Interview with Christina Holt from Wedding Concepts

It was a pleasure to get to know more Christina Holt from Wedding Concepts, a talented woman that became a successful and well-known wedding planner grounded in Southern Africa with her team. She started her own company “Wedding Concepts” in 2004, a full-service wedding planning business that offers services across the globe. The planning of over 400 unforgettable weddings, the internationally experienced team and the network of the finest service providers made her acquire an excellent reputation and the trust of many brides. Wherever a bride dreams to tie the knot, Wedding concepts guarantee an unforgettable event characterized by sophistication and style! In this interview she shares some personal information and ideas that will inspire you… Enjoy!

How did you get into planning exclusive weddings in South Africa?
It’s a very personal story actually: 16 years ago, I was a destination bride living in Europe and getting married in Cape Town. At that time professional wedding planning was still a novelty and South Africa had just started becoming popular for destination weddings – so there was a huge opportunity to connect my background in hospitality and ambition for service excellence with the amazing local creativity & spirit. I started Wedding Concepts in 2004 when I saw this niche in the market and left Europe in pursuit of my dream to start a new life in South Africa.

What’s is the motto you live by professionally?
My mantra is: “Luxury is personal”. My team and I have become known for our highly personal service and wanting to “create meaning” when designing our exclusive celebrations and experiences. Cultivating great connections with our clients and industry partners is the key to this – whilst staying authentic and approachable.

Tell us about a wedding trend you are excited about at the moment?
Black is back! I am a fan of bold colors and using dark and moody shades. I am also a huge fan of ceiling architecture and large creative suspensions that are a trend here to stay. Another exciting trend is that we see a rise in extended celebrations with fully tailored 4-day wedding weekends. Clients come to experience the beauty of South Africa for not only their wedding but pre- and post-wedding gatherings that are immersive and celebrate the destination too.

Who has influenced you the most in your career?
Besides my husband who works with me – I’d say my own sense of adventure, trust in intuition and excitement for travel and other cultures has influenced me the most. It has allowed me to explore new opportunities “on a whim” because they simply “felt right” and ended up changing my life. I am my biggest cheerleader.

What book are you reading at the moment?
My Story – by the Ruler of Dubai Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. A fascinating account of his life and origins and how Dubai came to be what it is today. It simply reminds me that anything is possible in one’s life & business.

Which social media platform do you prefer?
Instagram – it shows our work well and gives the beauty and creativity of our industry a great and very personal stage.

What is the best advice you received about social media?
It will never replace a personal connection.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your job?
I’ve learned that it takes courage to say no and walk away from opportunities that just aren’t right. But equally important is that “team work makes the dream work” as they say…It’s never just about one person, or one’s ego – it’s always about relationships and collaborations.

One moment, one person or project that marked your career?
A phone call about 2 ½ years ago marking the beginning of a fabulous flagship wedding project – which ended up being so successful and personal, that the couple is now investing in our business and we’ll soon be business partners taking it forward to exciting new heights.

If you weren’t a wedding planner you would be …
An author, a forensic detective, a hotel-tester, a non-stop-traveler, a dog-shelter owner, a photographer, in spiritual pursuits …. There are too many dreams for one life!

Any exciting new projects you are planning in the near future?
A wedding in Uganda which is super exciting and the expansion of our business into Africa.