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Matric Farewell - Holy Rosary School

10/7/2014

The Holy Rosary School held its Matric Farewell earlier this year, and as they are always slightly different, all the ladies had to wear white gowns. I was asked to photograph a group of eleven friends, their partners and families at one of the ladies beautiful homes, just before they were whisked off in a bus to the main event.

The families watched their daughters proudly as we did the photographs. The ladies all looked incredibly beautiful. Each perfectly made up in a spectacular gown with to die for heels, and the young men looked dashing in their suits. I would like to wish all of the ladies the best for the upcoming Matric Finals, you are all fabulous and I know you all have a bright future ahead of you.

Love
Chantal
XXX

Holy Rosary Matric Farewell - Class of 2014

Holy Rosary Matric Farewell - Class of 2014 - The proud Parents

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Carrie & Greg - A French Affair

8/28/2014

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One of the most amazing couples I know, Carrie and Greg, got married in December at the beautiful Morrells in Northcliff. Their theme was vintage French and it definitely had the wow factor! The shabby chic decor included a variety of flowers, little perfume bottles, silver teapots and bird cages with little birds. The little details along with the fabulous venue suited this classy couple so well with its simple elegance.

When I first met them, Carrie explained that the little birds that were incoporated in the decor were a tribute to her Mom who would be watching over them from heaven during the day. I am pretty sure that this little touch, along with the amazing lady that Carrie is, made her mom proud and smile down at the beautiful couple.

Carrie looked magnificent in her vintage inspired gown from De La Vida Gowns, she took her handsome grooms breathe away as she walked down the aisle. The day was perfect in every way for this lovely couple, even the weather played along with us, as the huge thunderstorm that threatened all day only hit when every one was inside the reception enjoying the delicious cocktail dinner.

A big shout out goes to all the suppliers (listed below) for making Carrie and Greg's Wedding day so perfect. Another big thank you goes to my amazing second photographer Sherrie for all of her hard work in assisting me.

To Carrie and Greg, my ginger couple, you guys are fabulous and I just love you! I am so lucky to have met you and to have shared your day with you. Its awesome to count you as friends, and I wish you both huge success in your careers and a very happy and long life together.

Here is a peak at their special day
Love
Chantal
XXX

Carrie & Greg's Wedding - Morrells Boutique Hotel

A huge shout out to the amazing suppliers that made this day so perfect:

Venue, Food and Flowers: Morrells – rynhardt@morrells.co.za

Wedding gown: De La Vida Bridal Couture - justine@delavida.co.za

Wedding Officer: Ryan Hogarth – ryan.hogarth@gmail.com

Wedding Cake: Annicas Cakes – annicas@mweb.co.za

Grooms Suit – Khaliques Fordburg

Wedding Stationary – Scrap Crazee Meyersdal (Kathy)– scrapcrazee@mweb.co.za

Make up – Makeup By Monique - info@makeupbymonique.co.za

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Femme Fatale Boudoir has Arrived!

7/5/2014

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Many people have asked what is happening, why all the secrecy about the future ... well we have been working hard at creating something so fabulous, we just had to keep it a secret!

Chantal (Beautiful Boudoir & Shelley (Pretty Boudoir) have finally joined forces and also brought on board the super talented MUA's & Hair Stylists Monique & Shandré! Together they are invincible and glamorously gorgeous!

Our new boudoir website (www.femmefataleboudoir.co.za) and blog has arrived! Hello SA and welcome to the world of sexiness! We are here and more stylish than before! Have a peak at the new website and blog ... We will update the blog as much as we possibly can...we want all of you gorgeous ladies to be part of it. So comment, ask questions, if you have a shoot then give tips to newbie clients, let's get some chatter and a vibe going on here!

Looking forward to working with all of you sexy ladies!

xxx

The Femme Fatale Girls

Shelley, Monique, Shandré & Chantal

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Christine & Charles - Their Wedding day

9/15/2013

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I am truly blessed to have the best career in the world ... I love what I do and I certainly love my clients! This couple, Christine and Charles are definitely a very special couple. I can't believe they pulled off this incredible event in only 10 weeks. Both are busy professionals, but they were so organised and calm through out the whole planning process.

It was a chilly start to the morning of the 29th of June, when Chris and I started to photograph the stunning decor at Casalinga for this wedding. Simple elegance is how I would describe the tables, with such intricate and delicate detail. I am so in love with the orchids from Anro Farm, that were strategically placed in the table arrangements. They really added so much colour and beauty to the arrangements. While Chris went off to photograph Charles and the best men getting ready, I got to meet up with the ladies who seemed very calm while sipping on champagne. All of the bridesmaids as well as Christine's make up was flawless, and done by the very talented Kate Grace. As Christine slipped into her wedding gown, I think she took everyones breathe away. She was a truly stunning bride and Charles is a very lucky man!

After a beautiful ceremnoy that had almost the entire church brushing tears away (including me!) the day ended off with the father of the groom telling numerous jokes and funny stories that set the tone for a fun evening. I heard after the wedding that many people dont remember much after the dinner as it ended up being a crazy and massive party. A very fitting end to a special day!

To Charles and Christine, it was amazing to have met you, and you are just the perfect couple. Everyone can see the love that shines between the two of you and I wish you every thing of the best for the future. You deserve your happily ever after and I am sure that you will have it. From Chris and I, we both loved every minute of your Wedding Day and we are very honoured you chose to allow us to capture it.

Here is a peak at their wonderful day and the fantastic suppliers are listed below.

Christine & Charles' Wedding - Casalinga Ristorante

The Suppliers for Christine and Charles' wedding are:
Wedding Venue: Casalinga Ristorante, Muldersdrift
Wedding Gown: Bride & Co
Flowers: Anro Farm
Make-up: Kate Grace
Hair: Denise

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Shelley & Garith - E-shoot - Irene Dairy Farm

8/21/2013

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Shelley & Garith E-shoot - Irene Dairy Farm

Anything but ordinary is how I can describe this engagement shoot with my good friends Shelley & Garith! Shelley is a fellow Boudoir Photographer and when we started chatting about doing her engagement shoot I knew it was going to be more about having fun than anything else.

On the 14th of July 2013, Chris and I met Shelley and Garith at Irene Dairy Farm for a hearty lunch before setting off for the afternoon shoot, with gumboots, a guitar and all sorts of other things in tow.

I can say, this was so much fun, with loads of giggles and laughs the whole way through. What a quirky, fun loving and sometimes crazy couple. From the gumboot dance to the doors and then the painting with light it felt more like an fun afternoon outing than work.

To Shelley & Garith, thank you for letting me do your E-shoot, I cant wait for your wedding in March and I am very priviledged to know you and to be one of your Bridesmaids. I shout out goes to the lovely Chris who as always was a wonderful assitant, and to Jenny from Dagena Make-up, Beauty & Weight Loss for doing such a lovely job on Shelley's hair and make-up.

Shelley & Garith E-shoot - Irene Dairy Farm

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Lizelle & Werner's Beautiful Wedding Day - Ekudeni Wedding Venue

5/8/2013

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When I think of Lizelle and Werner, I think of a really down to earth couple. Their engagement shoot was a really chilled and fun afternoon, and I was really looking forward to their wedding day on the 23rd of March 2013.

They chose the stunning Ekudeni Wedding and Conference Venue for their big day, and I am sure they couldn't have asked for anything better as it is a very elegant venue. The reception decor was so beautiful and romantic, the perfect setting for this lovely couples wedding.

Although the weather really didn't work with us, from extreme heat, to a massive storm, it was a stunning wedding. The very nervous Werner looked very handsome in his suit, and Lizelle looked so beautiful!

To Lizelle and Werner, I wish you all of the best for the future, filled with love and happiness! Here is a sneak peak of their wedding!

Lizelle & Werner's Wedding Day - Ekudeni Wedding & Conference Venue

I would like to thank all of the suppliers that helped make this a glamorous affair and my lovely assistant Sherrie for all of her hard work on the day.
Venue:                         Ekudeni Wedding and Conference Venue
Wedding Gown:     GIA Bridal Boutique
Make-up:                    Bella Make-up
Hair:                             S P à La Mode

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A True love story - Angela & Tys's engagement shoot

4/18/2013

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I met the lovely Angela and very dashing Tys at the Oakfield Farm Expo last year and was very excited when Angela contacted me and asked me to be their wedding photographer in August this year. As Tys works in Iraq, and they live 3 months apart at a time, we organised their engagement shoot for March while Tys was here for Easter. We chose the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens for the shoot as it is beautiful and fitted with everything they wanted. Timing was really good as Monique (Make-up by Monique) did Angela's make-up trial the morning of the shoot.

Now their story is special, and you can see it the minute you spend time with them, so I asked Angela to share their story:

Finding my Boereseun:

Years ago when I was getting divorced, I confided in a friend – asking them what on earth I did wrong in my previous relationship choices – and he said “Angela – you should find yourself a boerseun – a boerseun will treat you right”. Little did I know that 12 years later I would find myself a boerseun who honestly treats me like a princess!

How do you cope spending so much time apart?
With Tys and I living apart and only seeing each other every 3 months it is very hard, but I always say with our skyping and bbm’ing we probably talk far more than most married couples. When we talk every night it is dedicated time together, which probably doesn’t happen with most relationships. We make this difficult circumstance work.

Angela & Tys - Couple Shoot

How did he pop the question?
Tys popped the question in a little place overlooking Hartebeespoort Dam. He had a bottle of our favourite wine, and put some music on (We both love music). He seemed to be rather purposeful with his selection on his Ipod… and then it came to a song about a soldier going away and asking his love to marry him before he leaves (Tys was due to leave the next day, to go back to Iraq)….. He went all quiet – and me – being a little slow at times…. I say “this is a lovely song…. Do you want to dance?”….. Typical Angela moment….. So Tys says “I am asking you to marry me and you ask me if I want to dance?” Eish….. epic fail! Haahaahaa! Of course I said “yes, yes, yes!”

To Angela and Tys, its amazing working with you and to see such love between two people. I am really priviledged to be your photographer on your Wedding Day! I wish you loads of love and happiness! May your love continue to grow!

Angela & Tys - Couple Shoot

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Planning your Wedding day - Make-up Tips

3/15/2013

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As a wedding photographer I often get asked many questions about the “Big Day” and things that will make it less stressful and more beautiful. As weddings are expensive, and most of us don’t realise how much they really do cost until you decide to tie the knot, we generally try to cut a few corners to make it more affordable. There are a few things I believe are very important and shouldn’t be overlooked.

The one thing I find that Brides often cut first is Make-up. Us ladies all know how to put make-up on don’t we? Most of us wear it every day for work, and our trusty brands we buy from chemists or clothing stores really do the job! Well actually this is pretty far from the truth. We know how to do every day make-up application, and what most ladies don’t realise is that this does not look great on camera.

Top Tip!

If you want to go for a facial, make sure it is at least 4 weeks before the wedding so that all impurities are not visible on the wedding day

Monique

The normal foundations we buy have an SPF sunscreen in them, and while this is great for everyday use and protects our skin, on your wedding day when your photographer, friends and family are taking photographs that sunscreen reflects light. So you suddenly end up with a very white face in all of the images, and this makes it look like you have greasy skin …. A definite NO for your wedding photos which you will cherish for the rest of your life! Professional foundation is formulated to prevent this and your Make-up Artist knows how to apply it correctly and smoothly to remove imperfections and make your skin look flawless. Professional Make-up Artists have been trained to make you look amazing, they use little tricks to accentuate your best features and hide the things we all don’t like, like the dreaded dark rings under your eyes.

Your eyes are the window to your soul, and lovely lashes help to frame your eyes and make them more beautiful. I am personally not a fan of strip lashes, although I do ask for them to be used during short photo-shoots like fashion or boudoir. They don’t work well for weddings as they have a bit of a fake feel and may come off with the tears of happiness. Spoil yourself with a set of individual lashes, the Make-up artist applies them individually to each eyelash and they last until your lash falls out naturally. These are really lovely and natural looking but still give us ladies the long lashes we crave. Organise to do this a few days before your wedding so you can get used to them and don’t have additional pressure on your wedding day.

Top Tip!

Don't apply any new creams or facial products to your skin within the week leading up to your wedding day.

Shandre

Top Tip!

Brides should avoid wearing makeup the day before the wedding and on the wedding day, so that the makeup artist can have fresh clear skin to work with.

Monique

Some comments I have gotten from brides-to-be is that they want to look natural and they don’t feel they get this with professional Make-up, or that the make-up feels a bit too heavy. My suggestion here is talk to the Make-up Artists, tell them your concerns and ask how they can make it suit your needs. They are a service provider, and they definitely want to make you look amazing! The two Make-up Artists I work with regularly (Monique and Shandre) are both wonderful and friendly, and will always try to accommodate you. One thing to bear in mind though, camera ready make-up is a little heavier than our normal day-to-day make-up, but it is definitely worth it.

Do not rely on Photoshop to create the perfect look for you. Great edited images result from great starting material! If we have to edit the images in Photoshop too much you will end up looking plastic like a Barbie Doll!

Choosing a Make-up Artist is the same as choosing a photographer! Look at their work; decide if you love what they do and choose the supplier that can offer you everything you want. You choose a supplier because you love their work, not just on price!

As Make-up artists use the professional ranges of Make-up, they know that it will last for the whole day. You will look radiant and have wonderful images from start to finish. This day is a special day, so go ahead and relax, get pampered, feel and look great – Book a Professional Make-up Artist!

Top Tip!

Make sure you get lots of rest the night before your wedding to prevent puffy eyes or dark circles on your special day.

Shandre

Make-up By Monique - info@makeupbymonique.co.za

A few more tips from Monique:

Brides should brush their teeth before the makeup artists starts with you makeup on your wedding day.
Make sure the MUA uses waterproof makeup as the brides becomes teary eyed on her wedding day.
Make sure your bridesmaid has your favourite colour lipstick or lip gloss for touch ups.

Make-up By Shandre - info@makeupbyshandre.co.za

A few more tips from Shandre:

Drink plenty of water to ensure your skin is well hydrated and looking radiant.
Give your Bridesmaid your compact powder to touchup with on the day of the wedding. A compact powder is preferable, as lose powder tends to fall on the dress.
Always have a few tissues and cotton buds with you or ask a bridesmaid to keep them for you. These are to dab your eyes when those tears of joy fall.

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Fashion Photo-shoot - with Belle Journee

3/14/2013

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In November last year, Sherrie and I were asked to join a Fashion shoot with the lovely Crystle from Belle Journee Bridal. We did quite a lot of different outfits, but the one that really fascinated me was the twist wrap shirts. They are pretty amazing as there are so many different things you can do with each one, and it is a must have item in every girls closet! They fit ladies of all sizes, from tiny to pregnant and are a worth while investment!

We chose the lovely Lavandou Wedding Venue as the location for the shoot as it has lots of different photo opportunities, and the owners are super helpful and accommodating. I would like to thank the models; Maryke Venter, Olivia Atkins and Genenvieve Watkins, for being so willing to try new things, and for working so hard for us! make-up was done for us by a young Make-up Artist called Angelic, and Belle Journee supplied the outfits. Should you want to purchase a twist wrap shirt or dress (ideal for bridesmaids dresses, please contact Crystle at Belle Journee .

So here is a peak of some of the images we captured on the day!

Belle Journee Fashion shoot - Olivia Atkins - Make-up by Angelic - Lavandou Wedding Venue

Belle Journee Fashion shoot - Genenvieve Watkins - Make-up by Angelic - Lavandou Wedding Venue

Belle Journee Fashion shoot - Maryke Venter - Make-up by Angelic - Lavandou Wedding Venue

Belle Journee Fashion shoot - Genenvieve Watkins - Make-up by Angelic - Lavandou Wedding Venue

Belle Journee Fashion shoot - Olivia Atkins - Make-up by Angelic - Lavandou Wedding Venue

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Preview: Lizelle & Werner's Engagement Photoshoot

2/19/2013

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I was introduced to Lizelle and Werner by a friend of theirs, who just so happens to be a Make-up Artist that I absolutely adore - Make-up by Monique. My first impression of them is that they are quiet and reserved but so cute together. So once plans were in place for me to photograph their wedding in March, we organised their engagement shoot.

It was a perfect afternoon in early January and we met at Delta Park in Johannesburg, which is one of my favourite places for engagement photoshoots as it is peaceful and beautiful. Lizelle and Werner looked amazing, Lizelle had her make-up done by a friend for the occasion and looked beautiful in both outfits that she had brought with.

They are such an amazing couple, who were instantly at ease even though they both don't like cameras, and made my job a pleasure by listening to everything I suggested. Thank you again to my wonderful assistant Sherrie for all of the hard work getting everything ready.

This was one of those shoots where you can really feel the love between the couple. To Lizelle and Werner; you guys are lovely together and one of the sweetest couples I have met. I wish you both happiness in your life together and that your love continues to grow more every day. I am very excited to photograph your wedding next month!

Love
C & S
XXX