Wedding Photography | Elize Mare Photography

Wedding {Jacques & Chané}

February 12, 2021

Jacques and Chané’s fairytale wedding at Kuungana Bush Lodge was the last wedding for 2020, and it was a beautiful day with loads of laughter and love.
With just the closest family and friends attending – even amidst Covid-19, a global pandemic, we were able to get together to celebrate these two.

I look at you and I’m home,
I see nothing worse than to be without you
Because with you my soul feels complete.
You are the other half of me,
and I love you

I read this little poem somewhere and somehow these word stuck until today, where I’m busy blogging some sweet highlights of their wedding day.
Every time they look at each other you can see the love they have.

But let me share some of my favorite wedding day moments with you!

SUPPLIERS:
Photographer: Elize Mare Photography
Venue: Kuungana Bush Lodge
MUA: Angelic Allure
Hair: Blissful Bellas
Flowers & Decor: Kuungana Bush Lodge
Dress: The Bridal House
Suit: Eurosuit
DJ: Skybell Events

Wedding {Marius & Olga}

January 21, 2021

“When I saw you, I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.” Arrigo Boito

This quote came to mind during the Wedding Ceremony of Marius and Olga when I saw the way they look at each other.
Those sparkly eyes, stolen glances and love reflecting.
It was such a privilege being part of their wedding day on 12 December 2020 at The Forest Walk venue, and their day was
celebrated by closest friends and family.

Once the Ceremony and Confetti was done, guests headed to the canape area for some delicious snacks and a Gin Bar, while we went off for the couple session in the garden.
I especially loved the Couple’s entrance into the reception hall, they walked past each table to greet the guests fleetingly, before sitting at the Bridal table.

Enjoy a few of my favorite images from the day,

Wedding {Manduleli & Nombeko}

November 28, 2020

Manduleli and Nombeko’s story started in the late 1970’s… A true Story Book Romance you only read about. I heard the short version of their story on their Wedding day, and after speaking with them at a quick meeting in January I heard more – they met during highschool, they fell in love, life happened and their situation during exile wasn’t conducive for them to be together and they lost touch.
For both of them this was their one true romance, even after both of them married and got divorced to other spouses. Then in May 2020 by God’s Grace they got in touch again, realized they still love each other years after they met and had their Fairy Tale wedding day at River Meadow manor in Irene, attended with closest family and friends.

It was a pleasure to capture these memories – ones that will be cherished!

Wedding {Wouda & Francois}

November 11, 2020

Wouda & Francois got married late September 2020 – just as the wedding season started opening up after Covid-19 Lockdown regulations were eased for weddings.
It was a beautiful hot Spring day on the farm of Zoete Liefde Wedding Venue outside Brits.
With an open air chapel, guests had colorful umbrellas to hide from the afternoon sun.
During the couple shoot we were even treated to a few antelope running past us.

It was lovely being part of your wedding day, and below are a few images from their day

Wedding {Domé & Pieter}

August 27, 2020

Domé and Pieter got married amidst the Covid-19 pandemic at their beautiful home in Centurion.
They decided not to wait any longer to say their I-do’s and have a very small and intimate wedding ceremony with only their parents and children attending.
Not even a global pandemic, or lockdown regulations would keep these two apart!
Enjoy some of my favorite images of their day.

Wedding {F&E}

August 26, 2020

2020… what a strange year this has been In February I shot this wedding, and didn’t think it would be another Five Months before the next, as March and April had some weddings coming up… But Life happened, or should I say a World Pandemic happened and we were shut down in lockdown with no shoots, no weddings and no income.

But let me share these beautiful highlights of the February wedding of a beautiful couple with you. Also not the normal highlights I usually share, due to the couple asking not to share too many of their images on the web.

Wedding {Abigail and Lowen}

April 13, 2020

December 2019, the last wedding for Elize Mare Photography for the season and the last one for 2019 was this gorgeous White Wedding of Abigail and Lowen at Memoire Wedding Venue. When I did their engagement session I already loved capturing memories for them and I knew their Wedding Day was going to be stunning.

I love the all white feeling, White Wedding Dress, White Flowers, Gold Cutlery – literally a White Wedding – have a look at some of my favorite images to see! Oh and the quote below describes the love these two have for each other perfectly.

“I love you, not only for what you are,
but for what I am when I am with you.
I love you, not only for what you have made of yourself but for what you are making of me.” Roy Croft

Flowers were done by Lavendulla Florist.
Assistant Photographer Shalane Holliday
Wedding Planner: By Yeukai

Wedding {Tjar-Lize en Max}

March 3, 2020

Niks Fancy nie net Liefde, this was Tjar-Lize en Max’s Hashtag for their summer wedding at Sôkêng Wedding Venue outside Groblersdal. Proteas and some very carefully selected wood pieces gathered on the farm was used as decor for the reception tables. I just loved the crates they used to display the table settings for the guests. Oh, and the Guest-book was a Bible, and guests had to highlight their favorite script piece – how special.

The Groom and groomsmen got ready under the trees and we had quite a few laughs, especially when they saw the names they received on their boxers they received – Stoute boude, skaam boude, amper getroude boude, to name just a few.
In the Bridalroom, the Bride was browsing through the album her soon-to-be-husband gave to her as a gift while I was capturing some details. Her mom helped her into her dress and when the bridesmaids saw her for the first time their reactions were priceless!

There were so many special moments through the ceremony – love and happy tears! After the ceremony and the session with the Bridal party, we headed to the mountain and had the most gorgeous light for the couple session.

These are just a few of my favorites – I h0pe you enjoy them!

Wedding {Denise & Clive}

January 24, 2020

Some of you might recognize these two, as I’ve done a Styled shoot with them, as well as their engagement shoot – but this “shoot” is for sure my favorite! I was super excited to capture their wedding, as they are gorgeous infront of the camera, and their love shows!

Denise and Clive said their I do’s at Sokeng Wedding venue outside Groblersdal. Their decor was beautifully simplistic and really did portray their taste. This was a wedding filled with love, laughter, tears and prayers, with the bridesmaids each saying a beautiful prayer for the new journey these two were about to enter. Oh, and I loved the Bridesmaid’s reaction when they saw Denise for the first time in her Wedding dress – emotional to say the least!

Clive and Denise’s parents also joined the bride at the Bridal suite ahead of the Ceremony for a special prayer session, it was such a special moment.

Waiting at the Ceremony, I could see Clive’s emotions and when he started crying seeing his Bride walking down the isle, even I had tears in the eyes – the love these two have for each other and their Father is SO great and it was truly a great privilege capturing all of these memories.

Once all the formalities and the fun entourage session were done, we headed straight out with them up the mountain for their couple session. We literally had five minutes of sunshine on the mountain with clouds in the distance, but the wind turned and blew some very dark clouds our way VERY quickly – these made for some great dramatic images, but we had to rush off the mountain. At least the rain gave us time to get to the reception area, but later made for some stunning night shot images.

Oh and what a fun reception with the Groom doing a solo dance, bouquet tossing with a difference and the men in a dance-off dancing like no-one was watching!

Denise and Clive, I hope you enjoy these – just a few of my favorites to summarize your beautiful wedding day. And I pray this for you:
May you be filled with love for each other that reflects your love for Jesus. His love is not easily angered, may you be slow to anger and rich in love to each other. His love keeps no record of wrongs, may you be quick to forgive each other. His love rejoices in truth, may you be honest with each other. His love always protects, may you protect each other. May you love each other in the same way you have been loved by Him… Amen.

Wedding {Bronwyn & Keegen}

January 6, 2020

“In Life, It’s Not Where You Go, It’s Who You Travel With” – Charles Schulz

Dearest Bronwyn and Keegan, may this new journey be the best one you’ll be travelling together, and may you climb the mountains to see the sunrise everytime!
It was such a pleasure being part of your wedding day. I loved how you brought the love you two have for the mountains into your wedding, from the stationary to the view from the chapel. The moments I got to capture are sure to remind you of what happened in those moments.
Everyting was just perfect from beginning to end and we had so much fun during your couple session.
O, and you just gotta love the cake cutting moment 😉
These are just a few of my favorites from your day, Love Elize

Venue: Glenburn Lodge
MUA: Jennife McPherson
Hair: Hair by Andre
Stationary: Kirsten Rip
Flowers: Delightful Decor
Decor: Delifghtful Decor & Rent A candle
Dress: Bride & Co
Suit: Euro Suit
DJ: Lourens Odendaal
Cake: The Anchor – Kersti-Lee Stevens
Assistant Photographer: Jean Dohse

Wedding {Nadia and Roche}

December 20, 2019

“I love our story… Sure it’s messy, but it’s the story that got us here” – How I Met Your Mother

Nadia and Roche got married on the 26th October 2019 on one of the hottest day’s I’ve experienced this far in Limpopo. As it was a Weekend-Wedding, guests were also just lounging around the small splash pool cooling off before it was time to get ready for the outdoor ceremony.

With the reception area done, and my trusty second shooter tending the the Groom’s images, I joined the Bride and the girls in the Bridal suite.
The girls looked absolutely stunning in their Floral outfits, and I love the simplicity of their Protea bouquets. Oh my, and the Bride’s little girl – too adorable – and I captured the most special moments between the two of them!

Meeting up with the men, we had a few more images before we headed to the Ceremony area under the trees where the guests were waiting.

It was a beautiful ceremony, and even their little girl received a ring from daddy.

Some fun images with the Entourage followed, before we headed towards the spot I’ve decided on for their Couple session. I think my favorite must be the one where they are standing in the dry water-hole… or it might even be the one they’re standing in the rain later the evening!

I hope you enjoy these favorites I’ve selected to share with you:

SUPPLIERS:

Make-Up Artist: Make-Up by Haley – 072 669 2096

Hair Dresser: Flawless Hair Artistry – 071 360 5433

Stationary: Artica Designs

Flowers: Doornkraal Proteas, Cullinan

Décor: Sôkêng

Dress: Melissa’s Bridal Boutique, Middelburg

Suit: Florida Tailors

DJ: AMA Promotions

Wedding {Jaco & Anita}

September 23, 2019

I love you for your sense of humor,
your generous heart,
and your ability to make any situation an adventure.
I love you now and I promise
to love the person you’ll become as you change and grow in the coming years.

oh WOW, the love and respect these two have for each other is truly admirable. I got to spend some time with them for their engagement session earlier this year at Idle Wild Country Estate, and was looking forward to capturing more memories for them on their wedding day at Casa Toscana in Pretoria.

With the Groom who had to rush to get another shirt for the wedding day, and driving to the East of Pretoria to collect the – almost forgotten – wedding cake, everything just ran smooth. While the girls were busy with hair and makeup in the Bridal Room, I did some portrait shots with the Groom. Moving to the Bride getting ready and then…. their first look where Jaco saw Anita for the first time in her wedding dress, and he couldn’t hide a few tears.

Once the Ceremony was done and their beautiful Couple Portrait session ended, we joined friends and family. The MC for their wedding sure was the right choice, as Jaco is a pilot and Anita also work in the airline industry. He kept everyone entertained, as Captain of the Wedding Aircraft heading to P.A.R.T.Y and even when he guided the couple onto the dance floor in the manner ground crew would guide the plane at the airport, complete with runway lights!

Today I get to share just a few of my favorites from their wedding day with you, I hope you enjoy.

Service Providers:

Venue: Casa Toscana Lodge
Dress: Nika Couture
MUA: Viki Pienaar Professional Make-up Artist: 0766727430
Flowers: Bell’s & Blossoms (Jo Black)

Wedding {Chantelle & Justin}

September 12, 2019

To Love is nothing.
To be loved is something.
But to love and be loved,
That’s everything…

Chantelle and Justin had their picture perfect wedding on a cold August day at Waenhuiskraal Farm Wedding Venue.

The charm of the venue ensured a relaxed and fun-filled day and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with everyone. The groom and is groomsmen was full of wit, and all of them looked really handsome in their outfits. Justin just had to have a “The Rock tying his shirt button” image, I call it the Blue Steel Look and he pulled it off!

Chantelle looked amazingly beautiful in her shaded pink wedding dress and her two little flower girls just couldn’t take their eyes of this beauty. We all had a bit of a teary moment or two, yes even me! Especially when Chantelle’s Grandmother said a beautiful prayer before we left for the Chapel – I ADORE the moment between them.

I love the moment when she walked down the isle towards Justin, and he too had a few tears on his face – I mean, how could he not. This beautiful woman was about to become his wife.

It was really difficult for me to chose the images for this post, as I would have loved to share all of them, but that’s just not possible. So enjoy a few of my favorites from this beautiful wedding!

Wedding {Nathalie & Cor}

April 12, 2019

“I exist in two places…
Here,
and where you are” – Margaret Atwood

I loved this beautiful simplistic wedding of Nathalie and Cor that took place at Watercrest, just outside Pretoria on a beautiful summer’s day. The Lavender alongside the gardens were in full bloom, and it was as if every life form and flower couldn’t wait for this love celebration.

The walkway towards the chapel were draped by greenery – done by the groom himself – and it just looked stunning.

Cor got ready in the guesthouse with his Bestman, Johan (his son) keeping a watchful eye on him and the rings. He was ring security too, and he really took pride in this important job at the wedding.
The girls had the Bridal suite and enjoyed some champagne before they got dressed. One of my favorite sets of images was when Nathalie held out her shoe for me to capture the message Cor wrote at the bottom, which she hasn’t seen yet and didn’t know about, that had me capture some real emotional images of this beautiful bride when she turned the shoe around to read her message…. “you will never stand alone”. So special!! even I had a sneaky tear behind the camera.

When Nathalie walked towards the Chapel alongside her Dad, Johan couldn’t contain his happy tears when he saw her walking towards him and his Dad, the Groom. There were actually a few wet eyes throughout the chapel… have you ever seen such a beautiful bride??

After the ceremony and family images, we had some fun with the Bridal Party and then the stunning Couple session around the gardens. I loved this venue with all the opportunities it gives for photography.

With these two both being pilots, they had probably the best MC I have ever came across at a wedding – a real SAA Captain, who in true SAA fashion pointed out the nearest exits, the no smoking rules and all other venue rules and the announcements was on point and enjoyed by all!

The dancefloor was opened with the couple dance, a super slow and romantic song, followed by a very different upbeat and fun father-daughter dance – it was brilliant, and the night continued with some more dancing.

Nathalie and Cor,
Thank you for having me capture your special day and memories, it was a real privilege to be part and I loved every moment! These are just a few of my favorites from your day, I hope you enjoy them.
Love,
Elize

Suppliers:
Venue: Watercrest Wedding Venue
MakeUp: Face by Geraldi
Weddding dress: Crystal Brides

Wedding {Lezandre & Braam}

February 12, 2019

”How do I love thee?
Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach.” – Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Once in a while, you get to a wedding where everything just makes you smile! From the Venue, to the detail in decor and of course the Bridal Couple. Lezandre and Braam had their fairytale wedding at The Nutcracker Wedding Venue – yet another destination wedding on our books, because we absolutely love travelling to capture wedding memories.

These two are so perfect for each other… a true romantic comedy with every look and touch they share. Oh, and off course there were some tearful moments – just love capturing those, because you see, your wedding day is not just all the perfectly posed moments, it’s also those memories captured through my lens that makes you reminisce when you look through your photo’s, even the ones you think I might not see #babypowdermoment (and Lezandre you’ll remember this too well).

Thank you for choosing me as your wedding photographer. I had an absolute blast at your wedding, and I’m in love with your photo’s – I hope you love them too!

SUPPLIERS:
Photographer: Elize Mare – Elize Mare Photography
Venue: The Nutcracker CountryVenue
Hair:  Royal Tree
Make up for Bride:  Lezandre Gerber Beauty
Make up for Bridesmaids : Royal Tree
Flowers:  Bugz at twigs
Wedding Dress:  Bridal Manor – Pronovias
Jewellery: Lovisa
Decor:  Oopsie daisy & bugz at twigs
Cake:  The Nutcracker – Chef Paul Henry

Wedding {Elsie & Japie}

January 9, 2019

It was a hot summer’s day at Sôkêng Wedding Venue, another destination wedding in Limpopo for us, when Elsie and Japie said their I do’s at the venue’s outside Chapel. Elsie made these origami hearts, which were hanging from the trees and it looked really amazing as they were blowing in the wind while they exchanged their vows.

With Protea flowers on the tables, more hearts hanging from the reception hall roof and the guests closest to their hearts in attendance, their wedding day was all they dreamed about.

I planned this amazing sunset session for their couple love shoot, but instead we had a bit of wind, thunder and rain, which made for some really amazing shots.

Elsie en Japie,
I wish you a lifetime of happiness! I hope you enjoy the little teazer of your day through my lens!
Love, Elize