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lifestyle photography, family photography Wynand van der Merwe lifestyle photography, family photography Wynand van der Merwe

The Blignaut Family | Family Session | Irene Diary Farm

I just love family shoots, and the session I had with Chantel and her 2 sons are no exception. They are full of the love of Jesus, and they were just a joy to photograph!

“He made you you - on purpose. You are the only you - ever. Becoming ourselves means we are actively cooperating with God's intention for our lives, not fighting him or ourselves.” 
― Stasi Eldredge, Becoming Myself: Embracing God's Dream of You

I had the most amazing family shoot at Irene Diary Farm with Chantel and her 2 boys, Ruben and Nathan,. I am in love with the winter sunsets, and on Saturday the sun didn't hold back.

I just love it when clients open up a bit while doing the shoot, because I am continually reminded that I am photographing people. People has stories. Amazingly God has a Story, which is captured in the Bible. And God is interested in our story because our story is intwined with His Story. Wow, Chantel's late husband would have been proud to see his sons this confident, happy and strong! 

One of the most memorable moments during the shoot was when the farm released the cows from milking and they walked through our shoot. Chantel got "trapped' on the other side of the cows and I got a few shots while they just enjoyed the moment...and it was funny when I had to shout at the cows for them to leave my camera bag alone...long story short...my reflector had some cow spit on...not cool :( 

Here is a few from Saturday. The full post will follow soon! 

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The Malston Family | Lifestyle session | Gauteng

Wow, I absolutely loved this lifestyle session with the Malston Family. There is so much love in this home!

“It didn’t matter how big our house was; it mattered that there was love in it.” Peter Buffett

I must admit, I havent done many lifestyle shoots before. I have been doing location shoots and I haven't focused on doing shoots at my client's houses...and wow...I love it. A big part of my inspiration for photography, in the days I started out, was I loved how photography tells a story. "A picture speaks a thousand words" they say...and I remember how I would travel to places or a country and I always tried taking photos (street photography) where I would place a person or a subject in their own environment. By going to someone's home you automatically photograph them in their own environment. That is the place where they live, laugh, cry, sleep, eat...amazing! 

Tracey's sister, Jacqui, bought one of my lifestyle photography vouchers last year for Tracey's birthday. Tracey and Byron (her husband) has a 1 year old boy (the cutest little boy) and they wanted me to capture a little bit of their lives at their home. I absolutely loved it! They has a cozy little home, and I just felt the love when I walked in there. This little boy is loved to bits, and it was great to see it. Their little boy is also a poser and he definitely makes me look good...I mean...just check out the way he looks at the camera...! 

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

 

 

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Heinrich & Simone | Esession | Harmonie Proteas

Wow, I cant wait for Heinrich and Simone's wedding early next year! Their engagement session at Harmonie Proteas was epic, and they looked absolutely gorgeous! How did I get so lucky to have them as my clients...?

“When I sleep, I dream of you, and when I wake, I long to hold you in my arms. If anything, our time apart has only made me more certain that I want to spend my nights by your side, and my days with your heart.” —Nights in Rodanthe

Heinrich and Simone are such great people, and I have fallen in love with who they are since meeting up with them for the first time!

Simone has such a gentle yet strong spirit, and Heinrich is sooo much in love with her! Their chemistry in front of the camera is amazing, and I thoroughly enjoyed their engagement shoot. They are just gorgeous and naturals, and I can't get over the fact that they are my clients...super stoked! 

It was my first time shooting at Harmonie Proteas, and the hype is true! This place is incredible, and their sunsets are out of this world! 

Simone's makeup was exquisite, which was done at MAC Cosmetics in Edgars in Centurion. Heinrich also bought Simone's amazing engagement ring at Browns...wow, that is such a beautiful ring! 

I really can't wait for their wedding, which will be in January next year at the amazing Lace on Timber

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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Teaser! Collin & Cheryl | E-session at Pretville

Here's a sneak peak of Collin and Cheryl's e-session at the amazing Pretville! 

“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.” David Viscott

Wow, I absolutely loved this vintage shoot at the incredible Pretville village! I could literally spend the whole day shooting, because is some much to work with! Colling and Cheryl has been clients for a while now and it made me super happy when Collin contacted me, after he asked Cheryl to be his bride, to capture their special day! Its such an honour and its going to be epic! I just love how you two can look at each other and just laugh...precious! 

Here is a sneak peak...enjoy! 

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Teaser! Heinrich & Simone | Esession | Harmonie Proteas

Here is a sneak peak of Heinrich and Simone's engagement shoot at Harmonie Proteas!

“When I sleep, I dream of you, and when I wake, I long to hold you in my arms. If anything, our time apart has only made me more certain that I want to spend my nights by your side, and my days with your heart.” —Nights in Rodanthe

Wow, I can't get over this beautiful sunset colors...it's mesmerizing! This venue and surroundings are magical! 

I decided to upload a teaser of Heinrich and Simone's engagement session, and I can't wait for their wedding in January next year at Lace on Timber

Make-up: MAC Cosmetics

Venue: Harmonie Proteas

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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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Duane & Tanya e-session {Bryanston Pine Forest}

Duane and Tanya's beautiful engagement photos are on the blog! They look so much in love and I can't wait for their wedding this Saturday!

“True love stories never have endings.” —Richard Bach, American writer 

Wow, I just love it when my clients love it to be in front of the camera! Duane and Tanya are no exception. I took them to the Bryanston Pine Forest, and they just loved it! I must say every time I do a shoot there I am amazed at the results! This place is magical, and paired with an amazing couple, just makes for magical pictures! 

I am involved with the youth at my church, and and I got to know Tanya's sister while she was attending youth at the church. But that is not how Tanya found me. She had seen some of my work on Instagram and contacted me, and only after we had our first meeting that I realized that I know her sister...a small world! Wow, what a privilege to capture their engagement shoot, as well as their wedding. Their wedding is this Saturday and I can't wait! 

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

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*Teaser! Rudolph & Angelique | E-session | Val Bonne Country Estate

Here is a sneak peak from Rudolf & Angelique's wonderful e-session at Val Bonne Country Estate. 

"By my soul, I can neither eat, drink, nor sleep; nor, what's still worse, love any woman in the world but her."  Samuel Richardson, Clarissa, or the History of a Young Lady

Here is a #sneakpeak from the wonderful e-session I had with Rudolph and Angelique at Val Bonne Country Estate in Modderfontein Nature Reserve.

Wow, what a lovely place. It was closed when we were there, but we loved it...felt like we own the place and it was for a brief moment our home! Rudolph and Angelique are such great clients, so relaxed and awesome to work with! 

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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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Vanessa & Fritz | The Bridge, Muldersdrift | E-session

Brand and Vanessa is so much in love and it was so wonderful to see behind the camera. We did their e-session at the venue, The Bridge Muldersdrift, where they will tie the knot!

“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

They are so much in love, and it is so beautiful to see! We officially met at the engagement shoot because Brand's mom actually made first contact with me regarding wedding photos. So for the first few minutes we had to get accustomed to each other, but it was quick for them to relax in front of the camera.

That is why I recommend and love engagement shoots, because couples get to learn how to relax in front of the camera, and to learn how to forget about me and to enjoy the moment...that is when they are spontaneous and that is when they just blossom! Priceless memories!

Brand and Vanessa wanted to their engagement shoot at the venue they are getting married at, and I am glad! I loved it! I have not captured a wedding here before and I am so looking forward to their wedding in May! 

Venue: The Bridge, Muldersdrift

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

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Lufuno's purple blessing {1st Birthday}

I just enjoyed doing this Smash-the-Cake 1st Birthday shoot for Lufuno. This baby is too cute for words!

Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing. Unknown

Isn't she cute? Lufuno wanted to do Smash-the-cake shoot for her daughter's 1st birthday, and the photos are adorable! I had my hands full though, because this little one didn't sit still for one moment, but I had a smile on my face through the entire shoot! We decided to do the shoot at Lufuno's house and with a little help from China Mall, we decorated their garage door and I think the results are amazing!   

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

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Canada here we come {Yatish & Bhavna}

Wow, I just loved the session with Bhavna and Yatish at their beautiful home in Kyalami! They will soon be moving to Canada!

“Laughter is the jam on the toast of life. It adds flavor, keeps it from being too dry, and makes it easier to swallow.” —Diane Johnson, Le Divorce

Bhavna & Yatish will be moving to Canada soon and Bhavna asked if we could do a couple shoot at their beautiful home in Kyalami, and wow...what an amazing shoot it was! They are such beautiful, easy-going and down-to-earth people, yet sophisticated if you look at their super stylish and beautiful home! 

One of their favourite spots in the house is on the lounge suite in front of the TV, where Yatish watches a game of soccer or where they enjoy family time watching a series or movie with their little dog! Just love the fact how Yatish took off his shoes when we took photos on the lounge suite...just awesome to relax in front of the camera!

I actually didn't plan to shoot so much indoors but a sudden thunderstorm caught us off-guard. I am glad because I got to capture them in so many memorable spots in their home! 

Enjoy the photos and may you be blessed in your adventures in Canada!  

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Will you be my Valentine? {Helpmekaar's Valentine Dance}

I just love these Valentine Ball photos of friends on a tennis court! Magical!

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt. Charles M. Schulz

So this will be a first for me. I have done Matric Farewell's before, but not Valentine's Dance photos...I mean the event wasn't a huge thing when I was young...I guess times are changing! 

Marisa, whose daughter Miné is in Grade 9, asked me to take photos of Miné and her date and her friends at their house! I had a semi-fashion shoot in mind and therefor chose the tennis court with 2 flashes firing, one from the front another from behind! 

Its amazing when you dress up, do a little make-up and then do proper photos how someone can for a brief moment in their young lives look like grown-ups! I mean these guys and gals are 14 and they look exquisite! 

Julle het regtig amazing gelyk en ek love die vriendskap wat julle wys! Julle het gelag en grappies gemaak en dit was 'n fees om tyd saam met julle te kon spandeer! Geniet die fotos julle!  

Please leave a comment at the end!

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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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