By Vennette Lailani Seprado
Destination weddings are romantic, but planning them can be a nightmare. Every aspect of the wedding has to be meticulously planned and coordinated from scouting suppliers to making sure logistic arrangements run smoothly. Had there been any frantic moments in planning Jenny Rockett and John Scranton’s South African wine estate nuptials, it didn’t show. Their October 23rd wedding on the lush, sprawling grounds of the Nooitgedacht Estate wasn’t only picture perfect, it was effortless.
The charming Cape Town wine estate was the perfect choice for the outdoor and travel enthusiasts who went through several choice cities and destinations before locking in on their venue. Nooitgedacht Estate is nestled in the hills of the winelands. The beautiful garden venue with its expansive lawns shaded by old oak trees, rolling vineyards, and historic buildings served as the perfect backdrop for their romantic ceremony and reception. Family and friends from the Philippines, United States and Australia flew in to witness the intimate union of the beautiful couple.
Walking down the aisle in the arms of her father, the beauty expert bride looked ethereal in her dreamy lace and tulle creation by Monique Lhuillier. Her long-sleeved gown with a deep V-neckline and an open back, according to one interview, was more challenging to hunt for than planning a destination wedding. Jenny had to take several fitting trips to the U.S. before bringing the gown to Manila and finally transporting it to South Africa.
For a subtle vintage nod, Jenny’s hair was styled in an elegant updo secured by a bejeweled hair comb. Bridal makeup artist Cecilia Fourie created a fresh makeup look for the bride highlighting her signature strong brows and luminous skin. A pair of pear-shaped diamond drop earrings completed the bride’s look as she clutched a bouquet of cream and blush roses to meet her handsome groom clad in a traditional morning suit in shades of gray and blue.
Bridesmaids were in cream-colored haltered lace dresses with scalloped edges clutching bouquets of assorted green sprigs while guests were in light suits and pretty spring frocks. 
Some of their stylish friends in attendance were Miss intercontinental 2018 Karen Gallman, Miss World Philippines 2015 Valerie Weigmann and Margo Midwinter.
Blank Canvas Event Design did an excellent job in executing the couple’s vision of incorporating elements of a garden and an African safari into their wedding aesthetic. 
The couple’s love of greenery and nature reflected in their simple ceremony styling. Several rows of ghost chairs and a wedding arch flanked by two mighty trees did not compete with the verdant surroundings and the radiant bride.
Shortly after the ceremony, the wedding party was whisked away in another part of the grounds for an intimate wedding dinner under the stars. The magical reception set-up had two extra-long tables under a trellis of hanging fairy lights and illuminated glass orbs lined with bleached wooden chairs. Accents of blush and gold decorated the dining tables with perfect little touches like miniature brass elephants and mercury glass candle holders.
Guests feasted on grilled beef fillets, baked cheesecake, a three-tiered semi-naked cake decorated with fresh flowers by The Birdcage and of course, copious amounts of wine. The festivities went on until evening where guests took to the dance floor and snapped photos courtesy of disposable cameras that were provided. 
The memorable event was beautifully captured by photographer Andrea Kellan who Jenny describes as “a creative who strives to capture the essence of a wedding”.
