Sunday, 21 February 2027
Vergelegen · Somerset West
Together with their families
Dorianne Weil
Cecily Costa and Joel Costa
invite you to the marriage of their children
How we met
We met unexpectedly through mutual friends, and what started with a cheeky “Whose house is this?” quickly turned into something neither of us saw coming.
A few months later, long conversations became dates, and a shared mission to find the best molten chocolate dessert in town gave us plenty of excuses to keep seeing each other. Somewhere along the way, friendship became love.
Not long after, life took Jemma to London to pursue her Master’s at the Royal Academy of Music. What followed was nearly six years of long distance — countless FaceTimes, virtual date nights, flights, airport goodbyes and always counting down until we could be together again.
Through it all, we kept choosing each other.
Seven years after it all began, Darren got down on one knee in Israel, and Jemma said yes.
Now, after all the distance, adventures and one very competitive chocolate quest, we finally get to begin our next chapter — together.
Our Wedding
We are marrying under the chuppah at Vergelegen on Sunday, 21 February 2027, and we would love you there.
Summer Formal
February is high summer in the Cape. The afternoon will be hot, the Chuppah is outdoors on the lawns, and it cools down properly once the sun goes behind the mountains at around eight.
A suit, but a light one — linen or cotton. Jackets welcome, black tie is not expected. Many will lose the jacket by the evening and nobody will mind.
Summer dresses, colour, florals. The colours of our invitation are pinks, oranges and purples if you would like a steer.
We will be on grass and gravel for part of the afternoon. A block heel or a wedge will serve you far better than a stiletto.
Bring something light for your shoulders. The evening is lovely, and cooler than you expect.
The Day
Us
The Celebrations
Two gatherings, and every one of our guests is invited to both — Welcome Drinks in Stellenbosch on the Thursday, and the wedding itself at Vergelegen on the Sunday.
An easy evening in Stellenbosch to greet everyone who has travelled to be with us.
All our guests
Chuppah and reception at Vergelegen.
All our guests
Open your personal RSVP link, or find your invitation, to reply to both.
For those who have not been to one before
Many of you are coming to your first Jewish wedding, so here is what to expect. There is nothing you need to do or know — simply come, and enjoy it.
The canopy we will be married under. It is open on all four sides, like a home that is always open to its guests — which is rather the point.
Both of us are walked down by our parents, rather than one of us waiting at the front. Expect it to take a moment, and expect some tears.
Our marriage contract, read aloud during the ceremony. It is one of the oldest parts of the day.
Darren will break a glass underfoot at the end. That is your cue — everyone shouts “Mazal tov!”, and the party starts from that second.
The dancing. At some point we will be lifted into the air on chairs while everyone circles beneath us. You are very much invited to join in, and no, there is no technique to learn.
The ceremony itself is around half an hour. Everything after it is dinner, dancing and staying too late.
There is no dress requirement beyond the dress code, and no head covering is expected of guests.
Sunday, 21 February 2027
D & J
14 Adar 5787
The Venue
Somerset West, Western Cape
A historic Cape wine estate at the foot of the Hottentots Holland mountains, with gardens laid out over three centuries. We will be married in its grounds on a February afternoon.
Lourensford Road, Somerset West, 7130, Western Cape, South Africa
Vergelegen is on Lourensford Road in Somerset West, about 45 minutes from Cape Town.
There is parking at the venue.
Shuttles will be arranged. We will send details closer to the time.
Our travel & accommodation guide →
We have put together a travel and accommodation guide with Travel House Africa.
With Love
Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift to us. For those who would like to give something more, we have created a Yuppiechef registry, or alternatively, a contribution towards our future together would be incredibly appreciated — whether towards our honeymoon, our home, or the adventures that lie ahead.
A registry of things for our home, should you wish to choose something.
Towards our honeymoon, our home, and the adventures ahead.
For transfers from outside South Africa.
Good to know
Summer Formal.
The Chuppah begins at 16:00. Please arrive before it starts.
Please arrive at 15:30 for a 16:00 Chuppah.
There is parking at the venue. Shuttles will also be arranged, and we will send those details closer to the time.
Yes — shuttles will be arranged. We will send the details closer to the time.
We have put together a Cape Town travel and accommodation guide with Travel House Africa — you will find it, and their contact details, on the Accommodation page.
We have decided to keep the wedding an adults-only celebration.
Only if a plus-one has been included on your invitation. Your RSVP page lists everyone we are able to welcome.
There is a space for dietary requirements on the RSVP form. Please tell us there and we will pass it on to the caterers.
Please reply by 1 December 2026.
RSVP
Kindly let us know whether you are able to join us. It takes a minute — open the link in your invitation, or find your name.
Kindly reply by 1 December 2026