Over the last few years I’ve learn a lot about people through working with my special couples. One of the most fascinating things I’ve been allowed to observe, is the summing up of a couples’ dynamic in their engagement shoot. Placing two loving people into the sometimes very uncomfortable position of being photographed professionally for the first time, and watching them navigate their way through the experience as a team. Nine times out of ten I’m blessed with a pair like the beautiful Denver and Kylie who radiate their bond, playfulness and mutual joy in the most perfectly unaffected and natural way. They happily accepted the chilly and driving wind that was pumping through Kalk Bay during their photo session, and somehow still stood so steadfast in their absolute adoration for one another, allowing their perfect and very obvious love for one another to emanate from their togetherness. Looking at the images as they popped one by one onto my screen, I was touched again and again by the moments outside of the poses. The little laughs, the moments when they caught one another’s eye and forget for an instant that they weren’t alone, and the easygoing manner in which they allowed their natural shyness to be a part of the whole experience we were documenting. I’m so often told (with the slightest hint of exasperation) by my loved ones that I live in a head full of fairytales. But honestly? When I’ve spent a few hours with people like Denver and Kylie, my heart becomes even more convicted in it’s belief that fairytale romance is alive and well, and living all around us every day. Oh precious Denver and Kylie … I so look forward to your wedding in February, when I will once again bear witness to your whimsicle unit of two:) All my love, Claire xxx

assistant | francisce alves cilliers