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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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Krzyz and Nastasja | Wedding | Memoire Venue

Wow, I am still pinching myself over this wedding! Krzyz and Nastasja celebrated their wedding at the gorgeous Memoire Wedding Venue…wow! They are GORGEOUS!

 

“Love recognises no barriers, it jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination, full of hope.” Maya Angelou

 
 
Wedding photos fun couple memoire wedding venue
 

I am still pinching myself over this wedding. Wow, a lot of emotions, and man oh man…these 2 are GORGEOUS! Nastasja says she has no modelling experience, and I remember her bridesmaids were like mobile fashionistas helping her with how to pose and to look oh-so-wonderful…and it worked! I am considering hiring them for my future shoots…hahaha.

Covid is real and in your face everyday, but it was the first wedding where I could feel Covid’s interference on my skin. Krzyz and Nastasja’s wedding was super emotional.

Krzyz and Nastasja celebrated their third wedding ( due to Covid) at Memoire Wedding Venue. The first wedding was a very small event at home, because Nastasja is a lawyer and she had to get married and she registered under her new surname. Covid was in full swing a year later (last year) and they had another small wedding, because they made bookings they couldn’t cancel. They initially thought the wedding will happen, but it was dependant on the borders opening up (Krzyz and his side of the family is Polish), but Covid got worse especially across the borders due their winter being in our summer time. So they posponed the big wedding to a year later with all the family that couldn’t join because of the restrictions. It was a little stressful because they moved the date a few times, and finally settled on December and amazingly the restrictions got lighter in SA, and everyone thought the wedding is going to go as planned. But low and behold…the borders abruptly closed for the UK, and Nastasja’s brother couldn’t be at the wedding. Wow, the days had massive lows and massive highs. During the ceremony Nastasja was chatting with her brother on video call, and the tears were streaming, and a special moment was was when everyone sang for her brother’s birthday. It was his birthday on their wedding day! Congrats again to you both!

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

Venue: @memoireweddingvenue | DJ: Discotech Events SA | Makeup: @paigepestana | Dress:@tarikedizofficial (dress came all the way from Turkey!) | Flowers: @memoirelanguageofflowers | Cake: @jaybagels_sa | Nails: Rene Nailtech Studio

 
 
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Jannie and Danel | Wedding | Leopard Lodge, Hartebeespoort

Wow, what a beautiful and special wedding! Danel is my cousin, and it was a privilege to capture this wedding inside my own family!

 
 

Danel is my cousin and it was an absolute privilege to have captured her wedding. We had rain, and rain…then some more rain…but it didnt stop us from having fun and capturing amazing memories for Jannie and Danel!

During the couple shoot we had no rain (amazingly), and for a brief moment we had incredible golden hour sunlight!

It was my first wedding where my whole family attended, and kuddos to my wife who had to keep my kids at bay when daddy had to work!

Congrats Jannie and Danel! You guys are such an inspirational couple with joyful hearts! May the Lord bless your marriage abundantly like the rains that fell from the Heavens! Wow, Danel you looked incredible in your Enzoani dress…the girls’ response when they saw you for the first time was so precious! Enough said, enjoy the photos! Please leave a comment at the end!

Suppliers who made the day possible:
Venue:@leopardlodge01 | Dress: @enzoani | Dress rental: @whimsical_bridal | Cake: @corleasw | Video: @infinityxinfinity | Jewellery: @lovisajewellery


 
 
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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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Brandon & Carmen | Wedding | Avianto Hotel and Venue

Wow, we got wet, really wet…but it was all worth it! We even had a rainbow to end off the couple shoot and also a baby reveal during the reception!

 
 

This year has been tough on so many levels. Covid and restrictions, and everything that went with it made it so stressful and difficult, but there is always a silver lining to every cloud. When we first made contact, Carmen said I have a stalker…I mean she had been following me very closely on social media! I really felt flattered (and I was smiling from ear to ear), and she said “Doesn’t matter what happens, but we MUST have you as our photographer!”. It means a lot to know through my images I am able to brighten up someone’s day! I always strive to give my clients exceptional images, but as authentic as possible…and that is what she wanted in a photographer! For me there is always a risk, because my clients must “connect” with me as a photographer, and but I also have to make the connection in return…and that is exactly what happened.

Wow, Brandon and Carmen, you are such super down-to-earth people and easy to work with…and the bond between the two of you, wow, that made the photos so freakin’ special!! I enjoyed every second of your wedding, and despite the crazy rain or the Covid regulations, your photos look amazing! And not just because it’s beautiful, but because of the love you have for each other, and due to love your family and friends have for you! There were so many in-between-special-moments that I literally smiled while preparing your images!

We had crazy rain, I mean serious rain…and Carmen was very reluctant to get her hair wet…but we just had to get those rain shots and we did!! You were so brave, and I remember I told Carmen that you can’t have a rainbow if there is no rain! And amazingly, we even had the privilege to end the couple shoot with a rainbow!

Thank you for trusting me with your photos, even after when we met up for coffee, and you had a fright because I had a cast on my left arm. I broke my left elbow really bad, and I had to get 2 screws in my arm. Luckily it happened on the 1st of Nov (yes, it was Voting Day, and I voted with a broken arm) and it had 3 weeks to heal…well up to a point that my cast could come off and I didn’t scare the whole wedding because the photographer arrived with a cast on his arm. I in fact captured 3 weddings in Nov and my arm held up quite nicely!

Enough about me. I have been capturing weddings since 2011 and a first at a wedding happened for me. Brandon and Carmen also had a Baby Reveal….because Carmen was 6 months pregnant at the time of the wedding….and it is a BOY! Congrats! My firstborn is also a boy, and its challenging but such a huge blessing…wait having kids is a challenge but the reward is INCREDIBLE!

Enjoy the photos, and please leave a comment for the couple on my blog! Perhaps I can add it in their album!

Venue: Avianto Hotel and Venue | Jewellery @tying_the_knot_bridal_boutique | Makeup @vowed_sa | Wedding Dress @thebridalsecretsa | Wedding Suit @Tophat | Wedding planner @lanice.png | DJ: Frost Beat Entertainment


 
 
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Jannie and Danel | Wedding | Leopard Lodge, Harties (teaser)

Wow, what a beautiful and special wedding! Danel is my cousin, and it was a privilege to capture this wedding inside my own family!

Danel is my cousin and it was an absolute privilege to have captured her wedding yesterday…and boy oh boy…the rain was lots but it definitely did NOT dampen the spirit of Jannie and Danel!

It was also my first wedding where my whole family attended…kuddos to my wife who had to keep my kids at bay when daddy had to work! If we would allow, my eldest Lian would have walked Danel down the aisle ;)

Congrats Jannie and Danel! You guys are such an inspirational couple with joyful hearts! May the Lord bless your marriage abundantly like the rains that fell from the Heavens!

Enjoy the sneak peak!

 
 
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Clinton and Elizabeth | weddIng | Kleinkaap (Teaser)

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

Wow, what a wedding yesterday!

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


In my years of photographing weddings, I have yet to see a prettier dress…Liz you looked incredible! The rain made couple shoot photos slightly complicated, but oh so beautiful!

Enjoy the teaser!

 
 
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Dickson and Lydia | Wedding | UrbanTREE

Dickson booked me in 2019, and they finally had their wedding with family and friends! And wow, what is special and unique wedding! They were already married traditionally, and they did their religious ceremonial wedding at The Urban Tree in Sandton. They wanted to do their religious wedding sooner, but Covid interfered.

Lydia and the girls got ready at the gorgeous Masingita Towers, which was an Airbnb booking. Airbnb makes its very easy to arrange venues or locations for getting ready, because its very cost effective and you have access to the place for 24 hours….and its usually very pretty…so you can also use it for your first night after the wedding!

It’s amazing how much you learn at weddings. Dickson and Lydia had a Nigerian wedding, which means the groom’s family wore a specific colour and fabric, the bride’s family a different colour and fabric and then also the friends of the families another colour and fabric. This is called ASO-EBI or “family clothes”, and this made for a very colourful and beautiful wedding…which I LOVED! The girls also had a headpiece each, which is called a GELE. Ooooh, I loved this because I love colourful weddings, because I can be very creative!

Wow, again, what a special wedding…lets make the photos do the talking! Enjoy and please leave a comment at the end!

Suppliers who made the day possible: Hair: @leeannes_hair_beauty | Makeup: @refentse_munyai | Dress: @the.onebridal | Cake: @Aqd cakery | Flowers/ decor: The Wedding Warehouse

 
 
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Bheki and Tendi | Wedding | Toadbury Hall Country Hotel

Bheki and Tendi’s wedding at Toadbury Hall was truly amazing and full of tears!

"The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10)

Bheki and Tendi tied the knot at the gorgeous Toadbury Hall Country Hotel and it was such a joyous occasion. They are such a sweet couple with a the joy of the Lord in their hearts…I mean they were literally dancing the whole day!

Wow, Cheri from 2IC Event Management, you guys did an amazing job with setting up their wedding. Bheki and Tendi initially planned to have their wedding in Mauritius but Covid made it impossible.

Wow, I don’t have many words but I think the photos will do the talking! Enjoy, and please share…we need more joy in the world!

 
 
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Ramon and Ashleigh | Inimitable | Wedding

The wedding season is definitely in full swing, and what a month! September has been a busy month, and the month started off with Ramon and Ashleigh’s beautiful wedding at the incredible Inimitable Wedding Venue.

 
 

The wedding season is definitely in full swing, and what a month! September has been a busy month, and the month started off with Ramon and Ashleigh’s beautiful wedding at the incredible Inimitable Wedding Venue. This was also a reunion for myself and her bridesmaids, Natalia and Jenalea, because I captured their weddings as well. This wedding was postponed by a year because of Covid, but that didn’t stop them for eventually having their wedding!

This wedding was out of this world, and what it even more special were the people. I always walk away from a wedding feeling like family, and this time I arrived already feeling like family! Ramon and Ashleigh, you guys looked incredible! May you love for each other just blossom year in and year out, may God bless your marriage abundantly!

Other suppliers who made the day possible and also very special:

Video: Bespoke Creations | Makeup: @makeupbyryno | Hair: @ellarockafella31 | Dress: @veilbridalcouture Shoes: @opari_za | Flowers: @zavionkotzeeventscompany | Cake: Ashleigh’s mom Shelagh DJ:@perfect_tone_music | Gifts & Stationery: @papermoonza

Jason was my second shooter, and you were a gem to work with! Thank you!

Please enjoy the photos, I think they speak for themselves!


 
 
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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! Ludwe & Zizipho | Wedding | Le Chatelat

Ludwe and Zizipho had a small, intimate and beautiful wedding yesterday at Le Chatelat Residence.

I've never had a moment's doubt. I love you. I believe in you completely. You are my dearest one. My reason for life. Ian McEwan

Ludwe and Zizipho had a small, intimate and beautiful wedding yesterday at Le Chatelat Residence.

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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Gerhard and Kaelynne | Wedding | Black Horse Brewery

My first wedding after Covid19 in 2020! Wow, its good to be back and what a way to start! Gerhard and Kaelynne had such a special day and they looked absolutely gorgeous! Venue: Black Horse Brewery

"You are the love that came without warning; you had my heart before I could say no." Unknown

Gerhard and Kaelynne have been waiting a long time for their wedding. Covid19 wasn’t and isn’t easy for anyone this year, and having weddings postponed till next year isn’t nice either. They had their wedding planned at a different venue, and had to move it due to regulations, but found a date (31 October 2020)…and then took the risk to book it. Luckily it paid off because the lockdown levels went down to 1 and 250 people were allowed per wedding. Geapers….what a gorgeous setting for a wedding they had at Black Horse Brewery. I have been there before for a beer tasting, and obviously you have to stop there if you do the Magalies Meander…I mean the food is great, the horses are majestic and it’s just beautifully green with stunning gardens! I always knew I wanted to come back for a wedding, and I had my chance!

Being a photographer you know that when you get to the venue, you try to observe and take in as much a possible of what is going on around you. You then try to remember it, because when moments unfold in front of you, you try to incorporate as much of the surroundings as possible. That is called creative story telling. It's because photos speaks so much more than what words can do. And that is why I love what I do. I love storytelling.

When you look at these photos, and you see the happiness, joy, love, laughter, and community…then you realise….despite of what Covid19 and what 2020 have thrown at us…this is why we are alive. People matter, not things. Emotions matter, not belongings. Relationships matter, not your bank balance. I think Covid19 has taught us not to focus on the things we can get, but it has changed our perspective. We need to love more, we need to hug more, we need to be in the present more.

Gerhard and Kaelynne’s story unfolded so beautifully on their wedding day, and I enjoyed every second of it. They have the most beautiful love for each other, and they are supported by an amazing bunch of people…family and friends!

The day ended with probably the biggest rainstorm I have witnessed, and when it died down a bit we had to take a few photos in the rain! How gorgeous, but more than that…what a cool memory!

Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end…a little love goes a long way!

Venue, Catering and Gin Station: Black Horse Brewery | Shoes: Foschini (bride) Woolworths (groom) | Bracelet- Sswarovski | Rings: Own design | Earings: Pedro Jeweller | Watch: Fossil | Dress: Olivelli (Blue by Enzoani) | DJ: Discotech (Sean) : Videographer: Mauer Productions | Flowers and decor: Colour Country Florist (Dania) | Makeup: Skulpted by Kai | Hair: Celeste Scott and Jade Bock | Stationary: MU studio (Hennak) | Welcome sign: Stéphanie Clark) | Welcome drinks: Bambini Ice cream

{Click on the image to enlarge}

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Paul and Annerine | Wedding | Kuthaba Bush Lodge

Oh wow, another gorgeous wedding at Kuthaba Bush Lodge! The perfect day for the perfect couple!

The perfect wedding for the perfect couple!

Paul and Annerine tied the knot at the gorgeous Kuthaba Bush Lodge and their wedding was out of this world! I actually dont have words to describe how I feel, so perhaps the photos will have to do!

Venue: Kuthaba Bush Lodge | Hair: Salon Amelia

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Teaser! Gerhard and Kaelynne | Wedding | Black Horse Brewery

My first wedding after Covid19 had struck. Gerhard and Kaelynne had such a special day and they looked absolutely gorgeous! Venue: Black Horse Brewery

"You are the love that came without warning; you had my heart before I could say no." Unknown

Venue, Catering and Gin Station: Black Horse Brewery | Shoes: Foschini (bride) Woolworths (groom) | Bracelet- Sswarovski | Rings: Own design | Earings: Pedro Jewller | Watch: Fossil | Dress: Olivelli (Blue by Enzoani) | DJ: Discotech (Sean) : Videographer: Mauer Productions | Flowers and decor: Colour Country Florist (Dania) | Makeup: Skulpted by Kai | Hair: Celeste Scott and Jade Bock | Stationary: MU studio (Hennak) | Welcome sign: Stéphanie Clark) | Welcome drinks: Bambini Ice cream

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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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wedding photography, post-wedding Wynand van der Merwe wedding photography, post-wedding Wynand van der Merwe

Thomas and Shadè | Post Wedding | Struisbaai

OH MY WORD! I loved this shoot and just look how gorgeous are these two souls…they are stil madly in love, which made it easy for me to photograph them!

Wow, I would have loved to capture Thomas and Shadè’s wedding. Thomas and Shade were on holiday in Struisbaai, and so was I with my family. Shade asked me to capture photos of her and Thomas in their wedding clothes on the beach, and I was really extatic because I havent done many post-wedding shoots, and its been a while since I did a wedding shoot on the beach. One of the main reasons for the shoot was they wanted photos of them with their in-laws’ twin boys.

OH MY WORD! I loved this shoot and just look how gorgeous are these two souls…and they were sooooooo easy to photograph. And the wedding bells are still in the air, I mean just look…they are so much in love still! They had fun and were smiling the whole time! They both do cheerleading and they wanted to do an acrobatic stunt….I was like “You bring it on!” and it looks amazing! Just love the result!

We went to two locations, the first was a dried out water pan close to Struisbaai and the second was on Skulpies Beach in Struisbaai.

Shadé looked incredible in her Lizan Zondach Couture wedding dress and she wore simple, yet beautiful shoes from Woolworths. Thomas looked dapper in his Tip Top Tailor suit and his shoes were from Edgars.

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

(Click on an image to enlarge)


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