I recall being in the bridal suite with Arista, her mum and a couple of Arista's closest  friends, whom she had known from way back when.


They spent much of the time laughing and reminiscing over the years when they were smaller and the things they got up to.  Not my memories, of course, but, watching them musing over their childhood memories got my sentimental wheels turning.   Anyhow, fast forward a bunch of years and the little girl they were all fondly speaking of was about to walk down the aisle.   How time flies.


I can't even begin to put into words how their exquisite day unfolded, but, thank you for being so totally amazing.  I thoroughly enjoyed recording this dazzling ceremony and loved getting to know you and your families.




Arista's inspiration for the decor was their trip to India.








I do not think I have seen anyone more excited to get into a dress.

















Cupcake evidence around their mouthes and Arista's veil that kind of got reclaimed ...I love this image.




Venue: Oakfield Farm

Please feel free to tag yourself or share the Facebook page.

For as long as I can remember, my mother once told me that when the time came to getting hitched, the best thing for me to do would be to find an exotic destination, ideal to explore and then elope.  Yes, elope.

Well, Connie and Paul did exactly that.
 
Originally from Cambridge, England, Connie and Paul decided to tie the knot in South Africa - a bush ceremony involving just the two of them and a couple of witnesses, embraced by the warmth of the Madikwe Hills.
 
It was only after I had experienced this truly intimate and extraordinary marriage ceremony that I realised the wisdom in my mother's advice, and how remarkable an elopement can actually be.
 
Anyway, after Connie and Paul had exchanged their vows, the lodge organised a private dinner for them, under the stars on a wooden deck, with the only interruption being from a herd of elephants lumbering to the nearby water hole.

There is something about the tranquillity of the African bush that revitalises the soul, making you truly appreciate how insignificant your day-to-day problems really are.  In fact, I could have stayed in room 3 forever, well almost forever.
 
Thank you, Connie and Paul - beyond this, there really are no words to suitably describe the occasion.






To those that prefer Facebook, the images are here, feel free to tag and share.

Venue: Madikwe Hills Game Lodge

I just have to add the service, food, staff and setting at Madikwe Hills is just beyond words.

Not many people can actually say that their marriage ceremony took place in the middle of the African bush, surrounded by sweeping panoramic views overlooking the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve.   Into the bargain, they were accompanied by armed game rangers, patrolling the area should some dangerous wild animal happen to join Claire and Andrew exchanging their vows.
 
Well, Claire and Andrew really can.
 

A fusion of ululating African dancers, tribal singing, a marimba band and, to add some zest to the occasion, Scottish bagpipes were all part of Claire's and Andrew's spectacular bush wedding.

 
It was, as expected, an amazing African experience, along with a strong emphasis on family and friends.

 
The setting could not have been more perfect, so all I can say is WOW!






Venue: Ivory Tree Game Lodge
Flowers: Wishez

If you were a guest at the wedding, you'll be able to tag yourself in the Facebook album over here.

From what I understand, it started out as a 1920's themed wedding and soon evolved into a delightful converse themed affair.


In fact, not only was Isabelle's and Emile's impeccable small-breakfast wedding just so idyllically suited to them, it also had Lisa and I swooning and sighing all day long.


It really was a "non-wedding" wedding, if that makes sense,  and the ambiance was more akin to an everyday gathering of family and friends - although on this occasion, of course, they were uniting for a celebration that was to encapsulate Isabelle's and Emile's LOVE for each other.


I hope you both enjoy the preview and that Namibia was fab.  


Our deepest gratitude to you both for allowing us to spend the perfect day with you!



Venue: Tres Jolie

Feel free to share or tag yourself on our Facebook Page.

I have really been thinking about the story behind every photograph captured at a wedding.

Wondering whether in a couple of years time the décor images will remind Su-Mare and her mom of all those months they spent planning and perfecting the big day.

Whether a curled up, yellowing photo of Gerlouw at the church will remind him of his emotions, the very first time he saw Su-Mare walk down the aisle.

Wondering what every single snapshot stolen from a solitary day in time will bring to mind in a couple of years time...and then I realise what a huge and honourable task I have been bestowed, when asked to capture anyone's wedding day.

 
Thank you, Su-Mare and Gerlouw, for allowing us to witness your marriage ceremony and I hope the images captured will remind you of what can only be described as an awesome gathering of family and friends.

...and Thank YOU both for postponing your trip to Cape Town, by a couple of hours, with the aim of getting some great portraits - I can assure you it was worth it ;-).

 
I hope you enjoy your sneak peak.

 

One last huge shout-out has to go to Ruth and her gorgeous husband, Caz. Thank you, I know it was an early start!
If you are ever in Bloem and want your hair done, you just HAVE to pop into this trendy little salon.

Reception: Oryx Lodge and Safaris
Make-up: Caz
Band: Romanz