Reon and Heike. What could I possibly say about this couple that would sum them, or their wedding up in one short paragraph? I suppose I should start at the beginning, almost a year ago, when these two invited me to participate in the grand adventure that their wedding was to be. Having never been to the Kruger National Park before, I spent months of excitement hearing tales of other people’s experiences there and the couples own plans for the celebration. Nothing, however, could compare to the true majesty of arriving in this place. Seeing the animals roaming free. The sounds the smells, and all the many things that make the reserve sacred to so many. To top it all off, we were there to see two beautiful human beings pledge their lives to one another! Organizing a wedding in a National Park is no small feat, and I’m sure that Reon and Heike will agree with me when I say that without the many extra sets of hands, it wouldn’t have been possible to pull off such a successful day without them. Flowers and an abundance of decor and details were driven in from Middelburg. Both mom’s and Heike’s dad were responsible for almost all the crafty details that added the special touches to the day (I absolutely LOVE that he walked her down the aisle with a “kettie” in his back pocket, which he handed over to Reon once they reached him). I was struck many times throughout the day, by how truly privileged we were to be able to be standing in those places and experiencing the surrounds as we did. Guests were collected at the camp prior to the ceremony, and treated to an extended game drive en route to the site. Myself and Mia, along with the brides entourage, were collected in the same manner and I have never, NEVER had such a refreshing pause during a wedding day. Thirty minutes in a safari truck, driving through uninterrupted bushveld is absolutely how every bride should prepare and centre herself before marrying her beloved! When we arrived under the enormous tree that was the centre of their ceremony, the hippo’s in a river below treated us to some very raucous chatter (which grew progressively louder as the sermon progressed), and made sure we were all well aware of their delightful presence! I say delightful, because what wedding photographer wouldn’t love it if a hippopotamus emerged for a few snaps during a wedding? Though in hindsight the nervous looks on the game rangers and guests faces were perhaps a more accurate portrayal of the scene. Still, I’m still a little sad they didn’t crash the proceedings, hie hie! From there it was snacks and the ceremonial breaking of the droëwors (or dried sausage for my international readers) in lieu of a wedding cake which, lets be honest, would have been a little hard to transport into the bush. A few beautiful couple photographs and another game drive back to the rest camp later, we walked into their reception where candles, fairy lights and fires spread their warmth. The love and joy radiating from everyone present was tangible, and the most beautiful way to envelope the couple who brought us all together there to bear witness to a day we will never forget. Reon and Heike, you two have made so many peoples dreams come true with your bosveld wedding, not least of which I hope, are your own. May you two have a long, happy and prosperous marriage, rooted like the tree you planted in everything that we witnessed on this special day. You two are true originals and a terribly hard act to follow! I hope you’ll enjoy this first taste of your wedding photographs … all my love, Claire xxx

Venue: Berg-En-Dal Rest Camp, Kruger National Park | Flowers: Blommemark Bloemiste Middelburg | Minister: Rev. Alistair Wescott | Dress: Enzoani via Wedding Wardrobe | Bridesmaids Robes: Cotton On | Hair & Makeup: Ubella | Groomsmens Pins: Wedding Warehouse | Catering: Tindlovu Photographers Assistant: Mia Swanepoel