Most little girls grow up dreaming of the exquisite white wedding that they shall one day have. Madeli was no exception, and with the help of her “liefie” Barend, planned their spectacular nuptials at Gabrielskloof in Botrivier. After many months of flying between the Cape and their home in Johannesburg, the glorious day arrived and their hard work was rewarded with open skies and precious little rain … phew! In addition to all this, a white wedding could not have looked more enchanting than theirs. Snow was capping almost every mountain peak in sight! Attention to detail was evident in every aspect of September 21st, and Barend and Madeli, as well as their loved ones, danced under fairy lights beside a crackling fireplace. I’m a big believer in the real possibility of fairytale endings (and in the case of weddings, beginnings too). The pictures below are the proof I have of their existence. True companionship, love, beauty and contentment radiate from this couples relationship, and with all of that in place? The joy of living comes naturally. The evidence is a bride and groom playing table tennis under a full moon on their wedding night;) All my love to you, Claire xxx

On a completely different note … my good friend Michelle joined me at the wedding as a second shooter. Before heading to Madeli for her bridal portraits, Mich and I stopped (ok, fine. I stopped … she had nothing to do with it) to have a quick scout in the surrounding farmlands for locations to do the couple shoot. True to character … I eagerly hopped out to test light on Michelle and in the enjoyment of the scenery … locked my keys and our cellphones in the car. Winner, winner, chicken dinner. The panic was short lived though, because lets face it. How many times in your life are you given a legitimate excuse to plunge a rock through your car’s window, while your buddy photographs it?

Second Shooter: Michelle Joubert-Martin | Venue: Gabrielskloof | Guest Houses: Barton Villas |