How did you become a photographer?
I’ve never been able to go anywhere without my camera. It’s always brought me joy to photograph the moments happening around me. It was just natural after a while to consider becoming a photographer: it’s my passion and it’s a wonderful profession that’s filled with creativity & excitement. I just love it!

How would you describe your photography style?
I would describe my style as being a natural, vibrant, contemporary approach to covering weddings and lifestyle sessions.

Describe yourself in one sentence?
I’m a down-to-earth, happy snapper and a lover of all things that are pretty & unique!

What are your favourite kinds of shoots to photograph?
I really enjoy covering weddings – I love the details, the spontaneous moments and the natural moments between my couples. Weddings are awesome celebrations of love and I just really enjoy being a part of such a special day. Engagement sessions are really fun as well – it’s a great way to get to know clients and a good opportunity to try something different.

What has been some of your favourite shot{s} taken to date:
Every photo session or wedding has its own shots that I adore – each is so different and unique in its own way, so I’ve chosen some favourites from my latest three weddings covered:

• Little girl & wedding dress: I love this image of the couple’s daughter looking at her mommy’s dress.






• Couple under veil: The under-the-veil pose is always a winner and the natural light was just so amazing this time around.






• Bride at door: I love how dramatic the contrast of the shadows and light makes this beautiful lace dress appear.






• Couple under umbrella: The rain poured during the entire newly-wed photo session, so we had the opportunity to really play around with the rain and indoor spots!

Most interesting DIY at a wedding that you have seen?

• Chandelier: This bicycle-wheel chandelier was handmade by a couple for their vintage rustic barn wedding. It was such a lovely detail to add.






• Brooch Bouquet: Brooch bouquets are awesome and make such an impression. I really love this one that was made by our bride’s mother.

Just for fun…

What is your favourite part of a wedding?
I love the preparation – it’s filled with so much detail and a build-up of emotion but the couple session with the newly-weds is probably my favourite part of the wedding – this is when I get to capture those blissful first kisses and embraces between the newly-weds!

Your favourite hang out?
My favourite place to be when I have some time off is on a picnic blanket at the Emmarentia Dam with my other half. I also enjoy browsing through local markets and exploring all the lovely coffee shops and creative and inspiring spots Johannesburg has to offer.

What do you do when you are not behind the lens?
I love spending time with my bunnies and loved ones as well as getting involved in new and exciting projects.

Do you have any advice to share with feature brides?
PLAN WELL and then RELAX. There is nothing worse than a stressed-out bride. A wedding day is a celebration of two people committing to spend the rest of their lives together – do your planning in advance so that you can feel and be your best on your wedding day!

To get in contact with Izelle or to view her full portfolio visit www.iz-photography.com or ‘like’ her on Facebook.

Image Credit: Izelle Labuschagne

Rosemary Hill is a working farm situated just 10 minutes east of Pretoria. They have been practising organic farming here for almost 35 years and during this time planted over 30 000 trees and shrubs. They currently grow African Potato, Sutherlandia, Rosemary, Lavender, Artemisia, Lippia, Spearmint, Eucalyptus and various other plants from which they distil essential oils. Other crops include pecan nuts and vegetables. The also have a nursery that sells a variety of shrubs, herbs, flowers and trees.

Image Credit: Izelle Labuschagne

Rosemary Hill is a family-run business and works in close co-operation with the Max Stibbe Waldorf School, which was started in Pretoria in 1972 and moved to the farm in 1978.

The venue is one of the very few establishments in Gauteng that offers an authentic Morning or Afternoon Tea (or High Tea) experience. Rather than offering a buffet and expecting guests to help themselves, their High Tea treats are freshly prepared for your enjoyment and presented on elevated tiers with beautiful freshly picked herbs and flowers from their gardens. Perfect for a special birthday, bridal shower or even baby shower.

Image Credit: Black Frame Photography

Farm weddings held here are unique and each wedding is set up from scratch and personalised according to specifications to provide an earthy, vintage, rustic or chic farm-style experience. Their meals are delicious as everything is freshly prepared by their professional chef. They are able to assist with all aspects of coordination from arranging your photographer, videographer, decorator to arranging the DJ and musicians.

Image Credit: Izelle Labuschagne

There are various settings within the venue to choose from for having a function. There are indoor and outdoor options, ranging from the barn {which roof is lined with fairy lights} used for receptions, a greenhouse, popular for ceremonies as well as the maze and more… They even have a place for a bonfire!

Image Credit: Picture Me & U

Image Credit: Izelle Labuschagne

Another exciting project is their maze which was planted over Easter weekend (2011). The maze is 80m in diameter and is made up of 2154 trees, herbs and shrubs! “Our aim is for it to be a “multi-purpose” maze: Firstly a beautiful garden and then also a venue for open-air concerts, weddings, art exhibitions etc.”

The latest addition to the farm is a fun and safe trail for runners and mountain bikes. It takes riders and runners on a scenic route across the farm, with quite a few unique obstacles and challenges. The venue offer secure parking, toilet facilities and a tea garden with food and refreshments for after the run/ride. They launched the trail in May 2011 and it is open Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 07h00.

Their tea garden is open every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday from 09h00 to 14h00 where they serve breakfasts, freshly baked scones, cakes and light meals.

Image Credit: Izelle Labuschagne

For more information visit www.rosemaryhill.co.za or ‘like’ them on Facebook.

O’Shea Children’s Sleepwear elegantly blends traditional, classic fabrics with cool and contemporary hues. Fine checks, country gingham and dandy pinstripes for the boys, along with pretty florals, candy dandy gingham and checks for the girls created from a palette of strawberry red and denim blue, warm stone and candy pink.

To celebrate the launch My Friend Lily in conjunction with O’Shea Children’s Sleepwear are giving away a set of Boy and a set of Girl sleepwear valued at R280.00 each.

What you have to do to enter:

1. “Like” the My Friend Lily Facebook page.
2. Share the post on you Facebook timeline {by clicking share on the post on our our Facebook page}.
3. Leave us with a comment telling us the age and gender of your little one.

Terms and Conditions of the competition:

• The competition closes at midnight on Tuesday, 4 June 2013, South African time.
• The winner will be announced on Lovilee’s Facebook page on Thursday, 6 June 2012.
• The prize is not transferable for cash.
• A valid postal address will be needed to post the prize to.
• You will not be eligible for the prize should you have won a prize on Lovilee in the past 2 months.
• The prize{s} will be based on what My Friend Lily has in stock at the time the competition concludes.

Go to www.myfriendlily.co.za to purchase or to view some more products that they stock!

About the wedding day {as told by the photographer…}
Dewald and Jackie got married on the 29th of December in Port Elizabeth and it was one of the hottest days!! I met Jackie through my friend, Marené who’s wedding was my first! Jackie’s red hair and champagne coloured dress was just awesome and she was such a gorgeous bride.

Jackie and the bridesmaids got dressed at the 5-star Lemon Tree guest house in Mill Park, which was just the perfect setting for this vintage bride. Beautiful antique look and a lovely bay window!!!

The ceremony was beautiful and I even shed a few tears from behind the camera. Jackie had 3 bridesmaids and a flower girl who wore the prettiest matching cream dresses.

Jackie’s dress was her sister’s and was modified for her.

The reception was held at Manas – a new wedding/function venue outside Port Elizabeth and this wedding was one of the first functions held there.

About the couple {as told by the bride…}
We share a passion for dancing so it was no surprise that we met on the dance floor in a club. One thing led to another and we were soon spending every waking moment together. It did not take us long to realise that we had met that special One. After seven great years together he popped the big question. We could not have asked for a better wedding day to celebrate the Love we share and the excitement we have for what the future holds for us.

More service providers:

• Wedding Dress: Jason Kieck
• Flowers: Flowers PE
• Jewelry: Dawne Sonemann (bride’s mom)
• Make-up: Zandri Cutting-van Eck
• Hair: Sandra Louisa du Preez
• Wedding Cake: Heavenly Treats
• Invitations and Stationary: By the bride
• Music/DJ: DJ Botes
• Shoes: Rage

For more images of this lovilee wedding click here.

Wearing a boutonnière and fashion for the big day {Yellow Papaya}
A boutonnière or buttonhole is one of those items that are rarely seen in a man’s everyday dress apart from special occasions.

The most read story of the history of the boutonnière is that of Prince Albert being gifted a small bunch of flowers on the day of his wedding to Queen Victoria. It is said that he cut a hole in the left side of his lapel to accommodate the flower boutonnière and has his tailor do the same to his other jackets in future. And so popular culture followed, yes even then there were trends that were followed.

A boutonnière need not be reserved for the fresh flower type. There are many ideas for out the box boutonnière. Also remember a non-flower boutonnière will withstand all the hugs on the day.

When it comes to the outfit you choose for the day don’t be afraid to mix old and new. Many second hand shops often have beautiful suit jackets with not necessarily a matching pair of pants, but you can mix and match with a pair of modern well-tailored skinny jeans. Or buy and interesting vintage tie or funky shirt that incorporates into you colour scheme for the day. Vintage stores like Second Time Around in Long Street, Cape Town have a wonderful selection of men’s vintage items.

5 hair tips for grooms on the wedding day. {Blokes Hair}

1. Have the cut or style that you prefer for your wedding at least a week before the big day. Know what you want and be sure your stylist knows exactly what to do.
2. Know what products you want to use on the day and how to use it.
3. Preferably don’t wash the day before the big day. Hair always styles better when not washed for a day or two.
4. Avoid shiny products on the big day. This will make your hair look dirty. Stick to only using a Matt finish.
5. Use a hairspray on the day after styling. Not too much, just enough to make your products hold your hair for the duration of the day.

You don’t have to tell your grooms men about the hairspray, I know I wouldn’t…

Posing tips for Grooms by YSP
The most important rule of posing for photos is to be yourself!

1. If it feels uncomfortable, it will look uncomfortable.
2. Smile. Have fun.
3. Interact with your accessories. Check the time or adjust your cuff-links.
4. A natural pose always looks the best.
5. Emotions go a long way. Your eyes can do all the work for you. Think of your beautiful bride.

Have a peak at how this contemporary gentleman gets ready for the big event in this video showreel by The Wedding Revelation. Because it’s not just the bride that takes pride in her appearance!

Cape Town Groom Shoot from The Pixel Revelation on Vimeo.

A beeg thank you to the lovilees involved in the shoot:

• Styling & boutonnières: Yellow Papaya
• Photography & Posing Tips: YSP
• Video Showreel: The Wedding Revelation
• Cuff-links: Milame
• Location & wardrobe: Second Time Around
• Hair & Tips: Blokes Hair

About the owner, Rochelle:
My career started as a Multi Media Designer, designing fragrance and ad campaigns for a well know international brand. This was a very rewarding time in my life and learned a lot about interacting with clients..I started a small clothing business on the side and I really took a interest in the Fashion industry. I came up with the idea for opening a bridal boutique, to be honest; I first thought I’m crazy. After some discussions, I decided to invest some money and began to do market research. Our doors opened November 2012, It was a big step and I’m were very proud how it all came together. “I love what I do, it was exactly as I imagined; stressful, busy, demanding, tiring, but amazing fun!!!”

About Vonvé Bridal:
Vonvé Bridal Couture an utterly chic and sensational designer bridal studio, creating a sense of relaxed glamour for the discerning contemporary bride. Our gowns are designed and manufactured to reflect a European influence and a blend of beauty and functionality for the bride who doesn’t want to compromise on style, fit or finish. Our focus is to ensure that our bridal experience is truly inspirational, personal and one you will remember forever. We look after our brides every step of the way. From personally selecting the latest styles by our designers, to welcoming and helping you choose that perfect dress. If you’re looking for the best service with a relaxed and honest approach then make sure Vonvé Bridal is on your list of bridal boutique’s to visit!

What products and/or services do you provide?
We do not only stock wedding dresses, but also offer an array of bridesmaid dresses, bridal shoes, belts, veils and delicate head pieces that will complete your dream wedding dress with perfection!

Services that we provide include:

• Assisting with the selection of the perfect dress and bridal accessories.
• A professional alteration service where you will have an appointment to ensure your gown fits perfectly and make you look and feel sensational for your special day.
• Cleaning and repair services after the wedding, at an additional cost.
• Wedding Day Dressing on your day that you get married, at an additional cost.

About the Enzoani collection:
From its initial launch, Enzoani bridal collection has become one of the most renowned brands across multiple countries due to its focus on innovative style, exceptional quality and above all a fit and finish like no other. Enzoani Bridal Gowns highlights a romantic and feminine, grace, timeless and elegant approach, incorporating vintage glamour. Aspired to be prominent and unique; our classical designs of wedding gown are given a modern twist with surprising details. With sumptuous fabrics and impeccable construction, we find that our gowns accentuate the body and allow our brides to walk away with sensuality and timeless beauty.

All our gowns are brilliantly conceived, beautifully detailed, superbly cut to really fit and flatter, every wedding dress in the collection is a dream dress – gorgeous, glamorous, and instantly desirable. There is something for everyone, regardless of taste, shape, and type of wedding celebration. Most of our wedding dresses have a built-in corset which ensures the gown feels secure when wearing & gives a superb structure & shape.

The collections is made of the finest silk, French taffeta, organza, tulle, soft chiffons, French lace and satin, giving our gowns a luxurious, quality look and feel.

If you like what you see, or would like to make an appointment to view these stunning bridal creations visit www.vonvebridal.co.za or follow them on Facebook.

When I saw the Mickey and Mini faces I just knew this would be a stunner, so here you go… Be inspired Today!

Couple: Darren & Kim

Click here to view the wedding photos of the couple and here for a photo movie of their special day.

If you “like” what you see, why not “like” Alexander Smith Photography on Facebook?