HAYLEY & DAVID'S WEDDING
December 28th 2021
Belair Pavilion
Paarl, South Africa
#HayleysCohenToCapeTown
LIVESTREAM INFORMATION
Please see below for two links to the YouTube Livestreams of the wedding festivities:
Bedeken & Chuppah service: https://youtu.be/8Hl5Kyz0O3U
Speeches & first dance: https://youtu.be/Jp0B22SUrhA
The Bedeken and Chuppah livestream will begin at:
• 2:30pm Cape Town time
• 7:30am Toronto time
• 12:30pm London time
• 4:30am Vancouver/Los Angeles time
• 11:30pm Melbourne time
The Speeches and First Dance livestream will begin at:
• 6:30pm Cape Town time
• 11:30am Toronto time
• 4:30pm London time
• 8:30am Vancouver/Los Angeles time
• 3:30am Melbourne time
Both links will be available to watch later and playback for those who have an early morning or late night.
Feel free to leave a comment 😊
Please send pictures of you and your families watching at home with a l’chaim in hand!
A NOTE FROM HAYLEY AND DAVID
Dear Family and Friends,
We are so grateful and excited that you will be joining us in South Africa to share in our wedding celebration. We are incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful friends and family surrounding us from near and far, and we are honoured that you are making the trip to join us in a place that is so special to us. This wedding website will serve as an itinerary for your journey, with travel tips and information about what to expect in Cape Town.
We look forward to sharing the wonder and beauty of South Africa with you and making memories to last us a lifetime.
With all of our gratitude and love,
Hayley + David
COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY
In order to keep our family, friends, and especially elders safe, we’re kindly requesting that all guests comply with the following COVID-19 health and safety rules. In order to safely attend our wedding, you must:
Be fully vaccinated (2 weeks post dose #2 for mRNA vaccines or dose #1 for JnJ vaccines
Bring proof of your vaccination to our wedding
Please remember to bring a mask for any indoor spaces!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Times will be added soon!
PRE-CEREMONY RECEPTIONS (KABALAT PANIM)
The bride hosts a women's reception (Kabalat Panim) in one area, and the groom hosts a reception for the men (Tisch) in a nearby area. Light refreshments and l'chaims will be served at both receptions.
2:30 PM
Tuesday, December 28th, Belair Pavilion, Paarl
BEDEKEN
3:00 PM
Tuesday, December 28th, Belair Pavilion, Paarl
A Jewish ceremony where the groom is escorted by his friends and family to veil the bride. This is a public ceremony so please join us!
CHUPPAH
3:30 PM
Tuesday, December 28th, Belair Pavilion, Paarl
The marriage ceremony - i.e. the main event!
COCKTAILS
4:30 PM
Tuesday, December 28th, Belair Pavilion, Paarl
Following the ceremony, cocktails and light snacks on the lawn.
DINNER & CELEBRATIONS
Let's party!!!
6:30 PM
Tuesday, December 28th, Belair Pavilion, Paarl
TRANSPORTATION
Getting to Cape Town
December is high season in Cape Town. Please BOOK EARLY to avoid inflated rates!
In light of COVID-19, we recommend purchasing refundable flight tickets directly through airlines and/or flight insurance, should the situation change.
Getting around Cape Town
Uber is the best mode of travel around Cape Town. It is safe (much safer than taxis) and convenient. Car rental is also available and affordable. Please keep in mind that South Africans drive on the right side of the road, and parking and traffic in December can be busy. There is also safe public transportation (the MyCitiBus network).
Getting to the Wedding Venue
Belair Pavilion is located in the wine region of Paarl, Western Cape, about an hour away from Cape Town city centre.
We recommend our out-of-town guests stay nearby the night of the wedding in order to enjoy the celebrations to their fullest. Accommodation information is provided in this section as well.
Directions to Belair Pavilion from Cape Town:
- Traveling on the N1 north, take the exit 55 (Paarl) off-ramp down to the T-junction.
- Turn right, under highway and proceed for 2km.
- Turn right onto Suid Agter Paarl road (see Fairview board) for 2 km.
- Turn right into Belair
ACCOMMODATION
Near the Wedding Venue
Our wedding venue (Belair) is located in Paarl, about an hour's drive from Cape Town, and one of the most famous wine farm regions of South Africa.
The venue is located nearby many guest houses, Airbnbs, and other accommodation.
We recommend that our out-of-town guests stay the night of the wedding in Paarl.
You are welcome to also stay the night before to explore the area (and to get ready for the wedding nearby)!
Once again, PLEASE BOOK EARLY if you are planning on staying overnight in Paarl - it is booking up fast!
We also recommend using the below booking service websites, as many of them offer cancelable accommodation with no fees or deposits.
The best search engines to use for this purpose are:
BOOKING: https://www.booking.com/
AIRBNB: https://www.airbnb.ca/
SLEEPING-OUT: https://www.sleeping-out.co.za/
Cape Town (before/after the wedding)
We would love to begin and continue the wedding celebrations with you in Cape Town!
We will be staying in the Sea Point area of Cape Town, and Hayley's parents will be in Camps Bay, so feel free to stay nearby in a hotel or Airbnb.
Bantry Bay, Fresnaye, Green Point, and Camps Bay are also great areas for Airbnbs by the sea.
Feel free to arrive early and stay after the wedding celebrations, there is a ton to do and enjoy in and around the "Mother City". Please see our Popular Areas of Cape Town below for more information!
TRAVEL BEFORE/AFTER THE WEDDING
If you would like assistance booking accommodation or planning your travel in Cape Town, please contact Rebecca Bryer, our travel agent in Cape Town:
Rebecca Bryer
+27829023033 (you can Whatsapp her, too!)
If you would like assistance booking Safaris in the Kruger National Park (this is far from Cape Town but definitely worth it!) our travel agent is:
Phillip Solomon at TourCan Vacations:
(416) 587-0008
DRESS CODE
At the Wedding
Our dress code is cocktail attire.
As our venue is completely outdoors and we cannot anticipate the weather in the Winelands, make sure to bring a light cardigan in case of a breeze.
We strongly suggest those who wear heels to avoid stilettos, as much of the venue requires walking on lawns!
Around Cape Town
Cape Town is HOT in summer. Shorts, t-shirts, and LOTS of sunscreen is a must!
It can get a bit windier in the evenings (we are on the coast, after all) so pack a light cardigan in case you get chilly. Make sure to pack good walking shoes and/or bathing suits, summer in Cape Town is beach and hiking season!
COVID-19 INFORMATION
Covid Tests for Travelling
Into South Africa
All travelers are required to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate upon arrival. The test must be a Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test, with the sample collected within 72 hours of boarding your flight to South Africa and have the name and signature of the certified medical practitioner.
Home from South Africa
Different countries have different requirements. For countries requiring a negative PCR test, this are offered through many companies. One example is BioSmart, that offer drive-thru and at-home tests:
https://www.biosmart.com/test-sites
Please see our "COVID-19 Information" page for more details.
THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN
David grew up in Cape Town, in the Higgovale area of the city. We are excited for you to explore David's first home (and Hayley's favourite destination!).
Cape Town has been voted the most beautiful city in the world. Scroll through for our advice on the best to-dos in & around the city!
SIGHT-SEEING
ROBBEN ISLAND
This is where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of the 26 years he was incarcerated. It’s a truly humbling experience and puts you in the middle of what was an extraordinary story that shaped Cape Town and the whole of South Africa, helping you understand how Mandela earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his contributions to ending the apartheid regime. Please note you need to book tickets a few weeks in advance to secure a spot.
DRIVE THE CAPE PENINSULA
Set a day aside to drive to Cape Point and around the Cape Peninsula. Pass the scenic beaches of Llandudno and Hout Bay, and then travel along Chapman’s Peak to Noordhoek, stopping at Cape Point, the most southwestern tip of Africa. Have lunch at the famed Harbour House and make your way back through Simon’s Town with a visit to Boulders Beach and the penguin colony that lives there. Continue home via Muizenberg and enjoy the colorful white sand beaches that punctuate the coast, passing through the Constantia Wine Route before you’re back in Cape Town. We recommend doing this trip with Uber - you can even ask an Uber driver to stick around if your stops are short!
KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDENS
Kirstenbosch is an important botanical garden nestled at the eastern foot of Table Mountain. December is an ideal time to visit and see the blooms!
LANGA TOWNSHIP TOUR
Though we would NOT recommend going to a township (informal settlement) alone as a tourist, taking a certified township tour is an interesting way of seeing Cape Town from a different perspective. Please visit our FAQ: Safety section of the website. Hayley and David would recommend Siviwe Township Tours.
HIKING & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
LION’S HEAD MOUNTAIN
If you’re feeling energetic, the hike up Lion’s Head Mountain is well worth the panoramic view at the top. It should take an hour climbing up and less coming down.
TABLE MOUNTAIN
Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa. It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or hiking to the top. The mountain forms part of the Table Mountain National Park, and formerly part of the lands ranged by Khoe-speaking clans, such as the Urillʼaes (High clan). It is home to a large array of fauna and flora, most of which is endemic. If you are really ambitious, you could plan a hike up Table Mountain as well. This is a major hike, like a good 4 hours. If not, take the cable car up, as the views are spectacular.
SIGNAL HILL
Signal Hill Cape Town is a flat-topped hill that is situated next to Lion's Head, forming part of Table Mountain. This is where the famous Noon Gun is fired every day at 12:00 on the dot. It’s also where you can enjoy some of the best views in the city (go for sunset!), try some paragliding, or simply enjoy a bit of nature. It’s sometimes called Lion’s Rump, and, together with Lion’s Head, this part of the mountain resembles a sleeping lion or a sphinx.
LET'S GO TO THE BEACH
BOULDER'S BEACH
ANot only is this a gorgeous beach, it is also home to a colony of African Penguins who love to laze about in the sun! Make sure to give them a wide berth and don't try and touch them... they will bite you (and it's not nice!).
LLANDUDNO BEACH
Llandudno Beach is one of the Cape’s most naturally diverse beaches, surrounded by large granite boulders and overlooked by mountains. It is a popular surfing spot, but the swimming can be treacherous, with rough seas and extremely cold water. Llandudno has lifeguards on duty during the summer season, operated by the Llandudno Surf Lifesaving club. It is also the access point for the walk to Sandy Bay, an isolated beach still popular with nudists.
CLIFTON BEACH
Clifton is an affluent suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. It is an exclusive residential area and is home to the most expensive real estate in South Africa, with dwellings nestled on cliffs that have sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.
CAMPS BAY
Right across from the Table Bay Hotel with amazing lunch spots across the street.
HOT SPOTS
V & A WATERFRONT
The hub of the harbor for shopping, dining and sightseeing. A gazillion fabulous restaurants and amazing shopping and entertainment district with gift and design stores, diverse museums.
BO-KAAP
The Bo-Kaap area is featured in the photo above. It is formerly known as the Malay Quarter, and known for its colourful houses. It is a former township, situated on the slopes of Signal Hill above the city centre and is a historical centre of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town. Please note that this is NOT a night-time activity as this area can get a bit dodgy at night.
BREE STREET
A fun, eclectic street filled with small bars, restaurants and galleries. (Can also be a fun area to explore at night in groups!)
WOODSTOCK
Woodstock is an edgy, evolving neighborhood where hipster cafes, veggie eateries and galleries occupy old factories covered with vivid murals. The renovated Old Biscuit Mill is home to cool design stores and hosts the weekly Neighbourgoods Market, with street food stalls, African handicrafts and designer fashion.
On nearby streets, quirky stores sell vintage fashion, upcycled furniture and antiques.
RESTAURANTS WE RECOMMEND
COFFEE
Bootlegger Coffee Company
Mischu
Truth Coffee Roasting
BREAKFAST
Liquorice & Lime
Jarryd's Sea Point
Arnold's
Cafe Paradisio
LUNCH
- La Belle (Bistro & Bakery)
- Mantra Cafe
- Rockpool
- The Blue Cafe
- Jerry's
DINNER
Bilboa
Mynt Cafe
Mama Africa
Kloof Street House
Nelson's Eye
Bombay Bicycle Club
SUNDOWNERS/COCKTAILS
Tiger's Milk
Chinchilla (Rooftop Bar)
The Bungalow
Azure (@12 Apostles Hotel)
The Roundhouse
LATE-NIGHT BARS
The Secret Gin Bar
Cafe Caprice
SGT Pepper's
Tjing Tjing
Power and Glory
Yours Truly
POPULAR AREAS OF CAPE TOWN
Get to know the neighbourhood!
SEA POINT
The Sea Point promenade, which stretches for several kilometres along the Atlantic Ocean, is perhaps Sea Point’s most famous landmark, along with its public swimming pool at the Bantry Bay end. The Main Road is thick with restaurants serving global cuisine – Greek, Italian, and all kinds of Asian – as well as bars, watering holes and shops.
GREEN POINT
Green Point is Sea Point’s more upmarket neighbour, and the beachfront Main Road is lined with apartment blocks. This is where the Cape Town Stadium is located, so it’s a great choice if you’re in town for sporting events or big concerts. It’s also close to the stunning beaches of the Atlantic Seaboard.
CLIFTON AND CAMPS BAY
These sister neighbourhoods are largely made up of flashy houses and mansions overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This is where you’ll find the who’s-who of Cape Town, and where celebrities often choose to stay. Don’t let that put you off though: it’s entirely possible to find relatively affordable accommodation here, and well worth it for the views alone. The beaches are often busy, and for good reason. The sea on this side of the mountain is cold, but the wide, sandy beaches make for excellent sun-bathing, volleyball, and people-watching.
HOUT BAY
Hout Bay is about 20-30 minutes from the city, between the Atlantic Seaboard and Noordhoek. It has a seaside-village feel. It’s on the City Sightseeing Blue Route, so it’s possible to explore the city from here. The beach is lovely, and there are many restaurants, a lively weekend market, and a few bars.
MUIZENBERG
Muizenberg is the old dame of the False Bay coastline. It’s only about 15-20 minutes from the city, and there are a few public transport options. The long, sandy beach is popular with local surfers, and it has a surfer village feel to it. There are surf shops, laid-back bars, and restaurants right alongside the beach, which is lined with definitive colourful beach huts.
KALK BAY
Kalk Bay is a fishing village at heart, with a lively harbour at its centre. There are many small boutique shops, selling clothes, antiques, and trinkets. This is where you’ll find some of the best seafood in town, and the pace of life is slow. It’s a good base to explore the South, including Cape Point, and a fantastic place to stay if you want to meet the arty and bohemian locals, but it is a little far from the City Bowl.
SIMON'S TOWN
Simon’s Town is known for it’s gorgeous beaches, rich history, and the colony of African penguins that call it home (Boulder's Beach). Quaint buildings line the historical mile from the train station to Jubilee Square, against the backdrop of mountains with innumerable picturesque hiking trails. The coast hugs the main drag, and a walk along the mile offers spectacular sea views. Along the way you’ll find fantastic restaurants and craft markets.
COMMON SOUTH AFRICAN SLANG
Speak like a local!
[Ach-man]
AG MAN!
This is the Afrikaans equivalent to “Oh man!” and is often used at the beginning of a sentence to express pity, resignation or irritation.
Example: “Ag, man!” / “Ag, no man!” / “Ag, shame man!”
[bub-ba-las]
BABBELAS – HANGOVER
This word is derived from the Zulu ‘ibhabhalazi’ and is used to describe a really bad hangover.
Example: “Eish, babbelas my bru!”
[Buht]
BOET – BROTHER
This term is usually used in reference to a male friend or companion.
Example: “Hey my boet, see you at the game tonight!”
[buh-boor-tee]
BRA / BRU – FRIEND
This term is commonly used to call a friend, pal or buddy.
[Ay-sh] or [ee-sh]
EISH! – AN EXCLAMATION
A Khoi term usually expressed when someone experiences surprise or shock.
[ghut-foll]
NOW NOW – IMMEDIATELY / SOON
A confusing phrase for non-locals meaning sometime soon – sooner than just now but quicker than right now.
Example: “We’re going to the beach now now!” (But first we have to pack our swimming gear, stop at gas station and maybe get some snacks…).
HOEZIT /HOWZIT – HOW IS IT GOING? HOW ARE YOU?
A common greeting which is often used instead of “hello” and “how are you?” It combines the two phrases into a simple, “Howzit”, thereby saving time.
Example: “Howzit my bru!”
[iz-zit]
IS IT? – IS THAT SO?
A basic conversational word that can be inserted at various points in any conversation, meaning “oh, wow!” or “Is that so?” It can also be used when you don’t really feel like talking and don’t want to be rude but want to seem as if you’re listening.
Example: “Last week we went on a game drive! Sho my bru! We saw loads of antelope!” “Is it, hey!”
[jo-rl]
JOL – PARTY / TO HAVE FUN
Similar to ‘kiff’ or ‘kief’, jol can be used in any context to express having a good time.
Example: “I’m going to a jol tonight!” / “I’m having a jol!” / “It was such a jol!”
[lack-err]
LEKKER – GREAT / TASTY
An Afrikaans word that has multiple meanings and which can be used in various contexts to describe many things from people to food to inanimate objects. It is used to convey the meaning of great, delicious, nice or fun. Make sure to roll the ‘r’ when pronouncing the word.
Example: “That new movie is lekker!” / “That bunny chow was lekker!” / “I’m lekker, bru!”
[oo-boon-too]
UBUNTU – COMPASSION, KINDNESS, HUMANITY
An ancient African word used to describe common philosophical feeling of humanity and family, meaning “I am because we are”.
CONTACT US
Hayley: (416) 399-5074 or David: (647) 864-5908
Martin: (416) 931-9200 or Edna (416) 727-7741