Jenna + Mariska’s wedding at Zebra Hills Safari Lodge is the first time I have considered not even writing a blog post because I am not sure I have the words for this wedding.
Jenna contacted me in January 2019 about possibly photographing her wedding the following year and we decided to meet for drinks and discuss the wedding.
To date it was the longest client meeting I have ever had, there was tons in common between Jenna and myself and Mariska and Brendan, it was an instant friendship. I can say that the worst part of this wedding was having to wait 13 months for it! but FINALLY the weekend came and on Friday morning Brendan, Pierre (the DJ and Minister all rolled into one) and I hopped into the car and road tripped to the venue where we were greeted like family and not service providers. After settling in we were whisked onto a game drive to see animals and scout locations for the creative shoot. The afternoon was full of more laughter than I can ever remember and a heat that I have never experienced before!
The actual wedding day started hot and humid, The excitement of family and friends staying at zebra hills safari lodge was tangible. Brendan and I hopped between the two bride’s, and every single time someone joined Jenna she would ask “How is Mariska?” The love between these two is so powerful you can feel it as an outsider it wraps itself around anyone near and brings you in.
Once the jitters had subsided, the vows had been said and the rings had been exchanged the reception commenced with bunny chow starters (and an explanation for the overseas guests) the speeches were a mix of Afrikaans and translations, full of tears, laughs and jokes but once they were over the reception exploded with guests dancing, sokkie(ing), singing and jumping in the pool! the music was supposed to end at 00:00 and continued all the way to 04:30am!
I felt so honoured not only documenting this wedding but witnessing it brought me to silent tears behind my camera. I loved every part of this wedding from the amazing brides to the guests that made us feel like family to all the staff at Zebra Hills!
Jenna and Mariska, Thank you for choosing me, can we do it again?
I would like to say a special thank you to Johan and Monique from Zebra hills, you two are absolutely amazing and no task was too big or too small to help me with. I loved meeting you both and I hope I will get to see you again soon!
Amazing second shooter: Brendan McAdam – my husband
Venue and Decor: Zebra Hills Safari Lodge Website: https://www.zebrahills.co.za/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zebrahillslodge/
Makeup and Hair: Laura & co. Artistry
Website: http://lauraandco.co.za/
DJ and Minister: Pierre Venter-Maher
Website: www.pierrelive.co.za
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pierrelivesa/
Bride’s Dresses: Bride & Co
Wedding cake: Magnifique Cakes & Catering
Bridesmaids dresses were both made by family friends Kirsty Fourie and Lara Blevi