I’ve been excited about shooting this wedding for the longest time! I first met Nicole when she was Maid of Honour at her friend Zuzara’s wedding three years ago (you can see the link here). Since that day, I’ve watched her travels and life via Facebook., and the happy story that led her to meet her dashing husband, Chris, in Florida where she was working. Getting an email from them to ask if I would be their wedding photographer was such a thrill and an adventure in itself! With them being based in the United States, they decided to have their legal marriage done there first and do the family one later on in Pretoria where Nicole’s family reside. Between waiting on the legal requirements overseas, and an official date not having been set, we had plenty of correspondence with regard to their South African festivities. After much deliberation, Chris and Nicole decided to change their original plans, and host their wedding in historic Stellenbosch – the Cape Winelands. It was an intimate affair with their very nearest and dearest in attendance, and filled with sentimental moments! The first being Nicole’s dad walking her down the aisle, and then stepping up to the pulpit where he performed the couples wedding ceremony. Not only that, but the building I’d chosen to used as a backdrop for their couple shoot, turned out to be the exact one where her father had studied Theology in his student days! These things, combined with the beautiful details of their choice in decor and attire, made for a classic and entirely unforgettable day! Chris and Nicole, I’m thrilled to be sharing your blog post today, and only wish you’d had a bit more time in Cape Town for another glass of wine with me. I hope you’ll be reminded of all the magic of your special day, and enjoy these images with your friends and family who couldn’t join us in South Africa. All my love and wishes for a wonderful holiday season, Claire xxx PS how cute are the cake toppers, made in the couples likeness? You can’t see from the image, but they’re bobble heads too!

venue: kleine zalze | make-up: cvz styling | hair: léan norman | flowers & decor: paradiso flowers | bride & grooms guest house: | photographers assistant: alexandra graham