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Clinton and Elizabeth | Engagement shoot | Pretoria

Clinton and Elizabeth are sweet souls who love cars and each other. The Jacaranda trees proved to be a gorgeous backdrop for their engagement shoot!

When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew. William Shakespeare

Covid has made it very difficult for us all, but I feels good to be out there taking a few photos again.

Clinton and Elizabeth are sweet souls who love cars and each other. Elizabeth’ owns the VW Beetle and Clinton the Alfa Romeo, and they have this feud whose care is better. Even after the shoot their feud continued on Facebook. Hahaha, they make me laugh. This photo with both cars are so special because almost everything they wanted came together in one photo…purple Jacarandas, their cars and also their love for each other! Oh, man I love my job!

Wynandvandermerwe clinton elizabeth eshoot jacaranda purple gauteng-3.jpg

I really had fun during their engagement shoot. We decided to go to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, because the streets over there is fully covered in purple Jacarandas! What a wonderful display of colour! These two are so much in love and I can just see they can’t wait to tie the knot.

Covid19 definitely hasn’t made it very easy for us, but also not for the couples out there.

Enjoy the photos. I always try to do something different, so thank you Clinton and Liz for allowing me to be creative. You guys rock!

{Click on the image to enlarge}



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Teaser! Clinton and Elizabeth | Engagement shoot | Pretoria

Teaser. Clinton and Elizabeth looked absolutely beautiful during their engagement shoot. The Jacaranda blossoms were out in full swing and the streets are absolutely gorgeous!

When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew. William Shakespeare

Covid has made it very difficult for us all, but I feels good to be out there taking a few photos. Purple Jacarandas are in full bloom at the moment. We decided to go to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, because the streets over there is fully covered in purple! What a wonderful display of colour! These two are so much in love and I can just see they can’t wait to tie the knot.

Covid19 definitely hasnt made it very easy for us, but also not for the couples out there. Congrats on getting engaged and your photos are sooooo pretty! Love the Alfa Romeo and Beetle…they are equally very cool!

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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!

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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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Nabeel and Amina | Engagement session | Bryanston Pine Forest

Wow, I had a super amazing engagement session with Nabeel and Amina. We went to the beautiful Bryanston Pine Forest to create memories for them.

“Outer beauty attracts, but inner beauty captivates.”
Kate Angell

picture-of-the-day_prowedaward-wynand-van-der-merwe.jpeg

Wow, I had a super special engagement session with Nabeel and Amina. We went to the beautiful Bryanston Pine Forest to create memories for them. I love the way Nabeel looks at Amina…yup he is completely in love with his bride-to-be!

I really had an amazing time, and thank you for allowing me to capture some memories for you! Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!

(Click on an image to enlarge)

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Teaser! Nabeel and Amina | Engaged | Bryanston Pine Forest

Wow, I had a super amazing engagement session yesterday with Nabeel and Amina. We went to the beautiful Bryanston Pine Forest to create memories for them.

“Outer beauty attracts, but inner beauty captivates.”
Kate Angell

Wow, I had a super special engagement session with Nabeel and Amina yesterday. We went to the beautiful Bryanston Pine Forest to create memories for them. I love the way Nabeel looks at Amina, I mean he is completely in love with his bride-to-be!

I really had an amazing time, and thank you for allowing me to capture some memories for you! Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!

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Ferreira and Michelle | Engagement session | Hertford Country Hotel

Wow, how beautiful! Just love Ferreira and Michelle’s engagement photos!

Ferreira & Michelle | Engagement session | Hertford Country Hotel

Elegance is the only beauty that never fades. 

Audrey Hepburn

I always love coming back to Hertford Country Hotel, and I absolutely love the upgrades they did recently. The entrance has moved to Malibongwe’s side where the Spar is. Just love the beautiful little fountain at the gate!

Ferreira & Michelle are getting married at Oakfield Farm later this year and I really can’t wait for their wedding. I mean, they are really keen for me to try new things, like for instance the haziness in some of the photos was created using Atmosphere Aerosol South Africa. I over estimated the amount of fog it creates and obviously it doesn’t create fog like a smoke grenade where you are outside, BUT we really had a laugh! Ferrreira was holding the can and sprayed the fog behind them while I was taking photos. The ones on the inside of the venue I sprayed and stepped back to capture the moment. It’s fun, but I must say if you are looking for some serious fog then a smoke grenade will do the trick!

I also love my new Godox AD 200 flash, which allowed me to shoot at High-Speed Sync, ie. shutter speeds of more than 1/200s. Wow, this opens up so much new doors to creativity…LOVE IT!

In any case, I loved capturing Ferreira and Michelle’s engagement shoot and I can’t wait till the wedding! They are such a cool couple and I had loads of fun!

Beautiful make-up and hair by Chantelle Landman - Hair and Makeup.

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

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Teaser! Ferreira & Michelle | Engagement session | Hertford Country Hotel

Wow, how beautiful! Just love Ferreira and Michelle’s engagement photos!

Teaser! Ferreira & Michelle | Engagement session | Hertford Country Hotel

Elegance is the only beauty that never fades. 

Audrey Hepburn

Here’s a sneak peak from Ferreira & Michelle’s engagement shoot at the always beautiful Hertford Country Hotel.

The haziness in some of the photos was created using Atmosphere Aerosol South Africa.

Beautiful make-up and hair by Chantelle Landman - Hair and Makeup.

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

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Chrisjan & Juanita | E-session | Harmonie Proteas

Oh how I adore these two souls. Chrisjan and Juanita got engaged and I have not seen two people more in love. Their engagement shoot was done at the beautiful Harmonie Proteas!

Song of Solomon 8:6-7: “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it.

Harmonie proteas engagement shoot beautiful

Oh how I adore these two souls. Chrisjan and Juanita got engaged and I have not seen two people more in love. Our journey actually started early last year, and they have booked with me for this year, but only did their engagement shoot recently at the beautiful Harmonie Proteas. We wanted to go to an abondened mine dump, becuase Juanita had a specific idea in mind, but due to safety reasons decided not to go ahead with that idea. Oh how glad…Harmonie Proteas is such a pretty backdrop for any shoot. Just look at the pretty colors! Another reason why I love shooting here is because they give you the most beautiful flower bouquet to do photos with!

Corne Brecher from Beautiful Change did the most amazing makeup for Juanita, and she just radiated beauty! Chrisjan couldnt keep his eyes away from his bride-to-be! I also loved her YDE dress, and her hair by Captivating Mobile Hair and Makeup was also done to perfection!

Enjoy the photos and please leave a message at the end….a little love really goes far!

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George & Charlene | Engagement shoot | Toadbury Hall

Wow, I had a blast capturing George and Charlene’s engagement shoot at the beautiful Toadbury Hall.

George & Charlene | Engagement shoot | Toadbury Hall

Some people are worth melting for - Olaf

It was raining quite a bit the past few days and I mentioned to Charlene that we can continue with their engagement shoot if there is a little rain, but if it rains quite hard, then we might not do the shoot…but she said…” No I don’t mind a little rain!”. AWESOME.

We as photographers LOVE rain photos. I mean I know its not too much fun when you get soaked and you need to survive for a day being super wet, but getting wet for an hour is fun, right? Well, I think so, and I know the photos normally ROCK when it rains.

Funny enough…the rain kinda stopped when we did the shoot at Toadbury Hall, and I was a little disappointed because I prepped for some serious rain. I placed my off-camera flashes in plastic bags, I had an umbrella and I had a big plastic bag for my camera…and I wanted a shot with lots and lots of rain…and we got a few shots with little rain…but hey…we can’t complain for not getting soaked! We had blue skies and sun at some point…and air was so beautiful and clean….yup…a blessing in disguise!

George and Charlene are getting married at Galagos Wedding venue later this year, and they are the first two getting married in the Nel family. I recently posted an engagement shoot of Rohan and Neruschke…well Rohan and Charlene are siblings and they are both getting married this year, one month apart…and I am privileged to capture both their weddings. :)

Charlene, your make-up looked amazing and that dress from Cocoberry was absolutely divine!

Please show some love by leaving a comment at the end!









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Teaser! Chris and Marike | Engagement shoot | Maboneng Precinct

I absolutely love how Chris and Marike treat each other and I could see Chris is madly in love with his bride-to-be! This was such a nice urban engagement shoot in Maboneng Precinct.

Teaser! Chris and Marike | Engagement shoot | Maboneng Precinct

You make my heart race and there is no finish line. Rachel Wolchin

Chris and Marike is tying the knot this month and we did an urban pre-wedding shoot (engagement shoot) in Maboneng for them to practise in front of my lens but also to create some super cool images. Maboneng has so much going on that it’s very easy to create cool images and be crazy creative at the same time.

I absolutely love how Chris and Marike treat each other and I could see Chris is madly in love with his bride-to-be! Marike, your makeup by Melinda De Wet from Frissk Beauty was just flawless and you really looked beautiful!

Chris is also crazy about his bike, a very powerful Suzuki Hayabusa…which at some point was the fastest road bike on the planet! So i had to create a few images with his bike!

Enough said, enjoy the sneak peak and please leave a message at the end!

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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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Prebz & Shogan | Engagement shoot | Maboneng, Jhb

Wow, I got very lucky with this shoot. Prebz was the winner of my photo competition, which I hosted recently, but I didn’t know I was going to have so much fun and that they are going to look this good…! Amazing!

Prebz & Shogan | Engagement shoot | Maboneng, Jhb

It's that heart of gold, & stardust soul that make you beautiful. -R.M.Broderick

Wow, I got very lucky with this shoot. Prebz was the winner of my photo competition, which I hosted recently, but I didn’t know I was going to have so much fun and that they are going to look this good…! Amazing!

I mostly host these competitions to attract new clients, and also just to have fun because I get to direct the shoot a little more compared to something I do for a client.

What I didn’t plan was the fact that Prebz got engaged shortly before I selected a winner, so this shoot doubled up as an engagement shoot…which was super awesome. It was a little funny when Prebz told me Shogan has proposed without a ring…so they brought a blow-up ring…which ended up being in the “ring shot”.

I really had fun doing this shoot. Prebz and Shogan are such easy people to photograph…and just look how gorgeous they are! And I must say, I have worked with lots of makeup people, but Arti (Instagram: @artyn88) are definitely one of the best I have worked with. His makeup is like pieces of art…I mean just look at Prebz’ incredible makeup.

Prebz wanted to do an urban shoot, so she booked an Airbnb apartment in the innercity of Johannesburg, in the Maboneng District, and what a find! This penthouse has the most amazing views of the city and the sun also didn’t disappoint…what a sunset over the city!

Prebz bought her beautiful dress at Forever New.

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


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Ryan & Natalia | Engagement shoot | Nirox Sculpture Park

Ryan and Natalia had so much fun for their engagement shoot at the beautiful Nirox Sculpture Park.

Ryan & Natalia | Engagement shoot | Nirox Sculpture Park

Ryan and Natalia had so much fun for their engagement shoot at the beautiful Nirox Sculpture Park.

The Nirox Park is for the ART fans, but also for the garden enthusiasts….I mean it looks like a botanical gardens with huge sculptures and artwork placed everywhere…which makes for very creative photos…which I love! I am not a ART person in bone and marrow, but I am very creative so I just loved doing this shoot for them!

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

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Bryan & Sarah | Urban Engagement Shoot | Northcliff Koppie, Gauteng

Wow, look how gorgeous Bryan and Sarah’s engagement shoot photos turned out! Just loved getting a few shots with Bryan’s Ford Mustang!

Bryan & Sarah | Urban Engagement Shoot | Northcliff Koppie, Gauteng

"I swear I couldn't love you more than I do right now, and yet I know I will tomorrow." — Leo Christopher

Sometimes I wonder how some people find me. I mean I don't have a button on my webpage or Facebook which says:"Only beautiful people CLICK HERE!"...but I have gorgeous people as clients! Wow, Bryan and Sarah...you guys are so freakin good lookin'....my camera almost melted...and coupled with that magical sun up on the Northcliff Koppie...oh my word...magical stuff! 

And they are super cool as well. They are tattoo artists (they work for Fallen Heroes) in the day and cheerleaders at night...wow, that sound like they are super heroes...wait...I am not sure exactly how they do it but they are also cheerleaders and they compete regularly overseas. Perhaps they will do a crazy stunt at the wedding...will have to wait and see!

Their crazy beautiful engagement photos were taken at two locations. We started in Parkhurst tourist area and walked the streets. And something out of the ordinary happened. The photos with the champagne wasn't planned at all...we were doing photos in front of Rockets Parkhurst and friends of theirs, who were at the restaurant, gave them each a glass to enjoy...so we had to capture a few shots with the champagne.

Wow, I also just want to give a shout out to a super awesome company, Profoto. I just love their Sunsilver Reflector....wow...those shots at the Cape Dutch building with the light on Sarah's face...that was created while holding the reflector in my left hand!

Their shoot ended at a new location close to Northcliff Koppie in Gauteng. The actual Northcliff Koppie site is closed off for renovations and its inaccessible to the public. The sunset was out of this world, and just loved getting a few shots with Bryan’s Ford Mustang as well!

Enjoy the photos, and please leave some love at the end!

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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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Timothy & Jehdene | Engagement session | Northcliff

Wow, what an amazing and special shoot! Jehdene asked God for an amazing sunset during their engagement shoot and just look at it! and funny enough...we almost cancelled due a little rain! Northcliff Koppie and the splendour of God on display!

Timothy & Jehdene | Engagement session | Northcliff 

The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Ps19:1

What a day. Jehdene wanted to go to Northcliff to get a sunset photo, which was fine, but when the day arrived there was rain forecasted. So after a few conversations we almost cancelled the shoot, and postponed to another day, but luckily we didn't. Jehdene asked God for an amazing sunset and just look at it! One of the prettiest sunsets I have seen in Johannesburg!

Timothy & Jehdene are getting married later this month and I had the most incredible time capturing special memories for them for their engagement shoot

I am a story teller and I love to be a photojournalist at a shoot at parties, weddings etc. So at heart I believe in telling authentic stories, because amazingly you almost never remember what you looked like 50 years from now, but you remember what you felt like. We need photographs to remind us what we looked like. So if we were fake in front of the camera, that is what you will remember. So I try my utmost best to create natural and authentic moments in front of the camera...so in essence I try to capture what you felt like (totally in love but also a little scared (I mean you are getting married)).

Oke right. Jehdene told me that she plays the Saxophone so I asked her to bring it along on the shoot...and wow....I am in love with the Saxophone shots...and mostly because its very personal for her! 

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

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