The Toast Enterprise recently collaborated with The GELIEFT Bridal Couture brand (Teresa Joubert and Stephen van Eeden) to celebrate their first annual BIRTHDAY Shoot. The basic idea was to create a day where brides could wear their wedding gowns for ONE MORE DAY, our aim being that it would form part of Geliefts’ brand Development…The photo’s could then be used  for Media and marketing purposes, as well as offer the brides a fun day where they could be inspired and show off their unique style one more time.

We were approached by Gelieft with the concept, and of course we had to say “YES!” to the great opportunity. Toast and Gelieft have collaborated in the past, where we designed and developed the distinctive corporate Identity for GELIEFT-Bruid & Prêt-a-Porter. The positive response from both our clients towards the brand identity preempted that a future collaboration would be inevitable!

Gelieft envisioned the shoot to be a ‘celebration of womanliness in the ambiance of a beautifully styled setting’ Their inspiration derived from the concept of a ‘Muse’- the epitome of lady-like glamour with contemporary exquisiteness; she is confident, determined and sensually demure. The Toast Enterprise, then hand-selected all the necessary service providers for the shoot…

Gelieft invited 20 of their previous clients / brides to accompany their bespoke gowns and partake in this extraordinary day,as it would be the ultimate annual event for their past/previous brides to wear their beautiful wedding gowns again.

15 Brides and 3 Models were all effortlessly styled by freelance stylist Jane Kotze and 5 dedicated Hair and Make-up Artists.  Stills were photographed by 2 notorious photographers, Jan Ras and Guido Schwarz, and the detail of the day meticulously video-documented by Theunis Stofberg.

Floral Décor was created by “All Occasions at no.99″,  where furniture and Props were supplied by Detail Interior Design.  All confectionery delights were supplied by Louise Veldhuizen owner of Mila – The Cakeshop.

Event Management, Concept Development and Stationery: Marcelle Smith, The Toast Enterprise

Fashion and Creative Direction: Teresa Joubert and Stephen van Eeden, GELIEFT – Bruid & Prêt-a-Porter                                                           
Videography: Theunis Stofberg
Photography: Jan Ras & Guido Schwarz
Models: Marilet Kruger, Lucea van Huysteen, Ivanette Britz, Estelle Wasserfall, Carolise van Huysteen, Johannita Eksteen, Lize Marais, Carlien Coetzee, Michelle Louw, Jacolize de Villiers, Anneli Peters, Lauren Schoeman, Sanette Boer, Rina-Marie van Velden, Marlé Baard, Lauren Marais
Hair and Make-up: Jane Jessica Field, Nicola Loots, Melony Erwee, Shani Wehl, Anna Pepper
Venue: Eben-Haëzer
Floral Displays: All Occasions at no.99
Cakes and Confectionery: Mila, The Cakeshop

Lighting & Décor: Eurolux, Detail Interior Design, glassware by Mr. Price

Fashion Stylist: Jane Kotze
Jewelry and Accessories: Kim Boezaart, Jade Jewellers, Zuyda van Dyk (WOW), Lily Blue by Anina le Roux

Toast had the honour of  designing Invitation Reply Forms, Invitations and Pamphlets for Academic Day and the order of the day’s progression. We also had the opportunity to organize the entire event for the glitterati evening – from selecting the Menu’s, to lighting, Flower and Decor, organizing the Bands…we also designed the centerpieces, ordered the orchids for the event and designed the stationery with the Tyger-logo details.

The two bands who showcased their talents : “We set sail” and “St. Saviour”, proved a hit, with the only complaints being that the music should have extended into the later hours of the night – which by then was already 12 o’clock! Lighting was set up the afternoon – candles, a fireplace, paper lanterns, and rice lights to add extra sparkle to the tables.

We also designed custom gift boxes with a aluminum Tygerberg- logo key chain, which served as gifts for the doctors at the event. Even though Archbishop Desmond Tutu , who was invited as an honorary guest, could not attend -we managed to gift 20 portions of food  to the Durbanville Children’s Home. Hellfire Sound also contributed a great deal to the evening by organizing sound – thank you very much!

Toast designed every detail meticulously, including the little Tyger- logo on the menu’s – hidden away in the design. Banners were placed outside to welcome the guests, stating the canape’s : Fig and Camembert on Pecan slices, Springbok Koftas with Fruit Chutney – divine! The table seating was designed so that guest would be welcomed with a glass of champagne, with the guests’ name next to the table number, we also hung table numbers on the orchid centre-pieces so it could easily be spotted.

The gift boxes had a floral detail which was custom designed in order to match the floral invitations, and these refelcted beautifully in the mirrored boxes we used as our centerpieces.

Furthermore, a Photo Booth was organized for the evening – fantastic idea for any event, as guests queued to collect props to have their pictures taken!

The evening was a great success, and we hope to entertain again next year!