Andrea Carlyle Photography

Holiday Memories

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:10:13 +0200

"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are,
the things you never want to lose."

~ The Wonder Years

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. . .

Longmeadow Piano Bar - Susanne & Alan

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:27:41 +0200

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.

Rooftop Wedding - Megan & Vernon

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:45:50 +0200

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.

Thaba Tshwene Game Lodge - Marli & Chris

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:43:59 +0200

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.
.

Those that may want to tag people or share the album amoungst friends, can view the Facebook version album here.

Moon & Sixpence Wedding - Hayley & Mike

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:41:48 +0200

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!

The wedding cake consisted of an apt cake topper (Mike is in the airforce), cake pops and macaroons ...yum!

This is the part where the dress is being cut off.
I have snuck in a before and after picture into the Facebook gallery, it is not such a pretty picture, but if you want a peak, head on here . Just scroll through their album it is there towards the end.

One more sleep

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:57:04 +0200

Just having my morning coffee, making a mental list of things I need to do today, we have three really excited boys and all things Christmas to organise on this side of the screen.

Yup, it's that time of year again, time for me to spend some time with my family, my mantra for the next few days will be Rest & Relax.

Happy holidays to all of you and thank you for stopping by this wee blog, to those that leave comments, thank YOU {inset hug}. Logging off now, back on the 3rd January 2012.

Narina Trogon Wedding - Justine & Karel

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:36:06 +0200

The week leading up to Karel's and Justine's wedding revolved around checking weather forecasts, as continuous rains were predicted for that entire weekend.
Fortunately for us, the forecasts in Johannesburg are never reliable and we managed to avoid any downpours.

There are so many incredible moments to share from this marriage ceremony that I seriously don't know where to begin, but, I'll give it a bash any way.

We were lucky enough to shoot Karel's and Justine's creatives at Johannesburg's old gas works plant. Yes, I know, not exactly a "lovely gardens" vibe, but, going by Karel's list of pre-suggested locations, I knew that they were a little adventurous and would love the backdrop as much as I did. There are some serious favorites in here and I have been chomping at the bit to share them with you.

Setting the occasion; it was the last full moon of 2011, we had sky lanterns, a red velvet wedding cake, a sweet dainty flower girl, who went by the name of Olivia and, of course, an awesome bride, who claimed she hated the camera.- National Geographic here I come ;-)
Into the mix, a mighty fine groom too, so what more could one ask for?

So to Karel and Justine, it was absolutely wonderful spending the day with you and your family and friends...Thank you, a trillion times again.

Olivia's reaction when granny (Justine's mom) cried, she then decided to give granny a huge hug to make it all better.

Ice lollies were dished out to all the guests after the ceremony.

The urban reception in Braamfontein at Narina Trogon was a nice change to the normal country venues.

Oh, and before I log out, and address my editing backlog, there are a couple of extra images on my FB page.

Hidden Treasures

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:43:13 +0200

I am busy finishing off Lauren and Darryls's wedding and wanted to share this image with you. Lost in the blog edit, rediscovered this morning.

There is something about it that I love, and I keep coming back to it.

Wedding Inspirations

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:11:04 +0200

I am not sure what it is, but, seeing an image published in a glossy wedding magazine makes it look sooo much better, than it does on my screen.

Thrilled to be included in the December / Summer 2011 issue of Wedding Inspirations magazine which goes onto the shelves today!

Superhero Party - Lion King Party

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 05:09:09 +0200

It would be too easy to have the same themed party for the boys, wouldn't it?

This year we celebrated with a Superhero party for Liam and a Lion King party for Jake.

Right, now back to my editing.

Credit: Superhero party inspired by an party I saw on Etsy by Paiges of Style

Five

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:01:41 +0200

I know they have to grow up, but, does it have to be at this helter-skelter rate?

Five years old today!!

They are now both happy little beans, because they've officially, according to their life manual, attained BIG BOY status.

However, I do savour the fact that they haven't quite yet shed certain babyish-like aspects.

Happy Birthday boys!

Memoire Wedding - Janine & Ashley

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:24:29 +0200

If I had to choose one solitary word that could describe childhood sweethearts Janine and Ashley, then it would have to be laidback, or possibly even carefree.

Their wedding ceremony was pretty much about a girl who once met a boy and then finally ;-) tied the knot, on that auspicious big day. Nothing at all else seemed to be of any importance.

It did not matter that Janine forgot to put on her garter and it didn't matter that there wouldn't be a second ring exchange - quite simply, Janine and Ashley were marrying each other and that was that.

It was a scorcher of a day and it would be earmarked as the very first and last time, I hear, that Ashley ever wore a suit.

Janine was calm, composed and looked beautiful. Ashley was eager and perspiring slightly in his first-ever Fabio (suit). The expressions and comments of their guests said it all and it was an honour to spend this day with them all.

Amazing. Thank you.

As always the images are on the FB page, feel free to leave some love or tag yourself over here.

PS: I also have to add that Zavion, the co-ordinator at Memoire, was razor-sharp and just a pleasant person to be around.

Happy 11.11.11

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:48:16 +0200

I read somewhere this morning, that there are aproximately 75 000 wedding ceremonies schedulled for today...phew, that is alot of "I do's".

This is what we will be up to later this afternoon ;-).

Helderfontein Estate Wedding - Barbara & Craig

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:13:36 +0200

When I began photographing with my first SLR, a Pentax MZ50, in those days, you would have to wait until your spool of film was developed before you could see whether or not you had captured a half-decent, or extraordinary moment.

In this day and age, anyone with a mobile 'phone (let alone a camera) can take a photograph, and the results are immediate, so it's much easier to see immediately if you caught the moment or if someone's eyes were closed at that precise moment.

Despite the different technologies being used to capture a moment, I always get a little light-headed whilst I'm scanning through the sequence of events of a wedding ceremony; flicking through the day as it unfolded, the atmosphere, the people and the sheer timelessness of the activities that were captured right in front of me.

The piece of equipment that the photos were captured on is irrelevant, but, when I do happen upon a certain once-off unique frame, I get all giddy, especially when I know that this particular one is a cracker!! Indeed one for the blog, no less.

The calmness of Barbara getting ready, the flower girl who loved the camera, Craig's nerves before the ceremony and the expression on his face, the laughs at the reception, those unplanned moments and the guests who flew in from London, Zambia and from all over - everything captured and about to be shared with you, the blogging fraternity. Don't you just love the power of photography?

Thank you Barbara and Craig, plus, a big shout out to Lisa, who assisted me on the big day.

Those 'roses & petals' on the cake are made of icing - I kid you not!

....being a flowergirl is tiring ;-)

Please feel free to "like" our facebook page and tag yourself in these photos if you are in them, although I highly doubt that - considering bar one photo, it is all about Barbara & Craig ;-). You are also welcome to share with family and friends!

Longmeadow Piano Bar - Lauren & Darryl

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:26:59 +0200

Lauren's and Darryl's wedding day started off with me undertaking an intense morning of location scouting, as I was determined to do something far removed from the previous ceremonies I had shot at Longmeadow.

Thankfully, it ended up with the discovery of a tucked-away little entrance and, with the help of Darryl's crafty plan, we were able to shoot the creatives at that hush-hush setting - albeit, with a security guard entourage in tow. What a great laugh.
Thanks, Lauren and Darryl.

The toughest thing I find about posting weddings, is coming up with the appropriate words to describe the day and, most of all, not to repeat certain aspects over and over again.

It's hard not to declare that your couples are legends, when Lauren and Darryl really were and I know I have said it before, but, Lauren's and Darryl's day really was a feel-good, romantic wedding, steeped in emotion and surrounded by a close-knit and adoring family.

I know that Lauren is reading this post from her 'phone in Mauritius ;-), so enjoy the sneak peek and have a margarita for me!

Would you believe that Lauren did not like her original wedding dress so sourced a new dress one week before the wedding.

Another thoughtful gesture - A special birthday cake for Grandpa.

Grainy? ..Yes....but I really do love this image.