Nikki Meyer Photography

David & Sandra

nikki — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:34:14 +0000

Some of you might remember Sandra and David from the couple shoot I did end of last year. I was so excited to see what these 2 gorgeous people of Portuguese origin’s wedding would be like and what a feast for the eye it was! Sandra, being a natural beauty, was radiant in her gorgeous Kobus Dippenaar gown and Sebastine Peplar worked her magic doing Sandra’s hair and make-up. I also loved the combination of David’s suit, shoes and hairstyle. The day was a whirlwind of exciting activity. Nastassja (my wonderful assistant for the day, thanks Tash!) and I started the day at the Eden on the Bay complex on the Big Bay beach front in Blouberg where Sandra lives and also got dressed for her big day. After taking some lovely candid shots in this beautiful light filled apartment, we set off to their church in Table View. Sandra & David really enjoyed their ceremony, they could not stop looking at each other and their eyes were filled with joy and laughter. Our next stop was de Grendal farm in Milnerton. Being an avid lover of animals, I am quite jealous of Sandra who makes use of horses in her professional capacity as a child-horse-interaction psychologist at de Grendal. She wanted pictures of her and the beautiful white creature (featured on some of these photo’s) on her wedding day. There after we travelled to Nelson’s Creek, just outside Wellington, where guests were entertained by Jamie Faull’s sax playing talent and mouth watering canapés. We were lucky enough to catch the last bit of light for some more couple photo’s at the venue. Although David apparently dislikes talking in front of a crowd (and lets face it, there are not many of us who don’t get nervous at the thought of talking to a sea of faces!) the guests were highly entertained by his speech and witty humour. At one stage David himself could not stop laughing! Sandra and David really put in a lot of effort in creating the perfect day of their dreams. Every little detail was considered, from the vibrant choice of flowers to the blowing of bubbles during the opening of the dance floor. Sandy & David, thank you so, so much for having me as your photographer, it was such a treat to work with you guys. You are such beautiful, kind hearted and fun people!

Dress: Kobus Dippenaar
Hair & Makeup: Sebastine Peple
Decor & Flowers: To-Netts
Videographer: Olive juice productions

Cake: Madelein Buys

Wedding coordination: Pia Dewar

Stationery: Project Flair
Sax player: Jamie Faull (this guy was excellent!)

(For photographers: The church was very dark for taking photos, the only light I used was my on camera flash on manual overexposed at two thirds of a stop and using my ‘good friend’ the Gary Fong diffuser. I made use of the 5D mark 2’s awesome iso capabillities and took all the shots at 2500 iso. I used my 24-70mm f2.8 lens. Then, afterwards in Lightroom, I played around with colour correction which really elevated the end result. I will never set up a second light in a church as I find it to be quite distracting, but this is just my personal opinion!)

Isn’t she gorgeous!?

I love the colours here:

van Zyl familie

nikki — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:43:03 +0000

Hierdie was so ‘n fun shoot! Nanette en haar man JG het die pragtigste klein dogtertjie, Nina. Sy was regtig ‘n ‘treat’. Dit is ongelooflik hoe so ‘n klein mensie alreeds ‘n persoonlikheid van haar eie het! Nanette het baie moeite gedoen met die voorbereiding vir die fotosessie, sy het onder andere helium balonne gaan koop en ‘n paar oulike outfits vir haar en klein Nina gereed gehad vir variasie. Sy het ook haar 2 sussies betrek, aangesien hulle so ‘n groot rol in Nina se lewe speel. Ons het eers by hulle oulike huisie in Welgevonden foto’s geneem en toe by La Pinetta (langs die R44) in die laat middag son. Nina is reeds ‘n klein waaghals, sy was uit haar nate toe haar pa haar hoooog in die lug gooi en het ook ‘n hoë glyplank aangedurf. Dankie julle, dit was so maklik en lekker om foto’s van so ‘n spontane klompie te kon neem!

Kyk die oulike swart bootsies!

Kyk net daai gesiggie!
Klein Jack is ook betrek by die foto’s

Nina was baie cool in haar rooi bril

Die laat middag lig was beautiful by La Pinetta
Nina is glad nie bang nie!

Carla & Joakim

nikki — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:17:26 +0000

Oh there were so many things that I loved about Carla & Kim’s wedding. Firstly, the colour palette - the couple chose rosy pinks and soft greens & purples for the flowers and stationery, juxtaposed with more vibrant colours such as Carla’s bright pink shoes and the dark pink colour of the bridesmaids’ dresses. Secondly, I have so much appreciation for couples who think out of the box with a hands on approach when it comes to visualizing their big day - for example guests relaxed on ‘poofs’ at the reception as opposed to chairs. Thirdly, their wedding took place in Kim’s parents’ garden which is next to a stream surrounded by magestic mountains in the beautiful small town of Greyton. This wedding was not only magic because of the setting, but also because Carla & Kim are just so perfectly suited for each other - they are so kind hearted, witty and intelligent. Although it was 42 degrees celsius in Greyton on the 20th of Feb, we found a few soft light spots (some of you would know that I looooove soft light because it molds shapes so beautifully) especially the soft moss green light of the ‘tree’ shots. Carla & Kim, thank you for trusting me to capture your special day!

Romantic, vintage wedding gown: Elizabeth Stockenström (she designed my wedding dress as well!)

Guesthouse where bride got dressed: Anna’s Country Accommodation (I loved the rustic-bohemian interior of this room!)

Décor & Flowers: Chocolate Rose

Cindy & Ben

nikki — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:23:38 +0000

Can there be any better place to exchange your vows than doing so in the beautiful small town Riebeek Kasteel…and to be surrounded by all your special friends (who came from all over the world!) and family in the court yard of the nostalgic Karoo - chic Royal Hotel?! This is exactly the memorable day that Cindy and Ben (both South Africans who now reside in the UK) were blessed to have in sunny South Africa. The atmosphere at this wedding was light, laid-back and unpretentious. The formalities were cut to the minimum (except for both Cindy & Ben and some of their friends who demonstrated amazing oratory skills!). My task was to capture the general feel of the day without taking any ‘formals’ of the bride and couple, ensuring that everyone had plenty of time to relax and enjoy one another’s company. Everyone, young and old were enjoying their hearts out at Cin & Ben’s wedding. Thank you guys for entrusting me to capture this special day for you! I loved the venue so much that I am hoping that another couple will book me for a wedding there real soon!

A lot of attention to detail which I loved!

Isn’t he the coolest boy?!

The guests were impeccably dressed!

The ladies looked gorgeous in their colourful dresses…

There was lots of laughter (and a little bit of tears!)..

These guys were awesome and entertained the guests during the reception.

The many faces of Gregory!

nikki — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:16:10 +0000

I met Lisa and Nico in 2008 when I photographed their wedding. When Lisa contacted me for family pics, I was super excited to see the new extention to their family. I had a big smile on my face when I saw Gregory for the first time on their farm outside Wellington - Gregory is the most adorable kid. He never cried once and has multiple facial expressions as you will see from these pics! At 9 months he is no small boy, just look at those legs! His parents took turns to carry Gregory as he really gets heavy after a while. Whether it was grapes, a tractor or some of his toys, he gets so exuberantly excited, he starts pulling monkey faces and kicking his small legs, to cute for words!! I had so much fun with the Empedocles family, thank you guys!

My first magazine feature!

nikki — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:14:39 +0000

I am so excited to share with you my first double page spread magazine feature! Em-Renke & Istvan Mihalik’s wedding was and still is special for various reasons, one being that it took place in Sydney, Australia, where my lovely friend Madali and her family emigrated and secondly because it was the very first wedding that I shot on my own! So, how did these photos get into this gorgeous magazine, Real Weddings Style? Madali works at a cutting edge stationery company, Huetopia design in the heart of Sydney. Since she made all the beautiful stationery for Em-Renke’s wedding, they decided to send some pics through to Real Weddings Style. As you can imagine, I was super excited when I heard that they were going to publish it! Madali, her mum and sisters did all the décor planning themselves and the result was an unique, vintage and romantic style which I fell in love with!

Sydney harbour and bridge on the left and Madali and I on the right. Visiting my friend in Sydney and photographing Em-Renke’s wedding was such an awesome experience!

Annemé & Hentas

nikki — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:18:32 +0000

Die Vrydagoggend voor Anneme en Hentas se troue, was ek nog op Mauritius vir my honeymoon, nietemin was ek baie opgewonde toe ek Saterdag by Kronenburg aankom want ek het geweet Anneme en alles by haar troue gaan beeldskoon wees, en ek was geensins teleurgesteld nie! Anneme het gelyk asof sy reg uit ‘n silwerdoek rolprent in die 1950’s gestap het - romanties, klassiek…’n ware godin in wit! En nie vir een oomblik het haar groot glimlag verdwyn nie, sy het behoorlik gestraal. Hentas se oë het ook geskitter toe hy sy bruid vol glimlagte aan haar pa se sy by die kerkpadjie sien afkom. Die seremonie wat in ‘n baie ligte luim afgespeel het, was baie spesiaal en die twee het gereeld na mekaar gedraai die ene opgewondenheid in hul gesigte. Ons was aanvanklik onseker waar ons die foto’s sou neem en toe ek en Adél vroeër die middag die Paarl binne ry, ry ons verby ‘n ou hotel en cuban restaurantjie teen die hoofstraat, dadelik kon ek die potensiaal van die ou lig blou deur en oranje muur sien - te danke aan Hentas se donker pak en Anneme se beeldskone swart hare, het hulle lekker gekontrasteer met die agtergrond. Die twee, wat albei dokters is, het duidelik die fotosessie geniet en was baie natuurlik! Die onthaal was ook besaai met ‘n gelag en ‘n gedans, voorwaar ‘n bruilofsfees!

Hanneke & Bob

nikki — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:51:06 +0000

These two were just such a treat! What started out as a holiday romance in Europe turned into a loving, permanent commitment on a beautiful summer’s day in Houw Hoek, Grabouw. Bob is American and Hanneke grew up in Ceres, South Africa. The couple now lives in the US where Hanneke is a pilates instructress (after saying good bye to the corporate scene) and Bob plays in a band and is involved in theatre schooling. Long after Hanneke booked me, I met her at her childhood friend Bonnie’s wedding where she was a bride’s maid. She was so bubbly and energetic and I was immediately excited about their up-coming wedding and meeting her husband to-be. There was no doubt in my mind that after seeing Bob that he had to be the perfect match for her! They laugh and joke all the time, they are so energetic and can turn any moment into a passionate one when their eyes meet. It is clear that they are the best of friends and could not wait to embark on this new joined adventure. I just have to mention something about Hanneke’s dress and her whole look - isn’t she gorgeous?! Her dress fitted her slim figure like a glove and her dainty shoes and beautiful hair clip just completed the picture of a (sorry for the cliché..) fairy tale bride! Their outside ceremony was so special and what really warmed my heart was to see the close, loving relationship which these two have with their parents. There was no holding back at the reception - while there was more than enough to feast on, the dance floor was not quiet (and entertaining!) for one moment. I hope you enjoy this set of images, because I really enjoyed taking them!

Yes, Hanneke had absolutely no problem balancing on those heels!

Bob surprized Hanneke with gift, she was very excited!

Bob did his vows in English and Hanneke did her’s in Afrikaans..

Hanneke did ballet for many years, just look at her posture!

II knew that pulling faces will work with these two, I lovit!

Mike was really a source of entertainment for the evening. He even did a fire show later!

En Nee & André

nikki — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:06:10 +0000

Malaysia and South Africa met each other one beautiful day in Perth, Australia. En Nee (’Annie’) and André found their true love while working in the same hospital. These two share a deep, sensitive and quiet love for each other and it was a real privilege to capture this sacred, heart-warming day in their lives. En Nee and André must be very dear to their family and friends because almost every corner of the world was represented at their wedding on this scorcher of a day in January. I was in love with En Nee’s dress, especially the beautiful bead work on the bodice. And how cool is the bridesmaids’ dresses - something fresh and different in the most beautiful colour! There’s nothing that matches the excitement of seeing a beautiful bride striding down a long, red carpeted isle towards her husband-to-be waiting in anticipation. The celebration took place there after at Asara wine farm just outside Stellenbosch. It was clear that everyone had a fabulous time and the party was in full swing till late (nothing like a live band to keep you glued to the dance floor!) - some of the guests were extremely entertaining with their dance moves! Even the little ones looked like they had a fun time - just check out the expression on the little guy’s face in the last photo!

Flowers & décor: Leipzig

Church: Moederkerk, Stellenbosch

Annette & Louwrens

nikki — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 08:19:37 +0000

Annette en Louwrens het hul historiese dag saam met 220 gaste gevier by Kronenburg, net buite Paarl. Dit was nou vir jou ‘n feestelike geleentheid soos min! Ek was gaande oor hulle dekor daar was net genoeg van alles sodat dit nie oordadig was nie, maar steeds uiters deftig en smaakvol. Annette het klassiek en sag gelyk in haar Audrey Hepburn - geïnspireerde rok, dit het haar soos ‘n handskoen gepas! Annette se pa het die diens gelei wat die seremonie ekstra spesiaal gemaak het. Daarna is ons weg om die couple en hul gevolg se foto’s te neem. Ek het lanklaas so ‘n spontane klomp bymekaar gesien, almal was meer as bereid tot deelname en het gelyk of hulle hulself gate uit geniet. Annette was ook een van die mees spontaanste bruide waarmee ek al gewerk het, sy het hierdie lieflike groot glimlag en liefde wat uit haar straal en net een kyk vir Louwrens en sy oë lag ook saam. Een van die verassings van die dag, was toe ons terugkeer na foto’s by Kronenburg en al 220 gaste sit netjies in die amfiteater gereed vir die groepfoto!
Annette en Louwrens, dankie dat ek hierdie wonderlike dag saam met julle kon deel en ek hoop julle geniet hierdie voorskou!

Ilze & David

nikki — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:06:43 +0000

Ilze en Dave se troue was my laaste een van 2009 en wat ‘n hoogtepunt om op te eindig! Met dié dat die vakansie tussen-in was, weet ek hulle wag nou al lank in afwagting vir hierdie foto’s - ek hoop dit was die wag die moeite werd! Ilze en David is onafskeidbaar van vroeg al op universiteit. Ek was bevoorreg om hulle 6 jaar gelede te kon ontmoet en ek het baie uitgesien om eerstehands hulle troudag te kon beleef. Die hele dag was ‘n sprokie soos min. Dit het begin met die tuinrose in allerhande skakerings van pienk vir die dekor en is voortgesit in Ilze se beautiful rok (die kant het sy spesiaal gebring van Korea waar sy en David onderwys gegee het), sagte grimering en bouquet. Ek was ook gek oor haar sagte pienk skoene wat sy van Korea af huis toe gebring het. Die seremonie was ook op ‘n ligte trant en duiwe is vrygelaat toe Ilze en David by die kerk uitkom. Die gaste het ook geweet dat daar ‘n groot makietie op hulle wag toe die bruidspaar die dansvloer open deur eers meel op die vloer te strooi. Hierdie troue was nou ‘n behoorlike bruilofsfees van familie en vriende en mens kon sien dat hierdie stunning couple elke oomblik geniet!

Dress: Ilse Roux

Make-up: Merlene Engelbrecht

Bride’s bouquet: Leipzig

Riordyn & Robyn

nikki — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:20:54 +0000

I am not sure where to begin commenting on this wedding. The only thing I am dead sure of is that looking back at 2009, I can say with certainty that I had the most fabulous clients! I just love it when a couple decides to make their wedding their own and this is exactly what this gorgeous young couple did. Robyn & Riordyn are officially two of the coolest people I have worked with and totally at ease in front of the camera. They have the most gentle of spirits, they are extremely passionate about Jesus and they are…well so incredibly funky! When I arrived at the Spier hotel where Robyn got dressed, I was thrilled to see the lounge area - this was something fresh and different! Robyn totally pulled off her look and I seriously felt like I was doing a shoot for a fashion mag - the vibrant colours and interesting textures complimented her ‘look’ so well. Arriving at Vredenheim I found Riordyn and his best men ready for the pre-ceremony shoot. The four of them seemed like the best of friends and they showed some serious attitude - when editing these pics I thought to myself ’these guys look like they are members of a very cool band’! Like his bride, Riordyn has these gorgeous lively eyes that simply dive into the lens. The ceremony was held outside and it was truly heart warming, especially the part where they read out their vows to each other - it was so personal and completely derived from any clichés. After the couple shoot everyone was ready for the party!

Robyn & Riordyn, thank you for having me as your photographer - I had a fabulous time working with you guys and I wish you an extremely blessed life together.

Pieter & Iréne

nikki — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:41:08 +0000

Iréne & Pieter is twee van die spontaanste, vriendelikste mense wat ek nog gesien het en hulle pas mekaar soos ‘n handskoen! Ek dink nie ek het een foto van Iréne geneem waar sy nie glimlag nie, sy het die grootste glimlag en borrelende lag wat almal om haar ook laat lag! Sy het beeldskoon gelyk in haar rok (Ilze Roux se ontwerp) en sagte grimering. Die weer was 11 Desember in Hermanus so perfek soos wat ‘n dag by die see maar kan wees. Hulle het in die pragtige klipkerkie (St Peters Anglikaanse kerk) in die hoofstraat van Hermanus getrou en daarna het ons sommer die foto’s met die dramatiese klip mure in die agtergrond geneem (my absolute gunsteling is die een waar hulle so lekker lag onder haar veil) en vandaar het ons afgesuiker na die straatjie onder die kerk wat teen die see verby loop. Dit was so ‘n lieflike dag - die see was ‘n simfonie van kleure - turqoise, die wit skuim van die branders en ‘n diep, helder blou. Die onthaal het daarna gevolg by La Vierge in die pragtige Hemel en Aarde vallei net voor Hermanus. Die uitsig vandaar is hemels en so ook die kos wat voorgesit was. Iréne en Pieter is twee baie begaafde mense - hulle is albei dokters en Iréne is ook ‘n baie talentvolle pianis. Hul lewensvreugde en opregte passie vir mense was vir my so mooi om te sien. Ek het na die tyd ook vir Adêl, my assitent, gesê dat die foto’s van hulle na die seremonie so maklik was, net omdat die twee so vriendelik en spontaan was. Blykbaar het hulle slegs ‘n handjie vol foto’s van hulleself, maar op die dag was hulle soo natuurlik voor die kamera, hulle hoef net na mekaar te kyk en dan helder die glimlagte op! Iréne & Pieter ek hoop julle geniet hierdie voorskou van julle troufoto’s en dat julle nou baie kiekies vir fotorame gaan hê!

Sandra & David (E-session)

nikki — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:58:44 +0000

Sandra & David booked me for their wedding end of 2008 already. At that stage I was at the very beginning of my career with only 5 weddings in my portfolio! So, I really felt flattered when they booked me. On Monday we did their Engagement shoot in the beautiful Jonkershoek / Eerste rivier area in Stellenbosch - how gorgeous is the light and textures of the pebbles, grasses and slopes?! And do I need to mention that this is one of the hottest couples I have ever seen?! Their wedding will be on the 27th of Feb next year, can’t wait!

Pierre & Tanja

nikki — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:33:03 +0000

Tanja & Pierre are such a sweet couple. I had the privilege of meeting them beginning this year when they contacted me for their wedding stationery. Right from the start I knew that there was going to be nothing average about this wedding. Every little detail was considered. And what a joy it was to see it all come together on the 5th of December! I considered myself so lucky when I arrived at the venue to photograph the décor (by Okasie in Stellenbosch), this could have kept me busy for at least an hour! How awesome is the touches of yellow, gold, soft green and linen striped table cloths! I definitely haven’t seen anything so unique before! The next pleasant surprise was when we arrived at Terra de Luc where Tanja and her bridesmaids got dressed. Tanja’s gorgeous dove grey dress with lace detail was astonishingly beautiful. I also loved Pierre’s neat suit and leather brown shoes. The guys’ button holes was, as expected, something different and soooo cute! After the lovely ceremony in the Simondium Church we head off for Val de Vie. For those of you not familiar with this estate, it is a stunner! When you walk onto the beautiful polo fields and black and white marble floors of the venue, it feels like stepping right into the stylish world of the 1920’s Great Gatsby! I loved the venue’s white chairs and the colourful lights above the dance floor. In summary, Tanja & Pierre’s wedding was a classy and joyful affair!

Tanja & Pierre, dankie dat ek julle stunning troue kon afneem, julle is ‘n beautiful couple. Ek hoop julle geniet hierdie preview!

Make-up: Leisha Jansen

Dress: Klûk

Bride dressed at: Terra de Luc

Décor: Okasie

Stationery: The Wedding Lounge

Venue: Val de Vie

Sumé & Riaan

nikki — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:03:45 +0000

WOW, wat ‘n voorreg was dit nie om hierdie twee stunning, opregte, lewenslustige mense se troue te kon dokumenteer nie. Sumé & Riaan het die Blue Bay Lodge in Saldanha gekies vir hulle spesiale dag. Dit was ‘n heerlike samekoms van vriende en familie. Alles was stunning - Sumé het absoluut gestraal, ek was gek oor die kleur van haar lipstiffie, en Riaan het uiters sjarmant gelyk in sy grys pak. Alhoewel Riaan bietjie skepties vir die fotonemery was, dink ek nie iemand kan stry dat hulle saam ongelooflik spontaan lyk op die foto’s nie, dié twee is net so gemaklik in mekaar se geselskap en net een woord kan die ander een uit sy maag laat lag! Hulle is twee uiters passievolle, warm en liefdevolle mense en ek en Adél, my assitent, het net so welkom gevoel by hul troue. Die gaste was ook uiters spontaan en nie vir ‘n oomblik omgegee om afgeneem te word nie, ‘in fact’ as die kamera nader gekom het, was hulle reg met ‘n ‘pose’. Ek was mal oor die atmosfeer by hierdie troue, daar was geen formele styfheid te bespeur nie, dit het eerder gevoel soos ‘n heerlike informele fees!

Elzette & Niël

nikki — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:18:39 +0000

Elzette & Niël het mekaar die eerste keer gesien op die trappe van die SA Gemeente in Londen en toe langs mekaar beland in die kerkbanke. Niël het dadelik geweet dat hierdie fyn donkerkop sy toekomstige vroutjie gaan wees, maar Elzette het nog bietjie oorreding gekort voor sy besef het dat hierdie ‘tall, dark & handsome’ man presies weet hoe om met haar hartsnare te tokkel en dat sy met hom aan haar kant vir die ganse wêreld kans sien! Hulle mooi storie is finaal geseel op ‘n lieflike (en baie warm!) dag in die Paarl. Ek was mal oor al die kleiner details by hierdie troue, soos Elzette se oorbelle, skoene en turqoise sonbril! Die dekor was ook vars en romanties met vintage touches soos die pêrel krale in die klokglase. Haar rok het haar soos ‘n handskoen gepas en ek was mal oor die tikkie Spaanse flair daarvan. Niël het ook baie netjies gelyk in sy duifgrys pak. Volgens Elzette is Niël die grappige een en sy die meer perfeksionistiese, ernstige een, maar een ding was vir my seker - hierdie twee weet hoe om die beste uit mekaar te bring en hoe om baie saam te lag!

Willem & Melissa

nikki — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:18:18 +0000

This wedding was absolutely WOW! Melissa and Willem are just such a perfect match and their sincere love and passion for God and each other was so heart warming. I could elaborate for ever on how gorgeous Melissa looked (I mean just look at that dress and hair!) but I would rather leave that to her husband. Willem was completely in awe of his beautiful bride and he just kept saying that there has never been or will ever be such a beautiful woman. Ladies, wouldn’t we all be flattered by such adoration from our men?!
There were many things that I loved about this wedding - the silwer bridesmaid dresses, the mountains surrounding the venue, the atmosphere later the evening in the bedouin tent, the bridal party (who were so much fun to work with) and the expressions on these two beautiful people’s faces. I have also not yet heard such a well-spoken bride as Melissa, her speech was mind blowing and so was Willem’s.
I hope these pictures convey the spirit of these two special people’s day..

Christie & Craig

nikki — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:36:26 +0000

Christie and I met while both studying Graphic design at Stellenbosch. Her mom, Di, secretly contacted me just before Christie and Craig got engaged. Wow, I was so excited, it meant a trip to East London and an opportunity to see my friend on her most special day! Christie is so sweet and beautiful - both inside and out. I knew she would look pretty, but looking back at the photographs, I can only say ‘WOW’, isn’t she the most stunning bride?! I loved her bouquet and exquisite dress. Her 3 wonderful bridesmaids wore the neatest soft grey-purple-blueish dresses. Craig, who looked very handsome himself, had the broadest smile when he saw Christie coming into the church and that smile remained there for the rest of the day! The ceremony was in the small town of Stutterheim and from there all 240 guests travelled to Craig’s parents’ farm a few kilometers out of town. I saw the their forestry farm (thousands of hectares!) that afternoon for the first time. Wow! What more can one ask for than to be surrounded by majestic mountains, green fields, pine tree forests and game? This is where Christie and Craig will start their new life together. The reception was held in a bedouin tent and later that evening we could see a spectacular thunderstorm in the distance but luckily it never rained at the venue! The food was sumptuous - juicy steaks and stuffed chicken and a buffet with mouth watering sweet goodies. Guests had a fabulous time on the dance floor and I was later told that the party went on well into the early hours of the morning!

Christie and Craig thank you for having me there at you beautiful wedding. I hope you enjoy this preview!

(Also a special word of thanks to Willie & Di Wade who made me feel so welcome in their home!)

I love the colours on this first photo and the lovely smiles!

The bow was such a stunning detail..

Just look at those mountains!

Brother and sister having a fab time on the dance floor1

Bonnie & Robert

nikki — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:14:34 +0000

Bonnie & Rob’s wedding really summed up who they are as a couple - relaxed, joyous & unpretentious. Even though I haven’t met them before the wedding, if felt like I already knew them - thanks to Bonnie taking the initiative to write me a little summary about them. I was so excited about this that I immediately thought it would be a great idea for all couples to share a little about themselves in writing before their big day - in the end that is what the wedding photos are all about - creating a reflection of the unique dynamics between each couple and the special people sharing their day with them.
A little bit about the cute couple which the 24th of October was all about…Bonnie & Rob met at medical school but only started dating during their internship year in Durban. This year the are doing their community service at a bush hospital between Swaziland, Mozambique and the Kruger National park. Rob grew up in Kleinmond and spend more time on his surf board than anywhere else. Bonnie was fortunate to grow up on her family’s beautiful farm in Ceres. These two talented young people are adventurous, adore their family and friends and love the outdoors.
It was so much fun working with Bonnie because not once during the shoot she worried about sitting or lying down in the grass, in fact she embraced the opportunity!
Their beautiful ceremony was so heart-warming and one could really feel the joy shared between them. I also loved the vibrancy of the bridesmaid dresses and the bright and soft pinks of their protea bouquets.
The food was gourmet quality and everyone had a feast around the tables. I also loved their wedding cake which was topped with little Bonnie and Rob sugar figurines!

top left: The future Snyder family

Susan & Harold-John

nikki — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:49:24 +0000

Tulbagh is darem maar ‘n pragtige dorpie! Susan & Harold-John het die lieflike Roodezand venue gekies om hul droom troue saam met familie en vriende te vier. Die kragonderbreking wat van die middag tot laat in die aand geduur het, het verseker nie ‘n demper op die atmosfeer geplaas nie! Dit was ‘n baie jolige saamtrek by hierdie Joubert & Truter troue. Susan en Harold-John was uit hul nate van opgewondenheid oor die aanbreek van hierdie dag en dit is duidelik dat hulle vir mekaar gemaak is - hulle deel dieselfde humorsin en daar is voorwaar ‘n magnetiese entoesiasme en opregte liefde tussen hulle.
Susan & Harry, dankie dat ek ‘n aandeel in julle baie spesiale dag kon hê!

Nikki & Kappie engaged

nikki — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:19:26 +0000

Although I can talk a lot and consider myself an extrovert, I have a very shy side to me and am not always too comfortable with sharing details about my life (it just comes more naturally to share in other people’s happiness!). But, after some consideration I decided to post a few pics about the most exciting event yet to have taken place in my life…I am going to be a bride!!! hehe

This is a short story of how it happened…

Two weekends ago Adél, Kappie (Francois Kapp) and I went to Yzerfontein to photograph Nadine and Deon’s stunning wedding. The sunday morning Kappie decided that an early morning coffee (and rusks of course!) on the beach would be the perfect way to start off the day. We walked for a few minutes before sitting down in the soft sand and talked about everything and anything and also about how awesome the Christian relationship course we did was. A few more minutes past and suddenly I noticed Kappie fiddling in his pocket..the next moment he got down in the sand in front of me and asked the big question…I was so shocked and overwhelmed and started to cry, but it was very, very happy tears!! And I just said…’of course’!! Everything happened so fast and yet it felt like it all played off in sl0w motion! I always knew that I would prefer not being engaged too long, but as you might know, as a wedding photographer your weekends are booked long before your own life ‘happens’. But then a brain wave came…I kept one weekend open end of January! So, the date has been set (29 January 2010) and now we are busy filling in all the details for the day..the venue will be Beloftebos, Stanford (close to Gansbaai and Hermanus) and the photographer a close friend and extremely talented Lizelle Lotter.

I work with couples everyday and I just love it! It is the most awesome privilege to do something that you love. I can still hardly believe that it is going to my turn shortly! At first I was very overwhelmed with what was happening, but now I am getting more excited every day!

I saw Kappie for the first time in May 2007. We were a group of friends who went to the olive festival in Riebeeck Kasteel, but I joined a bit later. Kappie was a new comer to our circle of friends and that was the first day I saw him. I remember vividly making my way through the crowd that gathered in front of the olive and cheese stalls when I suddenly saw it…the most beautiful smile, curly blonde hair and blue eyes (amidst fading faces in the crowd) I have ever seen! At that moment I honestly believed in love at first sight:)

Enough about me! Have an awesome week!

Thanks to Adél who took most of these memorable pics!

Nadine & Deon

nikki — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:31:36 +0000

Oh I just loooove beach weddings…the sand beneath your feet, the soft sound of lapping waves, the fresh air, blue skies and even the wind. There’s that undeniable nostalgic feeling of a December holiday when you can sit down on a wooden bench with mussels, snoek and glass of wine in front of you. I know that the coast doesn’t necessarily reserve its storms for winter, but in my opinion it is well worth the risk! Deon and Nadine’s wedding day was perfect. The wind later in the afternoon added a bit of drama to the photo’s but the ultimate reward was the sunset - blasts of orange, violet and soft purples - a sight that can never become clichéd!
Nadine looked like a sun goddess with her olive skin, chestnut hair, blue eyes and soft, dreamy dress (I know it sounds like something from a mills and boon novel!). Nadine and Cindy from the b.co. combined talents to create the décor that fitted the venue and setting perfectly. I loved the rows of turquoise glass bottles with stems of delicate white flowers or fynbos. The king protea bouquet was a stunner and a true work of art. Nadine and Deon really radiated love and excitement for just being in the moment and having been so blessed to have found each other. They are such a delightful couple and the Strandkombuis surroundings offer so many possibilities for photos so I just knew the couple shoot will be fun! Probably the highlight of the day was the West Coast style buffet lined with prawns, freshly baked breads and koeksisters (to name but a few!) and just socializing with all your closest friends and family under one tented roof with the soft roar of the waves in the background. Deon en Nadine, dankie dat julle my as julle fotograaf gekies het en dit was baie fun om ‘n aandeel te kon hê in julle prag troue!

Service providers

Flowers: the b.co

Hair & make-up: Jane Field

Dress: Bride & Co

DJ: DJ Pro

Cake: Daniela Dotan

Roisin & Steven

nikki — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:56:59 +0000

What a pleasure it was to work with such warm and friendly people as Roisin & Steven. Roisin is proudly Irish and Steven proudly English. They both are rugby fanatics and although not supporting the same team might lead to conflict, this would not stop them from enjoying their favourite sport together! They booked me through Noreen at Timeless Weddings and although I met them for the first time on their wedding day, my assistant and I agreed that they felt like old friends. It was yet again a rainy day in Cape Town, but the two had no problem entertaining each other, so the photo shoot went as smooth as on any other sunny day.
Roisin and Steven planned to visit South Africa this year. However, when they got engaged the idea of coming down from the UK with a few family and friends to celebrate their wedding on another continent, started sounding like a very exciting prospect. This was their first visit to SA and it was clear that they and all their guests had a splendid time during their stay. I loved the flowers at their wedding - stunning proteas and creamy roses (Wild Affair Flowers). Currently they are enjoying their honeymoon along the picturesque Garden Route - Roisin & Steven, thank you for choosing me as your photographer and I hope that you enjoy this preview!

Hester & Johan

nikki — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:34:31 +0000

Hester & Johan got married on the picturesques farm, Meerendal, just outside Durbanville. Hester got dressed at Clara Anna Fontein which is a small game reserve close to the venue and a perfect choice for any bride having her wedding at Meerendal. When I arrived there Hester’s two sisters were having a fun time doing the last touches of make-up and getting their little sister into her (stunning!) wedding dress. I have known Hester for a few years so I was very excited to see what her wedding day would be like. I was stunned by how absolutely gorgeous she looked, everything was just so perfect - from her hair to the cute little clutch bag that belonged to her grandmother. She radiated excitement and love that was really genuine. Johan was breathless when he saw his beautiful bride coming down the steps in the chapel at Meerendal.
These two were blessed with the most awesome weather! Hester & Johan were like two people who just discovered the other’s existence so we had much fun during the couple shoot! Hester is also the first bride I ever worked with who voluntarily offered her bouquet to a few curious sheep! However I think the moment was to big for them and they walked off. I must also mention something about the décor - it was so simple and elegant and what I really loved about it was the way in which both the flowers and decor reflected the venue and its surrounds. Antoinette from To Netts in the Paarl was the creative hand behind this.

At the reception guests socialised outside on the beautiful lawn till late and everyone had a awesome time on the dance floor!

Hes & Johan, baie dankie dat ek saam met julle hierdie ongelooflike spesiale dag kon deel. Julle is ‘n stunning couple!