JHB North May 2021

Wedding bells ring
Whether you picture your big day to be glitzy glam or country chic, indoors or
outdoors, big or intimate … these specialists will bring your dream to life
Text: TAYLA BLAIRE. Photos: MEGAN BRETT.
Wow, wedding planning can be a breeze
Talk about a dream team! Susan Greig has teamed up with
her lifelong friend, Catherine Joyner, to form Weddings with
Wow – WWW – for curated weddings at the magnificent
Beechwood Gardens, four acres of botanical beauty in the
heart of Hyde Park.
Covid-19 has necessitated that couples have a smaller
budget and guest list, but that shouldn’t come at the cost
of losing the ‘vision’ of your dream wedding. Catherine and
Susan welcome weddings of all budgets, bringing their style,
skill and creativity to the table.
Susan describes it as being able to create a ‘champagne
look on a beer budget’, thanks, in part, to the beautiful decor
props the pair has accumulated over the years. ‘The theme,
colour palette, food, decor, lighting and ceremony are all
brainstormed with the couple,’ Susan says.
‘Then we use our years of experience to transform the vision
into reality with a seamless ceremony and wedding party.’
And it’s easy to do in the Beechwood Gardens – the decor
practically takes care of itself.
‘A tranquil, magical garden setting with rustling leaves,
swaying blooms, birdsong, buzzing bees and fluttering
butterflies creates a perfect backdrop. There’s no need to
travel elsewhere for flawless wedding photos.’
Intimate weddings are also proving to be popular even when
the option of a larger guest list is there. ‘Every bridal party has
commented that the intimacy of a small wedding made their
day special, rather than a large gathering where the bride
and groom seldom get to chat with all of their guests.
‘Love, intimacy and loyalty to close friends and family take
precedence over flashy, “show-off” parties.’
From a Covid-19 safety perspective, there’s an advantage
in garden weddings. ‘Fresh air lessens infection risks
and temperate Johannesburg weather makes outdoor
weddings popular.’
Beechwood does come with some restrictions though.
‘No loud music is allowed as it’s a residential suburb so it’s
a quiet, birdsong wedding. Our clients love the option of a
tranquil wedding day and connecting with their guests.’
That said, the duo is more than happy to do venues other
than Beechwood. Susan’s catering service can be set up
anywhere and the team is also willing to travel, having just
wrapped up two beautiful parties in Cape Town with Clifton
Beach as the backdrop.
Details: Find the dynamic duo on Instagram: @weddings_with_wow
30 Get It Magazine May 21
Catherine Joyner and Susan Greig