About Us
Welcome to De Uijlenes Wedding Venues, where love stories come to life amidst the beauty of nature and the warmth of family tradition. We are a proud family-run business, deeply rooted in the very soil that has been tended by generations of Groenewalds since 1723. Our journey in the wedding industry is fueled by a genuine passion for crafting professional, unforgettable, and stress-free wedding celebrations that reflect the unique personalities of the couples we are privileged to serve.
We cherish the opportunity to work with couples who are not just our clients but kindred spirits—those who embrace life with a zest for adventure, a love for all creatures great and small, and an unwavering devotion to family and friends. At the heart of our team lies an unquenchable thirst for human connection, and we take pride in ensuring that every guest who sets foot on our picturesque farm experiences a warm welcome, a sense of belonging, and a deep understanding of their desires.
With a meticulous eye for detail, we are committed to upholding the highest standards in every aspect of your wedding journey. Join us at De Uijlenes, where professionalism meets a touch of magic, and where your wedding dreams become cherished memories.
At the Venues...
Meet Chandri – Senior Wedding Coordinator at the Old Barn & Forest
Chandri is the heart and calm behind the magic at De Uijlenes’ Old Barn & Forest venue. A proud local of Gansbaai, she brings both deep roots and a grounded presence to every wedding she coordinates.
An animal lover at heart – and even a professional snake catcher – Chandri’s connection to nature runs through everything she does. Her guests quickly notice her professionalism and laser-focus; when Chandri is in the zone, no detail is overlooked. She is naturally sensitive to the emotions of those around her and has an uncanny ability to be one step ahead, anticipating needs before anyone has to ask.
With her warm personality balanced by her calm precision, Chandri ensures that every couple and their guests feel cared for, allowing them to relax and fully enjoy their special day.
Meet Tina Murtz – Coordinator at the Nightjar Venue
Tina is a true part of the De Uijlenes family and a proud local of Gansbaai. Having been with us for many years, she has worked her way through almost every department on the farm – from behind the scenes to front of house – proving herself time and again as a determined, hardworking, and reliable team member.
Through her dedication and drive, Tina has earned her place as the coordinator for the Nightjar venue, working closely under Senior Coordinator Chandri. She is highly respected by her team, who rally alongside her to deliver seamless service and unforgettable celebrations. Clients love her calm confidence, and her ability to jump in wherever she’s needed ensures that every function runs smoothly.
Tina’s journey is a reflection of her resilience, passion, and commitment – and her presence guarantees that couples and their guests feel completely at ease on their special day.
Together, Chandri and Tina form the backbone of our coordination team at De Uijlenes. With their combined experience, local knowledge, and calm leadership, they ensure that every detail is taken care of long before the first guest arrives. Working hand in hand with their team of waiters, they prepare each venue with care and precision so that everything looks and feels perfect for your wedding day.
Whether your celebration is a weekend-long affair or an intimate midweek wedding, Chandri and Tina share responsibilities to make sure nothing is ever rushed or overlooked. Their teamwork, attention to detail, and genuine care for each couple means you can relax and enjoy every moment, knowing your day is being managed by two of the very best.
At De Uijlenes, we believe weddings are about more than just a venue – they’re about family, love, and connection. Chandri and Tina embody that spirit, welcoming every couple into the De Uijlenes family and treating your special day with the same care and dedication as if it were their own.
In the Office…
Meet Chelle Smuts – Financial Admin & HR
Chelly is the friendly voice and steady hand behind the financial and HR side of De Uijlenes. Originally from Cape Town, she has made the Overberg her home, balancing her professional role with life as a proud mom to two little boys.
Chelly may come across as modest at first, but those who get to know her quickly discover her warmth, sense of humour, and genuine care for the people around her. She has a natural way of putting couples at ease, building trust and strong relationships over the phone and through every interaction.
Her role is all about making sure things run smoothly behind the scenes – from guiding couples through the financial side of their weddings to supporting our team with HR. With her precision, professionalism, and approachable nature, Chelly ensures every detail is handled with care, so couples can focus on what really matters: celebrating their special day.
Chelly isn’t just part of the De Uijlenes team – she’s part of the family spirit that makes our venue so unique. Her dedication, loyalty, and laughter make her an indispensable part of the journey for both colleagues and couples alike.
accounts@deuijlenes.co.za
Meet Jesyca Venter – Event Manager
Jesyca is the organisational force that keeps De Uijlenes running smoothly. With her sharp eye for detail and calm, steady presence, she oversees everything from inquiries and bookings to accommodation and staff, ensuring that each event is perfectly coordinated behind the scenes.
Her journey here began as a Wedding Coordinator, where she created countless magical days with her meticulous planning and care. After becoming a mom, Jesyca shifted her focus into her current role as Event Manager, though she still steps in for weddings when her expertise is needed. Couples and colleagues alike value her reliability, professionalism, and the genuine passion she brings to every celebration.
Jesyca’s greatest joy lies in watching the love and laughter that fill our venues, knowing she has played a part in making it all possible. She is not just an Event Manager but a trusted partner in your journey – ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully managed so that you can savour your special day without worry.
In the Kitchen...
Meet Cole Lubbe – Head Chef
Originally from Paarl, Cole has travelled and worked in kitchens across South Africa, bringing a wealth of experience and a true passion for food to De Uijlenes. He believes that great food is at the heart of every memorable celebration, and his dishes are crafted to be as unforgettable as the moments they accompany.
Known as our gentle giant, Cole is a big teddy bear both in and out of the kitchen. He loves collaborating with couples to design menus that reflect their personalities and the way they want their wedding to be remembered. Whether it’s a plated feast, a rustic family-style spread, or a menu with unique personal touches, Cole ensures that every bite tells a story.
With his warmth, creativity, and dedication, Cole leads our kitchen team with heart – creating meals that bring people together and elevate every occasion at De Uijlenes.
Behind every beautiful meal at De Uijlenes is our dedicated catering team, led by Head Chef Cole Lubbe. Working alongside him is Nolu, our talented Pastry Sous who creates all the sweet treats and stunning desserts; Emile, our skilled Line Chef who keeps the kitchen running with precision; Lucinda, our hardworking Commis Chef always eager to learn and grow; and Gloria, our trusted Kitchen Hand whose support ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Together, they are the heartbeat of our kitchen – a passionate team who put care, creativity, and love into every plate, making your celebration truly unforgettable.
Owners
Meet Flippie & Staci Groenewald
Every story has a beginning, and the journey of De Uijlenes is no different. At the heart of it all are Flippie and Staci Groenewald, a husband-and-wife team whose love story is woven into the very fabric of this family farm.
Staci grew up in New Zealand, where fate brought her and Flippie together. Their shared love of the land and of each other led them back to South Africa in 2010, where Flippie represents the sixth generation of Groenewalds to live and farm here. What started as a dream to host church and school camps soon evolved—almost by chance—into creating the wedding venue that De Uijlenes is today. Inspired by Flippie’s late mother, Aletta, and her warm hospitality (fondly remembered through her legendary cakes and bread), they reimagined the historic farm buildings and guest houses into spaces where love stories could begin.
Today, what matters most to Flippie and Staci is seeing their land and heritage become the backdrop for countless couples’ journeys. Each wedding here adds another layer to the tapestry of love, joy, and memories that has been growing for generations.
While Flippie tends to the animals and vegetable fields, Staci drives the business forward as the dedicated manager. Together, they juggle the busy life of running the farm and venues with raising their three children – Neël, Patrick, and Pippa – who are already growing up surrounded by the magic of De Uijlenes.
For Flippie and Staci, this is more than just a business. It’s a legacy of love, family, and hospitality. They see themselves not only as caretakers of the land, but also as stewards of the many love stories that begin here.
Meet The de uijlenes team
Behind every wedding and event at De Uijlenes is a dedicated team of incredible people who bring warmth, care, and hard work to everything they do. They are the heartbeat of our venues – the friendly faces who welcome you with a smile, and the steady hands who ensure your celebration runs seamlessly from start to finish.
From our meticulous cleaning team, who keep every corner of our venues sparkling, to our garden and maintenance crew, who work year-round to keep the grounds and historic buildings looking picture-perfect, every member of the team plays a vital role. Our waiters bring energy, professionalism, and warmth to the dining experience, while our talented kitchen team – led by Head Chef Cole – crafts the delicious meals and sweet treats that make each celebration unforgettable.
It’s their passion, commitment, and teamwork that turn each wedding into more than just an event – they help transform it into a memory you’ll treasure forever. At De Uijlenes, we are proud and grateful to call them family, and we know your special day is in the very best hands with them by your side.
Flowers, Decor & Lighting
Meet Christien & Nel – Our Recommended Décor Duo
Christien and Nel are the husband-and-wife team behind our trusted décor company, bringing creativity, elegance, and a touch of magic to weddings at De Uijlenes. They are our go-to local suppliers for flowers, décor, lighting, and rentals – the beautiful finishing touches that transform a venue into something truly unforgettable.
What makes them so special is their background – before starting their décor business, both Christien and Nel worked as coordinators right here at De Uijlenes. They know our venues inside and out, and they understand exactly what works to bring a couple’s vision to life. Their eye for detail, creative flair, and wealth of experience mean you can trust them to style your day with ease and excellence.
With Christien and Nel by your side, your celebration will not only look stunning but will feel uniquely yours – a wedding that reflects your love story in every detail.
