Tag: Vanilla Photography

Scandinavian Gothic Wedding by Vanilla Photography

by gaby

Where do I even start with this wedding, you guys? Maybe the concept, kind of a Gothic romance meets Viking feast meets meets Hollywood glamour (especially thanks to the bride and groom, Jessica and Renier, looking like a pair of Tinseltown starlets!). Or maybe the bridesmaids’ dresses, which would have to make my list of top ten faves of all time. Or the flowers (oh my WORD the flowers), dripping from top to bottom of the beautiful Midlands reception space and bringing to life the palette of black (LOVE the way it’s used here), blush and burgundy. Or maybe I should just start with the suppliers, because really, the credits read like a who’s who of my fave Natalians – Michigan Behn for Vanilla Photography, Joe from Oh Happy Day (love how every single OHD wedding is so different!), the supremely talented Carolyn from Adore Weddings, and more. It’s the kind of wedding that makes my heart glow, and not just because of the cozy wintery vibe! So let’s dive in, shall we?

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Love in Bloom Country Wedding at Thorner Estate by Vanilla Photography

by gaby

My first clue that Andrew and Marie are a couple after my own heart? The fact that the Proudly South African pair went about sourcing every detail of their gorgeous KZN Midlands wedding from local businesses – rings, bridesmaid dresses, decor, everything. All in line with their pretty-as-a-picture garden-style wedding vision, and the result is an affair that will have all you country wedding-loving brides jumping straight out of your seats and cheering for joy! I loved the way that the pair chose a cool blue hue to contrast with the mixed colours of all the flowers – such a lovely touch that really stands out. And the blooms really were everywhere – in floral runners along the tables at the reception (thanks to Marie’s mum’s ‘army of ladies’ and their very own gardens!), in beautiful bouquets, in darling little embroidered wreaths on each napkin, on the wine labels and stationery… even right on down to the bridesmaids’ getting-ready robes. And love was in bloom too, of course, overflowing on the faces of the delighted bride and groom, and those of their family and friends. Michigan Behn was on the scene to capture these precious moments for Vanilla Photography and share them with you today.

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Industrial Rustic Elegance Wedding at The Venue Fontana by Vanilla Photography

by gaby

Where do I even start with this incredible wedding? Everything about it is elegant and beautiful, and deeply personal. And to be honest, those were some of the qualities that struck me about The Venue Fontana when I first came across it, researching wedding venues for the SBB Collection (which is how I came across Cameron and Dina’s wedding in the first place). Although it’s gone on to be a huge hit with KZN couples this season, at the time The Venue had hosted precisely one wedding, and this was it. Cameron and Dina are high school sweethearts whose romance blossomed into a lifelong love, so when choosing a venue for their nuptials, there was no better place than Dina’s family farm, which held so many memories for the pair (including the place when Cameron proposed). Of course, the fact that there was no actual wedding venue on the farm was no problem for this dynamic family, who jumped in and custom built the most perfect place imaginable, a mix of rustic barn style, rough industrial elements and Italian sophistication. It’s a magical place, and this wedding was the labour of love that started it all. From ceremony to gorgeous reception, it was a day filled to the brim with family, tradition, joy and romance, captured exquisitely by Vanilla Photography. I could go on about it all day, but I’ll let the pictures (and Dina) speak for themselves. (Better yet, make a plan to visit The Venue, and experience its heartfelt welcome in person!)

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Glamorous Greenery Wedding at Netherwood by Vanilla Photography

by gaby

Set amid the emerald hills of the Natal Midlands is this wedding, which defines ‘organic elegance’ to a T. My first glimpse of Kyllie & Tom’s big day was a pic of the bride and her maids – I was completely won over by the mix of wild natural and chic formal style, and when the lovely Bron of Vanilla Photography sent over the rest of her incredible images I knew my instincts had been right on the money! With the amazing Carolyn of Adore Weddings decking out Netherwood in swathes of greenery and white blooms, from Delicious Monster centrepieces to green runners and chandeliers (not to mention the bride’s fabulously oversize foliage bouquet), the organic part of the equation was definitely covered, and combined with Kyllie’s amazing feather-embellished Pronovias gown, the suited-and-booted groom’s party, and that classic monochrome palette, it’s beautiful from start to finish. Special mention to the one spot of bright colour – a Smarties wedding cake! This fun, personal detail is what SBB weddings are all about.

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Romantic Boho Wedding at Nooitgedacht by Vanilla Photography {Marisa & Anees}

by gaby

After a month of boho goodness, it seems only appropriate to close March out with a wedding that has a beautiful boho element to it, and Marisa and Anees’ is just that and so much more! From the sparkly table linens to the lush flowers and the gorgeous ceremony arch, it has romance written all over it, and then that little hint of bohemian chill in the form of a teepee breakout area and the bride’s reception style. I LOVE IT. And what makes this one extra special for me is hearing the couple’s incredible love story – talk about happy accidents conspiring to bring two people together! Marisa is actually a wedding photographer herself in the US, so it’s no wonder that beautiful images were an important part of her South African wedding, and she put them in the very capable and talented hands of Vanilla Photography – with perfect results.Read More

Boho Country Chic Wedding at Talloula by Vanilla Photography {Katy and Shaun}

by gaby

Some weddings are just easy breezy – I just have to look at them to know I want to feature them on SBB! Today’s is one of those – I absolutely adore Katy & Shaun’s mix of boho, rustic and clean, contemporary style with a dash of pastels – it’s just sheer prettiness. The attention to detail in the wedding reception is brilliant – the effect may be relaxed, but I love the little touches like champagne cork menu holders, tiny tin watering cans filled with delicate pink blooms, floral chandeliers, and a LOVE sign shining delicately against the pure white backdrop of the Talloula reception space. And let’s not forget the bride’s gorgeous flower crown and lace sleeve dress combo, bridesmaids in soft blush, and boys in bowties. As I say, easy breezy – and beautifully photographed by the fab Vanilla Photography too.Read More

Dreamy & Romantic Farm Wedding by Vanilla Photography {Sherri & Jacques}

by gaby

I love hearing stories of high school sweethearts who grow up and get married, don’t you? Although, I should add, that I also thank the good lord for not making me personally end up with any of the boys I liked in high school. Let’s just say… well, let’s not just say. But no. Today’s couple, on the other hand, are one of those sweet success stories – and eight years down the line they tied the knot on the same farm where they built a home, the same home where Jacques proposed. Isn’t that so lovely? And even though this was a farm wedding with a touch of rustic, Sherri had the romantic wedding style down to a tee. Amongst many, my favourite detail is the little calligraphed glass cloche table numbers – the sort of special touch that makes my heart happy, and perfectly finishes off a perfectly wonderful day. The always-awesome Vanilla Photography were there to take these super dreamy pics.Read More