Event Extraodinaire | Bianca Le Roux
This local lady is the person to speak to regarding any function that needs organising, from weddings to renowned corporate conferences. Bianca is one of those few people that are filled with love and have a lot more to give. If you have been lucky enough to attend any one of the the functions she has planned you will notice that her small, soft touches are in every detail.
See what this lovely, local lady had to say to us…
When did you come to Hermanus?
My dad became the greenkeeper of Hermanus Golf Club, I was 13 at the time and went straight into standard 6, or grade 8 rather. So 17 years ago…
Hermanus is…
The best place in the world to live, work and get married!
I love Hermanus in the…
Summer, when I’m skinny (HAHA) – because you get to swim a lot and mingle with your mates.
What made you decide to become an events coordinator?
That’s an interesting one. I’ll try and keep it short, I was actually really interested in getting into the concert industry and wanted to work for a company like Big Concerts. In 2007 I decided to move to London (with the two year working visa) I thought: “Now is my chance to stick it out and really just apply for work in something I could grow to love!”
After a month of applications back and forth, and living with a friend who basically supported me during this time, I finally got an interview with a company called eclipse presentations in London. The MD asked me why he should hire me as I have no experience and my response was “because you’re going to be pay me the least and I am going to work the hardest” – so I started that following Monday.
I loved it so much and really grew in my technical knowledge, ok, it wasn’t concert organising but the specialized work we did just struck a cord with me, from there on I knew this was me! I had to adapt to the hours and the intensity of the trade, but hey, that’s the way it goes in any profession.
Towards the end of 2009 I headed back to SA. I went to Cape Town and had two interviews lined up there, one was with Gear House and the other was with Creative Workshop Advertisings. Gear House would have been the dream job because they do all of the concerts, but Creative Workshop offered my the same package to head up their events division. After keeping my head in the sand for two years, I got to run my own division, YES PLEASE!
In 2011, after getting married I was still travelling to and from Cape Town 3 times a week, eventually it got too much and I resigned. A giant leap of faith gave me the strength to start over again.
Coastline Events is 2 and a half years old now, I didn’t decide to become an events coordinator, it decided for me.
The bride and groom — May their joys be as bright as the morning, and their sorrows but shadows that fade in the sunlight of love. ~Minna Thomas Antrim, A Book of Toasts, 1902
The best part of my job is…
Getting paid. No I am just kidding, with a wedding it’s when the bride walks down the aisle, I cry every time. With a conference it’s the closing ceremony, where everyone is happy and grateful and just loving life.
What makes Hermanus special as an event location?
Its beauty and diversity.
My three favourite local wedding locations/towns are…
Grootbos – I love the rawness of the venue setup, in the middle of a nature reserve, I love the food, you can get married in the forest or on the beach, the accommodation is 5* and it’s just an all round great venue! I loved working with them.
Beloftebos – Also a stunning venue, you get married in a forest under the trees and the reception is right there in a Bedouin tent. Danica is awesome to work with and the food is delicious!
La Vierge – Seated at the top of the Hemel en Aarde Valley, the views are breathtaking and the food is amazing! It’s an easy venue to work with in the sense that you just need flowers and your good to go! The owner Is great and I just love them!
My three favourite international wedding locations/towns would be?
Mauritius. Mauritius. Mauritius.
My favourite wedding trends are?
All of them, because each one is different.
What are 3 points to consider when selecting a event planner?
I think it’s important that you are comfortable with the person you select. I think it’s important that your planner is honest. And I think it’s important that she is a positive person that you can see yourself working with.
What is the most important advice that you would give to a bride, groom or couple when it comes to planning their big day?
Take your time.
My best memories are…
Water skiing with my family as a teenager and having the whole family together. Going Skiing with my husband in Switzerland, it was the BEST EVA!
I wish I knew then what I do know about…
EVERYTHING!