Philippa & Jonathan

Our Story

How We Met
Once upon a time, there was a global pandemic. We had just gotten out of Austrian lockdown number 5, and we were well beyond the banana bread and knitting phase. Desperate for social interaction, it all started with a casual swipe. Philippa fell for Jonathan's blue eyes, Jonathan's dating profile declared that he was vaccinated; Jonathan thought Philippa was cute and was intruiged by her international upbringing. The rest, they say, is history.

The Proposal
On a sun-kissed New Year’s Day in 2026, Philippa and Jonathan set off on an unforgettable adventure to the breathtaking Cape of Good Hope. As they climbed a rugged cliff overlooking the endless blue of the ocean, the world seemed to pause just for them—waves crashing below, wind dancing through the air, and a new year full of promise ahead. Caught up in the magic of the moment, Jonathan realized there could be no better time, no more perfect place. With his heart racing and the horizon stretching endlessly before them, he turned to Philippa and asked her the most important question of his life. Spoiler: she said yes. And just like that, their greatest adventure began—with a love story proving that even Germans can be hopeless romantics after all.

The Couples Quiz

Test your knowledge about us with these questions.

Staying at Zorgvliet

To make the weekend as seamless as possible, we would love for you to stay right on the estate with us! Zorgvliet Country Lodge is nestled between the Simonsberg Mountains and stunning vineyards, meaning you won’t have to travel at all between the pre-party, the ceremony, and your bed.

As a token of our appreciation for your long journeys, two nights' stay and breakfast are on us.

Important Details:

• If you would like to make use of this hosted stay, please simply let us know in your RSVP and we will take care of the details.
• Please note: The Estate may require a credit card at check-in for any incidental charges.
• Check-in: Wednesday, February 10th at 2:00 PM | Check-out: Friday February 12th at 10:00 AM

We have exclusive use of the Zorgvliet Country Lodge for these two nights. Bring your swimsuits and let's have a great time!

The Timeline

Here is a breakdown of our celebration. We're still working on the finer details, so keep an eye on this section in the coming months for more updates!

Getting to South Africa

Flights: Fly into Cape Town from Europe with direct connections to Zurich, Munich, or Frankfurt, or fly via Doha or Dubai. We've flown many times with Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa and can highly recommend this option as well.

Visas: A visa is not required for EU passports—just a simple stamp at immigration and you're ready to go! You can stay up to date on visa requirements here.

Getting Around

Uber: Ubers are easy to get within Cape Town. Make sure to book Uber Black, as this is the safest and most comfortable option.

Rental Cars: If you are traveling beyond the Cape Town city center (like out to the Winelands!), we highly recommend picking up a rental vehicle. All major rental car operators are available at Cape Town International Airport.

Driving Tips: Keep in mind that South Africa drives on the left!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe?
Please read our safety tips on the Explore page to help you stay safe.

Cash or card?
Due to safety concerns, South Africa often prefers cards over cash. You can definitely get by using only a card, but it is a good idea to have some Rand on hand for small tips. The currency is the South African Rand (ZAR).

What is the tipping culture like?
Tipping is customary and 10% is recommended at restaurants.

What is the weather like?
South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere, so you can look forward to many sunshine hours in February. It will be really HOT and dry, so make sure to bring SPF! :) The evenings cool off nicely though, so it's a good idea to bring a lighter jacket or sweater.

Can you drink tap water?
Yes, it is safe to drink. Due to the taste, we prefer bottled though!

What plug adapter do I need?
South Africa uses Type M plugs. Bring an adapter!

Exploring Cape Town & Safety

We highly recommend extending your trip to explore! Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach, ride the Franschhoek Wine Tram, or take the cable car up Table Mountain.

A Note on Safety

It's important to us that everyone feels relaxed and confident during their time in South Africa. The Cape Winelands are a popular tourist destination, welcoming many visitors from around the world each year. Keep these tips in mind and you'll have a great experience:

• Book your flights so you arrive in Cape Town when it's still bright outside. Avoid driving at night.
• When driving, always keep your doors locked and valuables out of sight.
• Should you have an accident, do not stop, especially if you are on a highway. Highways are those roads that start with the letter N, e.g. N1 and N2. Keep driving until you reach a safe place to stop, for example a gas station, and call for help there.
• If there is traffic on the road, do not try to circumvent it by leaving the highway! The largest townships are located off the N1 and N2 highway and these areas are extremely unsafe.
• If you're unsure about an area or how to best get somewhere, ask us for advice.

Please use common sense and err on the side of caution, and we are certain that you will have a fun and safe time celebrating with us!

Exploring Cape Town & Surroundings

To help you make the most of your experience, we've put together some suggestions on things to do in and around the city:

• Cape Town:
  • Soak in Cape Town's majestic nature with a hike up Lion's Head or Table Mountain
  • ... or ride up the cable car with breathtaking views. Book your ticket here.
  • Immerse yourself in local history, and book a trip to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Tip: these are popular, so book your trip well in advance here
  • View the iconic colourful houses around Bo-Kaap
• Cape Winelands: The Cape Winelands are home to some of the most famous wineries in the world where you can enjoy tastings at very reasonable prices. Many of them also have fantastic restaurants and farm shops, so you can easily spend a few hours enjoying the experience. You will find some suggestions below:
  • La Motte Wine Estate
  • Leopards Leap
  • Le Lude
  • Anthonij Rupert Wine
  • Allée Bleue
  • Lynx Winery
  • Haute Cabrière
  • Chamonix Estate - check out the Arkeste restaurant
  • Tokara - boasts incredible views
  • Boschendal Winery hosts lots of events like the Friday Night Market, or book a picnic in their beautiful gardens
  • Franschhoek Village Market takes place every Saturday
  • Or why not go for a scenic drive down the Franschhoek Pass (Road R45)?
• Our Favourite Things To Do:
  • Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms. They have an incredible garden full where they grown their own produce, restaurants with a farm-to-table concept and a gorgeous farm store where you can purchase your favorites to take with you home
  • Faber Restaurant at Avondale Wineries is a fantastic farm-to-table restaurant. Don't skip the cheesecake! Must reserve in advance.
  • Visit the penguin colony at Boulder's Beach
  • Check out the Cape of Good Hope - this is where Jonathan proposed :)

RSVP