Durban — To celebrate Women’s Month, the director of Brahman Hills, Onwaba Gonyora, shared her story and the inspiration behind her work.
“In 2017, we set out with a bold vision to become South Africa’s leading wedding venue. Over the years, as we achieved that goal, our inspiration evolved. Now, our goal is to create a premium destination in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands – a place where weddings, conferences and idyllic country escapes come to life through the Brahman Hills Experience,” Gonyora said.
She said in recent years they had seen the following trends emerge in the wedding and hospitality industry:
- A rise in personalised, intimate weddings.
- An increased demand for sustainable and eco-friendly options.
- The growing popularity of experiential elements, including 360 photo booths that provide fun, instant take-home memories.
- A surge in destination weddings, with couples choosing venues such as Brahmin Hills for full weekend celebrations.
Gonyora said that half of all couples choose to write their own vows, adding a deeply personal touch to their ceremony.
“However, there’s something truly special and sacred about traditional vows and the timeless simplicity of saying ‘I do’. These words have been cherished for centuries, with couples embracing their covenantal significance. I encourage couples to choose what resonates most with them, whether that’s crafting their own vows or honouring tradition,” she said.
Gonyora has 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry and holds a BCom in International Hospitality Management from Stenden University – an Institution of Higher Education in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape. This branch campus of Stenden University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands provided her with a solid foundation in the global hospitality industry.
Recently she became a mom, so she uses her spare time to address the challenges of motherhood.
Gonyora shared her top six wedding planning tips:
- Start with the venue: The Knot, a leading wedding online marketplace, surveyed nearly 10 000 couples who married in 2023 and found that 75% of couples surveyed ranked guest experience as their top priority. So, choosing a venue that matches your vision and budget, and ensures guests are well cared for, is crucial for creating an enjoyable reception. Remember that your venue should be able to accommodate various weather conditions and offer beautiful photo settings.
- Secure a date: Most couples have a preferred month, but the exact date often hinges on venue availability. If you’ve set your sights on a popular venue like Brahman Hills and can’t secure a Saturday or Sunday in the month of your choice, consider opting for a weekday or public holiday. You are not only more likely to secure your desired month, but it often comes with discounted rates.
- Focus on what matters most: Few people have unlimited budgets, so prioritise what matters most to you as a couple – whether it’s the venue, the photographs, the dress, custom vows or cherished traditions. This approach ensures your wedding day truly reflects your desires and unique love story.
- Hire a wedding planner: Wedding planners provide guidance and ease the load by managing logistics and vendors and ensuring a smooth and seamless event on the day. This is where a destination wedding can be advantageous as some places, like Brahman Hills, provide specialised teams to handle these details.
- Food: Good food doesn’t make a wedding, but bad food can leave a bad taste in your guests’ mouths. The quality of the food, whether simple or extravagant, is crucial to your guests’ comfort and the day’s success. Therefore, ensure your chosen venue or caterers have a great reputation.
- Vendor selection: 76% of respondents to The Knot survey followed wedding vendors on social media after their engagement. Ensure you entrust your wedding to experienced professionals who understand every aspect of creating a flawless event. This includes DJs, florists, photographers, make-up artists and cake designers. Because with the right support, a stress-free celebration is possible.
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Daily News