Up today, is the ever-patient Christina and Derick.
They tied the knot a couple of weeks ago, at Green Leaves, under spring skies blue enough to rival Christina's beautiful eyes. Well, almost!
It seems as though I am repeating the same mantra with each wedding post, but, the couples we take on seem to be the most precious souls!
Both Christina and Derick are just the nicest people you could meet. Myself and Stella had such a wonderful time with the pair of them.
This wedding was all about the real, natural, no fuss - just a calm and happy celebration of love. This is most definitely a wedding that will be remembered with fondness.
I've so many favourite photographs and below are just a few to let you in on the merest glimpse of such a memorable day.
I would like to thank Christina, Derick, their family and friends for making us feel so incredibly welcome
We were once again blessed with awesome light in the chapel...and how awesome is the Boabab ring holder!
Above - A brief moment in time, this was taken just after Derick and Christina signed the register. Unposed and unrehearsed; just natural emotion captured.
Marina is Greek and Paul is Italian, so they wanted a quiet celebration of their Catholic marraige on the Friday, followed by a traditional Greek wedding on the Saturday.
Caffeinated and ready to go, we started the Saturday at Marina's sister's home, photographing her bridal preparations. We then dashed to the Hyatt for some bridal portraits and from there straight onto the magnificent Greek Orthodox Church in Linksfield. Hidden details within the Greek chapel had me photographing all sorts of ornaments!
Although it was all in Greek (understandably!), the ceremony was a very traditional and beautiful service - a unique part of the ceremony being that the bride and groom do not say any vows.
Mind you, it wasn't just the church that was impressive; the reception hall at The Park Hyatt was equally stunning. The amazing flowers and the attention to detail did make me feel as though I was lost in a fairytale for the day.
Thanks, Marina and Paul, for letting us share your magical day with you.
One more Thank you {insert curtsy}; To The Royal Johannesburg Golf Club for arranging a golf cart and allowing us to take pictures.
Absolutely stunning!!! You are brilliant! And as for the picture of little Daniel, it is just edible!
(10.25.10 @ 09:14 PM)Andrea, all your images are so inspiring. I think you should hold a workshop now....AGAIN! Just loving No 4 and the last one! And love the one of bride and Dad at the door ready to walk down the aisle. Just GORGEOUS!
(10.25.10 @ 09:56 PM)LOVE them all!!! especially the reflection in nr 4. Beautiful work Andrea!
(10.26.10 @ 05:52 AM)Gorgeous Andrea, I love how you put your shots together and the detail you capture.
(10.26.10 @ 11:55 AM)Oh MY, beyond my expectations!
I personally adore #4 & #5
It's been quiet around here lately, hasn't it? And I know some guests have been waiting patiently for a little sneak from Odette's & Stephan's amazing wedding. Well here you are, finally, and I am sure you will not be disappointed.
You couldn't have found two nicer (and more gorgeous) people than Odette & Stephan. Seriously!
They were just so uber nice, welcoming and really made us feel like we were a part of the celebration from the moment we arrived.
Odette and Stephan, there are so many, many more images I want to show you, but, for now, only a few. Bless you both.....you are truly wonderful people!
How Awesome! {insert sigh}. Odette hired mismatched vintage cups and saucers.
Just perfect positioning - I could not possibly asked for a more perfectly lit ring bearer!
Gorgeous Andrea... love the ringbearer and then that 2nd last shot...sigh
(10.18.10 @ 08:41 AM)Cannot choose a favourite here Andrea!! All really, really stunning.... thank you Odette and Stephan... we had such a great time... you were complete rockstars!
(10.18.10 @ 11:39 AM)Wow - Odette you really looked stunning! Wonderful pictures to treasure forever!
(10.19.10 @ 09:39 AM)Come Come Andrea
When are you going to make time to write a 101 Book on how to be the best in SA.
Stunning work as always!
Sjoe this is going to be the best photo album I've ever seen - the pictures are beautiful and I can wait for everything! Andrea you truely have a God given talent - thanks for making this memory seeable for years to come. Odette and stephan you guys looked gorgeous :) love you two lots and lots!
(10.22.10 @ 11:04 AM)Ek is in trane! Dit is pragtig! Kanie wag omie res te sien!!!!!
(10.22.10 @ 12:56 PM)When its my turn, I'll phone you...
(10.22.10 @ 12:59 PM)Henry Cartier Bresson comes to mind. The ring bearer is out of this world!
(11.15.10 @ 06:04 PM)I always feel so honoured to be at a wedding (any wedding), as I get to meet the most amazing people on their happiest day. Blog post after blog post, I always mention how awesome a wedding was and what a blast we had, but, it is truly such a privilege to be a part of this special day.
You know it is going to be an awesome couple, when the groom hands you the formals list and the last photo set-up reads: "Then go wild".
The groomsmen all pulled together, decorating the reception hall, whilst Nadine sat oblivious to busy little groomsmen pixies who made sure that every last detail was in place.
Meet Johan and Nadine, our gorgeous, relaxed, game-for-anything couple, who made our day feel more like a fun day out with friends, as opposed to a full days graft!
I am not sure where I should start with this wedding?
Do I begin by telling you how Stella and I were transported to Nylstroom, which is a veritable African oasis? Or, shall I go on about the stunning Maroela tree, in the middle of the African savannah, where Martin and Bronwen decided to get married?
Would I be able to articulate just how intimate and tranquil the entire day was? How can I not mention that Ashley has a wicked sense of humour (for an 8 year old) and that he acted as my third shooter? Or, shall I merely update you on Wimpie, our mentally-imbalanced ;-) game ranger, with a death wish, who took "close encounters" to another level and took far too much pleasure in selecting our locations within 10 metres of crocodiles, cheetahs, hippos and other dangerous wildlife?
I very much doubt it, so let's allow the images to do the work.
Thank you, Bronwen. Thank you, Martin. The experience will be fondly remembered!
You would have not guessed it by the expressions here but a big crocodile was lying about 5 meters away.
After that intro you gave I was looking for all the creatures in the bushes LOL. Stunning photos as always
(09.26.10 @ 06:20 PM)The photos look fabulous - we had so much fun with you and Stella. Thanks for making us feel so comfortable and we can't wait to see the rest.
(09.26.10 @ 09:21 PM)We had a ball with the two of you both! - petrified at the close encounters, but a good laugh.
@Sharon: The creatures were so close that they were not in the bush but near us! The problem was it all started to look a little sureal that when selecting (for the blog) the photos with the animals looked a little too close, posed and staged (which obviously they weren't) so I posted the ones without.
Stunning Andrea!!! Love love those rocks... I just couldn't resist posting some of the close encounters :) Bronwen & Martine, thank you for a wonderful (though surreal) experience :)
(09.27.10 @ 09:04 AM)So, so beautiful. Your photography skills really astound me every time I look at your blog
(09.27.10 @ 10:27 AM)Oh, how I adore African bush weddings!!
(09.27.10 @ 10:51 AM)To Bronwen and Martin - congratulations on your marriage - may you have many ahappy years together. You may not remember me, but I am Aunty Carol's sister-in-law: Uncle Lex's wife. Do you remember the boys? Michael, Stephen, Collin and Brendon. It is many years since we were all together - visiting with the Dougalls.
Your wedding photos are beautiful. Aunty Carol said the wedding was super. I know your mom put a lot of work into all the plans so it could only be a success!
(09.30.10 @ 10:13 AM)Lovely photos! Loved the ones in the trees.Ashley is just too precious!
(10.06.10 @ 10:00 AM)
Wow - these are gorgeous Andrea! I love the shots with the sun!!!
(11.04.10 @ 05:27 PM)GORGEOUS photos Andrea! Love the shot of them kneeling in the church!
(11.06.10 @ 04:46 PM)Love, love, love the register image!!!! So natural and unscripted. Christina, you looked just gorgeous!!
(11.07.10 @ 07:58 AM)So lovely! What a beautiful couple
(11.12.10 @ 09:24 AM)Stunning photos! I love how you backed off the flash to get some background as well. The "kneeling at the alter" was amazing because of the sunlight!
(11.14.10 @ 03:29 AM)That "moment in time" image is just awesome. I love the BW you did as well, almost like it adds to the image.
(11.14.10 @ 03:37 PM)Oh my word. The chemistry between this couple is electrifying! Decisive moments. Beautiful.
(11.15.10 @ 06:01 PM)These images are just GORGEOUS Andrea. I especially love the register shot, it's my favourite!
(11.19.10 @ 07:48 AM)