The Aleit Group is known to push the boundaries of event coordination. True to our spirit of creativity, we’re proud to introduce our new annual concept newsletter that showcases a range of cutting-edge trends and inspiration. Perhaps it’s the influence of the upcoming festive season, but we relished the chance to be playful and have some fun with wacky ideas!

There’s no doubt that urban weddings are bigger than ever, which is why this edition takes on a decidedly modern and cosmopolitan theme. In conjunction with some of our favourite suppliers, we bring you a host of contemporary ideas that will set the tone for 2010 and beyond.

We’re pretty certain that you’ve never seen a photographer shoot a wedding after the festivities have occurred. But OKASIE challenged aesthetic convention by creating a table setting that depicts the messed up, dishevelled look that’s usually associated with the end of an event. This daring concept proves that beauty can indeed be found in anything, even in a cigarette butt at the bottom of a champagne glass. The idea is so intriguing that we might brief our photographers to shoot the table settings after the party, allowing for a world of fascinating facts to be set on display. As Dané from OKASIE says, “there’s nothing like clearing your table after a dinner party and seeing what everyone kept themselves busy with. You’ll discover an array of interesting little details left on the table... shrivelled chocolate and candy papers, napkins that have been doodled on and perhaps a few structures created from cutlery and salt and pepper cellars.” We’ve taken Dané’s observation to heart and make every effort to appreciate all the stories behind each place setting. Try it... you’ll be amazed at what you will find!

Today technical production is vitally important to any occasion. Lighting is not just a practicality; it should be a feature in itself. Something Different gives you the freedom to customise every technical aspect of your event with bespoke lighting, slick sound systems and uniquely made staging. Along with power management and personalised consultations, this talented team provides clients with peace of mind on the day of their event. Something Different also offers a range of glamorous and exclusive feature lights, including custom lampshades and chandeliers in all shapes, sizes and styles. Anything from structural set design to classic dance floor styling can be tailor-made to fit your colour scheme, stationery or craziest ideas!

For this shoot Something Different combined classic elements with unusual arrangements to create a fusion of funky and traditional styling. The effect of disorganised clutter, as seen with the random bulbs and leads, creates a softer, more quirky feel, while the chandeliers and neon ribbons introduce a sense of eccentric elegance. The custom-made 2D vinyl art showcases the hottest wedding trend: printing anything your heart desires and simply sticking it on the wall for some eye candy.

Something Sassy, Something Bright, Something Loud, Something Classic, Something Different!

The Aleit Group came up with this terrific concept: As the wedding unfolds, the waitrons cut down the specific glassware and cutlery needed for the course at that precise moment. How cool are these Delft glasses? We are sure that you would love to know if they are available to hire. Well, the computer says no.....Now that is what you call Photoshop.

Dish Food & Social created a dazzling meal that reflected the creativity and innovation of modern dining. The concept was to work with one main ingredient and then to highlight its flavours with complementary elements. The meal was based on classic flavour combinations which were played with and manipulated – or tweaked – to produce the essence of a “modern classic”.

The mushroom plate

Newlands forest wild mushrooms, panned in butter and brandy. Served with sautéed potato cubes, cucumber and spring onion salad and black squid ink dressing.

The chocolate orchard

On a bed of chocolate soil – milk and white chocolate mousse rolled in gooseberry leather with poached pear spheres, orange Turkish Delight and crimson cherries.

A seared scallop

With compressed winter melon and sweet melon, tomato disk, parsley puree and fennel gnocchi.

Raw

Yellow-fin sashimi rolled in pickled watermelon rind. Fresh cubes of ripe watermelon, micro basil, radish and spring onion salad with a lime and saffron dressing.

Pop goes the colour this season with loads of cheerful, bright vitamin shades! Surprise your guests with cheeky neon trays bearing colourful and festive playful items, and indulge your inner child with fun and playful gifts. It’ll add a happy and relaxed element to your celebration. After all, what’s the fun in being stiff and formal?

Seating plan: Aleit Academy student, Johan Taute in wraps.

For an authentic epicurean experience, there’s no doubt that Edible is one of the most innovative gastronomic institutions. Edible was established in 2000 with the ambition to introduce exciting flavours and culinary creations to adventurous eaters. After years of travelling to the furthest flung regions of the globe, Edible offers all manner of unique and unusual delicacies. Imagine savouring a recreation of ancient aphrodisiacs that were enjoyed in the court of Cleopatra, or daring to eat insects eaten by the street traders of Phnom Penh. More sedate diners might prefer rare teas, coffees or even exotic flavoured chewing gums from Japan. Some of these items are produced in Edible’s kitchens while other are products are sourced from quality suppliers.

Wedding gowns have gone through various transformations over the centuries. Long ago brides wore rich, bright colours to signify their happiness; followed by more understated dresses with a formality that symbolised the merging of powerful families or even countries. From their fabric, length and cost, gowns were dramatic statements that represented the social standing and wealth of entire families.

The marriage of Queen Victoria to Albert of Saxe-Coburg saw the start of the "White Wedding" as we know it today. Victoria possessed a piece of white lace that she wanted to incorporate in her dress, which ultimately lead to her wearing a pure white gown. It sparked a wedding revolution and very soon white became the only acceptable colour for a wedding dress.

Over a century later, do you have it in you to start the next revolution? From palaces, sandy beaches and rooftops to industrial warehouses and rustic barns, your wedding should reflect who you are, and so should your dress. Whether you’re wild and loud or girly and traditional, let your frock speak volumes about who you are and what you want to say. Be bold, colourful, frilly or romantic... the possibilities are endless. Never mind rules and convention, wear a dress that captures exactly how you want to feel on your big day.

Model: Aleit Academy student, Inecke de Kock

The ultimate urban venues

Location, location, location... this might sound like a cliché, but the perfect setting is everything when it comes to creating a show-stopping event. In keeping with this philosophy, tradition is on the turn as more wedding couples begin to explore alternative settings to host their special day. The suburb of Woodstock is a fine example of an up-and-coming area that offers unique and versatile urban spaces for fashionable couples. There’s certainly a lot more than meets the eye behind these seemingly ordinary walls…

The Runway

This 635m2 creative space is not for the faint-hearted. With a dramatic open-plan design, The Runway can be completely personalised to suit your event. Prominent features include the permanent lighting system, advanced sound equipment, a 20m modular (and removable) runway, space to seat over 300 people and a large backstage area for dressing room and makeup preparation.

Our next Aleit Event Projects Newsletter, will showcase a magnificent year-end, executed and perfected by The Aleit Group, for Absa Capital. Here is a preview.

Roodebloem Daylight Studio

Don’t be fooled by this venue’s original exterior. Inside you’ll discover that it’s far from ordinary, with a modern mix of slick white walls, bare concrete and a glass roof. The best part? Couples can make a truly grand entrance by driving right inside the venue.

To enquire about either of these venues or any other unique locations, contact Amazing Spaces at venues@amazingspaces.co.za