For centuries, aristocrats in ancient civilisations such as Rome, Greece, and China held elaborate weddings to display their wealth and status. Today, celebrity culture and media influence continue to make lavish weddings aspirational. The rise of wedding planners, destination weddings, and reality TV has further fuelled this trend, often turning these celebrations into grand productions, and making many couples feel pressure to go all out.
But one couple chose a different path- one that was intimate, deeply personal, and profoundly meaningful. With just 24 guests in attendance, Rowen and Bianca Solomon proved that love isn’t about the number of guests in attendance, but about the people who truly matter in their lives. Onwaba Gonyora, Director at Brahman Hills in the KZN Midlands, where the couple chose to celebrate their special day, describes this celebration as “one of the most special weddings I have ever witnessed.”
The love story of this remarkable couple began in kindergarten at just four years old. Years later, they reconnected while volunteering at church, and their bond was instant. “We just clicked from the get-go,” Bianca recalls. “It was always a comfortable, ‘this feels right’ environment when we were together.” So right, in fact, that just a month into dating – at the tender age of 17 – Rowen popped the question. Looking back, Bianca laughs, “He didn’t give me much of a choice!”
From there on out, their journey together was built on faith, commitment, and shared experiences – like the time they went to Gold Reef City, only for Bianca’s thrill-seeking nature to force Rowen onto the Anaconda rollercoaster. “Let’s just say he is still shaken from that experience,” she jokes.
When the time came to plan their wedding, they envisioned something timeless and elegant – an intimate celebration that would reflect their love for God, each other, and their closest family and friends. Their search led them to Brahman Hills, and as soon as they saw the Glass Chapel, they knew they had found the perfect place.
“We got married on 17th January 2024, one of the stormiest days of the year,” Bianca recalls. “Originally, canapés were meant to be served in the international award-winning gardens, but the Brahman Hills team seamlessly moved everything to the Skyfall Bar, where fireplaces kept everyone warm and cosy.” Even the rain couldn’t dampen their spirits, and in true Brahman Hills style, Onwaba went above and beyond – offering them a complimentary stay to return and complete their wedding shoot – reflecting her unwavering commitment to guest experience.
Having just celebrated their first wedding anniversary, Rowen and Bianca look back on their special day with fondness. Their micro-wedding was a true testament to the idea that less can indeed be more. Every detail was intentional, from the rhinestone accents symbolizing luxury and opulence to the praise and worship that set the tone for their Christian ceremony. With only their loved ones present, the wedding was not just an event, it was a heartfelt celebration of love – for each other and their guests.
For couples planning their big day, Bianca offers this advice: “Remember that no matter what challenges may arise, you can always overcome them together. Choosing the right venue makes all the difference. Brahman Hills made our dream wedding possible.”
” At Brahman Hills, every celebration is as unique as the couple at its heart. Seeing this wedding come to life, despite the rain, was a reminder that love isn’t defined by perfection or the size of the guest list,” says Onwaba. “What truly makes a wedding unforgettable is the meaning behind it – the joy, the connection, and the celebration of love shared with those who matter most,” she concludes.
For more information or to book a consultation, visit https://www.brahmanhills.co.za/weddings