Casablanca Manor

Celebrity Wedding of Dewald and Anel Wasserfall

2011-06-14T14:22:00.002+02:00

Thank-you to all eager brides and grooms that were looking at Glitterati on Kyknet, week by week, looking out for the celebrity wedding of Dewald and Anel. As you probably saw on the Kyknet insert that was aired - their wedding was supposed to have been screened but due to technical errors (they deleted it by mistake) it was not aired. Dewald and Anel said we could show you some of their photos of their special day! Thanks Dewald and Anel! The two of you were an absolutely awesome couple! Thanks to Traudi Riegger, from Wedding Memories for the lovely photos. http://www.weddingmemories.co.za/

Dewald's Album - "Asem In" is quickly climbing the Afrikaans treffers. Well done guys! To find out more about Dewald and his band - go look at their website http://www.wasserfall-band.co.za/ and join him on Facebook to see him live at one of his shows. Dewald also writes lyrics for many artists, and you can see why he is so popular, if you listen to the beautiful words in their album, "Asem In".

Well, on their wedding day, Dewald made sure that the focus was not on him, but on his very special beautifully radiant bride, Anel! Anel knew exactly what she wanted for their dream day, and together with Kobus they conceptualised the fairytale.

Their colour scheme was black and dusty pink, with dusty pink beads and crystals. With this the theme of branches or 'takke' was brought in with the dusty pink ribbon and lights that lit up the 'takke' on the tables. In the Chapel, 'takke' with soft dusty pink organza ribbons, roses and crystals were hung from the beams of the Chapel's ceilings.

The cake was cut in the garden, and afterwards the guests were served canapes, whilst the couple took photos. The wedding cake were dusty pink cupcakes in beautiful white knitted doiley cups.

Inside the napkins were seed pods with a dusty pink bead that was specially made by Anel and family for the special day. This tied in with the 'takke' theme, and was a stunning finish touch for the tables.

Anel and Dewald with Kobus, owner of Casablanca Manor, who helped conceptualise their special day.

Some of the distinguished guests, included celebrities such as the music group, Eden, Theuns Jordaan, one of the Kolesky Broers....

...and they danced the night away...

The beautiful seed pod with dusty pink bead made by Anel, tied together with a black satin ribbon.

The hand bouquet was made by the talented bride and her mom - an absolutely beautiful crystal beaded bouquet...

Thank-you Dewald and Anel for allowing us the priviledge to share in this very special - beautiful fairytale day where you celebrated your love story! You are a very special couple - may your love for each other be an example for others. The Casablanca Team.

Special "Wedding Memories"

2011-04-07T13:14:00.000+02:00

Some special wedding memories of our couples doing some cute poses and memories of special times at Casablanca - enjoy! Some more coming soon! Watch this space! End of April we will be doing a feature on the April weddings which will include celebreties, weddings in the bush, and celebrety weddings at Casablanca Manor.

Valentines Day Lunch 2011 at Casablanca Manor

2011-03-16T11:36:00.000+02:00

Love was celebrated this year at Casablanca Manor with a scrumptious lunch buffet, champagne and loads of dessert and cake. It was enjoyed by young and old :) with guests finishing it off with a leisurely Sunday afternoon walk around the gardens.

Casablanca Manor Wedding Memories and Highlights from 2010

2011-03-16T11:06:00.000+02:00

Reflecting on 2010 wedding memories, it was a wonderful year with very special memories shared with very special couples. Interesting trends from 2010, was the introduction of unique cake toppers reflecting something about the couple (e.g. couple on motorbike) and more yellow and blue being introduced into colour schemes.

Fast start to 2011

2011-03-14T13:31:00.000+02:00

2011 started off with a bang! From weddings, to baptisms to Valentines Day Celebrations - the team at Casablanca Manor have been energetically and passionately dedicating their time and commitment to these wonderful events.

Thank-you to all our past 2010 bridal couples and clients - it was a wonderful year indeed. Watch this space for some of our fondest memories of 2010 and some of the top wedding ideas.

This year we aim to have more regular blog updates, at least once a month, featuring tips and trends for weddings, interesting information and the latest photo's. We will also be featuring guest authors throughout the year. Please do send through any suggestions or things you would like to see in the blog.

Anel and Francois Wedding: Hannalee Photography

2010-11-18T13:34:00.000+02:00

Lovely photos taken of the wedding of Anel and Francois, recently married at Casablanca Manor.

Thank-you for sharing these lovely pics Hannalee.

A Tale to Inspire the Love of Your Life

2010-11-02T08:24:00.001+02:00

31 DAYS TO INSPIRE THE LOVE IN YOUR LIFE

In our busy lives these days we are too content to think of things to spoil our loved ones with...therefore these tips that will follow over the next 31 days. They will help you to be much more romantic as if you were travelling on a gondola ride in Venice! This is also guaranteed - I hope - to get you out of trouble!

The trial period is 31 days - the amount of days they say it takes to change behaviour, and hopefully make you a permanent romantic!

Day 1 : We start with something easy and basic. Make your loved one a cuppa coffee (if you can a cuppucino) or tea (whichever is her favourite - if you dont know - then ummm you better find out soon - or you will be in trouble!). Take it to her and give her a cosy snuggle :) If you are creative - make a heart shape on the cuppucino with some hot chocolate powder - or in the saucer of her cup of tea or coffee. If you get stuck - emal me!

Photo taken by Traudi Riegger, from Wedding Memories

DAY 2

This is especially good if she had a tough day - pour her a bubble bath, scatter some rose petals on top of the bubbles and leading to the bath, light some scented candles.....

DAY 3

Rose or flower from garden on her pillow before she goes to bed...without her seeing :)

FIREPROOF Teaser Trailer

2010-10-30T23:58:00.000+02:00

WE ARE GOING GREEN!

2010-10-30T23:16:00.000+02:00

For every wedding, there will be a tree planted at Casablanca Manor - our contribution towards saving the planet.

Wedding Tips and Trends: Weather Forecasts

2010-10-30T22:50:00.000+02:00

http://weather.news24.com/

For the latest and a 7 day forecast on the weather....BUT if it does rain on your wedding day - remember we have it 'covered' , and remember, as the saying goes, "if it rains on your wedding day - your marriage will be richly blessed!" :)

Monthly Tips

2010-09-01T15:00:00.000+02:00

Watch this space for our new feature of monthly tips to help you plan your wedding for more joy and less stress!

ANNUAL CASABLANCAN CHARITY BALL

2010-06-06T12:18:00.000+02:00

What a wonderful winter wonderland evening - this being the theme of Timios's Ball this year. The cold of winter was broken by the warm giving atmosphere of all the guests who pledged their support to the wonderful good work done by Timios's Save-a-Child Project. The guests arrived all dressed up ready for an evening of fun, good spirit and giving. They drank sherry while listening the golden voice and musical talent of Heidi from Velvet Motions. They eagerly put their bid on holiday packages kindly donated by ACT Travel giving much needed monies to Timios. Thereafter they enjoyed warm winter comfort food and then danced the night away to the sounds of Clifford's Disco. What an awesome evening! We take our hats off to Tanya and her team of hardworking staff, the social worker and volunteers that give of their time and services so willingly (Toinette from Gizmo Design).

WE AT CASABLANCA MANOR CHALLENGE YOU....
SMS "kids" to 39005 and donate R15 to help them "save-a-child'. Tanya says that they need a minimum of 50 sms's - so we challenge you to send those sms's every month! For more info, visit their website at http://www.timios-homes.co.za/ . You can also make monthly debit orders to support them - visit their website for more details.

spectacular winter wonderland weddings

2010-05-23T18:12:00.000+02:00

Here are some special memories of Denise and Stephan from England tying the knot in South Africa. Their guests were treated to a special South African experience of drumming from the Drum Cafe, to take back home with them. The aloes were also in full bloom and made a wonderful South African backdrop for their photos. The flowers were done by Liezel and special name cards and stationary was done by Magdaleen from Jetaime. Maria from Wedding Memories did the photography and videography. What a priviledge it was to make their dream day come true. Thank-you Denise, Stephan, Chris and Bob.

Pretoria Bridal Show - Casablanca Manor is tops again

2010-03-06T18:59:00.000+02:00

Best Table Design at Pretoria Bridal Show
Casablanca Manor won the best, most stylish table at the Pretoria Bridal Show 2010! Thank-you to the judges - we feel honoured to carry the title. Thank-you also to Liezel and Magdaleen that helped Kobus with the table - you are stars! The creme, white, glass effect with the Casablanca Lilies is plain and simple, but gives a wow effect.

Please find photos of the winning table, as well as the other tables.

Check out some of the work of

Liezel from Affordable Decor - one of our in-house suppliers. It looks wow Liezel :) Love the indigenous touch. Remember "GO GREEN" is a BIG trend this year - so go green in terms of the environment and bringing it out through the use of indigenous plants and colour schemes

Visit Liezel on http://www.affordabledecor.co.za/

Stationary by Magdaleen from Jetaime visit her on http://www.jetaime.co.za/

2010-01-29T08:28:00.000+02:00

Help! I Don't Know My Fiance/Spouse's Love Language

Do you know your love language? Do you know the love language of your fiance/spouse? Many couples are sincere. They love each other, but they are not speaking the right love language. My research indicates that there are only five basic languages of love.
1. Words of Affirmation - using words to affirm your spouse.

2. Gifts - the gift is evidence that you were thinking about them.

3. Acts of Service - doing something for your spouse that you know they would like.

4. Quality Time- giving your spouse your undivided attention.

5.Physical Touch - holding hands, kissing, embracing, putting your hand on their shoulder; any touch so long as it is affirming.

Out of these five, each of us has a primary love language. One of these speaks more deeply emotionally than the others. If you don't speak the primary love language of your spouse he/she may not feel loved, even when you are speaking the others.

What does your spouse do or say that hurts you most deeply?
The thing that hurts you most deeply is probably a clue to your love language. It may not be what they do or say, but rather what they fail to do or say. One wife said, "He never lifts a hand to help me around the house. He watches television while I do all the work. I don't understand how he could do that if he really loved me." Her love language is acts of service. In her mind, if you love someone, you do things to help them. For her, actions speak louder than words.
However, for others, words may speak louder than actions. One husband said, "All she ever does is criticize me. I don't know why she married me. It's obvious she doesn't love me." For him if you love someone, you speak kindly to them. His love language is words of affirmation. That is why her critical words hurt him so deeply.
If you want to discover your spouses' love language you might ask: What is it that I do or say, or fail to do or say that hurts you most deeply? Their answer will reveal their love language.
What does your spouse most often request of you?
What your spouse requests of you most often, is a clue to his/her love language. You may have interpreted their requests as nagging. In fact, they have been telling you what makes them feel loved.
If your spouse is requesting that you take a walk after dinner, go with them on a picnic, cut the TV off and talk, or get a weekend away together, they are requesting quality time. That is his/her primary love language. The thing that makes them feel most loved is when they have your undivided attention.
One wife said, "I feel neglected and unloved because seldom does he spend time with me. He gives me nice gifts on my birthday and wonders why I'm not excited about them. Gifts mean little when you don't feel loved." Her husband was sincere, but he was not speaking her love language. He later said, "if I had known that sitting on the couch talking with her was more important than gifts, I could have saved a lot of money." Discover the love language of your spouse if you want a growing marriage.
How does your spouse most often express love to you.
Observe their love expressions carefully. Is it Words of affirmation? Gifts? Acts of Service? Quality time? Or, Physical Touch? The way they express love to you is likely the way they wish you would express love to them.
If he is often hugging and kissing you, his love language is probably physical touch. He wishes you would take initiative to hug and kiss him. If she is always cooking meals, washing and folding your clothes, cleaning up the bathroom after you leave, then her love language is probably acts of service. She wishes that you would help her with the work around the house. If you don't, then she feels unloved. For her, your taking out the garbage is more important than your hugs and kisses. One husband said, "If I had known that my taking out the garbage would make her feel loved and more responsive sexually, I would have been taking out the garbage years ago." Too bad it took him so many years to learn his wife's primary love language.
What does your spouse complain about most often?
What your spouse complains about reveals his/her love language. We usually interpret their complaints as negative criticism, but they are actually giving us valuable information. Complaints reveal the heart.
If your spouse says, "We don't every spend time together. We're like two ships passing in the dark." They are telling you that quality time is their love language and their love tank is setting on empty.
If your spouse says, "I don't think you would ever touch me if I didn't initiate it." They are revealing that physical touch is their love language.
If you return from a business trip and your spouse says, "You mean you didn't bring me anything?" They are telling you that gifts is their love language and they can't believe that you came home empty-handed.
If your spouse complains, "I don't ever do anything right." They are telling you that words of affirmation is their love language and they are not hearing those words from you.
If they say, "If you loved me, then you would help me." They are shouting that their love language is acts of service. Discover and speak the love language of your spouse if you want a growing marriage.
Taken from Dr. Gary Chapman's weekly email.
Adapted from The 5 Love Languages™ The Secret to Love that Last by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Dr. Chapman's resources, visit www.5lovelanguages.com.

Garden wedding

2010-01-26T13:30:00.001+02:00

Garden weddings can be tricky during the summer season of Gauteng, but this one managed to keep the rain away. Overseas couple Lin and John recently got married at Casablanca Manor in the garden. It was always Lin's dream to get married in the garden. What a priviledge it was to be able to make her dream come true :) and to work with this special couple. The wedding was all organised via email and telephonically!

TIP for garden weddings: Brides try to practice walking on a carpet on the grass before your actual wedding day, so that you will feel comfortable and confident on the day - sometimes it can be tricky walking in high heels down the aisle especially if the grass is soft after a great deal of rain. Remember to walk slowly :)

LIN and JOHN's comments on the day:“It was all we dreamed of and more. Thanks so much to Lynn & Kobus for adding a personal touch for us & it made it all the more special. And the honeymoon suite – lovely, it was the wedding night we dreamed of. The food was lovely, the flowers great and the day just simply amazing.

Remain blessed as you bless couples.

Special memories and words from this season's couples

2010-01-12T09:54:00.001+02:00

Kobus en Lynn

Baie baie dankie vir 'n trou dag wat nooit sal vergeet word nie!!
Julle het dit beter as al ons drome gemaak!!
Dit was rerig beautiful gewees!!!!
Die special bad was net so nice ons het dit baie geniet!!
Ons kan net se baie dankie vir die dag wat julle so mooi en spesiaal gemaak het!!
Ek sal enige iemand wat gaan trou na julle verwys!
Dankie Baie baie
Cecil en Reana VVV Viljoen!!!!

Afrocentric Wedding Featured in Destiny Magazine

2010-01-09T16:07:00.002+02:00

Nqobile and Ivan's wedding was featured in the Destiny Magazine 2009.
As quoted, they said the following about their special day - "We were lucky to have the services of wedding planner Kobus Vermaak from Casablanca Manor, who never veered from our vision and created our Afrocentric wedding just the way we'd envisaged it".

WEDDING TIP - Their advice for couples wanting to get married:
"Try your best to stick to your budget and plan well ahead, communicating continuously with everyone involved. Once it'a all happening, though, enjoy your day - leave the stressing to the wedding planner :)

Photographer for the wedding: Traudi Riegger from Wedding memories. Visit http://www.weddingmemories.co.za/

2009-12-07T15:36:00.000+02:00

Puik Diens by Casablanca

Hi Kobus!
Ons wil maar net baie dankie se vir alles! Ons het ons troue woes baie geniet! Julle het my op die hande gedra en jul gasvryheid was great gewees! Lynn, Taryn en die res van jou span het ons dag extra spesiaal gemaak!

Alle voorspoed vir die toekoms! Met sulke puik diens kan jul net suksesvol wees!

Vriendelike groet
Adrien en CJ

Baie dankie Adrien en CJ! Casablanca greetings Kobus en Lynn

Casablanca Manor 3rd Annual Ball

2009-11-21T23:15:00.003+02:00

We decided that our 3rd Annual Ball would be held as a Benefit Ball for the organisation Timios. This was held the 23 October 2009. We stand in awe of the wonderful work done by Timios and their volunteers. They establish homes where orphaned, abused and traumatised children regain their trust in adults and life through the care and love provided by our care givers.

A wonderful evening was enjoyed by all. Nedine Blom opened the evening with a fabulous performance, energising all to take to the dance floor afterwards. A five course meal was prepared by the Casablancan Team and wowed the taste buds of the guests. During the evening donated paintings were placed on auction to raise very needed funds for Timios. Visit their website to learn more about the wonderful work they are doing. http://www.timios-homes.co.za/

Message from the Timios Team - thank-you

Baie dankie vir jou aandeel om hierdie aand een van Timios se spesiaalste aande te gemaak het. Ons weet nie hoe om julle te bedank vir die wonderlike aand nie. Die kos was soos gewoonlik uit die boonste rakke en ons is so bevoorreg dat ons die bal by Casablanca Manor kon hou. Die dekor en atmosfeer was weereens ongelooflik.
Ons is geseën dat julle deel van ons lewens is!

2009-11-10T21:47:00.000+02:00

sjoe! The wedding season is at it's peak...no time to even blog. But what a wonderful exciting season, with great new trends coming in, bridal couples becoming even more creative on smaller budgets that I've ever season - absolutely wow!

Over the next few days, I'll post some highlights from some of our most recent weddings, together with some tips for brides to be.

till later

An awesome couple

2009-08-30T19:02:00.001+02:00

Dear Kobus & Lynn

Mike and I would just like to thank you for making our dreams come true and the most spectacular wedding we could have wished for!

A number of guests commented on the beautiful venue and the amazing atmosphere, a lot of people said it was magical!
Danielle our photographer said it is the best venue by far that she has been too, she has photographed 56 weddings so far.

Thank you so much for everything you put into our perfect day!

Winter Wonderland Weddings

2009-08-17T12:04:00.006+02:00

Spring is almost upon us, and with that the Wedding Season starts again....something for all of us to look forward to.

Looking back on the winter season and the weddings we had, I often wonder why so few bridal couples take advantage of all that the wedding winter season has to offer...discounts and better prices from many if not all suppliers; romantic warm cosy venue settings with fireplaces; no sweat dripping down wedding attire from sweaty hot Gauteng summer days and romantic honeymoon destinations in South Africa with fireplaces, red wine, mmmm...

Well have a look at these wonderfully warm winter wedding pics from Aimee and Mike that recently got married by us at Casablanca Manor...

Choosing a venue

2009-01-30T22:25:00.002+02:00

JOU TROU VENUE – ‘n onthaal om te onthou

Die plek waar jou sprokiesverhaal troue ‘n waarheid word…
“Asemrowend! Fantasties! Sprokies verhaal inderdaad! Als was so mooi – ons het ‘n heerlike tyd gehad”. Dis mos komplimente wat elke bruidspaar wil hoor op hulle troudag! Nog meer belangrik is dat jou venue die plek is waar julle jul eerste herinneringe as getroude paartjie gaan begin. So om ‘n trou venue te kies is een van julle eerste moeilike take as ‘n paartjie om saam te doen. Maar dit hoef nie moeilik te wees nie. Hier is ‘n paar riglyne om hierdie groot taak makliker en ook soveel lekkerder te maak!
Riglyne vir die selektering van jou venue: ‘n 3 stap plan
Die internet, bruidsboeke en permanente bruidsuitstallings en informasiesentrums is belangrike bronne om julle te help om te soek vir ‘n venue. Maak ‘ n kortlys van venues wat julle aptyt prikkel, en dan doen verdere navorsing daaroor met die riglyne hieronder.

STAP 1: BEANTWOORD EERS HIERDIE VRAE – OM JULLE TE HELP OM ‘N KORTLYS VAN TROU VENUES OP TE STEL:
· In watter seisoen wil julle trou? (onthou dat sekere venues, spesiale aanbiedings het vir sekere seisoene).
· Gaan dit ‘n oggend, middag of aand geleentheid wees?
· Hoeveel gaste gaan julle nooi – dit bepaal die grootte van die onthaalarea wat jy nodig het en dus of die venue jou aantal gaste sal kan akkommodeer met ‘n dansvloer.
· Watter atmosfeer wil jy skep of tema wil jy volg? Gaan dit formeel, semi-formeel, of informeel wees? Dit gaan die tipe en styl van jou trou venue bepaal.
· Wil julle ‘n troue in die bosveld, tuin, by die see, of in die stad he? Gaan dit by ‘n trouvenue , hotel, restaurant, country club, of buite in n markiestent in die tuin wees?
· Is die venue beskikbaar vir die datum wat julle wil trou? As julle van ‘n sekere venue hou, sal julle miskien buigbaar moet wees in terme van julle datum.
Hierdie basiese vrae sal julle help om dan ‘n kortlys van venues te maak wat julle dan kan gaan besoek. Onthou om eers die venue te kontak om te hoor of julle eers ‘n afspraak moet maak of net kan arriveer. Baie venues verkies dat julle hulle eers bel vir ‘n afspraak. Die beste is om ‘n venue ‘n jaar vooruit te bespreek, veral as julle gedurende die somer maande wil trou.

STAP 2: VAT HIERDIE VRAE EN GEDAGTES SAAM MET JULLE AS JULLE VENUES GAAN BESIGTIG:
· Voel julle welkom by die venue? Hoe behulpsaam is die bestuur?
· Is daar genoeg parkering en is daar sekuriteit om na die motors te kyk.
· Is daar genoeg plekke om fotos te neem. (Moet jou nie vas staar teen groen grasperke en blomtuine nie. Laat jou kreatiwiteit jou hier help. Oulike fotos kan ook geneem word in die bosveld, teen ou mure, of teen natuurlike agtergronde).
· Hoe ver is die kerk van die onthaal area. Moet gaste ry van die een na die ander toe of is alles by een venue beskikbaar?
· Hoeveel troues doen hulle op ‘n dag? Is daar tydbeperkings?
· Wat mag julle gebruik vir konfetti by die venue? (By kerke is daar sekere regulasies van toepassing).
· Is die koordineerder wat jou bespreking vat ook die een wat jou troue gaan hanteer, en jou bystaan op die dag? (Sodat jy weet dat al jou idees en versoeke uitgevoer word)
· Hoeveel ondervinding in koordineering en uitvoer van troues het die bestuur van die venue? Hoe lank bestaan die venue al?
· Spyseniering: is daar ‘n gekwalifiseerde chef beskikbaar en op diens by julle troue? Hoe lyk die kos fotos en mag julle vra vir ‘n proe-sessie? Hoeveel kos word bedien en tot hoe laat word dit bedien? Mag jy met die sjef ‘n bespreking maak om oor jou spyskaart te gesels en is hulle oop vir voorstelle wat by jou tema gaan pas?
· Vra vir die volledige trou pakkette wat alle kostes, asook enige versteekte kostes wat mag opduik, insluitende die dekor insluit. (Hierdie lys sal jou help om ‘n venue te kies wat by jou begroting sal pas).
· Tot hoe laat mag julle partytjie hou en tot hoelaat is die kroeg beskikbaar? Is daar ekstra kostes verbonde hieraan? (Drankbeleid).
· Wat is die rook beleid en is daar n gemaklike plek beskikbaar vir rokers om te rook?
· Is die venue rolstoel vriendelik, as dit ‘n behoefte is vir julle gaste.
· Behalwe dat dit ‘n venue is, watter ander dienste kan die venue vir jou aanbied? (Sekere venues verskaf ‘n eenstop diens).

STAP3: DIE FINALE BESLUIT
Nadat julle die kortlys van venues gaan besigtig het, kyk eers al die inligting versigtig deur en maak dan die nodige vergelykings.
Maak seker dat die venue wat julle kies vir jou en jou gaste die beste gaan bied. Maar ook watter venue pas vir julle as bruidspaar - die beste? Visualiseer ‘n plek waar julle die gelukkigste en gemaklikste by was – hoe lyk, klink, ruik, proe en voel die venue vir julle? Fokus op die spesiale atmosfeer wat jy by die venue ondervind het waar meeste van die boonste sintuie aanpas.
Die mees belangrikste is om as ‘n bruidspaar hierdie beplanningsproses te geniet en saam te groei. Die venue en onthaal moet julle as bruidspaar help om julle liefde vir mekaar uit te beeld en te vier.
Vertroue, liefde en vreugde sal kyk na die res.