The search for the perfect wedding venue started from the very moment Siyabona asked “Will you marry me?” Excel spreadsheets were drawn up immediately with estimated budgets (traditional and white wedding), timelines, to-do lists, what-not-to-do lists etc.
We weren’t 💯 sure what we wanted but we knew what we didn’t want, and until then, we had not found a place that spoke to us. We made an appointment to view Shepstone Gardens but somehow something would always come up, until a last minute viewing appointment was made on a Sunday.
We fell in love with Shepstone Gardens immediately and committed on a date immediately. We didn’t deliberate, didn’t check budgets. We just asked “Where do we sign?!” Just to put this into perspective, I’m (Tersia) a heavy over thinker and usually would never commit so impulsively but I knew this is where we were meant to get married.
Shepstone Gardens is truly a dream wedding venue! From the breathtaking setting to the impeccable service, every aspect of our experience was beyond what we could have imagined. The venue’s natural beauty and charm created the perfect atmosphere for our special day.
A special mention must go to the incredible staff and team who made everything seamless. Mira, Sinéad, Babalwa, Bhut’ Thuba, Sis’ Thembi, our service providers were all AMAZING! Howie and his team’s catering still has people talking about his food to this day. Henk the DJ kept us on the dance floor for literally the whole night! And who could forget Alexander and his team’s magic behind the camera? Shepstone Garden service providers’ professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care and kindness made us and our guests feel so well looked after. From the planning stages to the big day itself, they went above and beyond to ensure every moment was perfect. I genuinely love this team. Shepstone Gardens truly gave us what they promise in their name- an experience.
To put it into my cousin’s words: “After this wedding, Cuz, I think everyone should just go to Home Affairs and sign. You can’t top that.”
Thank you, Shepstone Gardens, for helping create memories that will last a lifetime. You made our wedding unforgettable, and we couldn’t have asked for more! Thank you so much for creating our dream wedding and for giving me my ‘Top...
Read moreUpon our first visit to Shepstone Gardens, we were immediately taken in by its beauty. The Glass Marquee stood out to us in particular and we had our heart set on where to have our special day. What truly set our wedding experience apart, however, was the unique décor that the team helped us bring to life. Instead of the traditional floral arrangements one might expect, our tables were covered with stone fruits, tropical fruits, and a variety of edible treats. The décor team delivered exactly what we wanted and it was a direct reflection of Benjamin’s vision, we were both impressed and delighted by how the decor team brought it to life. The gardens at Shepstone provided a beautiful green backdrop, for our photos, and it all looked amazing on the day.
It's worth noting the professionalism and dedication of the staff. Their enthusiasm was evident, and they were always willing to collaborate, ensuring our baroque-inspired theme was executed perfectly. A special mention must be made of Jess, our planner. Her assistance throughout the process was invaluable. Jess was not only effective in her role but also a genuine delight to work with. Her expertise and warm approach made the planning process smoother and more enjoyable.
While planning a wedding from overseas presented its own set of challenges, the team at Shepstone Gardens was accommodating. The majority of our discussions took place over video calls, but despite the distance, the team's commitment to our vision never wavered. On the actual day, their meticulous planning was evident. Everything proceeded seamlessly, and many of our guests took the time to comment on the efficiency and training of the staff.
In conclusion, Shepstone Gardens offers not just a venue, but an experience. Their dedication to ensuring our day was special was evident in every interaction. For those considering a venue that combines natural beauty with top-tier service, Shepstone Gardens comes highly...
Read moreWe are honored to be part of the Shepstone Gardens family and are so grateful for everything they did to make our wedding day unforgettable. From the start, it was clear that this is a very special venue, and the team’s expertise is unparalleled. They know the venue inside and out — from the perfect timing for when the flowers will bloom to every little detail that makes the space unique.
The support we received throughout our wedding planning journey was exceptional. Even when we had to relocate during the process, Shepstone was incredibly flexible, accommodating virtual calls and adjusting to our schedule without hesitation.
On the day itself, the hospitality was outstanding. The staff went above and beyond to support the bridal party and our families, making sure everyone felt like a VIP. Every guest was treated with the utmost care and attention.
When it came to bringing our vision to life, the Shepstone team truly understood our brief. The floral arrangements and overall execution exceeded our expectations, and they were meticulous in helping us stick to our budget while still delivering the stunning results we had hoped for.
If we could do it all over again, we would — just to experience the wonderful collaboration and support from the Shepstone team once more. Thank you for making our wedding...
Read more