding in a beautiful location – Aleit and his team took that idea and made it the perfect occasion – something for which we will be eternally grateful.”

Anne and Simon’s advice to other brides and grooms is, “Savour every moment of the day – relish the memories for as long as you can! Once it’s over, it’ll feel like it all went by in a flash!”

VENUE: Constantia Uitsig – The Palm Room
FLORIST: Floral Affairs
LIGHTING: Something Different
JAZZ DUO: Take Two Duo
PHOTOGRAPHER: Joe Dreyer
HAIR AND MAKE-UP: Luciano dos Santos
STATIONERY: Elsje Designs
WAITRONS: La Colombe Restaurant
HIRING: Exclusive Hiring, Top Table