Justine and Niel’s South African wedding flowed like a series of artful moments: raw, personal, and surrounded by a world of breathtaking design. Captured with artistry by Shanna Jones, every scene revealed their love for understated beauty, meaningful details, and relaxed sophistication. From a ceremony beneath a sculptural baobab to an evening reception drenched in candlelight, their wedding weekend was a perfect reflection of who they are.
Location: Franshoek, South Africa
Style: Sophisticated, Elegant, Timeless
Time of planning: 4 years
Number of guests: 80
Setting: Winery
Season: Summer
Justine and Niel’s story started over a decade ago in a lively beer-pong bar in Hong Kong. Niel, originally from South Africa and raised in Australia, had moved to Hong Kong for a career in e-commerce. At the same time, Justine, a Canadian-born Chinese culinary enthusiast, had recently completed her Culinary Management studies in Los Angeles. That night sparked the beginning of a journey full of travel, laughter, and shared passions. Now living in Hong Kong with their two dogs, Justine and Niel spend their days hiking and exploring the city’s vibrant food scene.
Niel’s proposal was rooted in his love for his family’s game reserve in Botswana. On a visit to “Dad’s tree,” where his parents’ initials had been carved decades earlier, he secretly added his and Justine’s initials. Six months later, after a hike, he proposed under the same baobab, surrounded by sweeping views of the Limpopo River. “Justine saw the inscription, turned around, and said yes before I could get a word out, haha,” recalled the groom. It was a moment so intimate and genuine, setting the tone for their wedding.
Concept and Inspiration
More than anything, Justine and Niel wanted their wedding to feel like a shared experience with those they love most. They booked the entire Babylonstoren hotel for three days, ensuring a relaxed, connected atmosphere. Each event had its own distinct mood: a Chinese tea ceremony rich in tradition, a vibrant welcome dinner, a serene wedding ceremony, and an ethereal reception.
For the ceremony and reception, they entrusted Kraak, a design and planning team whose creativity they admired. Justine and Niel steered away from traditional floral choices, leaning into modern, structured arrangements with muted tones. Their only requests: a feeling of mystery, an abundance of draped fabric, and a sea of candlelight.
"We had full trust in the Kraak team, and they executed this just as we had envisioned and above!"
Bridal Fashion
Justine’s bridal looks were a masterclass in understated elegance. For the ceremony, she wore a sculptural strapless gown by NEWHITE, its architectural lines perfectly complementing the natural setting. She paired the dress with Jimmy Choo shoes, a modern bouquet of sculptural florals designed by Kraak, and jewelry crafted by a family friend in Hong Kong, adding a deeply personal touch.
Her approach to fashion was all about comfort and confidence. From her Sau Lee gown at the tea ceremony to the chic Danielle Frankel piece for the welcome dinner, every outfit felt effortless yet elevated. Throughout the weekend, her scent, Jade Blossom by Stila, wove a subtle thread through each moment, adding another layer of memory to the experience. Hair and makeup by Tittewyt completed her naturally refined look.
Groom's Getting Ready
Niel embraced a timeless aesthetic with a Tom Ford tuxedo for the wedding day, paired with Ferragamo shoes, Cartier cufflinks, and a vintage Rolex gifted by his best man. Though he confessed to usually favoring t-shirts and shorts, he stepped into the formalwear with a sense of occasion and a touch of playful self-awareness. His other weekend looks, a Shanghai Tang velvet jacket for the tea ceremony and a custom linen suit from The Modernist Tailor Made for the welcome dinner, showcased a thoughtful, relaxed elegance.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place inside the “House of Shadows” at Babylonstoren, an open-air structure filled with stunning Clivias. A bespoke baobab sculpture, a surprise from Kraak, stood at the altar, beautifully tying back to Niel’s proposal story.
They chose to keep the ceremony short and sweet, allowing the emotion of the moment to take center stage. A dear friend officiated, bringing warmth and familiarity to the vows. With natural light streaming through the wooden beams and guests surrounded by greenery, the atmosphere felt organic and serene.
At the end of the ceremony, guests showered the newlyweds with handfuls of green leaves, which added a beautiful, earthy touch to the moment.
Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, guests gathered under the trees for a relaxed cocktail hour. The styling remained understated but intentional, with soft textures, neutral tones, and comfortable lounge areas blending seamlessly with the lush surroundings.
In true Justine and Niel fashion, everything felt easy, inviting guests to settle in and savor the moment before the evening’s celebrations unfolded.
Private Moment
Before joining their guests, Justine and Niel shared a quiet moment alone. It was here that Shanna Jones captured some of the most heartfelt images of the day—the couple, hand in hand, savoring the magnitude of it all.
Even though neither of them is particularly fond of being photographed, they felt completely at ease in front of the lens, allowing their genuine emotions to shine through.
They also took a moment to admire the reception decor that no one else had seen yet, marveling at the incredible work that awaited their guests. The brief pause allowed them to soak in the magic before stepping back into the embrace of their loved ones.
Decor & Setting
The reception at Blaauwklippen Glass Cathedral was nothing short of breathtaking. Upon entering, guests were met with an ethereal space draped in layers of soft, flowing fabric anchored by a dramatic mushroom-shaped structure designed by Kraak. The muted color palette, ivories, beiges, and soft taupes, was warmed by the flicker of countless candles. The flowers were modern and sculptural, steering clear of the stereotypical “girly” look Justine wanted to avoid. Every element felt curated but not overdesigned, maintaining an organic elegance. Lighting by Unfazed and sound curated by F-sharp added an atmospheric dimension to the evening.
Outside, a chic lounge area extended the celebration into the gardens, with white framed structures, flowing curtains, and cozy minimalist furniture creating an intimate, relaxed environment. Sculptural installations and soft globe lighting added a sense of artistic playfulness, inviting guests to enjoy the South African evening.
Reception
The evening began on a vibrant note as Justine and Niel made their entrance to “Lying Together” by FKJ, surrounded by jazzy, soulful, and ambient sounds.
Speeches followed, kept brief and heartfelt by a few special voices: the best man, maid of honor, and parents. Dinner, catered by Table Seven, felt like an extension of the couple’s own gatherings: intimate, relaxed, and beautifully curated.
Afterward, they shared their first dance to “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green—a moment full of warmth and genuine joy.
As the night unfolded, planners unveiled a playful surprise: a Clase Azul tequila and espresso martini fountain. When it was time to turn up the energy, DJs Ron R and Faffa Bruwer took over, leading guests into a hidden after-party alive with neon lights, cozy lounges, and a dance floor that stayed packed deep into the night.
It was a seamless shift from an elegant dinner to a celebration that felt wild, free, and unforgettable. “We got a few comments about our wedding being the ‘Loro Piana’ of weddings — which was a huge compliment,” the couple shared with a laugh.
Advice from the couple:
• Work with professionals who understand and align with your vision. Hire a team you can fully trust. Words can’t express how thrilled we were with everything—our deepest thanks to everyone involved.
PHOTOGRAPHER Shanna Jones | VIDEOGRAPHER Vision on Fire | PLANNER & DESIGN & FLORALS & DECOR Kraak | CEREMONY VENUE Babylonstoren | VENUE Blaauwklippen | MUAH Tittewyt | LIGHTING Unfazed | SOUND F-sharp | CATERING Table Seven | FURNITURE Smaak Events, Reserved Exclusive | STAFFING ASAP Staffing | BARISTA SERVICES Monarch Coffee Cartel | ENTERTAINMENT Starlight Band, Afrodizzy Acts, Carla Jazzy Band | LIVE MUSIC Prima Productions | DJ Ron R, Faffa Bruwer
