Shooting a wedding is something that we enjoy doing – the planning, the involvement with the couple, and the excitement of it all makes this quite different from other types of photography. However, once in a while an assignment comes along that really stands out from the rest, and our most recent wedding was just such an event.
Ronel has been a close friend of ours for quite a number of years and has modelled for us on numerous occasions, always willing to help us try out new photographic ideas. We promised her that when the day comes along for her to get married we will be ready and very willing to do the wedding shoot as a token of our appreciation for all her help.
Some years ago Rico entered Ronel’s world and it did not take long before we realised that we will soon have to make good on our promise! Confirmation of that realisation came late last year when Ronel informed us that a wedding date had been determined and that we should get ready – which was exactly what we did. Numerous discussions followed with the wedding couple as the planning of the event got underway, and we were sworn to secrecy since they played their cards close to the chest – none of the families or friends were privy to any of the details, it was all done on a “need to know” basis. Amongst other things this involved a day out with the couple to do a pre-wedding shoot and a visit to the proposed wedding venue.
Finally the weekend of the wedding arrived and early on the Friday morning we made our way to the beautiful Elgin valley, about an hour’s drive from home. Most of the day was taken up by scouting out the area for a suitable place to do the couple shoot, followed by a jolly and festive evening with Stefan and René, parents of Ronel, before going to bed. The next morning we had a hearty breakfast (knowing that that a full and hectic day awaits us all) and we then excitedly set off to the venue – Jaunine ready to get the all-important bride-getting-ready shots, and me doing the same with the groom and venue preparations.
We always knew that Ronel will be a beautiful bride but we were completely stunned when we saw her that morning, never before did she look this stunning – completely relaxed and radiating pure beauty and a quiet confidence – unlike any other bride before!
What follows are only a few of the many images we shot during the day and evening, and I hope you enjoy viewing it as much as we enjoyed capturing it !
The venue being prepared.
The flowers were carefully selected by the bride beforehand.
Poster-sized images taken during the pre-wedding shoot were being carefully mounted by Stefan for display at the venue dance floor.
Our bride made sure she had her own place where she could get ready.
Our bride getting ready. Makeup expertly applied by Juanita, a close friend of Ronel.
Notice the confident and radiant smile.
The shoes – the only bride to our knowledge that had five pairs of shoes for her wedding day – and she used all five pairs during the day. That’s Ronel !
Our groom also got prepared.
The flower girls getting ready.
Finally our bride was ready !
A glass of bubbly to add to the occasion.
Doesn’t she look gorgeous?
About to leave for the ceremony.
She still had time for a last playful pose before the ceremony
And then the moment arrived …..
Our bride ready to walk to the altar!
Rico and flower girls see Ronel for the first time that day – their expressions tell the story 🙂
Walking to the altar.
Jaunine caught this dazzling smile on the way to the altar.
View of the ceremony from the back.
A view from the side with proud parents looking on.
An exchange of rings.
The first kiss !
… and the official part was over !
The ceremony was followed by some group photographs.
Proud parents.
Rico’s mother and children.
With the families.
Ronel and the guys 🙂
Rico and the girls 🙂
The group shots were followed by some shots of the couple alone before the reception.
… and then the celebrations got under way!
The first dance.
Some speeches and toasts ….
The evening turned into a celebration of note !
A quick change of shoes for the bride.
No wedding celebration is complete without some boys pulling stunts !
Skiing ?
Bob-sledding ?
Teasing the girls.
It was quite a party that carried on deep into the night – clearly enjoyed by all 🙂
Nobody really knows at what time the celebrations ended, and I don’t think anybody cares either. The fact remains that nobody will forget this wedding !
As always, feel free to post your comments below 🙂
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