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Be Inspired - Admired in Africa 2018 | Conference | Hertford Country Hotel

Wow, I am inspired. Thank you Admired in Africa for hosting the Be Inspired Conference and the speakers were super inspirational!

Be Inspired - Admired in Africa 2018 | Conference | Hertford Country Hotel

You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water. Rabindranath Tagore

Wow, I am inspired. Thank you.

WynandvanderMerwe AdmiredinAfrica BeInspired Conference 2018 Wedding Photography Johannesburg South Africa-156.jpg

Admired in Africa hosts a conference yearly and super talented and inspirational photographers present little workshops about themselves and their brands, and this year was a great success. I learned a lot and the conference is also a platform to get to know other photographers in the industry...I mean we have the same heart and speak the same language...the language of photography. We understand each other. I often get caught in a place where it is me and my brand, and I need to make a success, and nobody understands me. I mean I get into shooting, and then editing, and then posting...and more shooting...more editing...more shooting...and then you want to talk to non-photographers about life and you can't help but talk "photography"...but they don't understand. In any case...it was good to refuel and talk photography for 3 days. I got valuable tips and tricks to improve my business!

Brett Florens (some say he is the Rolls Royce of wedding photography) presented on Day 1 and we had a practical with him. We used a continuous light, Rotolight Aeos (oh yes, I have been eyeballing this light for a while now) during his practical, and he showed us how to pose a couple for a photoshoot. Wow, he is an inspiration to watch. He pushes you so far out of your comfort zone that your head wants to explode. He has been in the industry for 27 years, and have tons of knowledge and experience... thank you for your advice. I will be a fool if I don't implement some of what you have said....oh wait I already have. I have wedding collections now and not wedding packages...like you have said...nobody wants to buy my packages...;)

I have also learnt a great deal from William Lambelet, a french documentary wedding photographer. I have been following him for a while and he has won numerous International Awards, and he has an impeccable way of telling a story. He spoke right to my heart, and I admire him and the way he approaches a wedding. His images are beyond this world, and when you hear how he creates them...wow...he has patience. He shoots between 5000-8000 images during a wedding. 

I also enjoyed the following photographers when they shared their story (click on their names, and check out their incredible work...so inspirational):

Daniel West (it was great meeting you Daniel), Marsel Roothman(your work is dreamy and beautiful), Deejay Busang (it was great seeing you again), Hema and Mitesh from Designer photo (wow, you have become friends and your colourful work is incredible), Chris van Dalen (good seeing you and Anje again...you should go and see their wedding photography page...Madison & West...amazing), Hanri Human (you are so clever and inspirational how you create content and its SUPER BEAUTIFUL...do yourself a favour...check out her work...amazing), and the conference ended with a bang. Warren James (wow, you work is amazing art) and Trompie van der Berg (your flash work is amazing) hosted a posing and off-camera flash practical and we used the amazing Profoto B1X flash and also the amazing Sunbounce Sun-Bouncer to create super images. The Sunbounce reflector are much bigger than my reflector. I use a circular Profoto Sunsilver reflector which I love and I have always wanted to test one of these Sunbounce reflectors. 

Thank you for the models during the shoot.

Missy, from Missy Make up Artist (she did all the models' makeup), is an inspiration and she does the most amazing make-up. She has wonderful insight and gave amazing tips for any wedding day, which I have already started to communicate to my clients. 

Our MC was Niki from Niki M Photography. Her wedding work is also amazing and inspirational, and she get to shoot in so many pretty places. Her passion and energy as a person is oh so tangible...wow I can just imagine how much her clients love her!  

Enough said. Here is some of the images I took throughout the 3 days. Enjoy, and please leave a comment at the end. 

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

The Van Wyk Family | Lifestyle Session | Pretoria

Wow, such a beautiful lifestyle session for Deon and Lize at Lize's mom's house. Wilhelm just loves his little brother!

The Van Wyk Family | Lifestyle Session | Pretoria

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

I captured family photos for Deon & Lize, and their extended family, during the December holidays, and Lize was pregnant at the time. Her little boy was born in the mean time, and he is so adorable! Wilhelm, just loves his little brother.

So being a father of 2 kids myself I know exactly how blessed they are to have another little human in their home...well...home is technically in Zambia for now because Deon has a job as an engineer on a mine and they live and work as expats in Zambia. Lize is visiting because her mom can help with the kids, and Deon came to SA for Lize's 30th birthday...oh yes and also for the kids. 

I didn't plan to have their wedding album in the photos, but the album was lying on the table and I just had to include the album in some of the photos. Christine Meintijes took their photos, and it makes one think how far they have come from being married to having 2 kids in the home. 

The photo Deon is holding in the last photos is Lize's Granddad (so Wilhelm's Great Granddad). He had South African colors in boxing, so it was fun creating a photo with Deon and Wilhelm posing as boxers, paying a tribute to Lize's Granddad. A story in a story...love it! 

They are renting out their home in South Africa so we did the photos at Lize's mom's home in Menlopark, Pretoria. 

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Teaser! Tyronne & Romandi | Trash The Dress | Sodwana Bay, KZN

Wow, Tyronne and Romandi’s trash the dress session in Sodwana Bay was spectacular! Their wedding was on Saturday at Mseni Beach Lodge!

Teaser! Tyronne & Romandi | Trash The Dress | Sodwana Bay, KZN

"The One who builds His upper chambers in the heavens

And has founded His vaulted dome over the earth,

He who calls for the waters of the sea

And pours them out on the face of the earth, The LORD is His name." Amos 9:6

Tyronne and Romandi's wedding reception was held at Mseni Beach Lodge this past Saturday and we did a Trash the Dress the following morning at sunrise! 

Wow...I am in LOVE This shoot was so much fun...even though were super tired from the partying of the wedding....it was all worth it! Memorable stuff...! And I thought the dress was going to be ruined, 

Here's a little sneakpeak...enjoy!

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Teaser! Tyronne & Romandi | Wedding | Sodwana Bay, KZN

Wow, the wedding this past weekend was soooo special and I will remember it for many years to come. I get emotional at weddings, but I rarely shed a tear, but when Romandi's stepdad gave a speech with his daughter at his side and when he said her dad would have been proud of her....oh wow...my heart crumbled. Destination wedding at Sodwana Bay.

Teaser! Tyronne & Romandi | Wedding | Sodwana Bay, KZN

"I am proud of you when you are proud of yourself...and you can be super proud, Romandi...your wedding is amazing!" Romandi's stepdad, Bertus, at the wedding

Wow, the wedding this past weekend was soooo special and I will remember it for many years to come. I get emotional at weddings, but I rarely shed a tear, but when Romandi's stepdad gave a speech with his daughter at his side and when he said her dad would have been proud of her....oh wow...my heart crumbled.

Romandi's dad passed away 21 years ago at Sodwana Bay and she wanted to commemorate him by having her wedding at Sodwana Bay with close family and friends. Romandi made almost all the details herself, and she made sure there were little details of her dad in the details...she made her own flower bouquet with a protea flower (which were her dad's favourite flower) and she added a locket with her dad's photo around the stems of the flowers. 

Tyronne and Romandi's wedding reception was held at Mseni Beach Lodge and I had been at the very same place 9 years ago on my honeymoon...so it was also sentimental for me to be at the wedding! Their wedding ceremony was held on the main beacj were they launch the boats for the fishing and diving excursions. 

I arrived on Friday at Mseni Beach Lodge, and the wedding was on Saturday...so I told Romandi I have this crazy idea where I want to photograph her dress with sunrise on Saturday...and OH MY WORD....it was magical! And they also agreed to do a Trash The Dress shoot on Sunday, which was also SUPER MAGICAL! So I experienced two magical sunrises out of the 3 days...

It was hard work with little sleep...but it definitely paid off! 

And funny enough...when I go home and my clients is over the moon with going the extra mile...that is when I feel I have succeeded in delivering an amazing service. It's almost as if the photos is an added bonus! AND BOY OH BOY...the photos is out of this world!

Enough said. Here's a few photos from this weekend! 

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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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Rynhard & Jeannie | Wedding | Northam, Limpopo

I just love destination weddings, and I love story telling but what I love more is the people I get to meet. I had such an amazing time photographing Rynhard and Jeannie's wedding on a friend's farm called Brosdoring Farm in Northam, Limpopo. The Farm has a very large Brosdoring (Brittle Thorn) tree on the farm, and we took some photos in the last sun at this beautiful tree. 

Rynhard & Jeannie | Wedding | Northam, Limpopo

"You'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more" Phil Collins

I just love destination weddings, and I love story telling but what I love more is the people I get to meet. I had such an amazing time photographing Rynhard and Jeannie's wedding on a friend's farm called Brosdoring Farm in Northam, Limpopo. The Farm has a very large Brosdoring (Brittle Thorn) tree on the farm, and we took some photos in the last sun at this beautiful tree. 

We had serious rain all over South Africa during the week of their wedding, and I thought we are going to take photos during the rain, but it had cleared for their day. What had happened was that the soil turned dark red (which I liked) but also muddy...so it was quite a challenge to keep Jeannie's dress clean....so with some photos you can see the mud on Jeannie's bum...but hey...it gives the photos character! 

Jeannie got the best deal out of this marriage...she not only got Rynhard but his kids as well! I just love the dress photos with their kids Lané and Luan and Lané looked amazing in her soon-to-be mom's dress!

I won't get tattoo myself, but OH BOY...I love how tattoos photograph and how it adds character to a photo. Jeannie is a creative at heart, and I just love how a tattoo tells a story. I mean you don't just get a tattoo...there is a reason. So what I normally do when I have clients with tattoos then I try to frame the tattoo as the "main attraction" in the shot because then the photos become super exciting and interesting! 

Jeannie bought her dress on an overseas website, and her shoes were from JET. Rynhard bought his shoes at BATA and his suspenders were from Kaalvoet Kind Ontwerp. Jeannie has her own hair and make-up company so she did her own hair and make-up, and her friend Tanya Hallatt helped with her eye liner. Rynhard and Jeannie did most of the decor elements themselves but the donuts were from Krispy Krem

Well, enough said...enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end!

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CJ & Carina | Wedding | Goosehill | Bloemfontein

CJ & Carina tied the knot in Bloemfontein at Goosehill Wedding and Guest Farm in Bloemfontein! It was an honour capturing a friend's wedding story! I had so much fun. 

CJ & Carina | Wedding | Goosehill | Bloemfontein

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain - Vivian Greene

It was a privilege to have been a witnessed to the love between CJ and Carina. Carina is so happy with her prince charming! 

Carina became a good friend while she stayed and worked in Johannesburg, and she fell for a boer from Elliot! Carina is originally from the Freestate so she probably dreamt of one day getting married to a boertjie. 

Their wedding celebration was held at Goosehill Wedding and Guest Farm in Bloemfontein, and it was such a simplistic and elegant wedding. Carina is a travel agent, but she does interior design in her spare time...so she has a great sense of style! Well, that was evident in the decor. Most of the decor inspiration she made herself and it looks absolutely gorgeous! It looked like she had a wedding stylist to prepare the wedding details!

Carina is such a down-to-earth plaasmeisie, and she wore a gorgeous simple dress and vellies...yes...she is definitely a plaasmeisie at heart! Her make-up and hair, done by Amy Olden, was flawless and simple...just the way Carina like it! 

Bad Ass Beards in Bloemfontein looked after CJ and the guys...and they looked dapper after their funky clean-up...and even after a few screams...waxing is not for sissies! 

My wife Juanita was a guest so our whole family had a nice outing to Bloemfontein on the Friday, my mother-in-law went along to look after the kids and we left for home on the Sunday. I just love destination weddings, but I don't get the opportunity that often to travel with my whole family. 

Enjoy the photos! CJ and Carina, I pray that your love and laughter will last till the end of days!

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Teaser! Klaas-Jan & Mareli | Wedding | Ingaadi Spa & Events

I am truly privileged to be doing what I love, and even more privileged to share in the love of people's happiest day of their lives. Klaas-Jan & Mareli's wedding day was super special, and I not only made a special connection with them as a couple, but also with their families.

Teaser! Klaas-Jan & Mareli | Wedding | Ingaadi Spa & Events

Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever. Ps23:6

I am truly privileged to be doing what I love, and even more privileged to share in the love of people's happiest day of their lives. Klaas-Jan & Mareli's wedding day was super special, and I not only made a special connection with them as a couple, but also with their families. I just love it...or perhaps I shouldn't be so excited...that I get to make new friends, and I was sad to say goodbye at the end of the day. That is what weddings is for me and what it means to me...I pour out my heart and soul to capture special photos for my clients, and I love it when it pays off! I just love their photos and I tried looking for a few sneak peaks but I ended selecting 31 photos....wow...the biggest selection for a sneak peak until now. 

Something super funny happened. Mareli's sister Ilana did her make-up and hair (her company in Namibia in Ilana's Hair Gallery) and her two sons (one is 5 and the other is 3 years old) were the ring-bearers but they missed their afternoon nap, so when it was time to hand-over the rings...well the eldest was more than half asleep. Such a funny moment which I caught on camera!

They got married on Friday and during the week it rained...oh wait it poured with rain. So the morning of the wedding day it rained and I prepared like crazy for me to stay dry during the couple shoot, and I kept thinking the whole day "we would embrace the rain and take epic rain shots"...well...that was what I expected. I mean it had been raining for 2 days flat so what else did I expect? Exactly the opposite...we had sunshine! It was muddy but there were dramatic skies and sunshine...amazing. Mareli's prayers were truly answered. The biggest testimony for the day was the exact moment Mareli walked into church was the first time there were sunrays...so we had to take a photo!

The day ended with the coolest mist, so I just knew the night shot was going to be epic!

Venue: Ingaadi Spa & Events Venue  Flowers: Wynand Saayman (Ilana's husband and Mareli's brother-in-law)

Enjoy the sneak peak!

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Klaas-Jan & Mareli | Engagement shoot | Wonderboom Airport

Wow, I created some super cool images for Klaas-Jan and Mareli at Wonderboom Airport. Klaas-Jan has a private pilot’s licence so it was so special creating images which is super personal for him. His knees weakens when he sees Mareli, but also standing close to that black aeroplane (called a Vampire)! Its a beauty!

Klaas-Jan & Mareli | Engagement shoot | Wonderboom Airport

"Come away with me and we'll kiss
On a mountaintop
Come away with me
And I'll never stop loving you " Norah Jones

Wow, I created some super cool images for Klaas-Jan and Mareli at Wonderboom Airport. Klaas-Jan has a private pilot’s licence so it was so special creating images which is super personal for him. His knees weakens when he sees Mareli, but also standing close to that black aeroplane (called a Trojan)! Its a beauty!

The green aeroplane is a Vampire, and its such a cool aeroplane. 

They are tying the knot this Friday at Ingaadi Spa & Events Venue and I can't wait. They are super fun people and I believe the wedding is going to be epic! 

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

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

Teaser! The Van Wyk Family | Lifestyle Session | Pretoria

Wow, such a beautiful lifestyle session for Deon and Lize at Lize's mom's house. Wilhelm just loves his little brother!

Teaser! The Van Wyk Family | Lifestyle Session | Pretoria

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

I captured family photos for Deon & Lize, and their extended family, during the December holidays, and Lize was pregnant at the time. Her little boy was born in the mean time, and he is so adorable! Wilhelm, who turned 2 only a few days ago loves his little brother.

So being a father of 2 kids myself I know exactly how blessed they are to have another little human in their home...well...home is technically in Zambia for now because Deon has a job as an engineer on a mine and they live and work as expats in Zambia. Lize is visiting because her mom can help with the kids, and Deon came to SA for Lize's 30th birthday (which is today, congrats!) and also for the kids. He will go back in the next few days, and Lize and the kids will join later in April.

I didn't plan to have their wedding album in the photos, but the album was lying on the table and I just had to include the album in some of the photos. Christine Meintijes took their photos, and it makes one think how far they have come from being married to having 2 kids in the home. 

The photo in the last photo is Lize's Granddad (so Wilhelm's Great Granddad). He had South African colors in boxing, so it was fun creating a photo with Deon and Deon posing as boxers, paying a tribute to Lize's Granddad.

Here's a sneak peak of the session I did for them at Lize's mom's home in Menlopark, Pretoria.

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A beautiful birthday with friends | Alida de Bruyn | Linden

Maria and Alida are very dear friends to me and my family and Maria asked me to capture a few photos for her daughter's 17th Birthday party...what a beautiful morning it was!

A beautiful birthday with friends | Alida de Bruyn | Linden

"Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside." Coco Chanel

Maria and Alida are very dear friends to me and my family and Maria asked me to capture a few photos for her daughter's 17th Birthday party...what a beautiful morning it was! I am actually glad it rained the night before, and the day didn't look so promising in terms of "no rain"...because Maria made up her house so beautifully! Wow, her house is gorgeous and the breakfast she planned for Alida was just gorgeous.

Maria is one of those strong woman who will always encourages you when you have a conversation with her, and it is inspirational to see how beautiful she raised her daughter Alida. Alida is a confident, strong, a beautiful woman and influential amongst her friends. She is completely sold out to Jesus, and the love of Christ oozes out of her! Maria and Alida are those people in life who will lay down their lives for the people around them, and for them it won't even be an effort. They are selfless people, and one thing Maria told me on Saturday was "I am glad the fuss is about Alida today because she has done and have given so much to her friends". I kinda think that we get birthdays so that people can make a fuss about people who will just give and give and give. 

Wow, this day was so special with such special friends. We also had loads of fun during the shoot, and sometimes they didn't even notice I am capturing some quirky moments. 

And they look like models...which made my job super easy. BUT don't be fooled, their hearts definitely outshines what they look like on the outside! 

Enjoy the photos and happy birthday once again Alida!

The last 2 photos is photos with Alida's brother, Clive. :)

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Tyronne & Romandi | Engagement shoot | Industrial Coffee Works

Wow, I loved creating some crazy cool images for Tyronne & Romandi for their engagement shoot at Industrial Coffee Works! I am really in love with this place, and they looked amazing against the industrial rustic background! 

Tyronne & Romandi | Engagement shoot | Industrial Coffee Works

"You're the only thing better than morning coffee" Unknown

Tyronne and Romandi are getting married at Mseni Lodge, Sodwana Bay in a few weeks and I cannot contain the excitement anymore! Its going to be epic. I love to travel and to capture wedding stories at beautiful destinations. But it will be special for me as well because the last time I was in Sodwana was when I was on my honeymoon nine years ago. I don't have the best memory of the place...I had food poisoning...but it is still amazing memories for me. Its a little sad I can't share it with my wife, because she can't go with me. But in any case...

Romandi wanted an urban setting for their engagement shoot, and we both suggested (crazy cool) that we should go to Industrial Coffee Works! I am really in love with this place, and they looked amazing against the industrial rustic background! I also love it when couples trust me to be super creative and we had loads of fun doing during their session. 

Romandi wanted to have an Instax photo done during the session, which she want as a keepsake of the shoot...and I obviously jumped at the occasion to include the Instax photo in my photos. She said she will take it with her to Sodwana so we will be able to play around with the same effect on the beach!

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

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Teaser! Timothy & Jehdene | Engagement session | Northcliff

Something amazing happened today. Jehdene asked God for an amazing sunset during the shoot and just look at it! and we almost cancelled due a little rain! Here is a sneak peak of Timothy & Jehdene's engagement shoot.

Teaser! 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 days 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!

Here is a sneak peak of Timothy & Jehdene's engagement shoot.

I just love creating memories and telling stories at the same time! Jehdene plays the Saxophone and I asked her to bring it along on the shoot! Wow, just love how those shots turned out!

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Dane & Ashleigh | Fun in Parkhurst | Engagement shoot

Wow, I had fun with these two for their engagement shoot. Dane and Ashleigh are adventurous souls and they were almost silly in every photo...which I loved. 

Dane & Ashleigh | Fun in Parkhurst | Engagement shoot

A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you. Unknown

Wow, I had fun with these two. Dane and Ashleigh are adventurous souls and they were almost silly in every photo...which I loved.

They were a bit on their nerves but its understandable. The reason why I love doing engagement shoots is for my clients to get over the awkwardness of being photographed and I want it to be during their engagement shoot (I mean everybody who is not a model is a little unconfortable in front of the camera), and not the during the wedding. They will be much more relaxed during the wedding, and I am sure their personalities will shine even more during their wedding especially when they are at ease! 

Ashleigh really wanted an urban shoot so we went to Parkhurst, Johannesburg, and walked the streets. We also had a quick coffee at Vovo Telo and did some creative shots in the restaurant. 

They are getting married at Rosemary Hill later this year and they need photos for their save-the-date and wedding invite website, and they told me their computers were stolen very recently so they don't have any pictures of them together! Now I am even more convinced their engagement shoot photos will be super special to them!

Makeup: Face by Geraldi (Geraldi Spurling)

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

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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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Heinrich & Simone's wedding | Lace on Timber | Gauteng

Wow, words can even describe how beautiful and special this wedding was! I am truly honoured to have witnessed the love between Heinrich & Simone on their wedding day! Your wedding at Lace on Timber was beautiful, elegant and simple....what a way for me to start my weddings for 2018! 

Heinrich & Simone's wedding | Lace on Timber | Gauteng

"When you meet the one who changes the way your heart beats, dance with them to that rhythm for as long as the song lasts." Kirk Diedrich

Wow, what a way to start 2018.

Heinrich and Simone are super fun and down-to-earth people and so easy to photograph. What a journey we had together...they were the winners at my Oakfields Bridal Expo Stand last year, we did their engagement shoot at Harmonie Proteas (click here to view) and I photographed the Bridal Workshop which Simone Pheiffer from The Wedding Event hosted last year and Simone and her mom and mom-in-law was part of this amazing day. Wow, so many memories captured during the past year and a bit.

The beautiful decor, Simone's dress, the cool groomsmen, the exquisite venue, lovely food, and loads of fun and laughter made this day super memorable. Everything which was done, was done in style and they didn't hold back...even when the bridal party entered the reception they gave it their all....wow what fun and laughter! They are truly a happy bunch of people. I had so much fun photographing this wedding, and I pray that the happiness will keep strong in their marriage!  

I must say the hype about Lace on Timber is true. This place is magical. There is prettiness in every corner and in every direction that you look and wow...this place can make your wedding go from beautiful to gorgeous! And they have such friendly staff and service...definitely one of the best venues I have captured a wedding in South Africa. 

Well done to all the suppliers involved, their day was perfect!

Venue & Desert Table: Lace on Timber  |  Wedding Dress: Timeless Bridal Couture  |  Simone's shoes: Aldo | Decor & Flowers: Pebble and Lace  |  Protea boutonnières: Hello Bird  |  Video: Barefeet Videography  |  Rings: Browns (Simone) & Bellagio (Heinrich) | Bridesmaids dresses: Forever New | Simone's mom's dress: House of JM Designs | Nougat: Ma Mere Confections

Have a drink, put your feet up and enjoy the photos!

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Teaser! Tyronne & Romandi | Engagement shoot | Industrial Coffee Works

So yesterday I created some crazy cool images for them for their engagement shoot at Industrial Coffee Works! I am really in love with this place, and they looked amazing against the industrial rustic background! 

Teaser! Tyronne & Romandi | Engagement shoot | Industrial Coffee Works

"You're the only thing better than morning coffee" Unknown

Tyronne and Romandi are getting married at Mseni Lodge, Sodwana Bay in a few weeks and I cannot contain the excitement anymore! Its going to be epic. 

So yesterday I created some crazy cool images for them for their engagement shoot at Industrial Coffee Works! I am really in love with this place, and they looked amazing against the industrial rustic background! 

Enjoy the sneak peak! 

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Teaser! Klaas-Jan & Mareli | Engagement shoot | Wonderboom Airport

Wow, I created some super cool images for Klaas-Jan and Mareli at Wonderboom Airport. Klaas-Jan has a private pilot’s licence so it was so special creating images which is super personal for him. His knees weakens when he sees Mareli, but also standing close to that black aeroplane (called a Vampire)! Its a beauty!

Teaser! Klaas-Jan & Mareli | Engagement shoot | Wonderboom Airport

"Come away with me and we'll kiss
On a mountaintop
Come away with me
And I'll never stop loving you " Norah Jones

Wow, I created some super cool images for Klaas-Jan and Mareli at Wonderboom Airport this past weekend. Klaas-Jan has a private pilot’s licence so it was so special creating images which is super personal for him. His knees weakens when he sees Mareli, but also standing close to that black aeroplane (called a Vampire)! Its a beauty!

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Teaser! CJ & Carina | Wedding | Goosehill | Bloemfontein

CJ & Carina tied the knot in Bloemfontein at Goosehill Wedding and Guest Farm in Bloemfontein! It was an honour capturing a friend's wedding story! I had so much fun. 

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain - Vivian Greene

It was a privilege to have witnessed the love between CJ and Carina. Carina became a good friend while she stayed and worked in Johannesburg, and she fell for a boer from Elliot! Carina is originally from the Freestate so she probably dreamt of one day getting married to a boertjie. 

Their wedding celebration was held at Goosehill Wedding and Guest Farm in Bloemfontein, and it was such a simplistic and elegant wedding. Carina is such a down-to-earth plaasmeisie, and she wore a gorgeous simple dress and vellies...yes...she is definitely a plaasmeisie at heart! Her make-up and hair, done by Amy Olden, was flawless and simple...just the way Carina like it! 

Bad Ass Beards in Bloemfontein looked after CJ and the guys...and they looked dapper after their funky clean-up...and after a few screams...waxing is not for sissies! 

Here's a few photos from Saturday's destination wedding! 

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Serenade to a love song! | Styled Shoot | Toadbury Hall

Wow, I just loved working with crazy cool suppliers in the wedding industry. It was my first time working with Josh Ansley and his wife Kerryn Ansley...they were super fun and so beautiful inside and out! Venue: Toadbury Hall 

Serenade to a love song! | Styled Shoot | Toadbury Hall

‘’Love is a song that never ends. Life may be swift and fleeting, hope may die, yet love's beautiful music comes each day like the dawn. Love is a song that never ends. One simple theme repeating. Like the voice of a heavenly choir Love's sweet music flows on’’ (Disney’s Bambi)

I attended a photography conference recently and the speaker said "if you do not put yourself in the shoots you are doing then you will lose interest". What she meant was that if you do not photograph things you like or like doing, you will eventually grow tired of doing this.

I love music. I am not a musician, but I used to play piano and trumpet when I was a kid. The trumpet thing didn't last long, and I think my parents were happy...hehehe. I recently bought myself a guitar to learn to play, and I have music playing in our house almost 24/7. One of my passions is to photograph live music events, so long story short...I love music.

So my idea was....Musicians need to get married too...and I had this idea of doing a super stylish shoot where the groom serenades his soon to be wife! I took this idea to Natasha from Weddings by Tasha and we collaborated to create this amazing shoot with vendors in the Wedding Industry. Natasha are personal friends with Josh and Kerryn Ansley (Josh Ansley was the runner-up winner of The Voice SA 2nd Season, and boy oh boy this guy is talented!), so she suggested we use them for the shoot...and I was over the moon! 

I also asked two of my friends Tebogo and Jaqueline to model for us, to get a different perspective of the day. 

We also wanted a forest look, so Toadbury Hall Wedding Venue was the perfect fit with their forest chapel area and river. 

I truly loved doing this shoot, and I just love how everything came together perfectly. Natasha you are a machine in organising everybody!

Here is a list of all the suppliers who were involved:

VenueToadbury Hall Wedding Venue | Organiser and styling: Weddings By Tasha | Decor: Spectacular Occasions | Flowers: The Bloom Room | Lights: FF Decor | Stationary: Armadillo Media | Cake: Kelly Jane’s Cake Boutique | Photos & Donut Wall: Wynand Van Der Merwe Photography | Video: BlueScape Productions | Donuts: Wolfgang Doughnuts | Hair & Make-up: Angelique from Composurestylist | Wedding dresses: Dimity Eco Bride | Woman models: Kerryn Ansley & Jaqueline Fey Mcphiri | Male models: Josh Ansley & Tebogo Mabye | Josh's suit: Uzzi van Truworths

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

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