Without revealing too much about my next wedding blog post, which I am really excited about publishing, I just couldn't resist sharing some teaser images.

Forget Kate Middleton's and HRH William's upcoming stately bash, the wonderful couple I photographed in Lady Grey this weekend was the town's very own Royal Wedding, by a long shot.

Just take a look at the sheer excitement of some of the unofficial guests - there are those experiences that quite simply can't be put into words.... full post coming soon. Stay tuned.

Is it Friday again?  Already?  Oops, then I really ought to share this wedding with you before I depart.

Sarah and David, who are based in Kenya, opted for a South African wedding, during what seems to be the peak of rainy season!

It was a chilled, cloudy day when we packed our camera bags and headed off to Summerplace to capture the moments of their day.
As I arrived at Sarah mum's home, the rain began and pretty much continued for the rest of the day, although it had no chance of dampening the excitement, or the mood for all concerned.

We were fortunate enough to have a few dry intervals, in between the downpours, to snap a few portraits before the showers decided to join us again.

Sarah and her mum put a lot of time and thought into her wedding details.  Sarah's shoes were killer and the table décor quite simply beautiful!  All the elements of a perfect marriage ceremony mashed together - thank you, Sarah and David.

So just because it's Friday and just because I'm pleased to be heading off for an out-of-town wedding later this morning, I thought I'd leave you for the weekend with a jam-packed post full of images of this long-overdue shoot.

 

 

 

 

I just wanted to let you know that I'll be out of office on Friday, emails and calls will be returned as soon as we get back in on Monday, 4th April 2011.

This weekends wedding is going to be a very private affair, so I am afraid that there will be no blog post to follow but I will share David and Sarah's long overdue, and awesome, wedding next week.

..and because no blog post is complete without an image, here is an image I dug out from the days I still used film.

Carlien and Marcell.  Where do I begin?

When we arrived at Mangwa Valley Lodge, one of the first things Marcelle said to us was: "Ladies. Just do your stuff".  And that is exactly what we did ;-).  So laid back were the bride and groom that they put their complete trust in us.

The ceremony was one of the most entertaining I have ever experienced, in that the priest included references to Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and how can we forget little Tinkerbelle, as well as many other elements, which made it all the more so incredibly special.

I really enjoyed our game drive portrait session, which involved some bundu bashing, looking out for game, on top of the odd stopping-off every now and then to shoot some romantic shots.

The reception also turned out to be just as much fun, where the dance floor was invaded by all the short guests (aka children) attending the wedding.

Marcell and Carlien, I can't thank you enough for allowing us to share your beautiful day with you! Thank You.

Tinkerbelle herself tying up Carlien's dress.

There were adorable children.  There was a gorgeous bride and a handsome groom.  There was fine cuisine, laughs aplenty, tears and trains - really fast trains.  I'm talking about Gaby's and Hendri's wedding, which took place a couple of weeks ago.

It seems that after each wedding, when I'm driving home and going through the moments of the day, that I say to myself: "Yep, that was a first-rate event. I doubt whether I'll be able to top that one again."  And, after all, it seems as though each successive wedding always does.  I am seriously running out of words to describe the awesome couples that we are privileged to meet.

What I am realising, though, is that the more I photograph wedding ceremonies, the more I appreciate how important the unscripted episodes are; the real story of the big day and whilst I will be the first to admit that we do pose creative portraits of the bride and groom, they actually only make up a very small portion of the images taken on the day.

Any way, their wedding ceremony was a small, intimate affair, with everyone so wonderfully warm and relaxed.

So, without further ado, here are a few of the unscripted chapters from Gaby's and Hendri's beautiful day;

I absolutely love this getting ready photo, and I personally think it really does say alot about Gaby.

Gaby was totally unphased as her neice, the little flowergirl who affectionately hugged her whilst her dress was being buttoned up, and in the process creasing her beautiful dress.

I am sure that there would be many a bride out there, that would be more concerned about the creases in the dress.

I am a sucker for emotional grooms...sigh

You may be wondering why she is laughing....

... she spotted the ring bearer, who was supposed to be at the front of the aisle.

He decided to take the rings for a walk, to the back of the ceremony, playing with them, totally ignorant to the formalities of a wedding service.  The two rings are on his finger.

'Nuff' said, the same ring bearer.

I think you will agree a picture is worth a thousand words.

No discussion needed. The Cake -  Was good!

Another AWESOME photo (above)... and I did not take it :-(

Ursula and I have this ongoing competition, at the weddings we shoot together, as to who gets the cracker, the Fuji award - we call it.

As much as I hate to admit it, I think she got it this time!