A Celebration of Love by a Wedding Photographer in South Africa

During the quiet days of lockdown in South Africa I started something small that turned into something big… something that served as a reminder of the intimate joy of connection that was suddenly removed from everyday life as a wedding photographer. Something that (I hope) will bring you the kind of light and joy that it brought me. If anything, the past few months have taught us what is important, what is worth paying attention to, and what is worth celebrating… and love is one of those things that is always worth celebrating.

 

Wedding photographer in South Africa captures a tender and romantic moment between the bride and groom captured in black and white during the couple photo session on their wedding day

 

These are the beautiful moments that I am usually presented with each and every week as a wedding photographer. What a joy and a freaking privilege it is to watch all of this crazy awesomeness unfold in front of my lens, and to be able to capture these real, raw and honest wedding moments for my clients.

Yet I look at these photographs and see more than just a day-long celebration. I see a conscious decision to move through life together with grace and gratitude, no matter what challenges couples may face together. Beyond the wedding day I have seen how these beautiful hearts have handled honeymoons, new homes, everyday life and even a pandemic (who could have imagined that being thrown in the mix?). I have seen the excitement, the passion, the vulnerability, the frustration, the dedication, the sourdough, the humour… and even a few baby announcements. This is the joy of life’s journey. This is also the joy of running a wedding photography business the way I have chosen to do so: fuelled by enthusiasm and fierce passion, but founded on care, connection and friendship.

Wedding photography has been my life for just under 10 years and my clients have become such a huge part of my daily existence, so going through all of these images has revved up my excitement to dive back in to weddings again! They will look different and although the future won’t be full of destination weddings around the world or huge farm celebrations, I’m super amped to settle into local life for a while and still cannot think of a better job than being a wedding photographer in South Africa, no matter how challenging it has been over the past few months.

Thank you for journeying down this road with me and I hope that you enjoy each and every one of these images!

 

Photograph of a Tiffany wedding band set on an image of humpback whales breaching in Hermanus captured by a wedding photographer in south africaThe father of the bride hands his daughter an Apple iPhone displaying a wedding timer countdown appA flower girl with orchid flower crown sings and dances with bridesmaids, all dressed in black silk wedding prep pyjamas at The Rose BarnA bride and her mother sit on the balcony exchanging gifts and smiling whilst patting the basset hound at Andante Wedding VenueImage of Spindlers Barbers preparing to cut the grooms hair on the morning of his wedding in Port ElizabethBlack and white image of the smiling bride and flower girl moving a curtain aside and gazing out of the window with their reflection in a painting on the wall in the bridal suite at The PlantationA bride laughs and toasts champagne with her two bridesmaids to celebrate love, dressed in floral silk gowns at Morrells wedding venue, image framed by an antique doorA striking black and white image of a bride having her eyeliner applied by a make-up artist, through a glass door with reflections from the clouds outside at Lalibela Game ReserveStriking light smokey eye and clean eyeliner bridal make-up look by Iris Gomez Make-Up artist in Port Elizabeth A bride applies her own mascara in the light of a window to complete her DIY wedding make-up lookA bride smiles as the make-up artist uses a fan to dry the setting spray applied to her face as the final step by a wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki MA bride with loosely curled hair stands in front of a mirror and gushes after seeing her natural bridal make-up for the first time since application at Blomfontein Wedding VenueA bride and bridesmaid with orchid flower crowns celebrating love by dancing in front of her wedding gown made by Jason Kieck at The Rose BarnGroomsmens shoes, socks and tie gift box lie the light of the window in the grooms suite at The Rose BarnA crafty groomsman measures home made DIY leather suspenders for another groomsman before fastening the piecesA groomsman comically blocks the entrance to the groom's suite at Red Ivory LodgeNatural wedding photographs of the groomsmen goofing around before getting dressed at The St Francis LinksFunny socks for groomsmen gifts on the wedding dayA black and white candid image of the groom and a groomsman sitting on a sofa and putting their shoes on in the light of the window at The Rose BarnA groomsman stands behind the groom whilst tying his teal blue tie under the oak trees at their Bella Manga Wedding in The Crags, Plettenberg BayBlack and white image of groomsmen dressing the groomTwo groomsmen style their hair in a mirrorThe groom looks up to the skylight as his brother styles his hair using his hands at Double Vision house before a St Francis Links weddingThe groom is framed by two grey walls as he buttons up his jacketThe groom with white pocket square is reflected in a mirror as he does final checks on the wedding rings at The Plantation, a symbol of dedication and a celebration of loveA small ring bearer poses for the camera with one hand in his pocket whilst wearing a white polo shirtThe bridal party and groom have a quick video chat with a friend who cannot make it to the wedding at The Rose BarnA view of two groomsmen putting the final touches to their wedding speeches whilst the reflected groom laughs at guests standing outsideA groomsman bends down to light his cigarette on the gas burner when he cannot find his lighterThe groom takes a minute to strike a meditation pose, exposing his flamingo socks before he travels to greet guests at the wedding ceremony. Photography by wedding photographer in South Africa.The bride walks through a patch of light in a white room with her wedding dress in St FrancisThe flower girl looks at a smiling bridesmaid as they hold the wedding dress in preparationA bridesmaid laughs whilst holding two chicken fillets for the bride's strapless wedding dressBridesmaids help a bride step in to her wedding gown at The Plantation Wedding VenueThe smiling bride is held by her sister whilst one of the bridesmaids laces up the back of her corset gownBridesmaids concentrate on buttoning up a wedding gownBridesmaid hands hold a tuille overlay as it is attached to a Jason Kieck wedding dressWedding photographer in South Africa captures the bride smiling as she looks at herself in the oval mirror whilst she is being dressedA Hindu Indian bride lifts her mustard yellow dress to expose henna decorations on her feet whilst she fastens the buckle on her red Louboutin shoesMother and mother-in-law smile at the bride who is reflected in the bridal suite mirror at Morrell's Wedding Venue in JohannesburgA blonde bride with curled hair giggles as she places her diamond earring in her left earlobe, a gift from her husband as a symbol of his dedication and a decision to move forward through life together.An African bride is reflected in an antique dressing table mirror as she adjusts her pearl earringThe bride has a first look with her bridesmaids and their reaction is priceless as they all start cryingAn Indian bride greets her grandmother affectionately, dressed in traditional attire for her Pithi Ceremony at The Thatch House in HermanusFinishing touches to the veil placement under a messy bunNiki M, a wedding photographer in South Africa, captures an elated bride laughing as her veil is lowered over her face, expressing pure joy at the thought of walking down the aisle and marrying her fiancéA veiled bride at Blomfontein is overcome with emotion as she lifts her hands to the sky with a big smile and closed eyes, the bridesmaid looking on with joy.Precious mom and daughter moment at a wedding after she has placed the veil over the bride's head.Father of the bride sees his daughter for the first time and bursts into tears as he hugs herThe bride's mother hands her a tissue as her emotions overcome her before walking down the aisle at Oceana Ocean and Wildlife ReserveClassic bridal portrait of a blonde bride with updo and lace strapless dressA redhead bride with retro hairstyle and beautiful make-up by Iris GomezClassic portrait of a bride standing in a patch of light with her cascading bouquet by Niki M, Johannesburg Wedding PhotographerScenes before the ceremony. A stunning circular wedding ceremony setup in a glass tent at The Rose Barn by Otto de Jager at the Rosebarn, and an overhead view of the bridal party heading to the ceremony.Entrance to the beach side safari wedding ceremony at Oceana Oceana and Wildlife Reserve in the Eastern Cape, South AfricaThe bowtied ringbearer and his mother study a wedding programme outside the arched chapel entrance at Blomfontein Wedding VenueThe groom takes a moment to join hands and pray with friends before his wedding ceremonyPure joy as the father of the bride drives his daughter to her wedding ceremony in a Land Cruiser at a Karoo Farm WeddingAn Irish bride in ankle-length wedding dress is helped down form the game vehicle at her Lalibela Safari Wedding in South AfricaFinal moments of happiness and emotion as a bride looks up at her father whilst standing outside the ceremony chapel, just before they walk down the aisleFinal moments of happiness and emotion as a bride looks up at her father whilst standing outside the ceremony chapel, just before they walk down the aisleView from behind as the bride walks through the chapel arch at The Plantation Wedding Venue in Port ElizabethThe ringbearer runs down the grass aisle to his mother at a St Francis Links ceremonyBridesmaids cry as they reach the front of the wedding ceremony natural milkwood forest venue at Bella Manga in Plettenberg BayThe groom wipes away his tears and gromsmen look on with smiles as the bride makes her way down the church aisleThe groom watches as father and daughter walk down the aisle surrounded by smiling guests, flowers and high white ceilings in The Plantation Chapel.The bride's father shakes the grooms hand and embraces his daughter who holds a stunning cascading orchid bouquet by Otto de JagerA bride and groom about to embrace at the front of the aisleA black and white image of the groom smiling at his bride during their outdoor wedding ceremonyThe bride's flowing dress blows in the ocean breeze during their outdoor ceremony by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyA young wedding guest with panama hat pulls a tongue at his mom during the wedding ceremony in South Africa by photographer Niki MThe bride's family embrace during a ceremony prayer. Classic black and white documentary photograph by by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyThe bride looks at her bridesmaids with a huge smile on her face during a hymn by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographySouth African wedding photographer's image of the Bride and Groom kneeling to receive their wedding blessing prayer from their pastor at Slipperfields Wedding Venue.The groom, dressed in all black, wipes a tear away during a ceremony prayer. Captured by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyThree groomsmen sit in symmetry during the ceremony prayer, the middle one with palms up in praise.The groom wipes a tear from the bride's cheek as she says her vows, captured by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyBride and groom hold hands and laugh at the minister with guests seated behind them at their South African outdoor ceremony at The Rose Barn by wedding photographer Niki MA toddler ringbearer excitedly walks towards the bride and groom with the ring box as smiling wedding guests look on at a forest wedding ceremony in South AfricaA cute little ringbearer with bowtie delicately hands the ring box to the wedding officiant by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographySouth African wedding photographer captures a symmetrical image of the bride and groom smiling whilst he places the ring on her fingerMoody late afternoon light falls on the bride's hand as the groom places the ring on her finger, by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyWedding photographer in South Africa captures a quizzical look from the bride as she makes sure she places the ring on the correct finger in the beautiful afternoon light at the St Francis LinksThe groom pushes his ring on after it gets stuck and then laughsWedding guests clap and cheer as the couple are pronounced husband and wife. Image by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyThe most beautiful and romantic black and white first kiss wedding photograph by South African wedding photographer Niki MThe groom is left with red lips after the first kiss as the bride tries to wipe her lipstick off of him with a tissue at their wedding ceremony in South Africa by photographer Niki MThe bride and groom face their guests and the groom kisses her hand after being pronounced husband and wife after their Catholic Ceremony in Hermanus South Africa by wedding photographer Niki MAn elated bride and groom share a moment together after the ceremony whilst a bridesmaid fixes the veil. Image by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyThe mother of the groom laughs at her son as he entrusts her with the safekeeping of the wedding certificate by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyA flower girl looks up at the groom and laughs as he cups her face in his hands after the ceremony. Wedding ceremony image by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyImage of the father of the bride crying as he hugs his daughter post-ceremony by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyA small flower girl stands on the steps of The Rose Barn as guests line up around her to throw confetti and rose petals on the bridal couple by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyA groom holds a paper parasol over the bride's head as the minister points up at inclement weather at their wedding in the Eastern Cape, South AfricaThe bride and groom are showered with white rose petals after their wedding ceremony at The Plantation, captured by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyThe bride and groom cheer as they are showered with confetti in both the soft rain and moody sunshine of a monkey's weddingThe groom gets a face full of pennygum confetti and rose petals at their wedding in South Africa by photographer Niki MThe bride's veil trails out after her as she makes her way down the line of guests throwing confettiThe bride has a tender moment with her grandmother as they embraceA group of flowergirls with baskets gather together amongst the guests and pick up petals to play with by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyA bride is embraced by her emotional bridemaids dressed in emerald green by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyA little girl congratulates the bridal couple after their ceremonyThe groom's sister affectionately squeezes his face in her hands whilst congratulating him by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyA smiling and overhwelmed bride dries her tears whilst her bridesmaids and friends encircle her post wedding ceremony by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyA bride and her grandmother share a joke and embrace during family photosKeeping children occupied during the wedding ceremony at Andante wedding venue by South African wedding photographer Niki MBeautiful candid and real moment of the bride and groom who had rain on their wedding day by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyRain on your wedding day can present truly beautiful moments if your photographer is confident and experiencedThe importance of family photographs at your wedding, and all the moments in between. Real wedding moments by Niki M PhotographyPriceless photos with siblings at your wedding, make sure you set time aside to have photographs with your brothers and sisters.Real unposed wedding photography by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M Photography at Johannesburg GautengGroom performing Sabrage at Bona Dea winery wedding venue in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus Cape Town by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyReaction of the guests after the groom had performed sabered champagne at his wedding in HermanusCandid photography by wedding photographer in South Africa, during canapés as the couple decided to spend time with their guests listening to music and soaking in the late afternoon sun at St Francis LinksKeeping guests occupied during canapes creates beautiful moments for wedding photography as this father photographs his daughter playing and dancingCandid family photographs with lots of laughter and happiness at the Rose Barn wedding venue by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyThe bride and groom pose for a funny photograph with ring bearers at Blomfontein wedding venue near Cradock by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyThe smallest wedding guest is held by the mother of the bride during canapésRing Bearer and page boy having fun on the swings during this real and unposed wedding moment at Andante wedding venuePlayful bride and her bridesmaids during their entourage photo shoot in a field by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M Photography.A photograph of the bridal entourage cheering as the bride and groom kiss by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyCreative ideas for bridal party photographs by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyThe groom walks and laughs with members of the bridal party in this natural black and white photograph by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyA beautiful moments with bride and bridesmaids at and inner city wedding in port elizabeth with maroon and white two piece bridesmaid dresses by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyStyled bridesmaid photo from behind the group as they embrace the brideWedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M Photography uses late afternoon sun to light up the bride and her bridesmaids as they laughThe groom high fives his groomsman in front of a turquoise wall during their bridal party photos by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyBride and groom snacking during their photo session to keep energy levels upCute photo of a bride's red lipstick rubbing off on the groom's lips after their kissCreative couple wedding portrait using a staircase by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyThe groom helps the bride down concrete stairs during their wedding photography session by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyAn Indian bridal couple in traditional outfits creatively photographed through a cascading waterfall by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyBeautiful bride and groom moments captured by by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyPhotograph of a bride walking in the sand on top of a dune on her wedding day at Oceana, with her wedding dress trailing in the breeze. Photo by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyFocus on the beautiful lace details of a brides dress as she kisses the groom by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyBeach wedding photos. The bride and groom walk over a dune into the wind, with the brides dress blowing out behind her.Gorgeous candid, unposed wedding photography filled with real emotion by leading wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki MThe groom leads the bride into a field, displaying the beautiful train of her wedding dress.Real laughter and real moments between the bride and groom during their couple photo session on a farm roadCreative safari wedding photography as the bride and groom are reflected in a pair of binoculars during a game drive at the Lalibela weddingCreative and happy safari wedding photos for a couple during by wedding photographer in South Africa as the groom jumps off of a termite mound and the bride spins in her mid length wedding dress.Backlit bride and groom laugh during their creative photography session at The Rose Barn by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyGolf course wedding photography in Eastern CapeHeartfelt wedding moments between the bride and groom at their karoo wedding at BlomfonteinA closeup of a beautiful intimate moment between bride and groomThe ultimate veil shot for your wedding day photograph by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyThe bride and groom holds hands as the sun sets behind them, illuminating them on the darker landscapeClassic black and white wedding photography by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyWedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M Photography, celebrates love with a collection of images showcasing her best photographs of the year.Beautiful backlit veil image on the wedding dayCreative silhouette photograph of the bride and groom dancing under paper lanterns at sunset and celebrating their love and wedding day by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyBest wedding photographer in South Africa, known for capturing real moments between the bride and groomA beautiful post-sunset silhouette safari wedding portrait during blue hour at Oceana Wildlife Reserve featuring Sable antelope by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyPithi ceremony taking place in front of the Hermanus mountains at The Thatch HouseDocumentary moments during the Hindu pithi ceremony when tumeric paste is smothered on the bride and groom, and they are showered with petalsWedding guests laugh and embrace during the wedding receptionDocumentary wedding photography by Niki M in JohannesburgThe bride and groom enter their wedding reception lit by fairy lights and chandeliers at The Rose BarnThe bride and groom high five guests during their receptionA bridesmaid pours and serves champagne whilst smiling at her husband at Rooftop Garden Bar in Port Elizabeth. Best wedding images by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyCreatively lit natural wedding photography in JohannesburgSt Francis Links is one of the most beautiful lesser-known wedding venues in South AfricaHeartfelt wedding speeches that keep guests entertainedWedding photography showcasing reactions to the funniest wedding speeches of the yearThe bride laughs hysterically during speeches at her weddingGuests around a table smiling and toasting after a speechWedding photographer in South Africa celebrates love with a collection of images and moments during wedding speeches as the groom's sister toasts her parents and embraces themA guest toasts the bride during her speech about grace and gratefulness by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyThe joyous moments experienced during wedding speechesA wedding guest gestures the groom during his speechSpaghetti foam spray on the floor and brown shoes during the grooms speech at an Afrikaans wedding reception. Best man gold watch giftMen at an Afrikaans wedding spray the groom with snow spray and water as part of the traditional festivitiesGroom protects his speech with his hand as guests spray snow foam and water at himGroom tries to give his speech whilst being sprayed with snow foam spray during the wedding reception at Blomfontein wedding venue in the KarooFunny moment caught on camera during the wedding reception as a guest has the back of his head sprayed with white sprayMother of the bride wears a sequin top and laughs during the wedding speechesA guest leans over the long table to toast another wedding guest as the prepare to drink double tequila shootersThe bride and her mother wipe away tears after a heartfelt speechThe groom and his father laugh an embrace after shedding a few tears at The Plantation Wedding Venue reception. A photography by a wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyDocumentary wedding photography scenes as guests mingle between courses at The Rose Barn wedding reception in Jeffrey's BayThe groom laughs at other male guests as they mingle during the wedding receptionThe groom and guests clap for Man with Music musician playing the panflute at the wedding reception with hanging flower installationA woman plays peekaboo with a baby during a wedding receptionBride laughs at groom who broke the knife whilst cutting the classic wedding cake with macarons at their wedding reception at St Francis LinksBride wipes her nose in an upward motion after groom smears cake on her face during canapes after the wedding ceremony at Andante wedding venueBride poses with half a doughnut sticking our of her mouth at the donut bar wedding dessert stationMother of the bride embraces her daughter as they laughGuests look on smiling as the bride and groom open the dancefloor with their first dance in these black and white wedding photographs from The Rose BarnThe groom spins the bride during their first dance at The St Francis Links surrounded by clapping guests, a hanging flower installation and contemporary white wedding chairsReal wedding moments as the bride and groom put their foreheads together during their first choreographed dance togetherThe bride dances into the middle of the circle of guests as the dancefloor opens on her wedding day. Dressed by Jason KieckA woman in a pink sequin top dances and points in this fun wedding dancefloor moment by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographyThe bride and a guest throw their hands up and jump as the DJ plays amazing music and blue lights flood the wedding dancefloor. Image by wedding photographer in South Africa, Niki M PhotographySouth African wedding guests dance to cha cha slide as pink parquet lights illuminate the background in this image by wedding photographer Niki MA wedding guest does the moonwalk on a checkered black and white dancefloor as other guests look on and clap The bride and groom laugh in the middle of the wedding dancefloor dressed in traditional wedding attire and a maroon and gold embellished SariThe bride and her bridesmaid hug in the middle of the dancefloorGuests pile up in the middle of the dancefloor during the song 'Free Fallin' by Tom Petty at the wedding reception, with one wedding guest in mid flightDirty dancing feet illuminated by the wedding dancefloor lightingThe bride hugs the groom and laughs on the dancefloorA wedding guest sings loudly whilst another guest looks at him quizzically whilst holding a drinkThe groom sits and speaks to a group of friends at his wedding with "Let's Get Loose' projected onto the building behind himThe bride and groom pose at their doughnut dessert bar with doughnuts over their eyes and fairy lights above their heads

 

If you’d like to browse through more happy images, head on over to last year’s best wedding images blogpost, and if you’d like more info on my wedding pricing and packages for South African weddings, please head over to my contact page.

As a wedding photographer I get to work at some of the best wedding venues in South Africa:

The Rose Barn Wedding Venue Jeffrey’s Bay

The Plantation Wedding Venue Port Elizabeth

The St Francis Links Golf Course St Francis

Morrell’s Wedding Venue Northcliff Johannesburg

Blomfontein Wedding Venue near Cradock

Rooftop Garden Bar Weddings Port Elizabeth

Lalibela Game Reserve Weddings Eastern Cape

Red Ivory Lodge Hartebeespoort

Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve Port Alfred

Andante Wedding Venue Port Elizabeth

La Colline Wedding Venue Port Elizabeth

Bona Dea Wedding Venue Hermanus Cape Town

The Thatch House Hermanus

Slipperfields Wedding Venue Port Elizabeth

Bella Manga Weddings The Crags Plettenberg Bay

Tramways Venue Port Elizabeth

  1. Lunley says:

    Magical moments and memories to last a lifetime!
    Nix, you are incredible! These “stolen” moments portray the love and atmosphere so well!
    This is called getting far more than you paid for.
    Special indeed!

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