It’s very easy to describe Val de Vie Wine & Polo Estate. And it only takes one word: Phenomenal. I shouldn’t say another word about this utterly awesome venue, because ‘phenomenal’ really does sum it up. But hey, let’s live on the edge. From the moment I arrived there to shoot the SA Weddings Bride of the Year 2009 I was blown away. It just has this special aura about it. It’s palatial, it’s spotless, it’s beautifully designed, it’s very tastefully decorated. Ja, it’s phenomenal. I always say that as a photographer it’s very difficult to just pitch up and shoot. I need to be inspired. And this place is inspiring in every sense of the word. You can literally stop anywhere and there’s something begging you to put a bride and groom in the scene and take the shot. That’s a supremely nice position to be in. I could run through the list of offerings, but I’d rather you visit the Val de Vie website and take a look for yourself. Do so, because you won’t be disappointed at all. The verandah that overlooks the polo field is outstanding. Yes, the polo field. Do you have any idea how big a polo field is? It’s enormous! And this one looks more like a lawn bowling green than a polo field. Manicured to perfection. The view of the mountains surrounding Franschhoek also get 5 stars – unbelievable stuff. I really can’t heap enough praise of Val de Vie. The function venue is fantastic, the staff are amazing, the floors sparkle and on and on and on. Is it really that good? Yes, absolutely – go and see. Take a drive through, my bet is that you’ll end up booking your wedding there. This is Franschhoek at its very, very best. Oh, one last thing, Simone de Wet and Petra Spies are your ‘go-to-girls’ at Val de Vie. Give them a shout, you’ll find them as phenomenal as the venue itself. Val de Vie’s contact details are:

Tel: +27 (0)21 863 6128

e-mail: events@valdevie.co.za