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Mario and Marissa | Wedding | Harmonie Proteas

The love Mario and Marissa have for each other was sooooo tangible on their wedding day!! Marissa you looked incredible and I could see Mario was biting his lip not to cry when you walked down the aisle!

 

PLAY ME!

 

I have ticked a bucket list with Mario and Marissa’s wedding! I have done a few engagement shoots at Harmonie Proteas, but this was my first wedding shoot….and I fell in love with this venue on another level! WOW, just look at their photos against the red of the proteas!

Mario and Marissa are South Africans working and residing in the Netherlands, and they got married here because their friends are here. And due to this fact, their wedding had moved quite a bit due to Covid.

Thank you Mario and Marissa for trusting me with my crazy ideas…they left me completely to do my magic and to push my creative boundaries….which I loved. They are such an easy couple to photograph, and the love they have for each other was sooooo tangible! Marissa you looked incredible and I could see Mario was biting his lip not to cry when you walked down the aisle!

Enough said, congrats again on your union! May God bless you in your walk in your marriage but also in the Netherlands!

Please leave a comment at the end for the couple! A little love can go a long way!

Vendors making the day possible:

Venue: @harmonieproteas | Flowers: @floral_by_dd | Dress: @bruidspaleis | DJ: @gauteng_dj | Shoes: @annafield_official | Cake: @ddcc_cakes | Rings: @poggenpoeljewel

 
 
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Nolan and Seshnee | Wedding | Southern Sun Maharani Durban

Nolan and Seshnee tied the knot in Durban and what a special wedding!

“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like there's nobody listening, And live like it's heaven on earth.” William W. Purkey

 
 

I really believe that 2022 will be a great year with new challenges, but especially with new heights.

I have official added video to my range of services, yeah!

I have always advertised that I do photo and video packages but the video was always done as a sub-contract and I wasn’t involved in the editing. Nolan and Seshnee booked a combo package and I did photos and Nicholas did the videos, but I edited their video…and IV LOVED IT!

It is very exciting where my brand is heading to, and I can’t wait to edit my next video. Its so different telling stories behind a stills camera compared to video…I mean the endless possibilities to invoke senses and emotion in video is amazing! Long story short, you will see a lot more videos coming your way!

Nolan and Seshnee tied the knot in Durban, so we flew down in December to capture their wedding love story at the coast. They had their ceremony at the most amazing church, the St Thomas Anglican Church. The church was built in 1864 and it’s such a gorgeous setting for a wedding! Wow, I prepared myself for typical Durban weather: hot and very humid. But we had a cold rainy day. Yes, very strange! I must say, the whole of South Africa had the weirdest weather during the December. The temperature on the day was around 19 degrees, and it was windy and cloudy…Luckily no rain.

It started drizzling at some point during the couple shoot, but we were still at the church. We then decided to go to the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani (where the reception was held). We planned to go on the roof, then go to the pier for photos, but when we reached the Hotel it started pouring. I normally get very excited when it rains because rain shots are really cool, but this it was different. We tried a few roof shots, but the wind was unbearable, so we then did photos in the Sky Venue (it’s an inside venue at the hotel)…and said we will try outside photos later when the rain stops…but it unfortunately never stopped.

Nolan and Seshnee, you are such a special couple. Your day was interrupted by rain, but that couldn’t stop you from having the wedding of your dreams! The decor was gorgeous, oh my word! And you guys looked amazing, especially Seshnee! Again, the rain couldn’t dampen all the feels for the day! Congrats again, and may the Lord bless you abundantly!

Enough said, the photos will do the talking!

Please leave a message at the end of the blog…perhaps I can add the messages in their album!

Suppliers who made the day special:

Southern Sun Maharani Hotel | Church: St Thomas Anglican Church | Dress: @jasminsbridal | Suit: @b_gangaram_za | Hair: @hashtaghbn | Makeup: @makeupby_pooja_m


 
 
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Clinton and Elizabeth | weddIng | Kleinkaap

What a wedding!

Clinton and Elizabeth celebrated their wedding at the gorgeous Kleinkaap Boutique Hotel!

Almost every wedding I share now has a either been postponed due to Covid or they had a small function during Covid, and then the celebration was only done later! With Clinton and Elizabeth, the latter was the case. They had a small function last year to get married, and held out till now to have their celebration…and what a celebration! I have been wanting to shoot a wedding at Kleinkaap Hotel for a while, and finally my dream came true. And yes, we as photographers also have goals and dreams!

Wow, what a wedding…we had rain which made certain images quite tricky, but Clinton and Elizabeth was brave to face some of the rain, and also due to silly season, certain decor elements was done very late because they couldn’t set it up the night before. So Clinton helped out a lot with the decor and flowers…and it looked exquisite!

Congrats Clinton and Elizabeth, for the 2nd time! Lots of blessings on your marriage journey, and may your love for each never be extinguished!

Suppliers who made the day possible:

Venue: @kleinkaaphotel | Makeup and hair: @hester_make_up | Dress: @fynbos_bridal | Flowers: Tias Flower Hyper | Cake: Butterfingers Boutique Bakery | Band: @morningafterband | Video: @snapkustoms | Rings: Schnetler Creations | Stationery: Advertising studio

Enjoy the photos! Please leave a comment for the couple at end…I will maybe include it in their album!

 

 
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Hennie en Behanke | Wedding | Red Ivory Lodge

Wow…what a wedding! Red Ivory Lodge was such beautiful backdrop for Hennie and Behanke’s wedding story!

When I asked the Holy Spirt: “Who is the Bride?” He answered and said:”They are the ones who allow me to veil them in my holiness!”

Wow, all weddings are special, but every now and then you get one that grips you by the heart. Hennie and Behanke’s love for each other are deeply grounded in thier love for God. Wow, I have rarely witnessed so much love in one place….and gorgeous people!

Here’s a list of the suppliers who made this wedding super special.

Venue and food: Red Ivory | Music: Deca | Makeup and Hair: Hair and Make up by Liesl | Shoes: Aldo & Thread and Miller | Suit: Tip Top Tailors | Earrings: Jeanne and Co | Flowers: The Flower Spot | Decor: All things wedding | Cake: Craft Cakes by Naomi

Enjoy the sneak peak!

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Teaser! Hennie en Behanke | Wedding | Red Ivory Lodge

Wow…what a wedding! Red Ivory Lodge was such beautiful backdrop for Hennie and Behanke’s wedding story!

When I asked the Holy Spirt: “Who is the Bride?” He answered and said:”They are the ones who allow me to veil them in my holiness!”

Wow, all weddings are special, but every now and then you get one that grips you by the heart. Hennie and Behanke’s love for each other are deeply grounded in thier love for God. Wow, I have rarely witnessed so much love in one place….and gorgeous people!

Here’s a list of the suppliers who made this wedding super special.

Venue and food: Red Ivory | Music: Deca | Makeup and Hair: Hair and Make up by Liesl | Shoes: Aldo & Thread and Miller | Suit: Tip Top Tailors | Earrings: Jeanne and Co | Flowers: The Flower Spot | Decor: All things wedding | Cake: Craft Cakes by Naomi

Enjoy the sneak peak!

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Zander and Akira | Engagement shoot | Bank Towers, 012Central

Akira asked me to capture their actual engagement, the moment she asks her prince charming to get married. I was obviously over the moon, because this is such a cool moment to photograph! and just look how happy they are!

This year is 2020 and also #leapyear…yup, the year with a 29th of February, and we always make these jokes that “If you get married on the 29th of February, then you only have to celebrate your union once every 4 years”. I mean, then husbands have less opportunity to forget their anniversary…hahaha!….but there is another unwritten rule…it’s the year when girlfriends are allowed to ask their boyfriends to marry them…well, thats what happened…Akira asked her prince charming to marry her and he said yes!

Akira asked me to capture exactly when it happens, and I was obviously over the moon, because this is such a cool moment to photograph!

I told Akira that we have 2 options: you either do something together and when the moment presents itself, I jump out of the bushes and take photos (but then you aren’t necessarily ready for photos), or we can arrange a romantic couple shoot, then you are dressed and ready for photos…and Zander won’t suspect anything. So that is what we did. We agreed on a couple shoot, and Akira would give me “the knod” or thumbs-up and she will then take out the ring to pop the question. Akira arranged access to the rooftop at the Bank Towers, 012Central, and we did the most amazing couple shoot in the gorgeous golden hour sunlight on the rooftop, with the most amazing view of central Pretoria.

We were very lucky. When you are taking photos between buildings, chances are that you will take photos in the shade and then you miss the actual sun shining through your hair, but the sun was in fact bounced onto them from a tall glass building during their shoot…so it looked like the sun was beaming on them!

I had this idea of posing Zander facing away from me, and Akira facing me, and I would then give her a thumbs-up (I didn’t know if I would be 150% ready for the moment if she gave me the thumbs-up…I mean I can’t miss the moment)…and it worked SOOO well in my favour! I had a chance to photograph Akira holding the ring, without Zander noticing. WOW, what a cool photo and moment!

Congrats again on getting engaged…you guys are such a lovely couple and look sooooo happy together!

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

(Click on the image to enlarge)


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Teaser! Zander and Akira | Engagement shoot | Bank Towers, 012Central

Akira got a hold of me to capture their actual engagement, the moment she asks her prince charming to get married. I was obviously over the moon, because this is such a cool moment to photograph!

This year is 2020 and also #leapyear…yup, the year with a 29th of February, and we always make these jokes that “If you get married on the 29th of February, then you only have to celebrate your union once every 4 years”. I mean, then husbands have less opportunity to forget their anniversary…hahaha!….but there is another unwritten rule…it’s the year when girlfriends are allowed to ask their boyfriends to marry them…well, thats what happened yesterday!

Akira got a hold of me to capture their actual engagement, the moment she asks her prince charming, Zander, to get married. I was obviously over the moon, because this is such a cool moment to photograph!

I Akira that we have 2 options: you either do something together and when the moment presents itself, I jump out of the bushes and take photos (but then you aren’t necessarily ready for photos), or we can arrange a romantic couple shoot, then you are dressed and ready for photos…and Zander won’t suspect anything. So that is what we did. We agreed on a couple shoot, and Akira would give me “the knod” or thumbs-up and she will then get ready to pop the question. Akira arranged access to the rooftop at Bank Towers, 012Central, and we did the most amazing couple shoot in the gorgeous golden hour sunlight on the rooftop, with the most amazing view of central Pretoria.

I had this idea of posing Zander facing away from me, and Akira facing me, and I would then give her a thumbs-up (I didn’t know if I would get 150% ready for the moment if she gave me the thumbs-up…I mean I can’t miss the moment)…and it worked SOOO well in my favour! I had a chance to photograph Akira holding the ring, without Zander noticing. WOW, what a cool photo and moment!

Congrats again on getting engaged…you guys are such a lovely couple and look sooooo happy together!

Enough said for now! Enjoy the photos, and I can’t wait to share more!

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Maxim and Liesbeth | Wedding | Kuthaba Bush Lodge

What a beautiful destination wedding at Kuthaba Bush Lodge! Maxim and Liesbeth had a super fun and special safari wedding in South Africa.

“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” Laura Ingalls Wilder

Wynandvandermerwe maxim liesbeth theloveknot wedding kuthaba bush lodge-717.jpg

Maxim and Liesbeth are from Belgium and decided to celebrate their union with loved ones in South Africa! Liesbeth’ parents have been staying for almost 20years in Witrivier, and Liesbeth went to school in Witrivier for a few years, and later on moved back to Belgium to go to school there. The majority of the guests at the wedding flew in from Belgium, and a few South African friends also attended, but unfortunately Maxim’s parents couldn’t attend the wedding…and they were sorely missed.

Maxim and Liesbeth did the legal union in Belgium last year, but they knew they wanted their dream wedding in South Africa with a safari-type feel…and wow, Kuthaba Bush Lodge is such a beautiful setting for a this! Each time I capture a wedding here the scenery just blows me away. I mean they have beautiful mountain views, a gorgeous dam plus a stunning and massive Fig Tree…and wildlife on top of that…wow, what a setting for a wedding!

If I could sum up this wedding in one word, it will be “relaxed”. Wow, I was a bit on my nerves because everybody was super relaxed and enjoying themselves, and there wasn’t a huge plan to finish up, other than Liesbeth had to walk down the aisle at 16:00. I mean people were swimming, and having lunch, Maxim got ready in probably 4 rooms (for some time I couldn’t find him, and when I did, he was busy in the girl’s room getting his face powdered by Tami James). I am not used to the groom getting ready with the girls…but it created cool photo opportunities, and lots of cool memories for them! This was by far the most “documentary style” wedding I have captured…this means I capture almost all the getting ready photos without interfering with the moments, everything happened spontaneously…which I love and which the couple will love!

Wow, Liesbeth had the most gorgeous wedding dress from Ladybird, and Maxim looked smashing in his Cafe Costume’s suit!

Ashleigh from The Love Knot did the coordination, decor and flowers to perfection. Eeeek, this lady is on fire! (So I had to create a picture for her almost where she is literally on fire..hahaha)

The task of creating gorgeous details at a far-off destination venue is not a simple feat but Ahleigh does it with style and flair. And with her mom at her side she had created the most beautiful table arrangements and flower decorations…well done! Everybody was in awe of the styling, well done girls!

Ashleigh also brought the cake, which was from the Baker Boys, and what a show stopper of a cake! Gracenote Music created the most amazing atmosphere with their live music and Alex, the DJ, had the people entertained the whole night…wow…the party was super fun! Even I was hopping up and down taking photos of everybody just really enjoying themselves!

Tami James did an amazing job with the makeup and hair. We were way behind schedule because everybody was super relaxed, which forced the makeup and hair to be done at the same time on Liesbeth! Wow, that was a sight to see, well done girls!

Enough said. Congrats again Maxim and Liesbeth and many blessings for your marriage! I usually say :”See you when I take pictures of your little ones!” but I guess I could fly over to Belgium to take photos of your kiddos one day…you never know!

Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end of the blog.

Click on the image to enlarge.

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Teaser! Maxim and Liesbeth | Wedding | Kuthaba Bush Lodge

What a beautiful destination wedding at Kuthaba Bush Lodge.

“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” Laura Ingalls Wilder

Wynandvandermerwe maxim liesbeth theloveknot wedding kuthaba bush lodge-65.jpg

Maxim and Liesbeth are from Belgium and decided to celebrate their union with loved ones in South Africa! Liesbeth’ parents have been staying for almost 20years in Witrivier, and Liesbeth went to school in Witrivier for a few years, and later on moved back to Belgium to go to school there. They know South Africa well and they wanted a safari-type wedding with family and friends. Some friends from South Africa joined and their family flew in from Belgium. Unfortunately Maxim’s parents couldn’t attend the wedding, and they were sorely missed.

Maxim and Liesbeth did the legal union in Belgium last year, but they knew they wanted their dream wedding in South Africa with a safari-type feel…and wow, Kuthaba Bush Lodge is such a beautiful setting for a this! Each time I capture a wedding here the scenery just blows you away. I mean they have beautiful mountain views, a gorgeous dam plus a stunning and massive Fig Tree…and wildlife on top of that…wow, what a setting for a wedding!

If I could sum up this wedding in one word, it will be “relaxed”. Wow, I was a bit on my nerves because everybody was super relaxed and enjoying themselves, and there wasn’t a huge plan to get done, other than Liesbeth had to walk down the aisle at 16:00. I mean people were swimming, and having lunch, Maxim got ready in probably 4 rooms (for some time I couldn’t find him, and when I did, he was busy in the girl’s room getting his face powdered by Tami James). I am not used to the groom getting ready with the girls…but it created cool photo opportunities, and lots of cool memories for them!

Wow, Liesbeth had the most gorgeous wedding dress from Ladybird, and Maxim looked smashing in his Cafe Costume’s suit!

Ashleigh from The Love Knot did the coordination, decor and flowers to perfection. Eeeek, this lady is on fire!

The task of creating gorgeous details at a far-off destination venue is not a simple feat but she does it with style and flair. And with her mom at her side she had created the most beautiful table arrangements and flower decorations…well done! They loved it! She also brought the cake, which was from the Baker Boys, and what a show stopper of a cake! Gracenote Music created the most amazing atmosphere with their live music and Alex, the DJ, had the people entertained the whole night…wow…the party was super fun! Even I was hopping up and down taking photos of everybody just really enjoying themselves! Tami James did an amazing job with the makeup, and we were a little behind schedule, so it was a first for me as well to see the makeup and hair being done at the same time on the bride! It was a sight to see, well done girls!

Enough said, enjoy the sneak peak and please leave a comment at the end of the blog.



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Stuart and Nicole | Wedding | Hertford Country Hotel

Such a beautiful and wet wedding at Hertford Country Hotel. Stuart and Nicole looked amazing and I love all the colours!

A real man loves his wife, and places his family as the most important thing in life. Nothing has brought me more peace and content in life than simply being a good husband and father. Frank Abagnale

Wow, what a wet few days before the wedding, and also during the wedding. It started to rain on the Thursday and it never really stopped, and we had some good downpours during the wedding! But that doesn’t stop Stuart and Nicole and her guests…I have a smile in almost every photo I have taken! It was probably the most challenging wedding for me to date due to the weather, because it’s darker than normal and having people cramped in small spaces because they can’t be out in the rain makes it very difficult…and the rain delayed almost everyone getting to the venue…but I really love the outcome!

I told Stuart and Nicole that we will take photos in the rain during their couple shoot, and they were like “Yeah, sure!”…I mean Nicole woke up with a sore throat and she had 20% of her voice the whole day, but they were keen to tackle the rain. Luckily we didn’t have pouring rain during the couple shoot, and we even improvised a little by adding some water (one of the groomsmen squirted water on them to create lots of water for a really cool rain shot). I realised that with the really cool rain photos out there, there was lots and lots of rain, and we only had a little rain…so to make “lots of rain” I made holes in a water bottle to create a soft downpour on the couple…and it WORKED!

The bridesmaids were also full of ideas…I can’t take credit for the photos where they opened the umbrellas to get water on Stuart and Nicole…so I guess they are also to blame for making Nicole wet…hehehe.

This was my last wedding for 2019 and what a way to end of the year!

Enjoy the photos. Please be so kind and leave a comment at the end of the blog post! a little love goes a long way!

Here’s a list of all the suppliers who were involved to make the day special.

Venue: Hertford Country Hotel | Live Music: We Will Worship, Muneyi Romeo, Mpho Ntuli | Wedding dress: De La Vida (La Sposa design) | Shoes: Shwezu | Flowers and decor: Talita from Flowers Direct | DJ: Victor from Flash Mobile Studios | Makeup: Tash Studio | Stationery: Express Marketing

(Click on the image to enlarge)

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