As big a compliment as it is shooting another photographer’s wedding, its also quite nerve wrecking. I know how particular I am about my shots- I think most photographers are, and well, this is where the pressure comes in! Desi is also a talented family photographer based in Lutzville and contacted me a while back to shoot their wedding. Being based in Stellenbosch, it means these lovely people were getting me in from a far in order to deliver them great shots.What added to the pressure was that there was a mini hurricane happening outside when I woke up on the saturday morning (you know the “perfect” weather for a wedding with a combination of hard rain, hail and freezing gail force winds).

It had rained so much on the friday night that the roads to the reception hall were a wee Nile river on the Saturday- and I was strongly advised not to attempt driving on it, as we would definitely get stuck or float downstream- either way sounded scary. Conditions were against me it seemed. But as it turns out- all that pressure was in my head. Because Desi was so relaxed on the day- completely understanding of the conditions and just so…amazing! As a photographer, she knew and understood- and that was the greatest comfort in those weather conditions.

When we arrived at our B&B on friday night, my assistant Natasha and I were delightfully surprised with the most amazing food hamper that Desi had put together for us! I was truly blessed out of my socks!! All the best local goodies, including dried fruit and biltong…and chocolate!!!! Honestly it was the best thing ever, Natasha and I stuffed our faces all weekend on it! Thanks Desi- it was so thoughtful of you!

Desi and JP are as one would say simply in Afrikaans, ‘lekker mense’. Genuine, good farming folk who have an appreciation for earth’s beauty and for the people that they share it with. They are members of a very close knit community and seeing everyone party in the “Stoor” (a massive shed which made for a great reception hall) made me think of my farming community back home.

JP & Desi- alles van die beste vir die pad voorentoe. Baie dankie vir julle gasvryheid en dat julle so mooi na ons gekyk het! Julle is rerig dierbare mense met groot harte- en mens kan die respek wat ander het vir julle in die gemeenskap baie duidelik sien. Mag julle liefde en vriendskap net aanhou groei van krag tot krag! Blessings, xxx