Tag: Illuminate Photography

Charming Cape Point Vineyards Wedding by Bright & Beautiful and Illuminate Photography

by gaby

There’s no question that Cape Point is one of the most stunning places in this beautiful country of ours, and that a sunset on what feels like the end of the world is like no other. It also happens to make an incredible setting for a wedding, as Carrie and Gavin knew when they picked Cape Point Vineyards for their celebration. For their darling day, they chose a gorgeous palette of dusty blues and greys and complemented that with pastel blooms of all shapes and sizes (gorgeous work as always by SBB fave, Bright and Beautiful!). The whole look is strong but delicate, which is actually super appropriate since Carrie is a former ballerina (love how they incorporated her slippers in the decor too!). From the outdoor ceremony until long after the sun went down, it was a day filled with love and laughter, beautifully captured by Illuminate Photography!

Read More

Classic Pastel Winelands Wedding at Holden Manz by Illuminate Photography

by gaby

There’s just no denying it – a wedding in the Cape winelands is always enchanting. But when it takes place at Holden Manz, with its emerald vineyards and breathtaking Franschhoek Valley views, and has Illuminate Photography behind the lens… well, now we’re talking. Tom and Jess, high school sweethearts from Zim who now live in Australia, chose a classic, elegant vibe for their wedding day, with soft pastel colours, lush blooms and little rustic touches like jam favours and distressed wooden lanterns filled with flowers on their tables. I just loved their romantic outdoor ceremony too, with a draped arch, petals lining the aisle, and wine barrels to finish off the look. Timeless!

Read More

Fynbos & Gold Foodbarn Wedding by Illuminate Photography

by gaby

Sometimes I sit and think how lucky we are, and how lucky I am, to be a wedding blogger at this time in South Africa. It’s not that long ago that we were fractured into groups, but it’s easy to forget that when you see our many rich cultures coming together in the best place possible – a wedding. Like today’s couple – Vincent and Rochelle come from Zulu and Afrikaans backgrounds respectively, and here they are with their jubilant families, bringing those two backgrounds together in a celebration rich with proteas and fynbos and touches of gold (just like South Africa, now that I think of it). It’s enough to make me seriously patriotic, but the main point here of course, as always, is the love and these two have it written all over them. Tabitha from Illuminate Photography took these gorgeous, romantic pics of their big day.

Read More

Moroccan Magic Wedding Inspiration by Illuminate Photography

by gaby

Boy do I ever have a gorgeous editorial for you all today! Thanks to Tabitha Mee at Illuminate Photography and her talented team, we’re transporting you to the sands of Morocco for a styled shoot that’s as beautiful as it is inspiring. In fact, it’s almost easy to forget that it was shot in Cape Town, and not high in the Atlas mountains, amid citrus and walnut groves, and flat-roofed hamlets.  I absolutely love a touch of Moroccan style (which also happens to be perfect for a boho wedding theme), and with a mix of shiny brass, warm earthy tones and pops of orange from pincushion proteas, berries and kumquats (as well as a dreamy Robyn Roberts dress), I’m in heaven. This would be such a gorgeous colour scheme for a wedding – the florals created by our faves at Green Goddess flower studio would translate beautifully to a reception table, not to mention the sheer romance of a little desert breakout area beneath the stars. Sigh. And pass the mint tea.Read More

Intimate Scottish De Hoop Wedding by Illuminate Photography {Stacey & Stuart}

by gaby

Well, here’s something new – I’ve had grooms contribute to the questionnaire before, but never had a complete he said/she said view of a wedding. It just shows what a strong partnership Stuart and Stacey have, and how much their wedding was a mix of their personalities and backgrounds. Stuart is from Scotland, so beyond the traditional kilts (and let’s be honest, men look faaaabulous in kilts!) there was Highland-style dancing, merrymaking and bagpiping unfer the night sky. Bringing up the South African end, there was braaing, kuiering and gorgeous natural fynbos covering the tables. It’s like Rob Roy meets Jock of the Bushveld, in the perfect fusion of two lives and families. The lovely Tabitha of Illuminate Photography was there to capture every special moment.Read More

Romantic Fynbos Matjiesdrift Wedding by Illuminate Photography {Amy & Karl}

by gaby

Being back in South Africa for a few months has reminded me just how amazing the nature is here. Right outside my bedroom, in a garden full of indigenous plants and trees, are mongooses, monkeys, incredible birds and insects. It’s very cool. And so I love when couples take their natural environment as inspiration for their wedding, as Amy and Karl did for theirs. The blue of the sky and the soft blush of the earth formed the basis for their palette, and they filled their bouquets and venue with roses and fynbos, including garlands hanging from the ceiling (LOVE) above the long tables. It’s pure countryside romance, captured to perfection by Illuminate Photography. Oh, and PS? A brownie wedding cake. Yum!Read More

Real Wedding at Kelvin Grove {Deborah & Michael}

by gaby

Take one dietician plus one software developer, add equal portions of family and friends and place in a pretty church and then a reception venue filled with handmade, personal decor. What reaction, as my Science teacher might have said, will you get? Well, a sweet, pretty wedding day of course! As you all will know by now, my favourite themes are those that say something about the couple, so when bride Deborah wrote to tell me about the scientific touches she and husband Michael added to their big day to reflect their love of science, I was intrigued. I especially loved the way they collected beakers and test tubes and used them for flowers and favours (the best use, if you ask me, but that’s only because I totally failed chemistry) and the cute equations they concocted for table numbers (Cute equations? Now there’s a phrase I never thought I’d write). Add in some protea and a mint/blush combo, and some pretty pics from Illuminate Photography, and it adds up to loveliness, squared. ;)Read More