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Wicus and Liesl | Wedding | Tutuwedzo Lodge

Wow, what a special and beautiful wedding. Wicus and Liesl had such an amazing day with family and friends, and the venue boasts an outdoor reception area under a massive tree! How magnificent!

Wicus and Liesl | Wedding | Tutuwedzo Lodge, Gauteng

“There is no friendship, no love, like that of the parent for the child.”-Henry Ward Beecher

Wynandvandermerwe wicus liesl wedding tutuwedzo gauteng south africa

Wicus and Liesl’s amazing wedding was held at the Deck at Tutuwedzo Lodge. I have shot weddings at amazing places before but this might be up there as one of the most beautiful. The reception was held under the most beautiful lit tree, with a rustic bar area around the base of the tree. It was a huge risk having the wedding outside, but what a reward when the risk paid off!

I think I have mentioned a few times on my blogs and feeds that I really love kids at weddings. I have 2 kids and I can’t imagine my life without my kids. Kids at weddings is such a huge joy for me, and really love adding their unique perspective to a wedding. They bring such innocence, joy and laughter and they almost always don’t know what is going on around them…I mean they don’t even someone is getting married. It was a first for me to have the wedding couple’s son as part of the wedding.

My highlight for the day was when Liesl walked down the aisle towards her soon-to-be-husband Wicus, and he had his son in his arms…Wow…what powerful a moment! I even got teary as well!

And these people know how to party! I always say that your brain is programmed to remember emotions (how you felt). You rarely remember in detail things that you see, unless you have a photographic memory. Thats why you need photo prints, albums and videos to remind you of how you felt. So its important at weddings to have amazing catering, music and spontaneous moments during the photo sessions. So when you have a killer party, you are sure to remember you had a super wedding….and Wicus and Liesl surely had a crazy cool party! The food, which was outdoor carts and tables with almost street food was super tasty! I just loved the Mexican taco stand where you could build your own taco…yum yum!

One very tearful moment at the wedding was when they paid tribute to Wicus’ sister who had passed away a few years ago….she would have been very proud to have seen Wicus and Liesl tying the knot!

Enough said about this beautiful wedding.

Some of the suppliers who made the day possible.

Wedding gown: Chiqwawa | Liesl’s jewellery: Wicus’ mom’s jewellery | Makeup and hair: Unmissable | DJ: Jaycee | Venue and food: Tutuwedzo Lodge | Wicus’ suit: Eurosuit | Watch: Rolex (gift from Wicus’ parents) | Videography: Tintype Productions

Enjoy the sneak peak and please leave a comment at the end!

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Teaser! Wicus and Liesl | Wedding | Tutuwedzo Lodge

Wow, what a special and beautiful wedding. Wicus and Liesl had such an amazing day with family and friends, and the venue boasts an outdoor reception area under a massive tree! How magnificent!

Teaser! Wicus and Liesl | Wedding | Tutuwedzo Lodge, Gauteng

“There is no friendship, no love, like that of the parent for the child.”-Henry Ward Beecher

Here’s a sneak peak from Wicus and Liesl’s amazing wedding this weekend at the amazing The Deck at Tutuwedzo Lodge. What a beautiful location for a wedding…wow…I mean the reception was held under the most beautiful lit up tree, with a rustic bar area around the base of the tree.

It was a first for me to have the wedding couple’s son as part of the wedding, but as many (and having 2 kids myself) would testify…kids make everything in life so colourful! The highlight for Wicus was when his 2 year-old son and soon-to-be wife walked down the isle…wow…what a powerful moment and I got teary as well during that moment!

Some of the suppliers who made the day possible.

Wedding gown: Chiqwawa | Liesl’s jewellery: Wicus’ mom’s jewellery | Makeup and hair: Unmissable | DJ: Jaycee | Venue and food: Tutuwedzo Lodge | Wicus’ suit: Eurosuit | Watch: Rolex (gift from Wicus’ parents) | Videography: Tintype Productions

Enjoy the sneak peak and please leave a comment at the end!

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Tertius & Monique | Wedding | Memoire Wedding Venue, Gauteng

Wow, this was the most emotional wedding I had the privilege to document to date. And Tertius and Monique looked absolutely gorgeous for their wedding celebration at Memoire Wedding Venue.

Tertius & Monique | Wedding | Memoire Wedding Venue, Gauteng

A father is a man who expects his son to be as good a man as he meant to be. Frank A. Clark

Tertius & Monique's celebrated their wedding at the impressive MEMOIRE wedding and function venue, Muldersdrift. It was a super emotional day and I think its fitting and touching to have celebrated Father's Day a few days after their wedding. 

Tertius lost his dad recently and every time he remembered his dad during the day he would burst into tears. He had me in tears many times, and I couldn't have asked for a more special wedding to be a part of. Thank you for allowing me to capture memories for you and Monique, and wow....you looked absolutely smashing! 

Tertius may you truly be the man your dad meant to be! He will surely be missed. The painting in the groom portraits is a painting of Tertius and his dad. 

I must just add, I had so much fun photographing the partying at the end of the day! They went all out, especially the guys! 

Here's a list of the other suppliers who were involved making their day possible:

Flowers and decor: Bliss Floral Creations | Make-up: EA Academy MUD Westrand | Wedding Gown: Bridal Manor Pta | Wedding Designer: Pronovias (Pradera) | Monique's shoes: Charles & Keith, Menlyn | Tertius suit and shoes: Carducci | Painting of Tertius and his Dad: Friso van der Wal | Stationery: Vast Exposure | DJ: Starlightsounds | Live Music: CH2 | Photographer assistant: Carolyn J Gregorowski

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

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Teaser! Tertius & Monique | Wedding | Memoire Wedding Venue, Gauteng

Wow, this was the most emotional wedding I had photographed to date. And Tertius and Monique looked absolutely gorgeous for their wedding celebration at Memoire Wedding Venue.

Teaser! Tertius & Monique | Wedding | Memoire Wedding Venue, Gauteng

A father is a man who expects his son to be as good a man as he meant to be. Frank A. Clark

Tertius & Monique's celebrated their wedding yesterday at the impressive MEMOIRE wedding and function venue, Muldersdrift. It was a super emotional day and I think its fitting and touching to have celebrated Father's Day recently. 

Tertius lost his dad recently and every time he remembered his dad during the day he burst into tears. He had me in tears many times, and I couldn't have asked for a more special wedding to be a part of. Thank you for allowing me to capture memories for you and Monique, and wow....you looked absolutely smashing! 

Tertius may you truly be the man your dad meant to be! He will surely be missed. 

The painting in the groom portraits is a painting of Tertius and his dad. 

I must just add, I had so much fun photographing the partying at the end of the day! They went all out, especially the guys! 

Make-up: EA Academy MUD Westrand
Photographer assistant: Carolyn J Gregorowski
Live Music: CH2

Enjoy the sneak peak and I can't wait share the rest of this beautiful wedding!

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Juwaid & Farheen's Wedding | Fire and Ice Hotel | Gauteng

Juwaid & Farheen's muslim wedding is one I will not forget! I just loved their couple shoot on Sandton City's 8th Level parking area! The light and dramatic skies were out of this world!  

Juwaid & Farheen's Wedding | Fire and Ice Hotel | Gauteng

Love is life. And if you miss love, you miss life. Leo Buscaglia

Juwaid & Farheen's wedding was the first Muslim wedding I have captured and I can't wait for my next one! Wow...just love the colors! It was such a relaxing day for me because I wasn't part of the groom's nikkah, which happened at the Houghton Masjid. Farheen got ready at the beautiful Marriott Protea Fire and Ice Hotel, Melrose Arch and they met up with family and friends for a simple reception (or lunch) at Calisto's Restaurant in Rosebank Mall, where they also exchanged rings. The Portuguese food was absolutely sensational.

Thank you for the hospitality...I felt like an esteemed guest! 

We left to do the couple shoot when the lunch and festivities was done, and I must tell you, if you need to work on how to keep a couple "busy" and not run out of ideas on how to pose people...do a 3 hours couple shoot. It keeps you on your toes, and its amazing also. Because you get to experiment a little bit....and when the light is out of this world....well then its heaven! We had a blast during the 3 hour couple shoot! The shoot was also such a relaxed shoot because there was no event happening after the couple shoot. So we had the afternoon/evening at our disposal for photos. We started at Sandton City Mall's level 8 parking area and we ended back at the Marriott Fire and Ice Hotel in Melrose Arch. The rooftop area must be my next-best photo location...I just loved shooting their urban wedding photos with the buildings in the background! 

Makeup: Thameenah Saint | Hair: Studio 9 at Melrose Arch | Wedding Dress: Bridal Vault | Flowers: Flower Spot, Woodmead | Decor: Family and @rayhanscatering | Rings: JDC Jewellers & American Swiss | Tuxedo: Oriental Plaza | Juwaid's Shoes: Woolworths | Farheen's shoes: YDE | Farheen's henna: Henna Art by MS | Flower Bouquet: Striking Beauty

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

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Teaser! Juwaid & Farheen's Wedding | Fire and Ice Hotel | Gauteng

Juwaid & Farheen's muslim wedding is one I will not forget! I just loved their couple shoot on Sandton City's 8th Level parking area! The light and dramatic skies were out of this world!  

Teaser! Juwaid & Farheen's Wedding | Fire and Ice Hotel | Gauteng

Love is life. And if you miss love, you miss life. Leo Buscaglia

I captured my first Muslim wedding this past Saturday, and I loved it. It was such a relaxing day for me because I wasn't part of the groom's nikkah, which happened at the Houghton Masjid. Farheen got ready at the beautiful Marriott Protea Fire and Ice Hotel, Melrose Arch and they met up with family and friends for a simple reception (or lunch) at Calisto's Restaurant in Rosebank Mall, where they also exchanged rings. The food was absolutely amazing.

Thank you for the hospitality...I felt like an esteemed guest! 

We then left to do the couple shoot when the lunch and festivities was done which lasted for 3 hours. Wow...this was such a relaxed shoot because there was no event happening after the couple shoot. So we had the afternoon/evening at our disposal for photos and the sunlight was out of this world. We started at Sandton City Mall's level 8 parking area and we ended back at the Fire and Ice Hotel in Melrose Arch. The rooftop area must be my next-best photo location...I just loved shooting their urban wedding photos with the buildings in the background! 

Makeup: Thameenah Saint | Hair: Studio 9 at Melrose Arch | Wedding Dress: Bridal Vault | Flowers: Flower Spot, Woodmead | Decor: Family and @rayhanscatering | Rings: JDC Jewellers & American Swiss | Tuxedo: Oriental Plaza | Juwaid's Shoes: Woolworths | Farheen's shoes: YDE | Farheen's henna: Henna Art by MS | Flower Bouquet: Striking Beauty

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

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Ryan and Dawn | Destination Wedding | Orchards, Midlands KZN

Ryan and Dawn's destination wedding was one of those "pinch yourself" weddings. I just couldn't believe I was so lucky to be their photographer!

Ryan and Dawn | Destination Wedding | Orchards, Midlands KZN

My love for you is a journey, starting at forever and ending at never. 
- Anonymous

Ryan and Dawn's destination wedding was one of those "pinch yourself" weddings. I just couldn't believe I was so lucky to be their photographer! And amazingly, they found me through one of my competitions which I had held at my exhibition stand at the Oakfields Farm Bridal Expo in January 2016. Wow, what a privilege to be a part of their journey! 

Here is link to Ryan and Dawn's engagement shoot in Maboneng last, for in case you missed it! Click HERE.

One of the things that make my blood pumping vigorously is getting on a plane and to jet off to a far off destination. The Midlands isn't halfway around the world, but it is still a "far off destination". I just love travel. To see places, and to meet new people, and to experience different cultures...and then to capture this on camera is even more exhilarating.

Ryan and Dawn's wedding was held in the Midlands at the most beautiful country venue The Orchards. I have been following the venue on Instagram for a while now and when Dawn said that she is getting married at this venue I really got super excited. I know weddings aren't really about the venue, or dress, or food...but about the people...but beautiful venues that makes your photos so much prettier...and when you have the most beautiful decor and flowers at a beautiful venue...wow...then you are in for some eye candy...the decor was out-of-this-world with this wedding!

Dawn did most of the planning for the wedding, and she was inspired by the 2016 colour palette of serenity and also blue...I mean blue is her favorite colour! For the reception she chose a woodlands theme with greenery and ivy, ferns and lilies as the main flowers. Wood were added in the form of wooden coasters for the favours, thick wooden discs as signs, which were cut from logs, and wooden branch pieces used as menu stands. The latter was done by Ryan and his brother. Ryan and his mom also made the table numbers by using moss-covered polystyrene numbers, and how amazing is this: The alter was made by Dawn's dad!

Crystal and Vine did the table decor and also the overhanging arrangements and lighting. Debbie Martens did the amazing flower and Food Matters were responsible for the incredible food. The stationery was designed and printed by a family friend and the sweets and cake was made by another family friend...And I wish I could make people taste the cake through the photos because you surely missed out...it looked good but tasted even better! 

Dawn had a stunner of a dress. It was a Nola dress designed by Maggie Sotero, and Dawn bought the dress in Wimbledon London at Paverly Bridal. She also bought her shoes in London at Next. But why London? Well, both Ryan and Dawn are South Africans and they just love traveling and going to new places and the UK especially are close to their hearts. So in January this year Dawn accepted an offer for a job in London, which created some chaos in their lives, especially with the planning of their dream wedding in SA. They realised that it will be a nightmare to arrange things from the UK, so they basically met with the caterers, florists and decor people in South Africa six months before the wedding before they moved to London to start her new job in March. Wow, that is trust on a new level, and the suppliers did such an amazing job...great decisions in choosing your suppliers! 

Thank you for trusting me with your memories. I had a blast capturing your wedding photos, Ryan and Dawn, and may your love for each other just grow and grow! 

Dawn's incredible make-up and hair was done by Camilla Kerr – The Durban Makeup Artist and the video was done by the talented Jon R Photography. The music during the canapes and snacks was done by an incredible duo Aymira Band (I mean they were seriously good) and the sound and music during reception was done by the incredible DJ Worx

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

 

 

 

 

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Collin & Cheryl | Wedding | Tres Jolie, Johannesburg

Collin and Cheryl are serious love birds and their wedding day was full of laughter and fun! I had a blast capturing their wedding love story! #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer

Collin & Cheryl | Wedding | Tres Jolie, Johannesburg

A thing of beauty is a joy forever: Its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness. John Keats

Collin and Cheryl have been clients for a few years now, and they always said that I will be their photographer for their wedding one day...and so it happened! Amazing. Collin and Cheryl are serious love birds, and I just love how Cheryl cracks up of laughter for Collin. He truly makes her happy, and its inspirational to see! 

They have a very unique love story. They know each other since Grade 1 and they have been friends all through primary and high school. He did ask her out two times in school but she said "no", and funny enough she asked him out once after school and he said "no", but they somehow always had a way to find each other. The eventually started dating, and after 2 years popped the question at the amazing Groot Constantia Wine Farm by going down on one knee. At first she thought he was weird, because she tried helping him up from his knee but soon realised he is proposing and said "yes"! Amazing. 

Cheryl love vintage themed stuff, so she desperately wanted a vintage look for her engagement shoot, so we went to the amazing Pretville, and had a blast! Here is a link to their very cool engagement shoot photos! Click here!

It was a first time for me to have had a late wedding, which meant that the ceremony was in the time of the couple shoot, ie the golden hour and the couple shoot for the wedding in the blue hour of the day. Blue hour is that absolute last light of day, after sunset, just before it becomes dark...long story short we had little light to work with during the couple shoot so I had to use alternative methods to create light for the photos. This is what I love about photography, because certain elements pushes you to be very creative, and the photos then comes out like photos you have never seen before! Amazing. I used an off-camera flash for some of the photos, but also two cellphone lights for some of the shots...and I LOVE the result! 

Here is a list of the suppliers who made their day possible!

Venue and food: Tres Jolie Wedding and Function Venue. The cake was a gift from Dina and Johan Scoltz. Cheryl's dress was made by Bridal Alchemy. Cheryl's shoes were from Truworths and Collin's suit from Eurosuit. The macaron gifts were from Lindt. Collins ring from JDC Jewellers and the DJ was from Soundworx and which were part of package with Tres Jolie.

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

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Rudolph & Angelique | Wedding | Makiti Wedding Venue

Rudolph and Angelique had a very special wedding at Makiti Wedding Venue with family and friends! Magical day with lots of fun and laughter!

Rudolph & Angelique | Wedding | Makiti Wedding Venue

Love is a canvas furnished by nature and embroidered by imagination. Voltaire

I always say with client referrals I always get my best clients, and with Rudolph and Angelique it was no exception! Rudolph works with a dear friend of mine and he mentioned at his office that he knows a wedding photographer and he referred me to them, and how blessed I am to have had them as clients! They are such down-to-earth and easy-going people, who loves simple things in life like outdoors, camping, fishing, sharing a meal with friends and family. They also have a huge love for dogs. I remember well, the first we met we immediately connected, and I always tell people I meet with, it is so important to connect with your photographer.

Rudolph and Angelique had a very special wedding at Makiti Wedding Venue with family and friends! And as much as people want to believe their Big-Day will be perfect and without any hick-ups, it almost always never is. The day is ultimately about the people and how they celebrate how two families become one, how two people become one. That is what is so special to me about weddings! Why do I mention this? Well Angelique (or someone...I am not going to point fingers ;-)) forgot her shoes...so she got married in...well old shoes...but hey...luckily they didn't forget her dress...once again nothing really stopped them from having the day of their lives...a day they will cherish forever! 

Here is a list of the suppliers who made this day possible!

Venue: Makiti Wedding Venue Wedding Dress: Yourday bridal

DJ: DJ Luke

Make-up: Lillian van Aswegen  Hair: Hair at Dorette (Website: Dorette Hair Salon, Dorette Oosthuizen)

Jewellery, a pear set: Avon

Rudolph's shoes: Woolworths

Video: Brightmoon Video & Photography & Second shooter: Chane Basson

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

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Jan-Peet & Nadine | Wedding | Bell Amour | Pretoria

This is one of my favourites for the year! JP and Nadine looked absolutely smashing on their wedding day. Wow, what a cool bunch of family and friends! I must also give a shout out to Bell Amour Wedding Venue...what a beauty!

Jan-Peet & Nadine | Wedding | Bell Amour | Pretoria

We love because it's the only true adventure. Nikki Giovanni

What an adventure this day has been!

Jan-Peet (JP) & Nadine's wedding at Bell Amour Wedding Venue was one for the books! And they both looked smashing...just look at Nadine's dress. I could not believe when Nadine told me her dress made by one of the bridesmaid's moms...I thought it was a super duper designer dress! 

JP works in the Film Industry and I remember him saying to me that he has a special look in mind with regards to his photos...so I knew the game was on. I had to step up my game...thats how it goes in this industry. You feel the pressure on your skin because you know we look at images differently than the non-photographers...

Jan-Peet is a super clever creative soul...I mean his wife describes him as a mix between a hippy and an auditor...quite funny, but true. He had this crazy huge beard when we met last year and Nadine has the following to say about her husband: "He relishes adventure, mystery and passion filled lifestyle. He gives without expecting back and cares intensely for the people he loves". Nadine on the other hand is: "a soft and a gentle soul who loves animals, friends and family" as she would put it. She has this grace about her, and absolutely gorgeous...just a joy to photograph her. Together they are such a cool and confident couple, and the love just oozes out of them. I enjoyed them greatly! And oh my word they make great photos. I didn't know how they would be and react in front of my camera as Nadine's best friend did their engagement photos, but they were such naturals...I am sure they have this before. :)

The decor was super simplistic and elegant, with magenta as the main color with a lot of greens. The Love Knot did the amazing flowers on the tables and in the chapel, and beautiful signs in the chapel and above the main table were made by the venue! The centre pieces, with the white "trees" was done by JP and Nadine, and Nadine made the origami herself. They spent roughly 18 months planning this amazing wedding! 

Much can be said about the day, how much love and laughter happened, but I think the pictures will do it more justice!

Here is a list of other suppliers who were involved: 

Makeup: Morné Marx & Hair & Makeup: Nanna Castmar-Jensen (one of the bridesmaids)

Cake, Cupcakes and Cake Pops: L's Creations

DJ and sound: Dj Kings

Nadine's shoes: Aldo & JP's shoes: Markhams

JP's and the groomsmen's suits: Civic Tailors and Outfitters, Bloemfontein

Nadine's ring: Von Wielligh and JP wooden inlay ring: VA Tungsten  

Gowns:    Thashreya's clothing & Groomsmen boutonnieres: Iniek

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

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Teaser! Rudolph & Angelique | Wedding | Makiti Wedding Venue

Rudolph and Angelique had a very special wedding this past weekend at Makiti - Venue's/lodge! Here are a few from the wedding, they had such a special day with family and friends! 

Teaser! Rudolph & Angelique | Wedding | Makiti Wedding Venue

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. Mignon McLaughlin

Rudolph and Angelique had a very special wedding this past weekend at Makiti - Venue's/lodge! Here are a few from the wedding, they had such a special day with family and friends! 

Video: Brightmoon Video & Photography
Second shooter: Chane Basson

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Brand & Vanessa | Wedding | The Bridge, Muldersdrift

Wow, I am in love with Brand & Vanessa's photos! They got married on probably the coldest day of the year, with rain, but they took the day on with both hands and what a day it was! Special! 

You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known—and even that is an understatement. F Scott Fitzgerald

Wow, what a day. It was probably the coldest day of the year thus far, and it rained quite a lot. I had a tough start to the day. I woke up that morning with a cold, and my voice was gone. I luckily didn't have a fever, but I knew I would not be my 100% during the day, but amazingly I made it! I take my hat off for Vanessa and Brand. They did not expect the Winter to start on their wedding day, but they took the day in its stride and their wedding was one of my highlights for this year! 

Its actually amazing how things worked out. It poured during the time Brand and Vanessa were preparing, which meant we couldn't go outside at all for a few photos. I actually love it (well not so much in the moment, but its good for me) when I am pushed into a creative corner and I need to think outside the box. What happened was, Vanessa got dressed in a small room, and when three bridesmaids, Vanessa, her mom, the makeup artist and hairstylist, and myself the photographer, and the video production people are squished into the same room, one needs to be super creative to create awesome shots...that is what I love. I didn't do what I normally do in that moment, which means I get super cool shots...and I did! It also rained when the ceremony started, but it stopped just after the ceremony, with 20 minutes of the most amazing sunshine! Memorable! 

Vanessa said she wanted to do a "reveal-the-dress" for her bridesmaids, so you can imagine how difficult it was to do the dress shot, because the bridesmaids were in the room while Vanessa did her hair and makeup. So when we did the dress shot, I asked the bridesmaids to hide in the bathroom (they couldn't wait outside due to the rain), and we also did fun photos of the them closing their eyes and standing right in front of the dress...almost like teasing them that they are not allowed to look! And when Vanessa got dressed, they hid in the bathroom again!

One of the most memorable moments for me was the reaction of her bridesmaids when she revealed her dress! Priceless moment!

BrandVanessaWedding.gif

Wow!

Such special memories!

Another memorable moment for me was when the bridesmaids were walking towards the church in the rain with umbrellas. When they were about 3 meters away from entering the church, they stopped quickly and threw their umbrellas (or tried throwing it) over some rose bushes...lets just say the umbrellas didnt make it to the other side of the rose bushes and got stuck in the roses. 

I am super excited. This wedding is going to be shown on TV! Brand and Vanessa's wedding coming to  MySakpas-trou Channel 147 on ViaTV on KykNET. I enjoyed working with the guys from the Media Club Productions. It was my first experience having a film crew at a wedding, and I must say its different than having a wedding videographer at a wedding, but I had fun! 

Brand and Vanessa, it was a joy capturing your wedding, and I pray God's richest blessings over your marriage!

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

Venue, Flowers and Catering: The Bridge, Muldersdrift | Wedding and Function venue

Make up and hair: Jonice from Jdv Styling

Rings: Pedro Da Silva - Fine Jewellery

Wedding Dress: Eurobride

Brands's suit: Greys

Cake & Cupcakes: Vanessa's aunt Marietjie

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

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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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Duane & Tanya | Wedding | The Moon and Sixpense

Wow, finally it is here! Duane and Tanya's beautiful wedding at the Moon & Sixpense is on my blog!

"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights

My wife and I got married in Bredasdorp 8 years ago, but always tell that if we tied the knot in Gauteng, we would have done it at The Moon & Sixpense! This is such an amazing venue...the tuscan vibe and the fact that it feels like you wander in a little forest is mesmerizing! 

Duane and Tanya had a super amazing wedding, with friends and family, and one of the most memorable moments for me was when Tanya's dad saw for the first time in her beautiful wedding dress. It's a moment I am looking for when me little girl is grown up and ready to marry the man of her dreams. I mean this is the day all girls dream about since they were small...a princess leaving the house of her king, going on a journey to marry her prince! Magical stuff! 

Tanya looked absolutely gorgeous in her wedding dress, and Duane....you looked dapper, especially with your red bow tie!

Duane inspires me as a man. The way he looks at Tanya, with so much love and admiration...and the way he handles her...its so special! May your love for each other grow and grow each year, and may your love inspire others like you have inspired me to love! 

Here is the list of the other suppliers who made this amazing day possible!

Venue: The Moon & Sixpense

Make up and hair: Made Up by Kylie 

Tanya's dress: Silk Stitches (such a pretty dress)

Duane's suit: Eurosuit

DJ and MC: Michael Catterson from Mix 93.8 FM (wow, he is entertaining)

Flowers and decor: Exquisite Flowers & Decor Hire

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

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Teaser! Brand & Vanessa | Wedding | The Bridge, Muldersdrift

Wow, this was probably the coldest day this year...and the wettest...but Brand & Vanessa took the day in it's stride and had the most amazing wedding day ever! Such a memorable day...and we had 20min of the most incredible sun! 

You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known—and even that is an understatement. F Scott Fitzgerald
Wedding photography

Wow, what a day! Rain, cold front, and more rain...and a little bit of super duper sun...Brand & Vanessa, you were brave and you took this day in your stride and had the coolest wedding ever! They are such cool clients and I had a ball capturing their story....and WOW! they looked amazing! 

Another amazing thing is this wedding is going to be shown on Via TV on the My Sakpas Troue Show on Channel 147. I just loved working with the Media Club Productions team...can't wait to see the episode!

Venue: The Bridge, Muldersdrift

Enjoy the sneak peak....I cant wait to share some more! 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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*Teaser! Duane & Tanya | Wedding | The Moon and Sixpense

Here is a sneak peak of the beautiful wedding at The Moon and Sixpense yesterday! Tanya and Duane looked amazing! 

"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights

Here is a sneak peak of yesterday's exquisite wedding at the Moon and Sixpense! Duane and Tanya's looked amazing and what a beautiful day...especially after having two days of serious rain in Johannesburg! 

Make-up: Made up by Kylie

Flowers and Decor: Exquisite Flowers & Decor Hire

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Justin & Gen - God's perfect painting {Wedding, Highway Church}

Justin and Genevieve's beautiful wedding is on my blog! I am a personal friend and I just loved every moment of capturing their special wedding!

“Love must be as much a light as it is a flame.” —Henry David Thoreau, author and poet

Justin and I travelled the world together in 2012 for a whole year as part of Global Challenge Expeditions, which is where our story started. It is such an honour and adventure to have served and worshipped the Lord Jesus in 10 different countries....Amazing memories! We have stayed friends since then and it was a few years later that I met Genevieve. And last year I had the privilege of capturing their actual engagement....priceless!

Since the sneak peak, I have been wanting to post Justin & Genevieve's wedding photos so badly! As a wedding photographer you get faced with incredible challenges and one of the biggest challenges is when the wedding doesn't look like the ones you are used to. BUT this allows for some serious out-of-the-box-thinking!

The place, at which we planned to do the couple shoot, didn't allow us to go in late in the afternoon. The wedding ceremony happened at the Church where the ceremony was being held. Most of the decor was done by the couple and their friends, which meant it wasn't completed when I needed to shoot the decor, and it was done outdoors (the light isn't favourable at 12am)...so huge challenges might be un understatement. The amazing thing about all of this is, if the results look this good, either I am super amazing as a photographer or God had intervened. I am good, not wait...I am great at what I do....but I also believe that God intervened.

I prepared myself for a smallish wedding, but in fact it was huge! Genevieve is definitely one of the most beautiful brides I have ever captured. The location I found for the couple shoot, was IMPECCABLE! The decor was great, and the venue was amazing...just loved the outdoor reception area under cool lights and those doors! The car they organised was out-of-this-world...I can go on and on...but all I want to say is..."I am lucky to have such beautiful and cool clients...and they made me look good!"

So, yes, God had intervened...God's perfect painting is and was about two amazing individuals becoming ONE! Their painting is surely not done, and I was privileged to have seen a glimpse of it! 

One of the most adorable moments during the wedding was how the flower girls wanted to be in EVERY picture, and how they couldn't understand that the days was not about them...they wanted to dress Genevieve, they tried putting on her shoes, they wanted to do her hair and make-up...I am glad they didn't do Gen's make-up and hair...but they were super cute. 

Other suppliers who made this day possible!

Venue & Church: Highway Church, Centurion

Make-up: Make up & Microblading by Miriska (this lady is amazing!)

Wedding Gown: Genevieve's mom

Bridesmaid's dresses: Glitter and Glamour Creations

Hair: Genevieve did her own hair

Justin's suit: Oriental Plaza

Flowers: The Flower Market

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

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*Teaser! Jorge & Kerry-Ann | Royal Jhb & Kensington | Wedding

Here is a sneak peak of Jorge and Kerry-Ann's epic wedding at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensing Golf Club!

“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

Here is a sneak peak of Jorge & Kerry-Ann's epic wedding. What a lovely celebration with laughs and tears, and they both looked absolutely gorgeous!

In fact...I have never laughed this much at a wedding before! Thank you for the opportunity to witness such joy and I pray that you keep this joy in your marriage and family!

Venue: Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club

Make-up: Courtney Chadwick Make up

2nd shooting: Corinna Tainnan

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Magical wedding at Glenburn Lodge and Spa {Stefan & Ele}

The first wedding for 2017 is a stunner! Stefan and Elé's wedding at Glenburn Lodge and Spa was elegant, beautiful and so special! 

“I would find you in any lifetime.” —Kanye West, musician 

The first wedding for 2017 is a stunner! Stefan and Elé's wedding at Glenburn Lodge and Spa was elegant, beautiful and so special! 

From the first moment I met with Stefan and Elé we had a special connection. They are such down-to-earth and easy-going people, yet sophisticated when you look at the exquisite wedding they pulled off! Wow, I had so much to work with and capture, so much beauty everywhere! 

Their love story started at Oppi-Koppi in 2013, and funny enough Elé needed a lift home. Elé were acquainted to Stefan's brother at the time so he arranged for Stefan to take Elé home, and due to a 7 hour trip they got acquainted. Yeah...traffic works in your favor sometimes...so the rest was history! It was 3 years later that Stefan did the honor of asking Elé as his bride on Mount Ricky in Switzerland. This man has style!  

Late last year we had a crazy beautiful e-session at Toadbury Hall, and I knew I was in for a treat at their wedding, and they did not disappoint! Their photos are beautiful, and I always say that it is easy to photograph beautiful people...you guys make me look good!

All the best and lots of blessings for your lives going forward! 

Other suppliers involved who made this day possible:

Wedding Gown: Provonias     Music and DJ: PartyMix     Flowers: Rustic and Roses ZA

Make up: Tish Jooste     Wedding Suit: TailorMe     Wedding shoes: Olivelli

Bridesmaids dresses: YDE     Elé Ring: Custom made, Liz Laubscher    

Stefan ring: American Swiss     Tiffany chairs: Affinity Events      Video: White Motion Films

Decor: Eclectic Swazi     Draping and Fairy Lights: FF Decor

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

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