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Princes & Princesses do exist {Matric Farewell shoot}
The Matric Farewell shoot I did recently are on the blog! Linden, Gauteng
Outer beauty attracts, but inner beauty captivates. Kate Angell
I know the Schutte family well, and it was a massive privilege to capture Pierre's Matric Farewell photos! Such a huge honor. I am involved with the youth at our church and I have seen how the kids grow into young adults, and then in a blink of an eye they become adults!
Wow, it's amazing how young people can change into adults in front of your eyes when they dress for a Matric Farewell. They are not kids anymore, they are confident, beautiful young people and they rocked their exquisite dresses and suits for this shoot! I loved every minute of this shoot!
My expectations were to photograph the Schnakenberg triplets (two girls and a boy) with their dates, where Pierre was the date of Theresa, what I didn't know is that Heinrich (the boy of the triplets) is Ingrid's date, whom I also know from church! Amazing. She wore an amazing red Casper Designer Wear dress. And Renate and Theresa's mom Retha made the their beautiful dresses!
I did the shoot in Linden, Gauteng at the Schnackenberg's house, in their amazing garden!
Enjoy the pictures and please leave a comment at the end!
David & Kate's South African Wedding {The Forum The Campus}
Kate & David's South African Wedding is on my blog!
“When there is love in a marriage, there is harmony in the home; when there is harmony in the home, there is contentment in the community; when there is contentment in the community, there is prosperity in the nation; when there is prosperity in the nation, there is peace in the world.” -Chinese Proverb
Jia Lu Wang and Kai-ting Yang (or David and Kate) have been staying in South Africa for a long time. David is from China, and Kate from Taiwan, and something that is custom in China is they do very stylish pre-wedding photos. But when David showed me the pictures from their 8-hour-6-wardrobe-change-photo-shoot I knew the game was on (and the heat was on). The photos, which was done in Shanghai by a Chinese well-known photographer, are exquisite. Head on over to The Wedding Event's Instagram feed...Simone posted a few of the pics there.
Wow, they were made to be in front of a camera. They are so beautiful, and Kate and her bridesmaids looked like supermodels from a magazine. They were also such a lovely bunch of people, always full of joy and laughter!
Kate's dress, which is an Ellie Saab design, were out of this world. The detail and the way it fitted was incredible. Her dress and the exquisite bridesmaids' dresses were bought outside of South Africa, and the same for Kate's beautiful Christian Louboutin shoes.
The wedding was held at The Forum | The Campus, and they delivered the most amazing décor with the most beautiful white orchids. What an amazing venue!
I know Simone from The Wedding Event for a little while now, but we have never worked together on a wedding before, and I really looked forward to this wedding. She is such an amazing wedding planner and everything at this wedding just went smooth (I am not so sure behind the curtains). She is incredible at her job, and if you want your dream wedding, or perhaps greater than your dream wedding, then you need to get in touch with her!
Kate's beautiful make-up and hair was done by Susan Kang Make Up and Hair.
Liam from Wedding DJs - Pulse DJs rocked the music once again! And the cake from Belle's Patisserie was out of this world!
David and Kate, please enjoy your love for each other, which was so event in the way you looked at each other. And the family you guys have are amazing, and I loved the laughing and cheering at your reception dinner at the Lotus Restaurant in Rosebank!
Please enjoy the pictures and do leave a comment at the end!
Michelle & Marcus {Couple shoot in Melville}
Marcus and Michelle's urban couple shoot in Melville is on my blog!
"In your light, I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest where no one sees you, but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art." Rumi
I recently hosted a competition on Facebook for a #FREECoupleShoot, and Michelle Daniels was the winner. She is currently dating Marcus Ras, and I decided to take them to Melville, Johannesburg, because they wanted to do an Urban Shoot. Wow, they are an amazing couple, and boy oh boy...they are such a photogenic couple. They are such beautiful people and so much in love....the way Marcus looks at Michelle is just mesmerizing!
Venue: Café De La Crème, Melville and surroundings
Enjoy the pictures and do not hesitate to leave a comment at the end!
Zoya Naturals {Product Photography}
Zoya Naturals' product pictures are on my blog!
Marcia Notsh has launched new haircare products called Zoya Natural.
I am in love with the logo, and I believe she will be doing great with these products.
She is sharing office space with me, so to help her out, I have done some products shots for her and I believe they came out amazing!
The products are for sale on their website! www.zoyanaturals.co.za
Venue: Little Green Number, Bryanston offices (boardroom)
Please tell me what you think by leaving a comment at the end.
Tracey Swanepoel's New Book Launch Party
Tracey Swanepoel's book launch photos are on my blog!
Tracey Swanepoel is one of those people who get a lot of things done, and on top of all that writes a book...and a brilliant book if I must say myself!
The Leadership Riptide and How to Escape
She writes out of personal experiences while working in the mining industry, and she gives an honest view of what she learnt, and what it means to be true leader. Amazing. She is truly an inspiration.
When someone like Brand Pretorius, retired CEO of McCarthy Limited, endorses your book and writes a foreword in your book, then you know it has to be a good book to read.
The book is for sale in Exclusive Books stores across South Africa.
The book launch was held at the The Eatalian Restaurant in Parkmore, Johannesburg. If you haven't eaten there, then you are surely missing out!
The wine from The Taillard Family Wines was also out of this world.
Christo & Laraine's Wedding Celebration {Foxwood House}
Christo & Laraine's wedding celebration is on my blog!
“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” When Harry Met Sally
It has been a while since I have seen two people so much in love with each other! While editing I got emotional every time I saw how Christo looked at Laraine, and I couldn't help but think...that is how Christ looks at us! Amazing.
Christo & Laraine wanted a small and intimate wedding, and that is exactly what they had. The decor was out of this world, and so was the venue...just stunning. I am truly privileged to have captured this special day for them, and I their love story inspired and still inspires me, and I believe that it flows over into their family!
This wedding was also different than what I am used to. For instance they did their couple shoot before the ceremony, but this allowed me to capture the moment when Christo saw Laraine for the first time. What a privilege!
Thank you for being who you are Christo & Laraine, and may your love stay strong and rooted in our Lord Jesus Christ!
Enjoy the pictures and do not hesitate to leave a comment at the end!
Venue: Foxwood House, Houghton
Make-up and hair: ComposureSA
Decor & Wedding Planning: Sonja Ward from Hot Chili Designs
She said YES! {Justin & Gen's engagement}
Justin and Genevieve got engaged and I was privileged to photograph how he proposed!
“Love is like a friendship caught on fire.” Jeremy Taylor
Justin and I became very good friends after we spent a year together in 2012 traveling the world, but it was only recently that I got to know Genevieve.
Justin is a hopeless romantic! He had this amazing plan to pop the Big Question, and he carried it out meticulously! He knew that Genevieve is a clever lady, and that she would become very suspicious if he planned something big, because they had talked about getting married and about wedding rings etc. So he decided to ask her on their 1st dating anniversary, because this would raise less suspicion as they would in any case go on a lunch or dinner date. Thats the event sorted. Next, how would he get the size of her ring? Well, it was at a specific dinner one evening when he played with one of her rings, and he had made a mental note about the size of the ring on one of his fingers at a specific joint. She picked up that he played with her ring, and thought it was suspicious, but eventually forgot about it. Luckily. Incredibly he got the size of the ring just perfect by doing a calculated guess, because the ring fitted perfectly! Next, he wanted great pictures while popping the question, so we had a talk, secretly of course, at his 30th birthday party in July this year. He said to me he wanted to do a picnic (Gen's favourite thing is having a picnic) at Jan Cilliers Park, and that he would design a photo book with pictures containing special memories of them dating and knowing each other, and that the last page would have a picture of the exact spot where he would pop the question, with the words "This is where I will ask you to make me the happiest man alive and marry me!". So romantic.
Amazingly everything worked out perfectly, even the weekend before the Big Day, Genevieve mentioned to Justin that she thinks he must ask a professional photographer to take some nice pictures of them on their first anniversary....no way...so he said: "Thats a brilliant idea, I will have a talk with Wynand." Meanwhile he had this planned all along!
Well, long story short, he had a nice picnic organised with me there to take professional pictures. They each had a gift bag with anniversary gifts for each other, but what she didn't know was that his bag, along with the chocolates and other small gifts, had the photo book with the question. When the photo shoot started, I told them both that I will take documentary pictures of them enjoying their picnic because I want "more natural pictures", but my actual intentions were to capture the exact moment when he asks her unobtrusively. So I chose to position myself in the garden in the bushes, to get a vantage point to see the sequence of events clearly and to capture the moment which would change their lives forever. I was however probably as nervous as he was because I knew what was going to happen! And then it happened, they were on the last page of the photo book, and she clamped her mouth in astonishment and shock, he went on his knees, popped the question and she said yes! What a privilege!
Justin has a seriousness to him, and then also a very fun side. He loves baked beans and has a very unnerving fascination with Llamas. The most memorable thing Justin has told me was that he wants a Llama to carry the rings down the isle at his wedding (What? Don't think Gen will approve?) and that the reason why people wear their wedding ring on the 4th finger on your left hand, is because he believed that that finger is the only finger with a vein directly linked to your heart! Huh? But all fingers and body parts has veins going to and from their heart...Well, that's what I thought! Funny enough, about a month ago, I found out that that was exactly what the ancient Egyptians believed was the truth about your ring finger. (giggle)
Genevieve is a little gem, which Justin kept as a secret for quite a while before he introduced her to my wife and I. We thoroughly enjoy her, and she has a sweat tenderness to her, and above all she makes Justin's knees melt and he just can't stop smiling when talks about her! They are also so much in love, and this chemistry were magical in front of the camera!
Enough stories for now. Please enjoy the pictures, and do not hesitate to leave a comment at the end!
Kenton & Natalie's Wedding Celebration {Oakfield Farm}
Kenton & Natalie's beautiful wedding photos at Oakfield Farm are on my blog!
Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Song of Solomon
It's the first time I did a wedding at Oakfield Farm, and I understand the hype around this place - it's just amazing! It offers so much for couples getting married here and the staff are a dream to work with!
Kenton and Natalie were the winners of the March 2016 Country Life Magazine Win a Wedding competition! This is such an amazing opportunity for any photographer, and it was an absolute honor to be a part of this and to work along side so many amazing suppliers!
Kenton is a drummer...yes...he is in a band...and Natalie met him at a rock show! They have been together for almost 8 years, and this is how Natalie describes Kenton and their realtionship:" He is hilarious, he cares, he loves, and he laughs...mostly at me because I am just a clumsy twit, that has a weird, crazy streak in this girly exterior".
They are such an amazing couple to work with, and their love for each other and the way they enjoy each other's company produces such amazing chemistry, such that I literally just captured them while they did their thing! And above it all they are such beautiful people, so they just flowed in their pictures! And I did mention that Natalie cracks up for everything Kenton says or does...she is just one ball of fun and laughter!
Natalie'e amazing make-up was done by Made Up by Kylie!
Kenton & Natalie did most of the planning themselves, but they had help from Barbra from Decorange-it.
The styling and flowers were done by House of Functions, the funky personalized cake was made by Annah Fudge, and sound by Fresh Flava was just epic!
Please enjoy the pictures and do not hesitate to leave a comment at the end!
Natalie and Kenton were so relaxed, and I believe the results speaks for themselves. I am certain that the flask of vodka "potion" Kenton had in his jacket pocket or the Tequila Natalie enjoyed had something to do with it...?
This wedding was held in August, which meant the days were starting to warm up, but the nights were still rather cold...solution...heat up at the fireplace! or just spend time with the wedding party and guests...! They absolutely had a blast, dancing the night away on dance and rock music!
#weddingphotography #wedding #southafricanwedding #oakfieldfarmwedding #oakfieldfarm #bride #bridesmaids #groom #groomsmen #beautifulwedding
Edmund & Terri's Wedding Celebration{Sedgefield}
Edmund and Terri's destination wedding celebration are on my blog!
There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved. ~ George Sands ~
I had the privilege embarking on a destination wedding again, and what a wonderful wedding it was! Terri and Edmund tied the knot at the Whistle Steam Stop in Sedgefield, Western Cape, and what makes this wedding so memorable to Terri is the fact that they spent most holidays in Sedgefield and she always wanted to get married there!
I just love destination weddings because it gives me the chance to travel and to spent time with my family...yes...we had a four day holiday in Plettenberg Bay!
Edmund and Terri are such wonderful people to be around and their love each other and for the Father was so tangible, and I believe it can be seen in all aspects of the wedding.
Other suppliers
Venue: Steam Whistle Stop, Sedgefield
Wedding Gown: Terri wanted a light pink dress, which she dreamt of since forever, and according to her was the Wedding Dress, Northcliff, the only wedding dress supplier who would actually makes this dress. Risky but beautiful!
Event Management: Conféti Weddings, Events & Hire. They arranged the DJ, the Marque tent, tables and chair and catering.
Cake: Crumbs n Smiles made a beautiful cake, and incorporated elements such as our engagement shoot photos printed on edible paper. Amazing.
Table Lasercut elements: Die Stalletjie Laser Cutting
Engagement
Terri comes from Cape Town and Edmund from Johannesburg, and it was on a planned holiday to the Mother City that he proposed to her in June 2015 at a small restaurant close to the railway in Franschoek. They were dating for 9 months at the time and Edmund, a hopeless romantic, went on his knees during desert, and all Terri could say was "YES"!
Terri told me that the owners of the Whistle Steam Stop said that they have never hosted a wedding before because it is not a function venue. so with the help of Confeti they had to bring in almost all of the suppliers in from the outside which included the Catering, Marque Tent, Chairs and Chapel area.
They both got ready at the Myoli Beach Lodge in Sedgefield, which was very close to the main beach in Sedgefield! Such a simple and cozy little place!
The Myoli Beach Lodge cabins are a tad bit small for wedding preparations, but Terri made a plan by doing her make-up in the bathroom. :)
I am so sad that I didn't have the chance to take some pictures of Terri at the beach, but luckily it wasn't the case with Edmund and his groomsmen.
#wedding #terriedmund #destinationwedding #sedgefield #wynandvandermerwephotography #wynandvandermerwedotcom
Wedding Planning Workshop {Bryanston Country Club}
The Wedding Planning Workshop hosted by The Wedding Event is on my blog!
Look at all the pretty that Simone from The Wedding Event came up with! She did such an amazing job hosting this Wedding Planning Workshop with Erin Smylie!
A few bride-to-be's had the chance of hearing some key notes in planning their wedding day, and they had the opportunity to ask industry professionals questions regarding booking booking their Wedding DJ, Photographer, Videographer, Make-up & Hair, Stationary and many more!
Wedding suppliers at the workshop!
Venue: The Bryanston Country Club
Simone Pheiffer from The Wedding Event
Erin Smylie and Shandin Watson from Erin Smylie Hair and Make-up Artist
Stationary: The Crazy Lemon SA
Liam Walsh from Wedding DJs - Pulse DJS
Hand massages by Sorbet Fourways Mall
Denver Paulick from Brightmoon Video & Photography
Wynand van der Merwe from Wynand van der Merwe Photography
Please enjoy the pictures and do not hesitate to leave a comment at the end!
Kenton & Natalie's lovely forest e-session!
Kenton & Natalie's beautiful forest e-session is on my blog! #engagement #weddingphotography
I have found the one whom my soul loves. Song of Solomon
Kenton and Natalie are such naturals in front of the camera, and boy oh boy are they beautiful people! I had a blast photographing them at the Pine Forest in Bryanston, and the element of adding their dog just made this an epic shoot! I think I am going to phone you guys if I need models for a styled shoot, most definitely! I also knew while I was doing their e-session that their wedding celebration was happening in 2 weeks, which made me super excited doing this shoot!
Their love for each other are so tangible which made the resulting images much more amazing!
Natalie's beautiful make-up was done by Made-up by Kylie!
Enjoy the rest of the pics and do not hesitate to leave a comment at the end!
JJ & Chene {Matric Farewell}
JJ and Chene's Matric farewell shoot at the beautiful Castello Di Monte in Pretoria!
"The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides" Audrey Hepburn
JJ and Chene absolutely looked exquisite for their Matric Farewell!
I had the opportunity to capture them at the amazing 5 Star Castello Di Monte Guest House in Pretoria. Such a beautiful venue for weddings and Matric Farewell shoots!
The Matric Farewell was held at the Sorex Estate!
#matricfarewell #matricdance #coupleshoot #familyshoot #castellodimonte #guesthouse #beautifulvenue
Edmund & Terri {Sedgefield Wedding}
Edmund & Terri's Sedgefield wedding is on the blog! {Teaser}
"For you see, each day I love you more. Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow." Rosemonde Gerard
Terri and Edmund had a very intimate wedding at the Steam Whistle Stop in Sedgefield, Western Cape. Why? Because they can!
Sedgefield is a place close to Terri's heart, and she and her family had been having holiday there almost every year, and she just knew that when she gets married, it will be there!
I had a blast, and here is a little teaser to show just how beautiful they looked!
#sedgefield #westerncape #weddingphotographer #wedding #weddinggown #nightshot #flashphotography #modernweddingphotographer #nightphoto #perfectshot
Something Old Someone New - Stand at the Oakfields Bridal Expo
Something Old Something New's stand at the Oakfield Farm Bridal Expo in June 2016!
Venessa from Something Old Something New, asked me to take a few pictures of their stand at the Oakfield Farm Bridal Expo in June 2016.
What attracted me to her stand in the first place was the light pendants she uses to illuminate the table! She made them herself, and they are such a cool factor in weddings nowadays, which makes her a very unique, yet stylish supplier to use for your wedding styling! Amazing!
Please enjoy the pictures, and do not hesitate to contact Venessa on Facebook or her website for your wedding styling needs!
Wedding Styling: Something Old Something New - www.sosn.co.za
Venue: Oakfield Farm Bridal Expo - June 2016
#Weddingstyling #weddingstylist #flowers #lightpendant #pendant #vintage #oldglobes #goldencolor #gold #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #corporatephotographer #eventphotographer #tablesetting #wedding #beautifullight
Awe & Elandi's winter safari {e-session}
Awe & Elandi's beautiful winter safari e-session is on my blog!
“Any day spent with you is my favorite day. So, today is my new favorite day.” – A. A. Milne
Awe and Elandi are such great people to be around with and the love Elandi has for Awe is contagious! They are so much in love that I didn't need to create moments to photograph, they just rocked the shoot!
I can't wait for their wedding at the Zebra Country Lodge in Pretoria later this year, and they asked that we do the engagement session there as well. We chose to do a cold early morning safari, but we ended up to be super early...even before the sun was up. The advantage was that the light was OUT OF THIS WORLD!
Venue: Zebra Country Lodge
Enjoy the pics and do not hesitate to leave comment at the end!
Jorge & Kerry-Ann's beautiful e-session
Jorge & Kerry-Ann's beautiful e-session is on the Blog!
“What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
When Jorge and Kerry-Ann said they wanted to do their shoot at Modderfontein Nature Reserve, I got really exited. I have heard many great stories about this place, and it definitely did NOT disappoint!
Jorge and Kerry are so much in love, and I just loved doing this shoot with them! They are naturals in front of the camera, and I cannot wait for their wedding in March next year!
I just love autumn/winter weather, because the light was incredible. It was a bit chilly, but there are ways to work around it.
Just check out the detail in Kerry's ring! Just amazing!
Kerry's make-up by Courtney Chadwick Make-up Artist looked amazing! Great make-up makes for easy editing, and Kerry looked absolutely stunning!
Venue: Modderfontein Nature Reserve
#engagement #love #savethedate #picoftheday #esession #wedding #weddingphotographer #weddingphotography #photographer #nikond700 #modderfonteinnaturereserve #courtneychadwick #makeup #bridetobe #groomtobe #gautengwedding #johannesburgwedding #gautengweddingphotographer #sawedding #saweddingphotographer #wynandvandermerwedotcom
Eddie & Terri's forest picnic {e-session}
Eddie & Terri's forest picnic e-session is on the blog!
"Faith makes all things possible. Love makes all things easy.” Dwight L. Moody
These two, Eddie and Terri, are just fun people to be around! They were full of sports for their engagement shoot, and Eddie is the sweet romantic... they had a picnic basket with sushi, fruits, bubbly and white balloons! They look so happy together and just couldn't stop laughing during the shoot...just amazing!
Can't wait for the wedding in August in Sedgefield! Its going to be epic!
Venue: Bryanston Pine Forest
#engagement #esession #weddingphotography #wedding #balloons#loveatfirstsight #nikond700 #cute #fun #sushi #bryanstonpineforest #sparklers #gautengphotographer #johannesburgphotographer #engagement #bridetobe #groomtobe #inlove #love #SAwedding #sedgefield #easterncape #destinationwedding #travelphotographer #destinationphotographer
Ivan & Maryke's epic wedding celebration!
Ivan & Maryke's epic wedding celebration is live on my blog!
“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” Coco Chanel
It was a huge privilege to be a part of their big day and I enjoyed every second of it!
It is amazing how their love story unfolded from their engagement shoot late last year up to their wedding celebration! It is very rare to find two people so much in love for the Heavenly Father and each other! They are a joy to be around and their beauty shines through in interacting with them and also in the pictures.
Enjoy the pictures and I pray a rich blessing over your marriage! and please do not hesitate to leave a comment at the end!
Venue: Hertford Country Hotel
Make-up: Giruldi Spurling (friend of Maryke)
Wedding gown: Bridal Room, Pretoria
Wedding Ring: Poggenpoel Diamante
Wedding Suit: Trenery, Woolworths
Ivan's Shoes: Aldo
Flowers: Magnifique Floral Art, Erna Swart
Badges and menu design: You & Me Design
Photobooth Video: https://vimeo.com/171584491
Awe & Elandi's winter safari {e-session} - teaser
Awe and Elandi's amazing safari e-session is on the blog!
“Once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.” —Unknown Author
I had such a great experience with Awe and Elandi! They such great people to be around with and I can't wait for the wedding later this year! It's going to be epic!
Awe and Elandi's wedding will be hosted at the Zebra Country Lodge in Pretoria, and they asked that we do the engagement session there as well. So we decided to have an early morning safari...we ended up to be super early...even before the sun was up. This allowed me to do a night shot in the morning...!
And the light was OUT OF THIS WORLD! Wow. I am definitely doing this again!
#engagementsession #engagement #wedding #verloof #verloofde #gautengfotograaf #gautengwedding #zebracountrylodge
Andre & Marlene becomes one {Wedding}
Andre & Marlene tie the knot. Their epic wedding photos.
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” Maya Angelou
Families are one of the most important things in this world, and Andre & Marlene's families are just amazing. From the engagement shoot to the wedding, I had the most amazing experiences of both their families, and now in front of God, their families have come together. It was such a privilege to photograph a part of their story, and it may have rained on the wedding day, but the blessing of the Lord are on your marriage and life!
The rain shot was just amazing and sometimes you just wish that it rains to have shots like these! Enjoy the pictures and do not hesitate to leave a comment at the end!
Guest house: Delectus Manor, Pretoria
Venue: Bukra Wedding Venue
#weddingphotography #wynandvandermerwedotcom #rain #wedding#umbrella #rainwedding #shotoftheday #sparklers #bukravenue#bukraweddings #pretoria #dramatic #weddinggown #weddingdress #wedding #gautengwedding #gautengweddingphotography #gauteng