With the arrival of December, it is natural that we take a glance back at the year that was 2020, and surprisingly amidst all the curved ‘Covid’ balls and anxiety, Harrington House does have highlights to celebrate!
The 21st of twins, Amber and Jade Burton was twice the fun and a great celebration with a loving family.
A 30th birthday party for beautiful Sarah Munro and the two exceptional men in her life had guests dancing up a storm to the live music of ‘Afritude’. A balloon arch and large lit up ‘30’ welcomed guests, who later went on to enjoy delicious food presented beautifully by Tammy Wynn of ‘Nourish’.
Every wedding is a highlight – and our first of 2020 was no exception: young and very committed couple Sarah Andrew and Evan van der Meijden had guests ‘AAAhing’ and teary-eyed as they exchanged vows under our magical Chestnut tree.
Their youthful lilac colour scheme was enhanced by flowers beautifully done by Pat Gallus. DJ Grace Berriman delighted guests with her singing, as did a younger brother of the bride.
Once again Tammy Wynn of ‘Nourish’ ensured a delicious meal. Two lovely families thrilled at this special union.
Sadly all bookings for the next 6 months were postponed, most of which we will happily celebrate in 2021 – so more highlights coming up!
The first post lockdown wedding was for delightful Lungisani and Sindi. And despite gremlins causing their décor to arrive 9 hours late, a wonderful day was celebrated through a great team effort.
Muirhead’s provided a draped arch, lanterns and a white carpet for the tree ceremony; and Ntobe cheerfully completed the reception décor late that evening, after experiencing car problems en route. A great result was achieved. We will not forget that one!
A real favourite was our ‘Dinner with Dialogue’ evenings. Rob Caskie of ‘Engaging Storytelling’ had guests riveted with his introduction: A romp through the last 200 years of South African history; and then his stirring account of the Battle of Isandlwana. Due to demand after both these evenings, we offered a consecutive night which was swiftly booked out! Hamblin’s provided a great meal at each evening with all Covid protocols in place. Rob Caskie will be back on the 21st January 2021 to relate the Battle of Rorke’s Drift – not to be missed!
Caroline Holley took décor to another level with her Mexican themed 40th birthday – a fabulous party with all the right elements: Mexican tequilas, Slush Margaritas, Champagne, delicious Mexican themed canapes by Margie Harel of ‘The Fat Aubergine’ – all served under our lit up and festively decorated Chestnut tree.
After great speeches, a move to the main venue, where comedienne Jem Atkins had everyone in stitches. Bowled food fed the party mode friends who had all dressed up for the Mexican theme! A really great party!
A fabulous first: the Harrington House Country Fayre was a resounding success, with over 500 visitors on the day. There were teas and picnic lunches on sale; 36 varied stalls with wonderful items; a wine, gin and general bar; and great live music by the very popular Chris Jensen. Happy exhibitors and a fun day out will ensure this becomes a regular on the Harrington House calendar. The next one will be on the 27th February 2021 (make sure you diarise this date now).
And what would a year be without great wine? Our wine tastings with both Distell and Black Elephant proved this to be a popular drawcard! And with the Black Elephant winemakers joining us via Skype for their tasting, it was a pretty unique evening. Wine tastings will feature in 2021.
The progress in developing our new marquee wedding site which will host up to 500 guests, has also given us a great boost in happy and positive plans. Over 300 new trees have been planted, with new flower beds under development to beautify the space. The permanent ablution block is under construction. Watch this space.
We end this year of mixed emotions and fortunes on a wonderful happy trajectory of three weddings in a row:
JP and Elaine – what a truly special day. A couple who proved you can pull off a great wedding and make it look effortless. Hamblin’s once again served a very well-received meal – we had so many compliments on the night, and DJ Shaun Dickenson had guests dancing till curfew. We are so excited to already have a preview of the photos of this special wedding courtesy of ‘Thunder and Love’ photographers.
Chris and Sharon Mazibuko tied the knot at the beginning of December. A couple who knew how to arrive in style in a convoy of 4 vehicles – the groom in a convertible with the roof down! Their green and gold colour scheme with flowers set up by Muirhead’s looked amazing in the Harrington House reception venue. The guests once again enjoyed a delicious and generous Hamblin’s meal.
Keagan and Chanelle’s wedding is planned for the second weekend of December. We know this wedding will also make our list of highlights and are so looking forward to hosting this couple.
We are excited about the new year and to make more happy memories with our clients in 2021, and especially fulfilling all the bookings which sadly took a back seat this year.
