Ryan and Dawn | Destination Wedding | Orchards, Midlands KZN

Ryan and Dawn | Destination Wedding | Orchards, Midlands KZN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teaser. Enchanted forest engagement | Chantelle & Kyle | Johannesburg

Teaser. Enchanted forest engagement | Chantelle & Kyle | Johannesburg

The words that enlighten the soul are more precious than jewels. Hazrat Inayat Khan

I am absolutely delighted to share a few photos from Chantelle & Kyle's engagement shoot at Bryanston Pine Forest.

We have had seriously cold weather these past few days, and Saturday was most probably the climax, and I almost cancelled due to the weather, but I am so glad we didn't cancel. The afternoon was a little warmer though, and I actually loved the eerie weather in the end...helped with the theme for the shoot!

Chantelle is working in the creative industry as a freelance designer and art director, and she wanted a fairytale type shoot. She also said she loves dramatic and colorful makeup, and Shelley from Butterfly Blush did such an amazing job doing her make-up! She and her fairy prince looked smashing!

I have bought a plastic tube and a flashlight and I want to start doing #Tubestories. Go check out this link: EricPare. So the last photo was done with that tube, but we tried doing the photo while it was still dusk so the light was too much...we ended improvising and we played around a bit...looks like Chantelle has a hat on with that shot! Next time I will attempt the photo in complete darkness! 

Collin & Cheryl | Wedding | Tres Jolie, Johannesburg

Collin & Cheryl | Wedding | Tres Jolie, Johannesburg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rudolph & Angelique | Wedding | Makiti Wedding Venue

Rudolph & Angelique | Wedding | Makiti Wedding Venue

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

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

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

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

Venue: Makiti Wedding Venue Wedding Dress: Yourday bridal

DJ: DJ Luke

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

Jewellery, a pear set: Avon

Rudolph's shoes: Woolworths

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

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

Kalinka & Dylan | Matric Farewell | Hertford Country Hotel

Kalinka & Dylan | Matric Farewell | Hertford Country Hotel

Kindness is grace, and grace is elegance. Dana Dalgetty

Wow, Kalinka and Dylan looked absolutely smashing for their Matric Farewell! Kalinka wore an beautiful & elegant dress which her mom bought at JJ Schoeman Atelier in Rosebank, Johannesburg. Her hair was done by Celeste from Tint Hair Studio in Krugersdorp. 

I suggested to Kalinka's mom to that we do their photos at Hertford Country Hotel and once again...this place is amazing! 

Enjoy and please leave a comment at the end!

Portraits of Annemarie | The Gables Sandton | Styled Session

Portraits of Annemarie | The Gables Sandton | Styled Session 

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. Unknown

Wow, I had the privilege of doing some portraits of Annemarie Lindeque at the breathtakingly beautiful The Gables Sandton Venue in Sandhurst. Annemarie works at Provision Optometrists in Parys, Free State, and she came through for the day for the shoot! Jessica from The Gables Sandton asked me to photograph the room they are promoting as a Luxury Suite and as a trade-exchange she allowed me to do this styled session with Annemarie. Head on over to the Gables Sandton's website to book a night's stay at this amazing venue! Click here! 

Thank you Gerda from Making Faces by Gerda for the exquisite make-up, and for organising Annemarie for me to photograph. I have met Gerda recently at the De Hoek Country Venue's Bridal Fair and we immediately realised we want to work together to create some magic! She has been in the Wedding Industry for quite some time, and have worked on many faces, including celebrities. 

The beautiful flower bouquet was made by Tamyrin from Bespoke Blooms, and she also provided the copper colored vase. She is always so keen to help out, and being super busy herself she made time to make the beautiful flower bouquet the morning of the shoot. Head on over to her website, her work is absolutely stunning! 

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

de Klerk family | Mini Photo Sessions | Shokran Wedding & Events Venue

de Klerk family | Mini Photo Sessions | Shokran Wedding & Events Venue

“Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do…but how much love we put in that action.” Mother Theresa

I have done a few mini photo sessions at Shokran Wedding & Events Venue in September for Spring. I know the de Klerk family personally and its always fun to photograph them. Their kids are such a joy and their photos together for me a super special. 

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

Mischa & Daughter | Mini Photo Sessions | Shokran Wedding & Events Venue

Mischa & Daughter | Mini Photo Sessions | Shokran Wedding & Events Venue

Beauty is power; a smile is its sword. John Ray

I have done a few mini photo sessions at Shokran Wedding & Events Venue in September for Spring. I gave away a session and Mischa won the session. She has the cutest little daughter...a busy body but very cute! 

My son is almost the same age (almost 3 years old) so I kinda knew how to keep her busy, but I had my hands full to get her face in focus....she just didn't sit still for a photo! So I must say luck was on my side a few times...she is gorgeous! 

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

Natalie & John | Mini Photo Sessions | Shokran Wedding & Events Venue

Natalie & John | Mini Photo Sessions | Shokran Wedding & Events Venue

Peace is the beauty of life. It is sunshine. It is the smile of a child, the love of a mother, the joy of a father, the togetherness of a family. It is the advancement of man, the victory of a just cause, the triumph of truth. Menachem Begin

I have done a few mini photo sessions at Shokran Wedding & Events Venue in September for Spring. Natalie contacted me and asked if she can do a session with her fiancé and their dog, and I am so glad they did this session with me! I have not laughed so much during a photoshoot before...they are filled with so much joy! 

I do not have a huge opinion about online dating, but I always had my doubts "How do you meet the man or woman of your dreams online?" and how do you know the person behind the online profile is in fact the correct person? Well, I am not sure, and I haven't thought about it much. But I must say after Natalie told me they met online, and seeing how happy they are...I might just have a different opinion. John is originally from Argentina, and has been staying in SA for a few years, and Natalie in SA, and they found each other online, started dating and recently got engaged! Amazing story. 

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

Baby Ryan | Robert and Kirsten | Lifestyle Session

Baby Ryan | Robert and Kirsten | Lifestyle Session

Family is the most important thing in the world. Princess Diana
 

I love lifestyle sessions because I get the opportunity to capture a glimpse of people's lives at their own homes! And it was no different this time with Kirsten & Robert! And their little Ryan is so freakin cute! He is so lucky to have you two as parents! 

What stood out for me with this shoot was how they wanted the dogs in the shoot, and how much energy they brought to the table...it was chaos to get them all in a shot! We managed, but not without much laughter. This made for funny and real moments, and it was fun to capture. I can just imagine how it must be with them and little Ryan...Ryan will one day be super easy with dogs and not be afraid...amazing!

Enjoy the photos and please leave your comments at the end!

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

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

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

What an adventure this day has been!

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

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

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

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

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

Here is a list of other suppliers who were involved: 

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

Cake, Cupcakes and Cake Pops: L's Creations

DJ and sound: Dj Kings

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

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

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

Gowns:    Thashreya's clothing & Groomsmen boutonnieres: Iniek

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

Teaser! Kalinka & Dylan | Matric Farewell | Hertford Country Hotel

Teaser! Kalinka & Dylan | Matric Farewell | Hertford Country Hotel

Kindness is grace, and grace is elegance. Dana Dalgetty

Wow, Kalinka and Dylan looked absolutely smashing for their Matric Farewell yesterday! I suggested to Kalinka's mom to that we do their photos at Hertford Country Hotel and once again...this place is amazing! 

Here is a little sneakpeak of their amazing photos!

Enjoy and please leave a comment at the end!

Teaser! Rudolph & Angelique | Wedding | Makiti Wedding Venue

Teaser! Rudolph & Angelique | Wedding | Makiti Wedding Venue

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

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

Video: Brightmoon Video & Photography
Second shooter: Chane Basson

Teaser! a Father's love for his daughters | Hertford Country Hotel

a Father's love for his daughters | Hertford Country Hotel

I have been wanting to do a shoot for a while where I can try to capture a glimpse into the love a Father has for his children. I am already a dad to a son, but my daughter Ile is coming any day now...I can't wait!

To a father growing old, nothing is dearer than a daughter.
—Euripides

So I am privileged to share a sneak peak of the shoot I did on Sunday with Chandni, her sister Kavita and her dad Dave! Dave is a cattle farmer in Middelburg so I therefore wanted to add a farming element in the shoot, and Hertford Country Hotel and their horse stable was the perfect setting for this shoot. It's not a cattle farm, but at least the surroundings was as if they were on a farm. Chandni and her sister had dungarees which they wanted to wear, and it worked perfectly in the shoot, and when they added the "cowboy" hats it finished off the look I was aiming for.

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

Teaser! Baby Ryan | Robert and Kirsten | Lifestyle Session

Teaser! Baby Ryan | Robert and Kirsten | Lifestyle Session

Family is the most important thing in the world. Princess Diana
 

Here is a little sneak peak of Robert & Kirsten's lifestyle session!

I love lifestyle sessions where I get the opportunity to capture a little glimpse of people's lives at their own homes! And what was no different this time with Kirsten & Robert! And their little Ryan is so freakin cute! He is so lucky to have you two as parents! 

Mother's Day mini-styled shoot | Hertford Country Hotel

Mother's Day mini-styled shoot | Hertford Country Hotel

"Mothers and their children are in a category all their own. There's no bond so strong in the entire world. No love so instantaneous and forgiving." Gail Tsukiyama, Dreaming Water

I don't know what its like to be a mother. I'm a father. But what I know is I love my mother very much, and that they are the pillars of society! Even Jesus had a mother. So I believe God knew what He was doing when He created mothers. They are a shoulder to cry on, they are the glue of the family, they are the Chief Operating Officer of our homes and they are so important in all of our lives. Just look at African families, the are run by the Grandma's. Amazing. 

This shoot was inspired by the love mothers have for their daughters, seeing that my daughter is coming very soon! I can't wait!

My wife, Juanita, who is also a mother, has a super eye for style, and most of the Rose Gold items are from our home! She has shown me how to turn ordinary things into works of art with Rose Gold spray paint. The cycad leaf and Consol glass jar was painted using spray paint. 

I hosted a competition on Facebook for Mother's Day, and Lindie were the winner. This what she said about her mother Charlene:

"She is the most INCREDIBLE woman I have ever known! and we are so alike in the things we do. We love each other very much and I can only hope to follow in her footsteps and become as amazing as she is!"

I had so much fun with both of them during the shoot. They are such beautiful souls and they enjoy each other's company so much! I love how they laugh at each others jokes and how they finish each other's sentences...it was almost like I photographed twins! You guys were amazing!

Here are some of the suppliers featured in the shoot:

Flowers: Impala Flora

Venue: Hertford Country Hotel

Make up: Made Up by Kylie

Bouquet: Simone Pheiffer from The Wedding Event

Styling and photographer: Me :)

Decor ball & Gold lamp: Mr Price Home

Gold String Lights: Typo

Gold, teal & pink magic | Mini Styled Shoot | Hertford Country Hotel

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” ― Coco Chanel

Wow, I enjoyed working with Laykanne during the mini-styled session I did at the beautiful Hertford Country Hotel. She wore a smashingly beautiful Gelique dress, which she borrowed from her a mutual friend (and her boss's wife) Simone from the Wedding Event! 

My inspiration comes from my own home. My wife, Juanita, has a special eye for decor and design, and most of the Rose Gold items in the shoot I used are from our bedroom. Locust tree leaf, the Consol Glass jars, and Wooden Protea cutt-outs were painted Rose Gold using spray-paint. The old ladder is from my garage, and the greenery is from my garden. 

I am in love with Proteas which is in season at the moment. I loved how the pink, teal and Rose Gold compliment each other! 

Simone made the beautiful Protea bouquet with the two proteas, and I got the red-pink proteas from Impala Flora at the Fourways Gardens' Spar. 

Here are the suppliers who featured during this shoot!

Model: Laykanne Rae Powell

Flowers: Impala Flora

Venue: Hertford Country Hotel

Make up: Made Up by Kylie

Dress: Gelique

Bouquet: Simone Pheiffer from The Wedding Event

Styling and photographer: Me :)

Decor ball & Gold lamp: Mr Price Home

Gold String Lights: Typo

The Blignaut Family | Family Session | Irene Diary Farm

“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 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 :( 

A family in a splendor of burgundy | Hertford Country Hotel

“Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing.” Anonymous

Wow, I love families and the chemistry which every family brings to the table. Farhana asked me to do a family shoot and I decided to take them to the amazing Hertford Country.

With every session I have to think on my feet with regards to managing the family and organising every one for the different shots, and you sometimes have your hands full when somebody do not want to do exactly what you want...ie. children, especially small children...you can't force them to do things! My son is 2 and a half, and I have first hand knowledge of this. My son has a strong will and when he wants something...oh my...he WANTS it. I think many photographers do not do family shoots for exactly this reason...

But not me.

I love families and children and their chemistry too much. They bring so much joy into your life. 

Well long story short, Farhana's youngest one kept me on my toes and I just love all the photos with them. She made me to be very creative with keeping her busy during the shoot, and the result is amazing. I mean, when you are very small (and I see this with my own son) your attention span is super small, especially super late in the afternoon.

Farhana told me later that evening, the kids did pass out in the car just after they left for home from the shoot...shame. 

I loved your shoot and you guys looked amazing!

Venue: Hertford Country Hotel

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

Cleopatra's Maternity Session | Hertford Country Hotel

"I sustain myself with the love of family." Maya Angelou

I enjoyed capturing Cleopatra's Maternity session, and she said she is bringing her daughter to the shoot, but little did I know how cute she will be. I have not met many kiddos that has as much energy as my son, and her daughter kept me on my toes, but I loved it! At a point she even played frisbee with my reflector...funny!  Wow, look how pretty Cleopatra looked in her yellow dress!

 Cleopatra's makeup was also magical, thank you Shelley from Butterfly Blush Make-up Artists, and I just love Hertford Country Hotel as a venue! 

Venue: Hertford Country Hotel

Make up: Butterfly Blush Make-up Artists

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