Discover the untold story of three extraordinary women redefining event excellence in the Winelands

Join us as we delve into the captivating story of how these queens of the event industry consistently deliver perfection, leaving their clients and attendees in awe. Witness the unparalleled talent, meticulous planning, and unwavering dedication that have cemented Cavalli Events’ reputation as the undisputed leaders in their field.

JODI (Events Manager) – Growing up, I always wanted to be a fashion designer – I just love creating beautiful things. When I shifted my focus to event planning, I knew my practical side of execution would really shine. My first job after school was working at a gift shop, which allowed me to express my creative side. I also learned that I had pretty good people skills. I then decided to study Events Management for 3 years at a prestigious academy. In my third year of studies, I got snatched up assisting in multiple wedding planning gigs, and from there I found my true calling. Event planners tend to be predominantly enterprising individuals, which means we’re usually quite natural leaders who thrive at motivating and inspiring. We also tend to be conventional, meaning we’re detail-oriented and organised, and we really like working in a structured environment.

ANDY – I fell into wedding planning kind of by accident, to be honest. When I was in high school, I went to an open house at the Aleit Academy and was immediately captivated. Something about the energy and excitement of the events industry just clicked with me. I’ve always loved hosting people and bringing celebrations to life, so it felt like a natural fit.
Now, I get to do that for a living, and it’s honestly the best job I could have asked for. Sure, there are stressful moments, but at the end of the day, I get to be a part of one of the most special days in a couple’s life. It’s incredibly rewarding, and I feel so lucky that I stumbled upon this career path. Sometimes it still doesn’t even feel like work!

RELE – I initially wanted to study interior design, but events planning ended up being the perfect fit. I studied events planning at Boston College, I was drawn to the creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, and ability to come up with cool concepts that the field offered. Even though events planning wasn’t my original plan, I quickly realised it was a great fit for my skillset. I have a natural flair for design and a keen eye for the finer details. Plus, I’ve always been a creative person at heart. Coordinating functions and weddings allows me to blend my passion for design with my love of bringing people together for special occasions.

JODI (Events Manager) – 5 years, with 5 more to come!

ANDY – I started working at Cavalli in March 2023. I’ve been here for just over a year.

RELE – A year and a half – how time flies!

JODI (Events Manager) – I’ve had a lot of memorable moments in my career, but one that really stands out was when I got promoted to Events Manager. That was a huge milestone for me and something I had been working towards for a long time. Another highlight was when I was able to confirm the biggest corporate conference event that Cavalli had ever hosted – not just once, but for two consecutive years. I was so proud of my team for pulling that off. Each event has its own unique challenges and moments, but being part of a couple’s special day is always an unforgettable experience.
At the end of the day, the most memorable moments in my career have been the ones where I got to see my hard work and dedication pay off, whether through a promotion, a major event success, or just being there for our clients on their big day. Those are the moments that make it all worthwhile.

ANDY – For me personally, there is something really special about being part of a couple’s wedding day and seeing all of the different cultures and traditions.

RELE – Managing the first big wedding for a high-profile couple was definitely a memorable moment in my career. It was a high-pressure situation, but I was determined to pull it off flawlessly. From coordinating the vendors to ensuring every detail was perfect, it was a whirlwind experience. Securing a job at Cavalli was another career highlight. I had always admired the brand’s bold, luxurious aesthetic, and the opportunity to be a part of that was a dream come true. The fast-paced, dynamic environment pushed me to grow and develop new skills. Those early days laid the foundation for the rest of my career.

JODI (Events Manager) – It was a hilarious moment that I’ll never forget from my career as a wedding coordinator. One summer evening, as the wedding reception was winding down, I noticed some suspicious movement on the terrace. Upon investigation, I found four male guests in their boxers running around, looking for their discarded clothes.
Apparently, they had decided to take an impromptu swim in the dam on the property. The security team and I were chasing the wet, half-naked groomsmen around the property. It was a complete circus, but looking back, it’s one of the most memorable and amusing moments I’ve experienced on the job. You really do see it all in this line of work!

ANDY – I thought it was pretty funny, scary and very creative when a Cheetah was walking in front of the bride down the aisle!

RELE – Funny mishaps are par for the course when it comes to events. Whether it’s a microphone that cuts out at the worst possible moment, or a caterer who sends the wrong dish, there’s always something that keeps us on our toes. But you know what they say – if you can’t laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at? Events may be high-stakes, but the best planners know how to roll with the punches and find the humour in even the most stressful situations.

JODI (Events Manager) – There have been many well-known people at Cavalli from Springbok rugby players, to international soccer players to ministers. It was a great pleasure hosting them all.

ANDY – This was before my time, but I’m a big rugby fan and I thought it was pretty cool that Handre Pollard got married here. His dad was actually the principal at my high school!

RELE – Well-known rugby players and artists.

JODI (Events Manager) – The most challenging and rewarding thing about my job is the unknown. There’s always an unforeseen challenge that requires me to think on my feet and be an amazing problem solver. I never know what each day will bring, but I love the thrill of having to limit those challenges and always be the problem solver that my clients depend on.
It’s incredibly rewarding to show my experience and provide the best solutions for my clients and their brands. The most special days are when I get to be part of executing the most special day of a couple’s life. Seeing the happy couples and hearing the words “thank you” means the world to me. I positively view challenges as it allows us to grow and learn from the situation. However, in every job there will always be challenges regardless, so I always tell my team to expect the unexpected.

ANDY – The most challenging and rewarding thing about being an events planner is the sheer amount of work that goes into every event. The long hours, dealing with demanding clients, and coordinating all the moving parts can be incredibly taxing. But when you see your vision come to life and the client’s face light up on the day of the event, it makes it all worth it. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of pulling off a successful event that exceeds the client’s expectations. It takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, but the reward of seeing your hard work pay off is what keeps us event planners going.

RELE – The most challenging and rewarding aspects of being an events planner are often two sides of the same coin. On one hand, dealing with difficult customers can be a challenging, especially when you know exactly what’s needed to pull off a successful event. But you have to stay firm, set clear boundaries, and guide them gently towards the right decisions. As we do share the same passion to bring their dream to life. The real reward, though, comes when you see those same clients become friends. Entrusting us with their most special occasions is a huge honour, and watching the end product executed to perfection makes it all worthwhile.

JODI (Events Manager) – The venue offers a stunning array of spaces, from the serene gardens and breathtaking views to the versatile indoor and outdoor areas. But what really sets Cavalli apart is the quality of service and the culinary experience. The team at Cavalli is truly a dream team, with each department head bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of their clients’ needs. There’s a palpable sense of trust and camaraderie among the staff, and it’s clear that they all share a passion for what they do. The attention to detail is remarkable, from the impeccable bathrooms to the top-tier wine offerings. And the food? Well, let’s just say that Cavalli’s culinary prowess is the stuff of legends. The venue’s owner have made it their mission to create a truly unforgettable experience for every couple who chooses to tie the knot here.

ANDY – The Cavalli venue is so successful because it has a lot going for it from the moment guests arrive. The grand entrance with the perfectly manicured gardens along the driveway immediately sets the tone and makes a great first impression. And the well-maintained gardens and lawns with the stunning mountain and dam views are simply breathtaking.
But beyond the picturesque natural setting, the indoor space is also a big draw. As a blank canvas, it allows each client to truly customise and create something unique and beautiful.

RELE – From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re struck by the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The staff here genuinely enjoy their jobs, and that positive energy is palpable. The environment is respectful and professional, but there’s also a refreshing lack of pretension. Everyone, from the bartenders to the event coordinators, is friendly and eager to help. The venue itself is truly unique, with stunning views and an architectural design that’s both modern and inviting.

JODI (Events Manager) – Easily over 500.

ANDY – This is a tough one. Definitely above 200.

RELE – I would say, over 200.

JODI (Events Manager)

1. Be well-rehearsed. Don’t wing it – have a solid plan and script in place so everything runs smoothly on the day.

2. Hire an accredited planner. Proper pre-planning is critical, so get an expert involved to handle all the logistics.

3. Set a realistic budget. Figure out your costs upfront and build in a buffer – events have a way of going over budget.

4. Have a backup plan. Things will inevitably go wrong, so be prepared with contingencies for any hiccups.

5. Over-communicate. Keep all stakeholders in the loop at every stage so there are no surprises. Clear communication is key.

ANDY

1. First up, feed the people. Nobody wants to attend an event where they’re left to starve. Make sure there’s plenty of tasty food to go around.

2. Next, the drinks. Whether it’s beer, wine, or cocktails, your guests are going to want access to some beverages. Don’t skimp on the bar situation.

3. Entertainment is crucial too. Nobody wants to just sit around staring at each other. Get some music, games, or activities going to keep people engaged and having fun.

4. And let’s talk backdrops. Your guests are gonna want those killer Instagram shots. Set the scene with a nice view or some creative decor that makes for great photo ops.

5. Last but not least – bathrooms. Make sure there are enough of them, and that they’re conveniently located. Nothing ruins a party faster than a long line for the restroom.

RELE

1. Have a hands-on planner. Don’t try to do it all yourself – get someone who’s organized to take the reins and keep everything on track.

2. Having a very well detailed program. Know exactly what’s happening, when, and who’s responsible. Fail to plan, plan to fail.

3. Have a theme. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy, but a little cohesion goes a long way in making your event feel put together.

4. Have a realistic budget. Unexpected costs will pop up, so plan accordingly.

5. Expect the unexpected. Things will go wrong, it’s just Murphy’s Law. Be ready to roll with the punches and problem-solve on the fly.

Ladies, we thank you for your passion, and this month, we celebrate you! Elevate your next event to new heights of splendour. Trust the Cavalli Estate events team to craft an unforgettable celebration that will leave your guests in awe.

CONTACT THE EVENTS TEAM