14 December 2017

RIAAN & ANNALIEN

Nooitgedacht, Stellenbosch

Riaan & Annalien – two of the most warm hearted people you will ever meet! I first met this couple while shooting Donald & Mia’s wedding. A few months later Riaan contacted me with a sneaky plan – they were in Cape Town for the weekend and he was planning to propose to the girl of his dreams. Of course this needed to be documented! So there I was with my long lens, hiding behind trees and capturing those first few moments of shock, disbelief, bliss and total delight as Mr Els asked Annalien to be his Mrs.

Their wedding day was not short of raw emotion either. The groom could barely stop smiling even while his eyes were tearing up with joy. Annalien made the most gorgeous bride, with her wide smile and bright eyes, delicate flowers cascading down her wedding gown.

After the ceremony, the party got started under Nooitgedacht’s stunning tree canopy with ice cream and beer on tap – absolute essentials for a December wedding in the Cape! After some fun on the lawns and catching the last bit of twilight, we sat down to a feast and heard some great stories from friends and family of the couple’s relationship. Riaan’s speech – after he was sufficiently harassed – was a moving tribute to his late mother and reminded everyone that life is short, so don’t wait to tell someone that you love them.

It being Annalien’s birthday the next day (and Riaan being full of surprises), her favourite band made an appearance at midnight – the perfect end to an already epic day!

The whole celebration radiated warmth, gentleness and intense joy. It was a privilege to be part of documenting this love story! Annalien & Riaan, you two are #somethingels.

Venue // Nooitgedacht, Stellenbosch

Planner // Ingrid Fourie

Flowers & decor // NConcepts & Designs

Dress // Liezel Spies

Hair & makeup // Mia’s Makeup

DJ // Cape DJs

Videography // First Kiss