Dreamy Spring Film Engagement

One of the things  haven’t spoken about so much this month of Fine Art Weddings is photography, and TBH that’s a bit of an oversight, because so much of this style comes from the whole movement of fine art wedding photography, and the stylists who regularly work with the pioneers of that style and have together created this new trend in wedding design. And after all, there’s no point in putting all that effort into styling your big day if you’re not going to get it photographed by someone who ‘gets it’. Think Jose Villa, Elizabeth Messina, Jen Huang. That dreamy, ethereal look they are known for has a lot to do with the fact that they shoot on film, and while this is nothing new, it’s taken a while for film to make its way to SA weddings for various reasons. But over the last year or two, I’ve seen it offered more and more, and it makes my little heart so happy. Of course, film is more expensive, and digital work can be just as lovely, but I’m so glad that couples who love this look now have more options in terms of being able to choose it (most photographers who offer this as part of their wedding package shoot a combo of film and digital). One of my favourite local photographers in general, and on film in particular, is Rensche Mari. A few weeks back we featured Luan & Marné’s wedding, which she captured beautifully, and today we get to share their engagement shoot, which also happens to be all film! So you’ll get to see a perfect example of what I’m talking about. The idea is simple – an outdoor picnic, a walk among the willows. But through Rensche’s lens, it takes on a truly magical quality. Sigh!

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A Swartland Sonnet

Maree Louw of Natural Light Photography has a way with the camera that just makes me melt – since the beginning of SBB, I’ve had the pleasure of sharing her work and marveling at her magic touch, and just how romantic every image is. Today we’re sharing one of Maree’s styled shoots, and this one’s extra special, because it marks a new chapter for her, that of film photography. For years, I’ve been enviously watching all of those incredible overseas photographers who work only or mostly in film, while in South Africa we’ve only had one or two (very talented) folks with this offering. To see another of my favourite snappers make this step makes me so happy, and I hope that in the next few years more photographers (and crucially, more brides and grooms) will opt for fine art film weddings, or a combination of film and digital, so that this aspect of local photography can flourish. But back to this shoot, because it is absolutely dreamy – the kind of pretty that makes me want to get pinning straight away. Lush florals, calligraphy, vintage elements, a touch of gold – and an adorable mint ruffled cake. To bring her vision to life, Maree worked with a brilliant team, including Anli Wahl, My Green Love Affair, Nikki Albertyn and Vicky of Mocholoco (herself a real SouthBound bride!), who also acted as the model. Let’s get inspired!

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A Farm-to-table Romance

So as you know, March on SBB is all about farmer’s market and farm-to-table themed weddings, which is great news for all you rustic, farm wedding-loving brides and grooms! But, while the word ‘rustic’ might mean simple and unsophisticated, and real farm life is definitely not glamorous, that doesn’t mean that your rustic wedding can’t be as elegant as you like. And bringing produce – whether that be fruits or vegetables – into your decor doesn’t change that a bit. Exhibit A: this seriously dreamy shoot from talented US photographer Christa-Taylor, which she and her team have been kind enough to share with us today. Christa’s beautiful fine art film images combined with styling by Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Form And Flora‘s gorgeous florals make this farm-to-table inspired shoot the ultimate in rustic romance. From the lush local produce used as both decadent decor and ingredients for delicious dishes, to the pie dessert bar and jam favours, it takes the farm-to-table concept and makes it beautiful. And that’s even before you fall in love with the amazing Stephanie D Couture gowns and the lovely calligraphy and watercolour stationery by Katie Michelle Designs. Let’s feast our little eyes on it a while, shall we?

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