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Rohan en Neruschke | Troue | De La Mas Venue

Sjoe, wat ‘n mooi troue! Rohan en Neruscke het op by De La Mas Venue getrou, en wat ‘n mooi dag! En die Bokke het die RWC 2019 finaal gewen! #gobokke #delamaswedding

Every once in a while, in the middle of an ordinary life, LOVE gives us a fairytale. Unknown

Sjoe, wat ‘n mooi troue! Rohan en Neruscke het by De La Mas Venue die knoop deurgehaak, en wat ‘n mooi dag! Dit was ook die RWC Finaal tussen Suid Afrika en Engeland, en Suid-Afrika het die beker gelig! Wat ‘n voorreg om ‘n troue kon afneem terwyl die Bokke gewen het…ek het regtig gehoop ek kan die manne kry waar die manne regop spring van blydskap, en dit het gebeur! Ek is wel bly ons het gewen, want dink net as die Bokke verloor het…die manne sou lang gesigte gehad vir die hele dag!

Neruscke, jy het sprokiesmooi gelyk, en ek het haar gevra of sy so mooi voel soos wat sy lyk, en haar antwoord was:”Ek voel soos ‘n prinses!”

Julle het soooo gelukkig gelyk, en ek sal definitief nie die partytjie na die tyd vergeet nie! Ek het seker 500 fotos geneem waar mense so lekker dans en lag! Dit was ‘n fees!

Geniet die fotos en los asb ‘n paar mooi woorde aan die einde van die inskrywing!

Hier is ‘n lys van party van die verskaffers op die dag:

Grimering: Ciszeldi van Cloe and Co | Blomme en dekor: Meraki Floral and Decor Design (@merakifloraldecor) | Koek: Baker Boys | Video: Tintype Productions | Musiek: Akoestiek

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wedding photographers, wedding photography Wynand van der Merwe wedding photographers, wedding photography Wynand van der Merwe

Teaser! Rohan en Neruschke | Troue | De La Mas Venue

Sjoe, wat ‘n mooi troue! Rohan en Neruscke het op by De La Mas Venue getrou, en wat ‘n mooi dag! En die Bokke het die RWC 2019 finaal gewen! #gobokke #delamaswedding

Every once in a while, in the middle of an ordinary life, LOVE gives us a fairytale. Unknown

Sjoe, wat ‘n mooi troue! Rohan en Neruscke het by De La Mas Venue die knoop deurgehaak, en wat ‘n mooi dag! Dit was ook die RWC Finaal tussen Suid Afrika en Engeland, en ons het die beker gelig! Wat ‘n voorreg om ‘n troue kon afneem terwyl die Bokke gewen het…ek het regtig gehoop ek kan die manne kry waar die manne regop spring van blydskap, en dit het gebeur! Ek is bly hulle ons het gewen, want dink net as die Bokke verloor het…die manne sou lang gesigte gehad vir die hele dag!

Neruscke, jy het sprokiesmooi gelyk, en ek het haar gevra of sy so mooi voel soos wat sy lyk, en haar antwoord was:”Ek voel soos ‘n prinses!”

Julle het soooo gelukkig gelyk, en ek sal definitief nie die partytjie na die tyd vergeet nie! Ek het seker 500 fotos geneem waar mense so lekker dans en lag! Dit was ‘n fees!

Genoeg gesê vir nou. Geniet die fotos en los asb ‘n paar mooi woorde aan die einde van die inskrywing!

Hier is ‘n lys van party van die verskaffers op die dag:

Grimering: Ciszeldi van Cloe and Co | Blomme en dekor: Meraki Floral and Decor Design (@merakifloraldecor) | Koek: Baker Boys | Video: Tintype Productions | Musiek: Akoestiek

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Teaser! Michael and Elmarie | E-session | The Moors Castle

Elmarie really wanted a castle feel for their engagement shoot, so we almost went all the way to Clarens (there is a castle in Fouriesburg…I didn’t know), but she found a castle right here in Muldersdrift. The Moors Castle is a rather unique and stunning backdrop for any shoot and I just loved playing around getting some really cool creative shots for them!

Teaser! Michael and Elmarie | E-session | The Moors Castle

Nothing can bring a real sense of security into the home except true love. Billy Graham

Elmarie really wanted a castle feel for their engagement shoot, so we almost went all the way to Clarens (there is a castle in Fouriesburg…I didn’t know), but she found a castle right here in Muldersdrift. The Moors Castle is a rather unique and stunning backdrop for any shoot and I just loved playing around getting some really cool creative shots for them!

Elmarie has a son with cerebral palsy and I really wanted her to bring him along, because I knew he means quite a lot to Elmarie and he is central in their decision to get married. Unfortunately their day turned out more crazy than what she expected (one of the reasons for this was that it was also Elmarie’s birthday the day of the shoot) and he couldn’t join for some of the photos.

I am really looking forward to their wedding in January, and being a storyteller, I can just imagine how amazing the stories will be to include her son in their wedding photos. I also want to meet him because he looks really cool in the photos she has shown me, and Elmarie told me that we are going to arrange for a particular day to meet each other…wow, I can’t wait!

Here’s a sneak peak from yesterday’s shoot! Enjoy!

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This couple is on fire | Couple Shoot | Shepstone Gardens

Wow, I just loved having Hennie and Behanke in front of my camera at the beautiful Shepstone Gardens!

This couple is on fire | Couple Shoot | Shepstone Gardens

"Love cannot be measured by how long you wait, it's about how well you understand why you are waiting" Unknown

I met Hennie and Béhanke at the Admired in Africa #beInspired 2018 conference and they were one of the model couples for the last day's workshop. I just knew I had to do a photoshoot with them, and I really wanted to do the shoot at beautiful Shepstone Gardens...and amazingly it's the venue they really want to say their I-do's one day! Some call it coincidence or destiny...I call it an act of God. I just love it when I meet likeminded people who love Jesus as much as I do, and especially when their love is rooted in Him.

May your love always be rooted in Him! 

Venue: Shepstone Gardens | Make up: She did her own makeup (amazing) | Hair: Skin PHD by Deon

Enjoy their photos and please leave a comment at the end!

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This couple is on fire | Couple Shoot | Shepstone Gardens

This couple is on fire! Wow, I just loved having Hennie and Behanke in front of my camera at the beautiful Shepstone Gardens!

This couple is on fire | Couple Shoot | Shepstone Gardens

"Love cannot be measured by how long you wait, it's about how well you understand why you are waiting" Unknown

I met Hennie and Béhanke at the Admired in Africa #beInspired 2018 conference and they were one of the model couples for the last day. I just knew I had to do a photoshoot with them, and this time at the beautiful Shepstone Gardens. Amazingly, it's the venue they really want to say their I-do's one day...so they also had a chance to view the venue. 

Venue: Shepstone Gardens | Make up: She did her own makeup (amazing) | Hair: Skin PHD by Deon

Here's a sneak peak of their shoot. Enjoy!

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Crystal & Yannick | Engagement shoot | 12 Decades Art Hotel, Maboneng

Wow, I wanted to create a dreamy and romantic picnic themed engagement shoot at a rooftop location in Gauteng, and I just love the results! Yannick and Crystal…wow, you guys looked amazing! 12 Decades Art Hotel in Johannesburg in Maboneng Precinct.

Crystal & Yannick | Engagement shoot | 12 Decades Art Hotel, Maboneng

"As soon as I saw you, I knew a grand adventure was about to happen" Winnie the Pooh

Wow, I really wanted to create a dreamy, elegant and romantic engagement shoot for Yannick & Crystal, and they wanted a super beautiful sunset shoot in an urban setting...and there were no other option but to do the shoot at a rooftop in the Innercity of Johannesburg. 

Yannick rented an Airbnb apartment in the 12 Decades Johannesburg Art Hotel in The Maboneng Precinct, and Extravaganza Weddings created the most romantic setting for them up on the roof! Wow, what a view of Johannesburg! I really can't wait for their wedding later this year, it's going to be epic! 

Crystal's makeup was flawless, thank you Precious Puseletso Xaba Makeup Artist!

Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!

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Tyronne & Romandi | Rock the Dress | Sodwana Bay, KZN

Wow, Tyronne and Romandi’s ROCK THE DRESS session in Sodwana Bay was spectacular! Their wedding was the day before which was held at Mseni Beach Lodge!

Tyronne & Romandi | Rock The Dress | Sodwana Bay, KZN

"The One who builds His upper chambers in the heavens

And has founded His vaulted dome over the earth,

He who calls for the waters of the sea

And pours them out on the face of the earth, The LORD is His name." Amos 9:6

When Romandi enquired about wedding photography and she said she is getting married in Sodwana Bay, I knew immediately I wanted to do a Trash the Dress session with them. It took a bit of convincing because it is not normal to jump in the ocean or crash waves with a wedding dress, but eventually they were keen to do it. In reality its also not the easiest thing to do straight after your wedding...because you had been partying for your wedding till who knows what time and then you have to wake up at 5am the following morning to do photos...yes...you have to do a little make-up before this shoot as well! But it was all worth it!

Tyronne and Romandi's wedding reception was held at Mseni Beach Lodge the day before and wow...it was such an emotional and special wedding. Please go this link to see the wedding photos. (CLICK HERE)

Thank you for getting up early Kerry-Ann and Miriska to do Romandi's makeup and hair! Going the extra mile, well done Be Bella Hair & Makeup!

One thing I have learnt from this shoot is that I have always referred to these shoots as "Trash the Dress" but in fact the dress wasn't trashed. Romandi bought her dress at Bride & Co and she washed out most of the sand in the diver's pit (the bathtub which the divers use to wash their gear...this was a funny moment because Romandi and Tyronne were using the showers to get the sand out of her dress but she soon realised it will be better to bath with her dress!). And later when she got home she dry cleaned her dress and the dress is absolutely fine. So from now on I will also refer to these shoots as ROCK THE DRESS!

Enough said. Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!

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Tyronne & Romandi | Wedding | Sodwana Bay, KZN

Tyronne and Romandi’s wedding at Sodwana Bay was so special! I will remember it for many years to come. I get emotional at weddings, and I rarely shed a tear, but when Romandi's stepdad gave a speech with his daughter at his side and when he said her own dad would have been proud of her....oh wow...my heart crumbled. #Destinationwedding

Tyronne & Romandi | Wedding | Sodwana Bay, KZN

"I am proud of you when you are proud of yourself...and you can be super proud, Romandi...your wedding is amazing!" Romandi's stepdad, Bertus, at the wedding

Wow, what a wedding! I will remember this one for many years to come. I get emotional at weddings, and I rarely shed a tear, but when Romandi's stepdad gave a speech with his daughter at his side and when he said her own dad would have been proud of her....oh wow...my heart crumbled.

Romandi's dad passed away 21 years ago at Sodwana Bay and she wanted to commemorate him by having her wedding at Sodwana Bay with close family and friends. Romandi made almost all the details herself, and she made sure there were little details of her dad in the details...for instance she made her own flower bouquet with a protea flower (her dad's favourite flower) and added a locket with her dad's photo around the stems of the flowers! Powerful stuff!

Tyronne and Romandi's wedding reception was held at Mseni Beach Lodge and I had been at the very same place 9 years ago on my honeymoon...so it was also sentimental for me to be at the wedding! Their wedding ceremony was held on the main beach were they launch the boats for the fishing and diving excursions, and it was intimate and beautiful! 

The reception was held on the deck of the restaurant, and the view of the sea from there is spectacular. The decor was truly simple yet elegant and the most of the details was done by Romandi herself, and the coordinator at Mseni just styled the way that Romandi wanted it. The lasercut under-plates was given to each guest as a gift to take home. Amazing.

I also loved the Guest Album, where they took a picture of each guest with an Instax camera and glued it in the Album, and each person had to write best wishes to the couple next to their own photo! 

One thing to take into consideration is the fact that none of the decor elements were within reach when you are in Sodwana Bay...so you need to bring everything in your car! a Job well done Romandi!

I arrived on Friday at Mseni Beach Lodge, and the wedding was on Saturday...so I told Romandi I had this crazy idea where I want to photograph her dress at sunrise on Saturday...and OH MY WORD....it was magical! And funny enough...I almost didn't do it. When I woke up at 5am it was dark but you could see the light is starting to show, but it was cloudy. So my first thought was...I am not going to see the sunrise...I will just see clouds. So it took some inner convincing to get up and get it done....to hope to see the sunrise...and I got an even better sunrise than I expected. If there were no clouds, I wouldn't have had these incredible results!

Tyronne & Romandi also agreed to do a Trash The Dress shoot the day after the wedding, which was epic. We were super tired and half asleep, but so worth it. Like in the ads on TV...."Stay tuned for more"! So more on the Trash the Dress in the next blog post!

This wedding was hard work with little sleep...but it definitely paid off! This why I love what I do. So when I go home and my clients are over the moon with going the extra mile...that is when I feel I have succeeded in delivering an amazing service. It's almost as if the photos is an added bonus! AND BOY OH BOY...the photos are out of this world!

The other suppliers involved: Romandi's Dress: Bride&co | Makeup and hair: Be Bella Hair & Makeup | Makeup assistant: Miriska le Roux | Lasercutting: Cheeky Crafts, Laser Cutting | Night gowns: The Wedding Store | Romandi's shoes: Baruch | Custom whiskey glasses: Ludi's Crafts | Flowers: The Flower Market | Bridesmaids dress: Gelique

Enough said. Here's the photos and please leave a comment at the end!

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Portrait shoot with Annarika | SARIE Voorbladgesig | Hertford Country Hotel

Annerike is such a beautiful soul inside and out. She asked me to do some portraits for her because she wanted to enter into the SARIE Voorbladgesig competition.

Portrait shoot with Annarika | SARIE Voorbladgesig | Hertford Country Hotel

"Adornment, what a science! Beauty, what a weapon! Modesty, what elegance!" Gabrielle Chanel in Biarritz, 1920

Annerike is such a beautiful soul inside and out. She asked me to do some portraits for her because she wanted to enter into the SARIE Voorbladgesig competition (PLEASE Click on the link to vote for her!!). 

I had such a wonderful time with her and she is so elegant and easy to photograph. I had some modelling and styling help from Missy. (thank you Missy...almost 90% of the shots were directed by Missy!!) Missy also did the make-up for the shoot and she is most probably the best out there! Her company is Missy Make Up Artist and another amazing thing about Missy is that her own make-up is always done so she doesn't mind to be in the photographs. :)

I always love shooting at Hertford Country Hotel. The venue is painted white on the inside so the creative opportunities in their spaces are endless. If you use off-camera flash the space even doubles up as a studio! Amazing. 

I used a single flash setup. I used my Softbox for Speedlights and Nikon SB-910 flash with Phottix triggers on a lightstand and I used what they call butterfly lighting. The softbox was directly in front of the Annarike's face pointing slightly downward, so the light created a slight shadow under her nose. There were ambient light coming in from her left (photo right). I also tried to point the flash directly into her face so I moved the softbox around depending on how Annarike were standing.  

Here is the make-up preperations with Missy. 

This is the one Annarike selected for the cover. 

And these 2 she also entered. She had to submit 3 images. 

Here are some of the other images we created. 

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Teaser! Tyronne & Romandi | Trash The Dress | Sodwana Bay, KZN

Wow, Tyronne and Romandi’s trash the dress session in Sodwana Bay was spectacular! Their wedding was on Saturday at Mseni Beach Lodge!

Teaser! Tyronne & Romandi | Trash The Dress | Sodwana Bay, KZN

"The One who builds His upper chambers in the heavens

And has founded His vaulted dome over the earth,

He who calls for the waters of the sea

And pours them out on the face of the earth, The LORD is His name." Amos 9:6

Tyronne and Romandi's wedding reception was held at Mseni Beach Lodge this past Saturday and we did a Trash the Dress the following morning at sunrise! 

Wow...I am in LOVE This shoot was so much fun...even though were super tired from the partying of the wedding....it was all worth it! Memorable stuff...! And I thought the dress was going to be ruined, 

Here's a little sneakpeak...enjoy!

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Teaser! Tyronne & Romandi | Wedding | Sodwana Bay, KZN

Wow, the wedding this past weekend was soooo special and I will remember it for many years to come. I get emotional at weddings, but I rarely shed a tear, but when Romandi's stepdad gave a speech with his daughter at his side and when he said her dad would have been proud of her....oh wow...my heart crumbled. Destination wedding at Sodwana Bay.

Teaser! Tyronne & Romandi | Wedding | Sodwana Bay, KZN

"I am proud of you when you are proud of yourself...and you can be super proud, Romandi...your wedding is amazing!" Romandi's stepdad, Bertus, at the wedding

Wow, the wedding this past weekend was soooo special and I will remember it for many years to come. I get emotional at weddings, but I rarely shed a tear, but when Romandi's stepdad gave a speech with his daughter at his side and when he said her dad would have been proud of her....oh wow...my heart crumbled.

Romandi's dad passed away 21 years ago at Sodwana Bay and she wanted to commemorate him by having her wedding at Sodwana Bay with close family and friends. Romandi made almost all the details herself, and she made sure there were little details of her dad in the details...she made her own flower bouquet with a protea flower (which were her dad's favourite flower) and she added a locket with her dad's photo around the stems of the flowers. 

Tyronne and Romandi's wedding reception was held at Mseni Beach Lodge and I had been at the very same place 9 years ago on my honeymoon...so it was also sentimental for me to be at the wedding! Their wedding ceremony was held on the main beacj were they launch the boats for the fishing and diving excursions. 

I arrived on Friday at Mseni Beach Lodge, and the wedding was on Saturday...so I told Romandi I have this crazy idea where I want to photograph her dress with sunrise on Saturday...and OH MY WORD....it was magical! And they also agreed to do a Trash The Dress shoot on Sunday, which was also SUPER MAGICAL! So I experienced two magical sunrises out of the 3 days...

It was hard work with little sleep...but it definitely paid off! 

And funny enough...when I go home and my clients is over the moon with going the extra mile...that is when I feel I have succeeded in delivering an amazing service. It's almost as if the photos is an added bonus! AND BOY OH BOY...the photos is out of this world!

Enough said. Here's a few photos from this weekend! 

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a Father's love for his daughters | Father's Day | Hertford Country Hotel

A beautiful family shoot with Chandni and Kavita and their father Dave at Hertford Country Hotel. A father's love for his daughters is endless!

a Father's love for his daughters | Father's Day | Hertford Country Hotel

To a father growing old, nothing is dearer than a daughter. - Euripides

I have been wanting to do a shoot for a while where I can try to capture a glimpse into the love a father has for his children. My daughter Ilé has been born since the #sneakpeak of this photoshoot, and she has just been a blessing and joy to our family. So my love as a father has doubled by having two children.

WvdM_fathersdayshoot_fathersday_father_daughter_photoshoot_familyshoot_family_hertfordcountryhotel_thehertford_portraitphotography1.jpg
WvdM_fathersdayshoot_fathersday_father_daughter_photoshoot_familyshoot_family_hertfordcountryhotel_thehertford_portraitphotography2.jpg

I hosted a competition on my Facebook page and Chandni was the winner of the Father's Day shoot. Her sister, Kavita, also entered and they nominated their dad, Devdas (or Dave), for the BEST DAD IN THE WORLD...and this what they have to say about their dad: dad:

Chandni: To me he is the greatest man that has ever set foot on this earth. He has taught us many life lessons, inspired each of his children to be better than they ever thought possible and supported us completely in every journey we have taken. He is the one person who will always be there. No judgements, no questions asked. This was done to not only his children but with friends and family as well. This has taught me what true love really is. Love u to the ends of the earth dad!!!
Kavita: You are the best dad ever! You've always worked hard to put us first in life and you've never said no to us for anything in life. You always give us your unconditional support in everything that we do and you're always there to motivate us to be our best. As a girl growing up, you were my super man and always will be. Love you lots Dad!

Wow, inspirational stuff! I can truly see that their dad is a great guy, and during the shoot I could see he has this grace about him. He is sure of himself, and he is absolutely in love with his two daughters. 

Dave is a cattle farmer in Middelburg, so I wanted to do the shoot on a farm (which is fairly difficult to find in Johannesburg) but I knew The Hertford Country Hotel has a little horse stable with two horses so this worked well for the farm element in the shoot. I just love doing shoots at the Hertford because there is so many different aspects to work with, and every shoot I do there looks different. Chandni and her sister had dungarees which they wanted to wear, and it worked perfectly in the shoot, and when they added the "cowboy" hats it finished off the look I was aiming for.

WvdM_fathersdayshoot_fathersday_father_daughter_photoshoot_familyshoot_family_hertfordcountryhotel_thehertford_portraitphotography3.jpg
A smile starts on the lips, a grin spreads to the eyes, a chuckle comes from the belly; but a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, overflows, and bubbles all around. - Carolyn Birmingham

I think I am a funny person but my wife Juanita doesn't necessarily share the sentiment. Chandni on the other hand cracked herself for my jokes. I always try and make my clients laugh naturally in front of my camera. I believe it produces natural smiles and authentic moments, rather than asking my clients to "fake" laugh and the moment isn't authentic and it looks unnatural. I also believe that they have a light spirit, meaning they find joy in life and laugh frequently with each other. Their hearts are full of joy, so I think it wasn't difficult to make them laugh as much as they did in front of the camera. :) 

Enough said. Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end. 

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Portraits of Annemarie | The Gables Sandton | Styled Session 

I had a blast doing this styled session with Annemarie Lindeque at the beautiful the Gables Sandton Venue. Amazing make-up by Making Faces by Gerda. Flowers by Bespoke Bloom.

Portraits of Annemarie | The Gables Sandton | Styled Session 

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. Unknown

Wow, I had the privilege of doing some portraits of Annemarie Lindeque at the breathtakingly beautiful The Gables Sandton Venue in Sandhurst. Annemarie works at Provision Optometrists in Parys, Free State, and she came through for the day for the shoot! Jessica from The Gables Sandton asked me to photograph the room they are promoting as a Luxury Suite and as a trade-exchange she allowed me to do this styled session with Annemarie. Head on over to the Gables Sandton's website to book a night's stay at this amazing venue! Click here! 

Thank you Gerda from Making Faces by Gerda for the exquisite make-up, and for organising Annemarie for me to photograph. I have met Gerda recently at the De Hoek Country Venue's Bridal Fair and we immediately realised we want to work together to create some magic! She has been in the Wedding Industry for quite some time, and have worked on many faces, including celebrities. 

The beautiful flower bouquet was made by Tamyrin from Bespoke Blooms, and she also provided the copper colored vase. She is always so keen to help out, and being super busy herself she made time to make the beautiful flower bouquet the morning of the shoot. Head on over to her website, her work is absolutely stunning! 

Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!

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Teaser! a Father's love for his daughters | Hertford Country Hotel

A beautiful family shoot with Chandnit, Kavita and their father Dave at Hertford Country Hotel. A father's love for his daughters is endless!

a Father's love for his daughters | Hertford Country Hotel

I have been wanting to do a shoot for a while where I can try to capture a glimpse into the love a Father has for his children. I am already a dad to a son, but my daughter Ile is coming any day now...I can't wait!

To a father growing old, nothing is dearer than a daughter.
—Euripides

So I am privileged to share a sneak peak of the shoot I did on Sunday with Chandni, her sister Kavita and her dad Dave! Dave is a cattle farmer in Middelburg so I therefore wanted to add a farming element in the shoot, and Hertford Country Hotel and their horse stable was the perfect setting for this shoot. It's not a cattle farm, but at least the surroundings was as if they were on a farm. Chandni and her sister had dungarees which they wanted to wear, and it worked perfectly in the shoot, and when they added the "cowboy" hats it finished off the look I was aiming for.

Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!

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Gold, teal & pink magic | Mini Styled Shoot | Hertford Country Hotel

Wow, I enjoyed capturing Laykanne, in a beautiful Gelique dress, for my mini-styled session at the incredible Hertford Country Hotel! 

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” ― Coco Chanel

Wow, I enjoyed working with Laykanne during the mini-styled session I did at the beautiful Hertford Country Hotel. She wore a smashingly beautiful Gelique dress, which she borrowed from her a mutual friend (and her boss's wife) Simone from the Wedding Event! 

My inspiration comes from my own home. My wife, Juanita, has a special eye for decor and design, and most of the Rose Gold items in the shoot I used are from our bedroom. Locust tree leaf, the Consol Glass jars, and Wooden Protea cutt-outs were painted Rose Gold using spray-paint. The old ladder is from my garage, and the greenery is from my garden. 

I am in love with Proteas which is in season at the moment. I loved how the pink, teal and Rose Gold compliment each other! 

Simone made the beautiful Protea bouquet with the two proteas, and I got the red-pink proteas from Impala Flora at the Fourways Gardens' Spar. 

Here are the suppliers who featured during this shoot!

Model: Laykanne Rae Powell

Flowers: Impala Flora

Venue: Hertford Country Hotel

Make up: Made Up by Kylie

Dress: Gelique

Bouquet: Simone Pheiffer from The Wedding Event

Styling and photographer: Me :)

Decor ball & Gold lamp: Mr Price Home

Gold String Lights: Typo

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David & Irene | Wedding | Kuthaba Bush Lodge

Wow, I am in love with David & Irene's safari style wedding at Kuthaba Bush Lodge! Irene's Bride & Co dress was out of this world! 

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. — LAO TZU

I always say that a client that is referred to me is the best client. Irene is one of those clients. She got my details from Cheryl and I had so much fun during their wedding! David and Irene are such great people, and I fell in love with who they are as a person since we first met last year for the engagement shoot. I can still remember how we had this super duper planned day and it all went pear shaped because we couldn’t enter the property we wanted to go to. So we ended shooting in a barren field, and we used whatever we had and made the best of it! That is such a testimony of who they are…they are focused people but also easy-going and content with the world.

It was my first time to capture a wedding at Kuthaba Bush Lodge and I loved it. Some of the most memorable moments for me was when I found out that Irene did not have bridesmaids but "groomsmaids". I kinda expected to see David in a kilt, because he is half Scottish but he did not wear one. All the groomsmen had a handkerchief in their suit pockets made from kilt material. And the one thing that completely blew me away was Irene's dress. Wow, I loved her dress which she bought on Still White. Its a Bride and Co dress and she definitely made a statement! 

I try to end every wedding with a sparkler photo. How this photo works is I run around them with a sparkler in the dark, and then the sparkler leaves a trial wherever I ran. The problem is I need to do this in complete darkness, otherwise I show up on the photo, so there is always a risk of me falling over a rock or something because I do not know where I am going. Well...this was the first time I fell down during on of the attempts, and I didn't get hurt...too much... I just picked up a few scratches...Funny enough on the night we made these jokes that I couldn't go and phone Discovery to claim for my health insurance because an employee of Discovery (Irene works for Discovery) has seen what happened...hehehe...we had a giggle...Those photos are always worth it, doesn't matter the risk I have to take!

Here is a list of the suppliers who made the day possible:

Venue, Styling & Catering: Kuthaba Bush Lodge

Flowers: De Villiers Blomme, Modimole

Make up and hair: Andelien Steyn Professional MakeUp Artistry

Wedding Dress: Still White & Bride & Co

Irene shoes & David Suit and Shoes: Woolworths SA

Irene's hair piece and earrings: Accessorize SA

DJ: Jannie Kruger

Video: Byron & Amy Wolff

Enjoy the pictures and please leave a comment at the end!

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Jorge & Kerry-Ann | Royal Johannesburg & Kensington | Wedding

Oh wow, what a wedding! I have not enjoyed a reception as much I did with Jorge & Kerry-Ann's wedding! They are such cool people and their wedding were super special!

“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds.” —Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

I am sometimes speechless when I comes to writing something about my clients and their gorgeous wedding. The whole day was so relaxed and full of laughter. They are fun loving, great friends and family is very important factor in their lives. As a photographer you want to really connect with your clients and from the first time I met Jorge and Kerry-Ann I fell in love with who they are and how much they love each other! Priceless.

I must say that I have not enjoyed a reception at a wedding as much as with their wedding. Instead of throwing the garter and flower bouquet, they handed the flowers over to the eldest married couple in honor of marriage and they played a game to "win" privilege to spend time with Jorge & Kerry-Ann in the following year. Wow, I had a laugh. There were 10 entrants, and with each round an entrant falls out if he can't return to a seat, while the seats become less as with musical chairs, after he or she attempts to bring an item at the wedding back to a chair, such as a shoe, or business card, or a bra....yes...you read correctly...the last item was a bra. The guy who won got his wife to take off her bra in just a few seconds to be crowned the winner...so much fun!

I felt truly blessed to a part of their Big Day...I felt like I was family. And one of the most special moments for me during the day was seeing Kerry-Ann's Dad's expression when he saw her at the church. Thank you for choosing me to capture your Big Day. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.  

Corinna, who were second shooting with me, says the following about Jorge & Kerry-Ann: "They are a beautiful couple who clearly enjoy spending time together creating awesome memories." Here most memorable moment was the game they played during reception. She says it is the perfect event to capture, and it was amazing to see how people enjoyed it! Corinna captured Jorge and the guys and I captured Kerry-Ann and the girls as they got dressed. 

Here are the other suppliers who made this amazing day possible!

Make-up: Courtney Chadwick Make-Up Artist {Courtney is incredible!}

Church: Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Malvern {Such a beautiful church and I just loved how Father Tony handled the wedding, so special}

Reception venue and catering: Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club

Wedding planner: Jenene Bernhardt at Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club

Wedding dress: Bride & Co

Jorge's Suit: Euro Suit

Flowers: Kerry-Ann did her own flowers at the venue, and House Of Flowers did they bouquet and flowers at the Church

DJ: DJ Kings Mobile Discos

2nd shoot: Corinna Tannian

 

Sit back and enjoy the beautiful wedding photos! Please leave a comment at the end!

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Andre & Lizbe's blissful wedding {Idlewild Country Estate}

Andre & Lizbe's beautiful and blissful wedding is on the blog! I just loved all the DIY elements!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1 Cor 13:4

This was the most tearful and memorable wedding, and also a very pretty one! Andre & Lizbe looked amazing and they are such cool cats when it comes to pictures...which made her somewhat late...which is not much of a problem because most brides are late for the ceremony. The problem was we were scared of a massive thunderstorm which was predicted and happened...but luckily on the farm next door. I could literally see the huge clouds emptying itself behind the ceremony. The ceremony was held under a tent on the lawn in front of the venue, Idlewild Country Estate. It was my first time at this venue, and I am absolutely in LOVE! What a beautiful and stylish venue!

Lizbe is my wife's cousin, which makes them all kinda family and though we are not very close, we are quite close to Lizbe's mom, Lizma. Hence me being the wedding photographer...I also know Andre from a while back when we attended the same church, and I have also met Lizbe's dad, Ben, at my a mining indaba which my father-in-law hosts in Johannesburg. Ben has been a speaker at the indaba for the past 2 years and I have been the event photographer for every event. Only recently did my wife tell me that I have been photographing Lizbe's dad during his talks...it's a small world!

My hat goes of to Lizma and my mother-in-law.  They bought the flowers at the Mall @ Reds flower shop and also some from the garden, and prepped all the flower arrangements in Andre's mom's garage. They did the styling of the venue just spectacularly! Lizma even arranged to bake the cake at Vingerlek Tuisnywerheid in Doringkloof and decorated the cake herself! Amazing!

Other suppliers:

Andre's ring: Unbreakable Man

Lizbe's wedding dress and make-up and hair: Jomari and her team from Mimie

DJ and sound: Up a Tone Events

Enjoy the pictures and please leave a comment at the end!

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A beautiful safari celebration {Awe & Elandi's wedding}

Awe & Elandi's safari wedding at Zebra Country lodge is on my blog!

“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” Maya Angelou

Wow, what a wedding. I always say that the no matter what you do, it's always about the people, and people make and/or break your wedding day and your experience as a photographer. When we first met, I loved them from the first moment. I remember Awe was a bit reserved, but Elandi chatted like we were best buddies! Elandi got my details from her sister, Sunette, after the family shoot I did for Sunette and Stefan. We immediately clicked and I knew that the wedding was going to be special, and it truly was! Some say that "Laughter is the best medicine, and in almost every set of pictures I got to capture so many laughs, and funny moments. So much fun!

This wedding was full of so many emotions, and I just love the pictures of Elandi and her father. They are so special. I got to capture so many year's of love and this why I love what I do. Telling stories of love to be cherished forever!

I just love the venue, Zebra Country Lodge. They allowed us to the engagement shoot during winter earlier this year at the venue, and that made me very excited for the wedding. See the engagement shoot pictures here (click).

I just love engagement shoots. I got to know Awe and Elandi a little better, and I got to experience their amazing chemistry in front of the camera for the first time. They could also see the way I work, and get comfortable with me, because when they are more comfortable the better the pictures look at the end of the day. I always say that I can just imagine myself in their shoes when they arrive for a wedding and think "I hope the photographer will capture me in the best way" or "I wonder what I look like through his camera?". That is why I do engagement shoots, and almost always do engagement shoots with all my customers.

Something quite mysterious and funny, is that I found out at the wedding that we attend the same church. Elandi's dad, Arrie Genis, is the headmaster (he actually retired a day or 2 ago) for the Louw Geldenhuys Primary School, which is right across our church, and great deal of the kids in our church go to his school. The Genis family means a great deal to the Linden community, and they contribute in incredible ways. When we moved to Johannesburg, we moved to a flat (even before I got married) right across Linden church (our flat, Louw Geldenhuys and the church are on the 3 corners of 7th Street and 3rd Avenue in Linden). We then moved to Northcliff, and eventually to Fourways where stay at the moment, but we are still entwined in the Linden community. The mystery...how did we not cross paths before...? Don't know, but in any case...back to the wedding!

It was most probably the hottest day I experienced in a while, definitely the hottest wedding I shot at. I always feel sorry for the bride and groom when it's this hot...they probably wanted to wear shorts and a cocktail dress...I must say there were a pool not far from the reception hall, and the thought crossed my mind a few times..."I hope they jump in the pool with their wedding clothes...it will make for such a cool picture!" 

The decor was out of this world, and full of personal touches. Elandi and Awe did the table flower arrangements themselves. They bought the proteas from Doornkraal Proteas and the roses from Malanshof Flora. 

Elandi's beautiful make-up was done by Elzette van der Schyff, and her exquisite hair by Rory Sandilands from Blo Hairdressing Salon

Elandi's exquisite wedding dress was made by Eurobride & her bridesmaids' dresses by Gelique. Awe rented his suit from Eurosuit and he just looked amazing with his waistcoat! The cupcakes and cake was made by Magnolia Bake and Cake

Congratulations again on your wedding day, and may the Lord's blessing rest on your marriage, and may your love for Him give you the strength to love each other!  

Enjoy the pictures and please leave a comment at the end!

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David & Kate's South African Wedding {The Forum The Campus}

Kate & David's South African Wedding is on my blog!

“When there is love in a marriage, there is harmony in the home; when there is harmony in the home, there is contentment in the community; when there is contentment in the community, there is prosperity in the nation; when there is prosperity in the nation, there is peace in the world.” -Chinese Proverb

Jia Lu Wang and Kai-ting Yang (or David and Kate) have been staying in South Africa for a long time. David is from China, and Kate from Taiwan, and something that is custom in China is they do very stylish pre-wedding photos. But when David showed me the pictures from their 8-hour-6-wardrobe-change-photo-shoot I knew the game was on (and the heat was on). The photos, which was done in Shanghai by a Chinese well-known photographer, are exquisite. Head on over to The Wedding Event's Instagram feed...Simone posted a few of the pics there.

Wow, they were made to be in front of a camera. They are so beautiful, and Kate and her bridesmaids looked like supermodels from a magazine. They were also such a lovely bunch of people, always full of joy and laughter!

Kate's dress, which is an Ellie Saab design, were out of this world. The detail and the way it fitted was incredible. Her dress and the exquisite bridesmaids' dresses were bought outside of South Africa, and the same for Kate's beautiful Christian Louboutin shoes.

The wedding was held at The Forum | The Campus, and they delivered the most amazing décor with the most beautiful white orchids. What an amazing venue!

I know Simone from The Wedding Event for a little while now, but we have never worked together on a wedding before, and I really looked forward to this wedding. She is such an amazing wedding planner and everything at this wedding just went smooth (I am not so sure behind the curtains). She is incredible at her job, and if you want your dream wedding, or perhaps greater than your dream wedding, then you need to get in touch with her!

Kate's beautiful make-up and hair was done by Susan Kang Make Up and Hair.

Liam from Wedding DJs - Pulse DJs rocked the music once again! And the cake from Belle's Patisserie was out of this world!

David and Kate, please enjoy your love for each other, which was so event in the way you looked at each other. And the family you guys have are amazing, and I loved the laughing and cheering at your reception dinner at the Lotus Restaurant in Rosebank!

Please enjoy the pictures and do leave a comment at the end!

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