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!

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.

...and hopefully some sunshine too.

Just wanted to let you know that we are away for a wee break and the studio will be closed until the 10 October 2011.

Please direct all price enquiries to the automated email address: prices@andreacarlylephotography.co.za, all other e-mails will be addressed on my return.


Have a great week ahead!

Ansuretha booked me just over three weeks ago and I'm so glad she did! 

Based on what Ansuretha had told me on the phone, I knew I would enjoy the day.  She also mentioned that it would be a small clique of their closest friends and because this was the second time round for both of them, it was going to be laid back wedding.

Everyone was so welcoming and Ansuretha and Zack couldn't have been more relaxed and down to earth about the whole occasion - just wanting to get married and celebrate with friends and family.

We're off to the coast next week, so these past couple of days have been spent wrapping up loose ends and being a tad on the crazy side. To-do lists galore.

One item on that inventory was to post Ansuretha's and Zack's wedding before we depart, but, the truth be told, I just didn't get the time to edit enough images for a blog post.

I do, however, have a compromise ...a quick sneak-peak, with a full post when I return.

The blog is looking a bit dodgy at the moment, with red crosses all over the place. Our server was upgraded and there is some bug that is causing havoc with the headings. This too will be addressed on our return. Thank you to all those loyal readers who have taken the time to bring this to my attention - much appreciated ;-).

The whole thing about capturing the true essence of a wedding is a rather strange concept, when you contemplate it.  The bride and groom invite a total stranger, with a nice camera, into their lives as well as that of their families'.
 
For one day you are privy to the family dynamics and honoured with the privilege of witnessing the anticipation, the nerves, the tears, the emotions and dearest moments of what they feel for each other. For one day, guests and relatives treat you as a family member; openly exposing their true selves in the hope that special moments will be captured in pictures to be treasured permanently.

Nicola and Slade, I thank you.   Your wedding was certainly one that will remain close to my heart, given your amazing, tight-knit troupe of family and friends, who came from all corners of the world, were also so much fun to be around.

Nicola rocked that Pronovios dress like no-one's business. 
I often wonder, when getting the dress fitted in some little up-market London boutique shop, how the dressmaker would react if he/she saw where this bespoke frock would be traipsed around in South Africa.  Well, not only did Nicola rock this exquisite gown, she was even able to gracefully outrun Oom Eddie in this dress :-).

...and finally, here you are, a glimpse from their wedding day.









 
The brooch on Nicola's boquet was from her 92 year old granny.
















On the right; Nicola's Dad's reaction when he saw Nicola in her dress.































A big shout out to Tracy and Florian, who recommended me to Nicola. I do not usually mention referrals on the blog, but, having past clients vouch for me to family and friends is truly the biggest compliment I could receive.

Those who prefer FB to blogs, then Nicola's and Slade's images can be seen here.