Chez Charlene

Hi Dorette & Charlene, Our wedding at Chez Charlene was simply phenomenal. Chez Charlene and its recommended service providers made our wedding day truly special and memorable. To begin with the decor and design from Charlene with help from her florist was absolutely spectacular, truly beautiful. The colours, lights effect and flowers really made the occasion a dream setting. Every table was a delight and our guests were definitely blown away as we could tell by the pictures that circulated from the event. I now like to think of Charlene as "Lady Charlene". :-) A true born visionary! Oh the main table was truly of touch of class and vision. Our central view was just heavenly. The flowering setup, the soft candle light, the hidden fairy lights and its layout made our main table truly Breath Taking. We appreciated how accommodating Charlene was for additional items or features we needed. It seemed like the sky was the limit. From the jumping castle to clowns (if needed) to the play room for kids, child minder, there seemed to be no limits. Wow, the "sweetie station" was a HIT! As you guys would be aware, that station was so que'ed up that the MC needed to control the crowd, it being such a hit was totally unexpected. Our guests were surely spoiled and taken on an experience they'll always remember. The special dessert was magical. From the music to the well orchestrated staff movement. In case you use my review I'll spare the detail and just say that this part cemented the whole experience as completely "magical". Even if you sorta know what's coming, this was still quite an experience. My best man was raving about our wedding. His words of "Best Wedding I've been to" comes from a man who's been through the process himself, spending a sizable amount on his fairly big wedding. But all in all what we're so thankful for is how perfectly the day proceeded, and the superb products and service offering we received from the service providers used per Chez Charlene's recommendation. The invitations and stationery printings for the reception from Pistachio Designs was beautiful. The cake was perfectly designed and so delicious we savoured it. That was definitely the best tasting cakes I've sampled. The design of the cake was first class, Jade listened to what we liked and she far exceeded our expectation to impress us with the cake topper that was left to her discretionary design. Our thanks also to Jonice for her professionalism, great personality, and excellence in her hair and makeup artwork. She was very accommodating to the bride's needs and requests. Our thanks to Dorette, the event organiser, for her professionalism, patience, and understanding of the bride's needs for the day. An important aspect for us in planning was pure and unbroken sound from sound equipment. Although we could tell this would not be an issue on checking out the venue, it still needs to be pointed out. We were happy we could have a live singer set up in the church and outside. The volume for effect was perfect, both in the chapel and outside. DJ Steven was awesome, both as a person and professionally catering to our needs and requirements. Some of our music choices was outside his scope but he happily incorporated the tracks directly from us, and everything played out to pure perfection. No technical sound issues. Most importantly the dance floor was packed. Steven perfectly played the right music for an audiance of a different ethnicity and culture. With just a few tips and bits of info to go on Steven lived up to his billing perfectly. He surprised us with song choices that were crowd favourites, both of local music as well as old school 70's dance music of the African-American genre. The experience with the photographers recommended by Chez Charlene, Might Fine, was splendid. They are super professional, helped us feel comfortable in working through a long day of photo taking. The experience was fun and memorable. The videographer (Andre) we used through Chez Charlene was equally superb. I'd say working with him is an absolute pleasure. We're really looking forward to their products for us. Most important was their professionalism in working and synchronising the process among themselves, not getting in each other's way, but working together professionally. Andre was especially gracious in the handling of moments that concerned us for the video. He has continuously re-assured of events and moments that we may have been concerned about for the video's, especially the numerous random kids on the center dance floor during the reception. So here's something, Chez Charlene had a very special touch. Indeed! A young man by the name TJ. This guy spoiled us, serving on us and looking out for any of our special needs. Thanks TJ. :-) This made us feel very special. Chez Charlene really went the extra mile. Far And Beyond! Even graciously allowing one or two of our guests to catch some of the rugby in the staff kitchen is not lost in our thank you's. I felt really bad when I realized I had forgotten this next individual, also via Chez Charlene, in my thanksgiving speech. From the service providers the most special individual was a gentlemen by the name of Luan. This is a man who could be working in Hollywood or Las Vegas. This is a man with multiple talents. Not a Jack of All Trades, but truly someone that is a genius and that excels in the multiple disciplines that he operates in. This man is at first an MC, but he is also a beautiful singer, and, he also plays the saxophone. Furthermore! Importantly, Luan was a splendid, excellent, critical director of proceedings. He was assertive as he needed to be, he controlled matters with the time consuming photography to get things moving, whilst helping with coordinating people's positions, assisting the photography process. Whilst the ceremony was thirty minutes late as well as a large unplanned family photo-shoot to squeeze in, we were somehow back on track for the time schedule of the reception events. As an MC, his first role, Luan is perfect in his articulation, even for corporate events that he does I reckon he seems over qualified. I loved that he was vocally clear, enunciated well, and was just a pleasure as much as he was a consummate professional. Coming back to his next talent, the man's singing and saxophone playing was totally perfect for the wedding Liba had in mind, and what she had dreamed of. Luan had helped bring someone's life-long dream to life. At one point the choice of song and Luan's jazzy style was so captivating I lost interest in all else and was caught up in his music (performance of Elton's John's Nikita). Clearly I was not the only one, because the very next song the bride's parents took to the dance floor. They had completely forgotten that the dance-floor needed to properly opened first. As the bride's parents, and Luan's captivating music, everyone could understand how forgiving this was. Luan was simply priceless. The honeymoon suite was luxurious and pleasant, just perfect for the occasion. With the bubble bath and champagne on ice by Andre, we really unwound in superior and classy style. Breakfast was delicious. Our parents really enjoyed it. The other part of the venue is really tranquil and delighted. My mother felt like she was on her own honeymoon. The delight on both our parents faces were unforgettable. Thank you for creating such beautiful memories on our first day as husband and wife. May God bless you and all your service providers in abundance, and may the fruit of your labour be a blessing to others as it has been to us. From Glennister and Liba Ratti

Dear Chez Charlene, Thank you for the wonderful job you did with our wedding Sunday, 31 October 2016. it was a magical day that could not have been so without you. We are so appreciative of the advice you gave on how to make our day perfect, and the way that you handled all of the details made us able to relax and enjoy the ceremony. We were most impressed by level of professionalism, décor and the way you translated our dream to magical day , Dorette De Bruin you are one of a kind! Even one of the pastors, who has been doing weddings for 19 years, said that he cried at our ceremony. We received many, many glowing compliments on how beautiful the ceremony was. We also received many compliments in regards to you. The photographer and videographer took me aside at the conclusion of the reception to remark on how amazing you are to work with and how easy it was for them to do the best job they could do, as well as what a pleasure you are to work with. Everyone was very impressed and you delivered everything you promised you would. Thank you for being professional and caring in dealing with our special needs. Despite the rain complications, we feel that the ceremony turned out magnificently and we are anxiously awaiting the photographs and video to see everything for the audiences perspective. Most guest said they have never seen any wedding that ran more smoothly or was as meaningful and lovely. You were great, you made our day great and we can't thank you enough. We even had guests who did not attend the ceremony compliment on how beautiful the other guests said the ceremony was. We sincerely enjoyed working with you, keep up the great work. Kind Regards, Enhle & Rodeweeks