Sally and Maximilian met through a mutual friend on Halloween while studying abroad in London—a fortunate start to a love story that would take them across the globe. Years later, while living in Johannesburg near Max’s family, he proposed during a safari trip in Madikwe. “It was the most romantic thing!” Sally says, remembering the surprise rooftop picnic he set up while she was at the spa.
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Style: Timeless, elegant, classic
Time of planning: Around 7 months
Number of guests: 100
Season: Summer
Setting: Vineyard
They chose Cape Town for their wedding because of its beauty and because it felt like the perfect place to complete their South African chapter. “We felt that we had to complete our journey together in South Africa since that’s where we got engaged.” It was also a meaningful way to let their international guests experience a place that had become so special to them.
Couple's Morning & Fashion
Sally had always pictured herself in a corset-style wedding gown with a relaxed skirt—“not something too puffy and not a straight cut either, and definitely in an off-white satin.” At first, she considered designing her own dress, unsure she’d find the exact drop-waist silhouette she envisioned. After trying a handful of styles and saving the one she was most excited about for last, she slipped into the dress—and just knew. “I couldn’t believe I had found THE dress in under an hour!”
She kept her jewelry timeless and minimal: a tennis necklace, bracelet, and diamond studs. Her custom veil—soft tulle adorned with tiny pearls and crystals—was a romantic showstopper, especially the blusher she wore down the aisle before transforming it into a shorter style for dinner. Hair and makeup were effortlessly chic: a sleek bun and fresh, neutral tones.
Max wore a custom dark navy tuxedo with satin lapels, paired with a shirt, black satin cummerbund, and a velvet Tom Ford bow tie for a sharp, modern look. He completed it with Maison Margiela lace-ups, sapphire-accented cufflinks engraved with his initials, and a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch with a navy leather strap—elegant, personal, and effortlessly cool.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the breathtaking sunken garden at Cavalli Estate, surrounded by endless mountain views that created a feeling of calm and intimacy. “We wanted it to flow as naturally as possible,” the couple shared, opting for a simple bed of white carnations growing from the concrete steps where they said their vows—elegant, subtle, and perfectly harmonious with the setting.
"Our dear friend Oliver officiated our marriage as we’ve known him for years and shared many milestones with him since our London days. The entire experience was very intimate and filled with love.”
A live violinist added to the serene mood as the bride walked down the aisle on her father’s arm, locking eyes with her future husband.
Cocktail Hour & Photos
The cocktail hour took place on the estate’s lawn with “the major 360 views of the estate”. Even though the newlyweds were whisked away for portraits, they made sure to “pop by and have a glass of champagne with our friends and family.” Guests mingled with signature cocktails in hand—the caracal, a refreshing blend of tequila and ginger, and the garden gimlet, infused with rose and geranium syrup.
A live band brought the atmosphere to life, their mix of trumpet, marimba, and other instruments weaving a soundscape that felt like a natural extension of the surroundings.
Shanna Jones beautifully captured every moment of the celebration, from the quiet, intimate portraits to the grandeur of the setting. Her signature style—emotive, editorial, and deeply intentional—brought the couple’s love story to life in a way that felt both timeless and modern. Every frame reflected the magic of the location and the love between the newlyweds.
Reception
The couple drew inspiration directly from the beauty of the estate itself, aiming for a design that felt seamless and organic. With Cape Town’s breathtaking views as their backdrop, they chose to let the natural surroundings shine rather than overwhelm them with heavy decor. The reception space—an open, minimalist indoor venue—was transformed into a lush garden escape.
Draped fabrics softened the walls while oversized green ferns cascaded from the ceiling and lined the floors between tables, creating a sense of intimacy and romance. Rather than traditional florals, the tables glowed with a sea of candlelight and were set with elegant European touches like crystal-cut glassware, silver cutlery, and lace placemats.
The reception at Cavalli Estate was the perfect culmination of a day filled with beauty, love, and heartfelt tradition. The couple’s first dance to Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton was a tender, intimate moment that echoed through the softly lit room — “it really felt wonderful that night.”
What made the celebration truly unforgettable were the cultural touches that brought so much personality to the evening. Drawing from the bride’s Lebanese heritage, the day began with a family toast and first look at the estate’s serene Equestrian House. Later, the couple’s grand entrance was led by a lively Zaffe crew — a vibrant Levantine tradition of drummers and dancers that filled the space with rhythm, joy, and energy, kicking off the party in unforgettable style.
Advice from the couple:
• Just take a step back and take it all in. Look at every detail — look at your guests’ faces and outfits, and take time to really walk through your venue with your partner to look at everything you’ve chosen and how beautifully it all marries. Try to take a mental image of every event throughout, it could be very overwhelming and your focus can shift from one thing to another, so just keep reminding yourself to focus and appreciate all you’ve done for your special day.
• Spend time with your guests and never leave your spouse – do everything together!
PHOTOGRAPHY Shanna Jones | PLANNING Mon Amour Events – Jessica Thiart | VENUE Cavalli Estate | FLORALS Heike Hayward | VIDEOGRAPHY Vision on Fire | VIOLINIST Dorette Roos | LIVE BAND The Wedding DJ’s
