The De Jager Family’s Drakensberg Anniversary Photoshoot at Champagne Castle Hotel

Cloud and rain and rain and cloud. That was the forecast for the afternoon. And after a quick powwow, Nirasha and I decided to take the chance and go ahead with their planned Drakensberg anniversary photoshoot. Nothing is as unreliable as a Drakensberg weather forecast hahaha!

To say I am ridiculously glad that we took the chance would be an understatement! I walked down to their chalet with the sun on my face and a Piet My Vrou blaring its song. And then I saw Nirasha in her traditional outfit. Woweeeeeeee! And her daughter in a matching outfit. Double woweeeeeeeee. It was time to bring some colour to the Berg 🙌🏼

How Nirasha Found Me For Their Drakensberg Anniversary Photoshoot

Google, yay! An email pinged on my phone as Nirasha pressed send on her enquiry, and I was so excited! Nirasha and Jacques were on holiday in the Berg, celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary, and she wanted family photos whilst they were there.

There was a little more to it, too. Nirasha had never loved her wedding photos, so they never made it onto the walls. This shoot was her chance to finally have photos of her family that she adores. Music to my ears!

We weren’t recreating the wedding photos, though. This was an update… ten years, one daughter, and a whole lot of love later.

Thunderstorm Season and a Spectacular Drakensberg Anniversary Photoshoot

The end of November in the Drakensberg means thunderstorms. But after quite a few years of Drakensberg meandering, I have learned that the only way you’ll ever know what the weather holds is to stand outside and look up at the sky. You can read all about the different Drakensberg seasons here. So when the forecast was iffy and constantly changing, we decided to forge ahead with unrelenting positivity.

And we got a hot, balmy, SPECTACULAR afternoon. It was the best weather we could have hoped for! We took full advantage, wandering around the hotel grounds and out into the fields, with the mountains towering over everything.

A New Ring for Their Drakensberg Anniversary Photoshoot

Jacques had given Nirasha a ring to celebrate ten years together. As soon as she told me about it, we spent a while oohing and aaahing over it. It is just so gorgeous! And of course, she was beaming!

Down at the Dam With Cathkin Peak and Monks Cowl

The gardens at Champagne Castle Hotel are so incredible, and one of my favourite places on the property is the dam. The view from there is just beautiful. You look straight out at Cathkin Peak and the Monks Cowl range, which also framed Jay and Angie’s surprise proposal just down the road.

Finally, Nirasha Gets Her Drakensberg Anniversary Photos for the Wall!

Any photoshoot with me starts with a lot of walking and chatting. There is no better way to get the photoshoot jitters out. And once everyone gains their confidence, then the real magic begins! By this point, Nirasha and Jacques had found their confidence. So we did the posed photos Nirasha had asked for, the ones made for hanging on the wall.

And Nirasha was so excited to wear her dress! She had lost a lot of weight since their wedding, and she was immensely proud of it. You can see it in every single frame, too. She glowed! Yay for images you love and are happy to display woohoo!

Hydrangeas in the Champagne Castle Hotel Gardens

Around that time of year, the hotel gardens are full of hydrangeas so I took full advantge! We played amongst the flowers, and I also used them to frame the family in a few photos.

Then I got one of my absolute favourites from the whole shoot! Nirasha, standing amongst the hydrangeas, with the most beautiful soft light on her face… STUNNING!

Planning Your Own Drakensberg Anniversary Photoshoot?

Thinking about celebrating a milestone with photos? Here are a few things that worked beautifully for the De Jagers.

When is the best time for a Drakensberg anniversary photoshoot?

Late afternoon is the sweet spot, because the light softens as the sun drops behind the mountains. In summer, keep your plans a little flexible for afternoon storms. And remember, the sun disappears earlier than sunset as it drops behind the mountains.

What should we wear for our anniversary photos?

First, wear something that makes you feel amazing. Bold colours like Nirasha’s pink look incredible against green fields and mountains, and anything that twirls is a bonus! If you want more inspo you can check out my article that goes through all the different outfit options to complement the Drakensberg seasons.

Happy 10th Anniversary, Nirasha and Jacques!

And when the gallery landed, Nirasha’s message said it all: “I LOVE THEM!!!”

Nirasha and Jacques, thank you for inviting me into your holiday and your celebration. Ten years looks good on you! I hope these photos find their way onto every wall in your home 💕