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Erin & Stephanus's Wedding

4/8/2014

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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Ginger Love - Carrie & Greg's E-shoot

10/16/2013

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I first met Carrie and Greg at the Oakfield Farm Expo at the beginning of the year, and we had an instant connection. They are such a beautiful young couple, and I just love them to bits! I am super excited for their Wedding in December.

It was a beautiful afternoon, with heavy threatening clouds when Chris and I met Carrie and Greg at the Meyersdal Nature Estate in Johannesburg South for their E-shoot. While we prayed for the rain to stay away, we bundu bashed a bit and found the perfect spot for the shoot. The wildlife watched us from a distance and we were even treated with a rainbow for a few minutes. I just love this shoot, it is difficult to believe that we were in the middle of the city as it is such a beautiful and nature filled place.

Carrie told me a few things about their love story, and I just have to share ... it shows how they were just destined to be together, a perfect ginger pair!

Our story begins at Alberton High School. We were both in the same school year, but never attended the same classes. I definitely noticed him though and coincidentally one of my friends even suggested that he could be my future husband. Following from graduating from matric, our lives took different paths and we lost contact. Fast forward six years and we found ourselves befriending each other on Facebook. Our story could make a great case study for social media love stories!

After a few weeks of virtual flirting, we found ourselves on a first date. The date was pretty spontaneous and we wished that the evening wouldn't end. We haven’t looked back since; although Greg will tell you a more romantic story of how we met by reaching out for the same can of Coca Cola in France.

In December 2012 , after being together for four years,we decided to have a well deserved holiday in the Drakensburg. One day we went on a hike. The mountains were magnificent and the sky was a beautiful pink and orange hue. On top of that we were surrounded by wild horses! To my surprise, he surprised me with a beautiful engagement ring and proclaimed 'Marry'.

Our wedding day is now set for December 2013 and we cannot wait to be married. It’s not very often that two gingers tie the knot!

Carrie & Greg

Carrie & Greg - E-shoot - Meyersdal Nature Estate

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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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Love is in the Air! Christine & Charles's Engagement Photo-shoot

5/31/2013

2 Comments

Christine & Charles - Engagement Photo-shoot

I met Christine only a few weeks ago, and was really intrigued as she had just got engaged to Charles and they were planning their wedding in only 10 weeks. This is a whirlwind engagement, although they have been together for 8 years. Meeting with Christine over coffee, I realised one thing about this couple, they are well organised and focused, if anyone could get this done in such a short time, they would!

I was super excited when she told me where they wanted their engagement shoot - an airfield incorporating a few airplanes!

The day was really fun, but poor Christine almost froze to death when we did the sunset photos, at least Charles got to keep his jacket on! I felt so bad for her, but I think we can all agree, it was worth it! Thank you to the lovely ladies, Chris and Sherrie, who ran around with us, carrying all the equipment and holding reflectors and scrims!

I asked Christine a few questions about her and Charles, the answers put a big smile on my face, and I am so priviledged to have met this down-to-earth and cool couple! I can't wait to shoot their Wedding next month at Casalinga, I know it will be an awesome wedding. I wish Christine and Charles many more happy years together and hope they loads of time in the air doing what they love together!

How come an Airfield for your Engagement Shoot?
We both have a passion for aviation, Charles has his commercial pilots license and I have my student pilots licence. After 7 years I realised Charles will never change. Its aeroplanes aeroplanes aeroplanes, so I decided if I can't beat them, I might as well join them!!! (his dad and brother also have pilots licences, and his granpa did as well) You can only imagine our dinner conversations :)

We really are the best of friends and have so much fun together!

Christine & Charles - Engagement Photo-shoot

How did Charles pop the question?
He proposed at Mount Grace on top of the mountain. When we got back to the car a lady was there crying. She had reversed into our new hilux :( so we spent the next 2 hours at the police station. Then it rained - only on our car!!! (now I sound like a drama queen but its true). When we got to his folks place his mom got the champagne out and the broke 2 of his great Grannys crystal glasses and when we got home our gate motor blew up. So we went into lockdown!

So we figured if so much unluckiness happened on the first day, the rest of our lives should be a breeze:)

Christine & Charles - Engagement Photo-shoot

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Sharing the love - Our Couple Shoot Winners

5/13/2013

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Charisse & Vuyani - Couple Shoot - Delta Park

In February I decided to share some love with a deserving couple so I ran a little competition to see which couple could get the most votes on their love story.

It was the lovely Charisse and Vuyani that won our competition, and wow, what a beautiful couple! Our shoot was filled with lots of fun and smiles and I am delighted that they love their images! Congratulations on your engagement Charisse & Vuyani, you guys are really wonderful together!

A huge thank you goes to the lovely Chris who was my hardworking assistant on the day!

Charisse & Vuyani - Couple Shoot - Delta Park

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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 - [email protected]

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 - [email protected]

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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<<Previous

.

Erin & Stephanus's Wedding

Angela & Tys - A Match Made in Heaven

Ginger Love - Carrie & Greg's E-shoot

Christine & Charles - Their Wedding day

Planning your Wedding Day - Wedding Dress Tips!

Love is in the Air! Christine & Charles's Engagement Photo-shoot

Sharing the love - Our Couple Shoot Winners

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

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

Planning your Wedding day - Make-up Tips

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