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

A beautiful family shoot with Chandni and Kavita and their father Dave at Hertford Country Hotel. A father's love for his daughters is endless!

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

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

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. My daughter Ilé has been born since the #sneakpeak of this photoshoot, and she has just been a blessing and joy to our family. So my love as a father has doubled by having two children.

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WvdM_fathersdayshoot_fathersday_father_daughter_photoshoot_familyshoot_family_hertfordcountryhotel_thehertford_portraitphotography2.jpg

I hosted a competition on my Facebook page and Chandni was the winner of the Father's Day shoot. Her sister, Kavita, also entered and they nominated their dad, Devdas (or Dave), for the BEST DAD IN THE WORLD...and this what they have to say about their dad: dad:

Chandni: To me he is the greatest man that has ever set foot on this earth. He has taught us many life lessons, inspired each of his children to be better than they ever thought possible and supported us completely in every journey we have taken. He is the one person who will always be there. No judgements, no questions asked. This was done to not only his children but with friends and family as well. This has taught me what true love really is. Love u to the ends of the earth dad!!!
Kavita: You are the best dad ever! You've always worked hard to put us first in life and you've never said no to us for anything in life. You always give us your unconditional support in everything that we do and you're always there to motivate us to be our best. As a girl growing up, you were my super man and always will be. Love you lots Dad!

Wow, inspirational stuff! I can truly see that their dad is a great guy, and during the shoot I could see he has this grace about him. He is sure of himself, and he is absolutely in love with his two daughters. 

Dave is a cattle farmer in Middelburg, so I wanted to do the shoot on a farm (which is fairly difficult to find in Johannesburg) but I knew The Hertford Country Hotel has a little horse stable with two horses so this worked well for the farm element in the shoot. I just love doing shoots at the Hertford because there is so many different aspects to work with, and every shoot I do there looks different. 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.

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A smile starts on the lips, a grin spreads to the eyes, a chuckle comes from the belly; but a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, overflows, and bubbles all around. - Carolyn Birmingham

I think I am a funny person but my wife Juanita doesn't necessarily share the sentiment. Chandni on the other hand cracked herself for my jokes. I always try and make my clients laugh naturally in front of my camera. I believe it produces natural smiles and authentic moments, rather than asking my clients to "fake" laugh and the moment isn't authentic and it looks unnatural. I also believe that they have a light spirit, meaning they find joy in life and laugh frequently with each other. Their hearts are full of joy, so I think it wasn't difficult to make them laugh as much as they did in front of the camera. :) 

Enough said. Enjoy the photos and please leave a comment at the end. 

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Linda's family | Family session | Midrand, Johannesburg

I had a blast capturing the joy and energy of Linda and her family. I just love family photography on location.

Linda's family | Family session | Midrand, Johannesburg

God's dream is that you and I and all of us will realize that we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness, and for compassion. Desmond Tutu

I just love big families, and I love capturing the essence of how much love there is in a family. Linda's family is no different. I just loved how the grandparents are central in the family and how the focus was also around the grandkids...and what a lovely bunch of kids! I just know how much grandkids mean to grandparents...I mean...I really enjoy seeing my dad with my children...you get a glimpse of what it was like when I was a little boy.

One of my passions are children and to capture the joy and energy of children. I especially love it when I can bring a little character out of some kids who are too shy to perform in front of the camera. I feel so liberated when kids relax in front of the camera, and I get a glimpse of their true self...and that is such a privilege to capture on camera! 

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

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Janke & Ilé | Mom's Wedding Dress Shoot | Hertford Country Hotel

Wow, this photoshoot is one the cutest and most beautiful shoots I have done thus far. My niece and my daughter wore their mom's wedding dress and the results are out of this world! Venue: Hertford Country Hotel

Janke & Ilé | Mom's Wedding Dress Shoot | Hertford Country Hotel

We believe selecting a wedding dress is more than just a fitting, it’s a process – a memory in the making. Olivelli Cape Town

My wife Juanita have been wanting to do this shoot for almost five years now. Her twin sister Zinette's daughter (Janke) is 5 years old and my wife knew since her birth that she would one day arrange a photoshoot with her wearing her mom's wedding dress. So when my little girl was born, my wife knew her dream would come true, and she started to plan this photoshoot: Janke will wear her mom's wedding dress, and Ilé will sleep or lie on her mom Juanita's wedding dress. 

Well, that happened today, and the results are "OUT OF THIS WORLD!"

My wife made the flower crowns herself. She bought the flowers and the wire and tape necessary to make the crowns and watched a youtube video for instructions. Amazing. 

The beautiful Glitter Sequins Hanger in Silver is from The Lovilee Shop

Venue: Hertford Country Hotel

Enjoy the sneak peak and please leave a comment at the end! 

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Christiaan & Mireille | Engagement shoot | Delta Park, Randburg

I loved the engagement shoot I did with Christiaan & Mireille! These two are serious love birds, and I loved the chemistry between them...make for crazy beautiful and authentic photos! 

As God by creation made two of one, so again by marriage He made one of two. Thomas Adam
Christiaan & Mireille on their engagement shoot, double exposure

I love it when clients make me feel comfortable as well. I mean, I always go out of my way to make my clients feel comfortable, but sometimes I get a little anxious because I need to concentrate on creating a relaxed atmosphere...but when my clients are super relaxed I am super relaxed. Christiaan and Mireille are such clients...so basically they allowed and trusted me to be super creative...I mean the photo above is a in-camera double exposure. It was done with photoshop, and I love the result! 

Christiaan and Mireille are getting married at Morrels Boutique Venue in Linden, Johannesburg, and I am unfortunately not the wedding photographer. They already have a photographer, but they really wanted to their engagement shoot with me. They are both easy going people, and love the outdoors and nature a lot, so we did their shoot at the beautiful Delta Park in Randburg! 

A crazy funny thing happened during the shoot. I made them stand underneath a Jacaranda tree and while I was directing them how to stand, a random dog entered the frame of the shot and made a poo...I mean you only see these things on Facebook...hilarious! Mireille told me when we finished, I MUST share that photo on Facebook...and I did. See here....we cracked up with laughter!

A dog making a poo while doing an engagement shoot

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

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Ryan and Dawn | Destination Wedding | Orchards, Midlands KZN

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!

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!

 

 

 

 

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Teaser. Enchanted forest engagement | Chantelle & Kyle | Johannesburg

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

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! 

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Collin & Cheryl | Wedding | Tres Jolie, Johannesburg

Collin and Cheryl are serious love birds and their wedding day was full of laughter and fun! I had a blast capturing their wedding love story! #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer

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!

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Rudolph & Angelique | Wedding | Makiti Wedding Venue

Rudolph and Angelique had a very special wedding at Makiti Wedding Venue with family and friends! Magical day with lots of fun and laughter!

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!

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Kalinka & Dylan | Matric Farewell | Hertford Country Hotel

Wow, Kalinka and Dylan looked absolutely amazing for their Matric Farewell! Hertford Country Hotel is such a gem of a place to shoot at!

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!

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Portraits of Annemarie | The Gables Sandton | Styled Session 

I had a blast doing this styled session with Annemarie Lindeque at the beautiful the Gables Sandton Venue. Amazing make-up by Making Faces by Gerda. Flowers by Bespoke Bloom.

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!

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

I have done a few mini photo sessions at Shokran Wedding & Events Venue. I know Ninette and Derik personally and its always a pleasure photographing them...they kids are such good "models" and I always have fun with them...and they look good on photos!

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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Baby Ryan | Robert and Kirsten | Lifestyle Session

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! 

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!

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

This is one of my favourites for the year! JP and Nadine looked absolutely smashing on their wedding day. Wow, what a cool bunch of family and friends! I must also give a shout out to Bell Amour Wedding Venue...what a beauty!

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!

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

Wow, Kalinka and Dylan looked absolutely amazing for their Matric Farewell yesterday! Hertford Country Hotel is such a gem of a place to shoot at!

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!

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Teaser! Rudolph & Angelique | Wedding | Makiti Wedding Venue

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! 

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

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

A beautiful family shoot with Chandnit, Kavita and their father Dave at Hertford Country Hotel. A father's love for his daughters is endless!

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!

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

Teaser! Baby Ryan | Robert and Kirsten | Lifestyle Session

Teaser! 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! 

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! 

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styled shoots, family photography Wynand van der Merwe styled shoots, family photography Wynand van der Merwe

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

Wow, I wanted to showcase the love of a mother and a daughter in a mini-styled shoot to commemorate Mother's Day, and Lindie and Charlene's love for each other was so tangible! I had so much fun with them, and they are such beautiful souls!

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

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