International Wedding Photographer | South Africa

International Wedding Photographer South Africa

What an absolutely perfect day! In fact the whole wedding weekend was amazing. Being surrounded by the love of friends and family must be one of the most powerful feelings in the world. This was the day, my little brother, Lance, married his soul mate, Shannon.

Lance and Shannon (Shay) met on Tinder 2 years ago. For those that think Tinder is just to ‘hook’ up, these two proved them wrong. In fact, I know a few couples that met on Tinder and are married or living together. Online dating is new era dating. It’s not such a foreign concept to me, as I spent much time in my teenage and early twenties on IRC (internet chat relay). I dated guys I’d met online. Thinking back, the only thing in common with the guys I’ve dated, have been that they are all IT/techies :/ The point is that, for many people today, online dating gives them hope in finding their one true love.

I drove up on Friday morning, with my sister and two boys, to spend the weekend at Mangwa Valley Lodge Game Reserve. I got to spend quality time with my family and friends. But not only that, I got to devote time to my passion too – photography. So much love rolled into one weekend.

The game reserve was idyllic, the chalets characteristic of Africa. And the shower room – just wow. I wished I could take it home with me. My very own piece of Africa. I honestly have no idea what we all spent the afternoon doing, except walking around, lunching by the pool and taking in the warm, African sun. The evening, however, was extremely memorable. Shannon and the Events Co-ordinator, Lily-Anne, arranged for me to go on a sunset game drive to scope out locations for the next day. I was so lucky to see all the game that I did. The sunset was breathtaking and the images I managed to capture just made my day. I found several amazing locations, but one that really stood out. A windmill with the initials S + L. If that’s not a sign….

The game drive was followed by a big gathering of all the wedding guests. A delicious, traditional South African braai (barbeque). Such a beautiful evening with the Milky Way shining so vividly. A friend had given me full instructions on how to capture the stars. However, by the time we’d finished dinner, took photos of the groomsmen opening their gifts, and got my boys to bed, the cloud cover was moving in. But I’d been so lucky capturing the game on the drive, that it didn’t matter.

Saturday morning had arrived. Up bright and early. Breakfast at 8am. Honeymoon suite to meet the bride at 9am. I spent the next few hours capturing detail shots – rings, shoes, hair and make up, bridesmaids gift, bride getting ready and much excitement. Including a nosy buck that came to see what we were up to. I was lucky to be assisted by the very talented Twane van Wyk.

Once I’d gotten enough Bridal Prep shots, I legged it up to the reception area (which was still be set up). Lance had planned a surprise for Shay. Instead of a DJ, he’d organised a live band that Shannon really liked. So although the reception set up had been done the day before, the Lance and all the groomsmen had to move tables around to make room for the band to set up. I managed to get a few set ups of the reception before going back to the ladies to see how they were getting on. Then back up to the chalet with the guys, to do some photos of the groom and his groomsmen. Thanks to Twane van Wyk, who captured most of the reception set up and details.

Once I had finished with the groom and his groomsmen, it was back down (yes there was a lot of walking done) to the honeymoon suite get photos of Shay getting her wedding dress on. The dress was designed and made by Shay’s talented sister Tammy Richmond of Tammyr Couture. The detail was out of this world. Bridesmaids dresses were also Tammyr Couture.

As with most brides, Shay was running a little late for her wedding. I left the ladies to go up to the chapel and capture photos of the guests. Making sure I was in place for Shay to walk down the aisle. The only problem I had was my little one wanting to be by my side during the ceremony. After not seeing me most of the day, he wanted his Mommy. To stop the crying and tantrums during someone else’s wedding, I made him my assistant. He carried my second camera and lens caps for me 🙂 He was happy and I was able to do my job.

Lance’s face as Shay came down the aisle was priceless. My little brother actually had tears in his eyes and I was not going to miss that shot. Shay looking absolutely breathtaking and Lance super handsome in his tux.

The ceremony was short but beautiful.

My favourite part of any Wedding is the Creative portrait with the bride and groom. This venue provided the most amazing locations and I absolutely loved it. I was assisted by the amazing Twane van Wyk, who is super creative. We had such a great time working as a team.

During the reception, we have Kyle Silvestre as the MIC for the night. And although he gets a bit crude, he was actually quite funny. The dinner was amazing, the band was amazing and everyone was so happy and the bridal couple in love. It was such a perfect wedding and weekend, that very little could’ve been done to improve it.