Here we are, already in the first week of February.  Blimey, did January go by so unexpectedly super-fast for anyone else, or is it just me?


Anyhow, in early January, we hired a houseboat for the day, bobbing along at a snail's pace on the Vaal river and then over-nighting at a picturesque quayside, just in time for a wondrous sunset (and glass of Chardonnay). 

As usual, I took thousands of photos in the hope of preserving these childhood memories forever. . .

Any wedding involving a barefoot bride and groom, cocktails on the lawn and some crazy dancing is a score.


Susanne, who works in event management,  had put such care into every exquisite detail, that the whole day was literally bursting with purple prettiness!  If you haven't gathered from the images, Susanne's favourite colour is purple.


Despite the torrential downpour earlier in the day, their ceremony took place on cue under the jacaranda trees,  surrounded by friends and family that travelled from all over the world to witness Alan and Susanne exchange vows.


Thanks so much Susanne and Alan for giving us the opportunity to enjoy so much beauty in one day.  I went a little overboard with the finer points, so grab your morning cup of java for this one!




























































The midget cake stalkers, you get them at every wedding.

I must also give a huge shout out to Leeandra and Claire from Fields of Colour, you ladies were a hoot!

As always the images are also on Facebook, feel free to tag and share.

New year celebrations.  Yes, they happen every year, but, ever since I can remember, I've never been one for big Auld Lang Syne celebrations - more than ever, since each bash always seemed to be a bit of an anti-climax.  When I look back, it was those end-of-year festivities that were mostly low-key, unplanned and reserved for close family and friends that proved to be the best in heralding the coming year.
 

My pre-2012 new year, even with a little rainfall, was nothing short of astounding, as it was spent capturing Megan's and Vernon's incredibly special commemoration of their wedding vows. Their entire day was about friends, family and the love they shared. Nothing more, nothing less.  Just an awe-inspiring day.
 

The reception took place at Skyline Gardens in Braamfontein, overlooking the steel and concrete summits of the Johannesburg skyline, scattered with thunder and fireworks. Needless to say, this will be an eve to ANY new year that I will remember for a long time.
 

My deepest gratitude to you both for allowing me to be part of your completely one-of-a-kind, completely perfect, completely easy-going and artistically remarkable day.


































As always; Megan and Vernon's wedding is also up on the Facebook page. Feel free to like. leave your comments, share or tag yourself.

Reading through my notes from Marli's and Chris's wedding, the one word that particularly keeps swimming around in my head is GENUINE. 


There is little I desire more in photography than authenticity and yet it often seems so elusive and difficult to capture. You point the camera in someone's direction and, instead of snaring the unassuming moment you originally saw, the person then immediately foils the opportunity by reacting quite oppositely - yes, they'll look at the camera and smile.


Well, Marli and Chris, on the other hand, wear their hearts on their sleeves and are genuinely unaffected people, who are not afraid to show their emotions to those around them, which made capturing their wedding day so very easy.


Their day was emotional, fun, intimate and, of course,  full of GENUINE moments - all the things I love about weddings.
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Those that may want to tag people or share the album amoungst friends, can view the Facebook version album here.


 

So, yet another year fizzles out and here we are in 2012. Gosh!!  It seemed as though 2011 whizzed by in the blink of an eye; gone so fast.  Then again, it is said that time goes quickly when you're having fun, so I reckon it all makes sense, after all.

 
At this time of the year, I suppose that I should be reflecting back on the previous twelve months, with a best-of-2011 image gallery, or perhaps making some resolutions, but, such pursuits really wouldn't be me, so I'll plunge straight into the here and now with this next wedding post.

 
As I tinker away at my keyboard, I'm desperately racking my brains to forge the words best fitting to describe Hayley's and Mike's wedding day, but, to be honest, I am not sure that I should write too much, as I genuinely believe that the images themselves say it all.  You can see from Hayley's and Mike's pictorial debut that they are a pretty chilled couple and seem to be laughing most of the time, which is exactly how they were - relaxed, fun and happy-go-lucky.

 
I would have to say that, besides Kim's and Dale's ceremony - of course ;-), this was easily one of the most laid-back weddings that I experienced in 2011.

 
One thing that I do want to share with you is that Hayley is the first bride I've ever photographed that literally trashed her matrimonial dress (well not really, as the revised version looked just as good) and on the big day itself. That's right, you read right!! 


Apparently, Hayley realised at the reception that her gown was impeding her dance moves.  At that particular moment, I was tipped off that something was going on and heard Hayley say: "It's not like I am going to wear it again" and then, just like that, SNIP!!  We had half a dress...and then the party began in full earnest.
 

Hayley and Mike, thank you so much for the experience and, of couse, all the laughs.  Langebaan is in for a treat!