We arrived at Auberge Clermont just after lunch to find Rayne, her family & some of her close friends preparing for the day and slipping into their beautiful outfits. I was working for the first time with photographer Sandy Cossey (who had travelled from Port Elizabeth) for this wedding and her brother assisting – we had a good time working together and I hope to work with them again some time.
The groom (an American, marrying his South African sweetheart) and his groomsmen, who had dressed close by at Lavender Farm, arrived at Auberge Clermont and were waiting on the lawns, under the oaks for the bride to arrive for the signing of the Ketubah. A private ceremony this, with just close family and friends in attendance, before we all moved on to Delaire Graff where the Chuppah and guests awaited. Delaire Graff is a fantastic venue – great location, views, superb architecture (not to mention the food!!!). One would have to try very hard to find a better reception room – curved seating, intimate lighting, great artwork and sculptures, attentive waiters… not to mention renowned chef, Christiaan Camphell creating his culinary delights for this couple and their guests.
Toasts and speeches (with slides showing the couple throughout their courtship) kept everyone entertained and soon it was time for the first dance. Rayne and Michael are a perfect couple and we wish them a long and happy life together. Watch out for the highlights from their wedding which I’ll show on this page….
Natalia & Emanuel’s magestic Cape Town wedding ~ 24.3.12
Natalia & Emanuel had put a lot of thought and planning into their special day ~ and the results were there for everyone to see. We had all met together a couple of times prior to the day, so were all on the same page! However, I was to be blown away by everything this amazing bride and groom had planned for their family & friends. Natalia was dressing at her parent’s fabulous home in Blouberg and as I entered through the front door, I was greeted by a flurry of activity as bridesmaids, flower girls, miniature bride & groom and family busied with getting ready for Natalia’s special day. The dresses and outfits were amazing and photographer Warren Williams and I left the house for the ceremony venue, we were still unaware of what awaited us.
I remember reading that when Sarah Ferguson married Prince Andrew, she had asked for flowers in the church that gave off a beautiful scent. In all the years I have been filming weddings, I haven’t really walked into a church and been able to smell those gorgeous floral scents. This day I did. Flowers were everywhere – the church was a picture. A right royal wedding indeed! The ceremony was conducted by Archbishop Lawrence Henry, Father Roman Viveros and Father Jorge. Each reading, musical interlude and prayer had been selected by the couple and the attention to detail really worked throughout this moving ceremony.
After the couple had left the church and had been greeted with showers of confetti from family and friends outside, the bridal party and close family walked down the road to the Bromwell. Such a different location for great photographer Warren Williams and I to work with! Stunning bride Natalia and her groom, Emanuel were only too happy to move amongst the eclectic rooms as Warren posed them this way and that.
Soon it was time to stop ‘playing’ and move on to the reception at the Portuguese Hall. Oh my goodness – if I thought the church was festooned with flowers, then one glimpse inside the hall revealed more flowers than I have ever seen in one place. The main table, which seated 28 was literally covered from floor to table top with beautiful blooms. There were vases groaning under the weight of magnificent table arrangements and the entire room was draped in soft white chiffon. Guests had entered the area through gates with “royal” guards in their red jackets and black beefeater headgear. The foyer to the hall had been draped in soft red velvet, with a feature oversized picture frame to one side. Guests took turns to stand with the couple inside the frame for a well planned photo record of their attendance at this special wedding.
I could write an article about the food on its own! Course after course of generous portions of full lobsters per guest, Steak Bernaisse, Chicken, etc. etc. Soon it was time for the first dance and once again the couple had organised a ballet performance before they came onto the floor with their retinue to perform their own special routine.
However, there was more to come! The entrance foyer had now been transformed into a sweetie boutique – with every little fondant fancy and truffle you could imagine! How could anyone still be hungry ??? However, the tables were just too enticing and soon everyone was filling their plates with a selection of these treats!
Natalia and Emanuel, you succeeded in creating a right royal affair, you did it together and you and all your family & friends will always remember your special day ! X