A Sunkissed Wedding Drinks Reception at Tokara Vineyard
Jayan and Sapna you beauties!
We first met these two out in Kenya at one of their friends weddings a few years ago, and clearly made an impact. On our discovery call I remember Jayan saying he literally didn’t need to do any research on photographers because he knew who he wanted right from the engagement.
Naturally - when they got in touch and told us about their plans we were right on board.
Three days of celebrations in the wine heartlands of South Africa?
Oh, go on then!
Stylish Welcome Drinks at Tokara Vineyard.
We always encourage couples to host pre-wedding drinks - and for destination weddings, this goes double. It’s a fantastic way for guests to get to know each other before the big day, so when the celebrations start, there’s less awkward small talk and more relaxed, genuine connections.
Jayan and Sapna chose the stunning Tokara Vineyard for their pre-wedding drinks. As one of the most beautiful venues in the region, Tokara offers breathtaking views, incredible food, and a delicatessen area that blends seamlessly into the natural landscape with a sleek, modern feel - an ideal setting for a wedding celebration.
As photographers, we love capturing events that reflect the personalities of the people who create them - and this one felt perfectly suited to J&S. A Hindu couple with a modern outlook, their gathering was a seamless blend of style, cultural touches, and heartfelt moments, surrounded by their closest friends and family.
Peacocking some stylish wedding outfits at Tokara
Jayan and Sapna's pre-wedding event was a beautiful laid back evening above the vines. Jayan looked dapper in a sharp double-breasted Moss suit, while Sapna dazzled in a two-piece ensemble adorned from tamanna punjabi kapoor with multicolored embroidery - a perfect reflection of their stylish personalities, and a worthy competitor to the peacocks that strut around the vines!
Tokara Delicatessen and Jayan’s Menu choices!
Tokara's Delicatessen area is modern and sleek, providing an ideal backdrop for celebrations. Guests were welcomed outside the deli, where they mingled and enjoyed the soothing melodies of an African marimba band. The fusion of local music with the couple's cultural heritage added a unique touch that we loved - mixing in elements like this is so simple to do, and can really elevate the event both for guests and yourselves!
Something that Jayan was particularly keen on, for some reason, was having mini fish and chips in the evening - and by god, Tokara's fish and chips were on point. As a Brit, I've often experienced disappointing fish and chips abroad, but I can confidently confirm that if fish and chips matter for your wedding, Tokara is brilliant.
Welcome Speeches and Couples shots at Tokara.
On arrival, Jayan and Sapna gave beautiful speeches to their assembled guests on the steps of the delicatessen building before tucking into some food. Afterwards, they headed into the vines and along the nearby vineyard road to capture a first set of laid-back couples’ portraits. The backdrop at Tokara is second to none in the region - absolutely perfect with the side-on light, dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, and the surrounding vines. It was truly iconic, and we loved every second.
Embracing Non-Traditional Elements in Weddings
Jayan and Sapna's celebration beautifully illustrated how couples can infuse their weddings with individuality while honoring cultural roots. By choosing a contemporary venue like Tokara Vineyard and incorporating elements such as an African marimba band and a diverse menu, they crafted an experience that was uniquely theirs.
We always encourage our couples to embrace ideas that may seem non-traditional. So often it allows them the freedom to create weddings that truly reflect their personalities and shared journey. Whether it's selecting a venue that resonates with your style, incorporating music that tells a story, or curating a menu that just makes you smile.
Photographing Jayan and Sapna's pre-wedding celebration at Tokara Vineyard was an absolute pleasure. Their ability to blend tradition with modernity resulted in a memorable event that was both authentic and refreshingly unique. If you're planning your own destination wedding in South Africa and would like us to capture those genuine, heartfelt moments, feel free to reach out.
Let's create something beautiful together.
A&A
