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Samantha & Francois - A fabulous wedding

11/13/2014

Samantha and Francois wedding day had finally arrived after months of planning, and there was a lot of excitement in the air mixed with a few nerves. Their fabulous wedding which was both elegant and romantic was at Destiny Lodge, a beautiful wedding venue in Cullinan.

When we arrived at the venue, there was a flurry of last minute preparation being done by Sam's mom and grandmothers, who were the ladies responsible for the fabulous decor and flowers. The decor was a mix of silvers and whites with a hint of purple, which gave the reception a very chic and elegant look. The ever thoughtful Sam and Francois had made sure that the children had special packs that were packed full of cookies and sweets, while the adults had the most delicious chocolates as their thank you's.

The couple had gotten each other special wedding gifts for the day, and we were the lucky ones who got to deliver them. So we got some beautiful photographs of the Francois opening the boudoir album Sam had done for him, and of Sam unwrapping the stunning Thomas Sabo bracelet Francois had bought for her.

The ladies started to prepare for the main event by getting their makeup and hair done, while the men celebrated with a glass of champagne and cigars with Lee-Anne (my second photographer for ther day) and had a few photos taken. And then it was time, Sam looked magnificent in her gown, and was proudly walked down the aisle by her dad and gorgeous son Calvin. A short but beautiful ceremony later, Sam and Francois were finally husband and wife.

We had the perfect soft romantic light for their couple shoot, and these two look amazing on camera and their love really shines through. The reception started with a few speeches before Destiny Lodge served a delicous dinner. The highlight of the day for most, was when Calvin stood up and gave a speech welcoming Francois into his family and referred to him as Dad. He had the whole wedding party reaching for tissues when he said that he is glad Francois is part of his Mom's life, as when his Mom is happy, the hidings hurt less.

This was a beautiful and very memorable wedding, and I would like to thank Lee-Anne for working with me and helping to record the memories for this fabulous couple. Sam and Francois would also like to thank all of the awesome suppliers (listed below) that helped them plan and pull off this elegant wedding.

Lastly, I would like to thank Sam and Fafa for choosing me to be part of your wedding day. From the chats, to the frantic stressed out messages, I wouldn't change a single thing. Working with you was an absolute pleasure, and I wish you both a very happy future together. I hope that you are blessed soon with the twin baby girls you are trying for.

Love
Chantal
XXX

Sam & Francois Wedding - Destiny Lodge

Samantha and Francois would like to thank the following suppliers for being so awesome and for making their day so special:
Venue: Destiny Lodge Cullinan
Bridal Hair & Makeup: Mari Bridal
Cupcakes: Subcultcha
Wedding Stationary: Tanya

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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 – [email protected]

Wedding gown: De La Vida Bridal Couture - [email protected]

Wedding Officer: Ryan Hogarth – [email protected]

Wedding Cake: Annicas Cakes – [email protected]

Grooms Suit – Khaliques Fordburg

Wedding Stationary – Scrap Crazee Meyersdal (Kathy)– [email protected]

Make up – Makeup By Monique - [email protected]

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Nikki & Fotis - A fabulous wedding at JHB Country Club

7/31/2014

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Glamorous is the word that comes to mind when I think of this young couple ... Nikki and Fotis are both Doctors who have the most insanely busy schedule, but they pulled off the most fabulous wedding at Saheti and the Johannesburg Country Club in Woodmead last October.

From the colour scheme which reminded them of the sunset on the beach in Greece where Fotis proposed to his beautiful bride, to every last intricate detail, this is a wedding I will never forget. Nikki looked amazing in her fabulous gown, Fotis very handsome in his bowtie and tuxedo. They are a beautiful couple in every way.

It was my first time photographing a Greek wedding, and things are slightly different with the exchanging of rings by the best man and maid of honour and the Stefana ceremony followed by the walking around the altar, so it was very exciting for me. To top it all off they celebrated into the night with the traditional Greek dancing, throwing of the plates and the men dancing around the whisky glass.

I would like to thank all of the suppliers who made this day so perfect for them, as well as Chris who was my second photographer for the day, and took care of things when we were at different venues. Lastly a message to the lovely couple ... Nikki and Fotis, it was so special being part of your big day. I wish you both and your families all of the best and that you have many happy years together.

Here is a peak at their fabulous day

Love
Chantal
XXX

Nikki & Fotis Wedding - Johannesburg Country Club

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Evadne & Jerome ... Winter Wonderland Wedding

4/29/2014

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The 25th of August was the big day for one of the most amazing couples, Evadne and Jerome, who tied the knot at a spectacular winter themed wedding at Avianto in Muldersdrift.

I worked closely with them during the planning of their big day and as they are both perfectionists, not a thing was out of place. The decor was spectacular with crystals hanging from the trees and sparkles everywhere, and true to their nature the guests were well taken care of with a very yummy sweet table and flipflops to dance in. Evadne was fabulous in her Maggie Sottero Gowns and Benjamin Adams shoes, while Jerome was an incredibly handsome groom. It was a very emotional wedding, and both Sherrie and I had to wipe tears away during the vows. My absolute favourite moment in this wedding is the look on Evadne's face when Jerome tells her she looks beautiful as she got to the front of the ceremony.

To this amazing couple, thank you for being so wonderful. You both looked fabulous on your wedding day and I loved being part of your magical day. I wish you great success and many happy moments together. Thank you also to the suppliers (listed below) who helped them to create the Winter Wonderland!

All our love
Chantal and Sherrie
XXX

Evadne & Jerome's Wedding - Avianto

Thank you to the amazing suppliers listed below:
Make up - Janell Donders
DJ- Chilli funk
Deco- Perfect day
Venue - Avianto
Dresses - Eve's bridal wear
Cake - Cupcake boutique
Suit - Khaliques
Shoes - Christiaan Michael

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Erin & Stephanus's Wedding

4/8/2014

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When Erin contacted me to photograph her wedding I was super excited as this is a very interesting couple. Erin is really outgoing, talented and drop dead gorgeous! She is a TV and radio presenter, a DJ, singer, song writer, musician and a bass player. Add to that a lady who loves her Harley and it makes for a fabulous combination.

She grew up in Detroit and has that awesome American accent, but met the love of her life Stephanus (a South African) in Oman. This fun quirky couple decided to settle in Johannesburg and had a small and intimate ceremony at Ascot Mews in Alberton. It was attended by Stephanus's close friends, a very sweet couple and Erin's parents via Skype, as they live in the US.

All I can say about this couple is they are awesome, from the selfies taken during the couple shoot to the pulling out of their tongues at each other it was a short but super fun wedding to photograph. After the couple shoot all Erin wanted to do was eat ribs in her fabulous Vera Wang gown. To Erin and Fanie, I wish you loads more fun times together, quirky moments and lots of love shared between the two of you. What a priviledge to have met you and to have photographed your wedding!

Erin & Stephanus Wedding - Ascot Mews

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Angela & Tys - A Match Made in Heaven

3/9/2014

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Angela and Tys are such an amazing couple, they have so much love for each other and its so evident when you see them together. Chris and I were fortunate to get to share their Wedding day with them on the 10th of August 2013 at the stunning Oakfield Farm Wedding Venue in Muldersdrift.

The day was perfect, not one thing out of place. The decor and flowers were a beautiful combimation of Sweet peas, Roses and Protea's which made the reception venue smell like a spring garden. It was a lovely winters day, we were blessed with beautiful warm and a calm but slightly emotional couple.

My favourite touch of the whole day was the garter ... The Blue Bulls pin as Tys is a Bulls supporter, Angela I must add is a very passionate Sharks supporter!

The couple shoot was filled with lots of laughs and giggles as the animals at Oakfield Farm decided to make themselves part of the wedding, and even ended up in a few of the photos. From the horse that made it known that we were in his territory while we were in the stables to the cows that followed us through the fields it was a fun but rather noisy couple shoot!

To Angela and Tys, I can't thank you enough for asking me to photograph your wedding. It was a true fairytale wedding ... Both Chris and I wish you many happy moments in your life together, filled with the same giggles and laughs we saw in the stables, and the same love we saw in the chapel. You are a wonderful couple in every sense and I am so fortunate to now call you friends.

Thank you to the lovely suppliers (listed below) for all their hard work and dedication in helping to make Angela & Tys's wedding day a beautiful reality.

Love always
Chantal and Chris
XXX

Angela & Tys Wedding - Oakfield Farm

Suppliers for Angela & Tys's Wedding
Make-up: Make-up by Monique
Flowers: Manifique Flower Art
Decor and Venue: Oakfield Farm Wedding Venue

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Rene & Tinus's Wedding at Casa Toscana Pretoria

11/17/2013

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Rene and Tinus are such a wonderful couple, incredibly loving and very camera shy! They planned their wedding in just a few short weeks after falling in love with the beautiful reception room at Casa Toscana Lodge in Pretoria.

From the exquiste gown designed by Ahmed, to the stunning decor this wedding was perfect ... well actually almost perfect! Thank goodness while photographing Tinus's details, I discovered his new shoes were both right shoes, and we had just enough time to buy him a new pair.

When Marcia and I were capturing this perfect couple getting ready, the only concern they had was for each other, and I know that this is a match made in heaven. What a beautiful wedding, the bride and groom look so happy together, and I would really like to thank the suppliers (listed below) for helping them pull off such a lovely day, and to Marcia, my friend and mentor for being my assistant for the day!

To Rene and Tinus, it was a pleasure meeting you and working with you. With such a spark and love between you two I know that you will have the best life together filled with great journeys and loads of happiness.

Love
Chantal and Marcia
XXX

Rene & Tinus Wedding - Casa Toscana

Venue:                     Casa Toscana Lodge Pretoria
Wedding Gown:    Ahmed
Make-up:                 Maralize van Wyk
Hair:                           Juan - 084 426 6420

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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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Planning your Wedding Day - Wedding Dress Tips!

6/14/2013

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Every girl dreams of the day she gets to go wedding dress shopping and try on all of the glamorous and beautiful gowns, but this can be overwhelming and stressful when you are faced with so many options. They say you will know when you put your dress on, but remember it may be completely different from the original idea of that princess ball gown, or slinky sexy number your dreamed about while growing up.

To help reduce some of my brides stress with the wedding dress shopping, I chatted to the lovely Ligita from By Ligita Exclusive Wedding Gowns and Accessories, and she has given a few top tips on Wedding Dress Shopping.

By Ligita Exclusive Wedding Gowns

Budget
Before you start your wedding dress shopping- make up your mind about the budget, Will you be buying, renting, or ordering online the dress or specially made for you – there are all of these options available.

As brides, it is an exciting time in your life but when reading books, magazines and chatting to people in the industry you get loads of advise but sometimes all this does is help to make things more difficult and confusing. Most magazines and guides say that 10% off your total wedding budget must be spent on the dress, however we have heard stories that brides have spent up to 30% on their dress.

Knowing your budget will save you time, not just with the shopping but at the fittings, and will help avoid any disspointment or buyers remorse. Take your mom, sister, friend or bridesmaid with you and make sure they know what the budget is too. Price is not everything, I have seen some very reasonably priced gowns get transformed with a few small details like crystals, beads, pearls, lace, flowers and sash's. Dress designers are there to assist you with choosing the correct dress and then make it perfect and stunning just for you.

Gather ideas
Make a “scrap book” with ideas, details, cut outs from wedding magazines.

Ideas like- dress silhouettes, necklines, fabrics, colors. From full images of the dresses, shrugs, veils to the smallest -lace detail, sash detail, back design, etc. You can even collect different types of material so you know what they feel like and how it will fall.

With technology now days, this is easier and easier, with Pinterest and your tablet, it is easy to bring your ideas to show your dress designer.

By Ligita Exclusive Wedding Gowns

Be Flexible!
Be open- minded to try different styles of wedding dresses.
As suppliers we do understand that it is YOUR BIG DAY, and this is the most important dress of your life, but the designers or consultants are there to help you.

Your designer wants you to look amazing on your wedding day, and sometimes it means that they need to help suggest the right style for your body shape. Please bare in mind that the beautiful images in the wedding magazines are of professional models. Wearing strapless dresses is beautiful, but not always comfortable. Sometimes a tiny change like a spagetti strap makes all the difference.

Please chat to your designer, see what they suggest, obviously you have the last say, but they can advise you on the best options on customising the dress for you.

The Colour
Many brides require dress color to be snow white. This is not always the most flattering colour and can look odd on different skin tones.

When you are trying wedding dresses, you are surrounded by hundreds of different shades of white, but on your wedding day there will only your dress. A slight off white colour may flatter your skin tone much more than snow white.

Different colors are in fashion – maroon, black, purple, green, etc. Perhaps add an accent colour in the form of a detail like a belt/ sash, appliqué beads or crystals.

The trick is not to over do it!

By Ligita Exclusive Wedding Gowns

Choosing Styles
Be careful choosing the style of your dress. If your wedding will be intimate or on the beach – don’t go with Ball Gown with Sweep Train. Your dress must also compliment your wedding theme.

Choose accessories according to your dress style/design. Too much can be overwhelming

Finer details and Fittings
Lingerie: ask consultant/ designer what kind of lingerie will work the best with your wedding dress. They should also be able to suggest to you good, reliable lingerie suppliers. If your dress is little bit tighter and you just don’t manage to loose these last couple of kilos, a proper corset could be the solution. Wedding day lingerie is there to do the “work” and support. Your wedding night lingerie is different story……..

When you go the for the dress fittings- try not to wear heavy make-up, you don’t want to mess up/ stain the dress before you get to wear it!

When getting closer to the big day, bring your maid of honour, bridesmaid or mom with. This way they can see how to help you get into the dress properly.

Also remember to bring your wedding shoes with so the length of your dress can be changed accordingly.

By Ligita Exclusive Wedding Gowns

On the big day!
Ask your bridesmaid or maid-of-honor to keep a needle, thread, small scissors and safety pins, for just in case!

. If your dress fabric creases easily and you feel like sitting down, lean against the wall with your back. When driving in the car to the ceremony sit on the side of your hip to avoid creasing at the back of the dress.

Most importantly, feel and look beautiful and comfortable on your big day and enjoy every second! It goes by so quickly!

Thank you to the lovely Ligita for all of these tips, should you wish to see her collection of gowns please contact her:
[email protected]
www.byligita.co.za

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Samantha & Francois - A fabulous wedding

Carrie & Greg - A French Affair

Nikki & Fotis - A fabulous wedding at JHB Country Club

Evadne & Jerome ... Winter Wonderland Wedding

Erin & Stephanus's Wedding

Angela & Tys - A Match Made in Heaven

Rene & Tinus's Wedding at Casa Toscana Pretoria

Christine & Charles - Their Wedding day

Planning your Wedding Day - Wedding Dress Tips!

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