I recently had the privilege and joy to shoot Lindi and Jaco’s wedding at Chestnut Country Lodge in the Kiepersol district close to Hazyview. It’s always exciting to discover new venues and Chestnut didn’t disappoint.
For Hazyview it may not be unusual but it was a hot and sticky autumn day. The setting did lend itself perfectly to their intimate wedding. A stunning view over the Sabie valley was the backdrop for the ceremony. For the couple photos we drove down the mountain towards the Sabie / Hazyview road before entering a farm that led to the Sabie River. It was an incredibly beautiful location. The setting sun’s rays was diffused to a golden glow as it tried to make its way through the trees on the river’s embankment. It was far and away the best light I had ever photographed in.
We were even fortunate enough to see a 1.5 meter long crocodile basking in the last bit of sunshine on a rock before darkness was about to set in. It was plain to see that Lindi and Jaco are totally in love with each other and what caught my attention was their positive mindsets and bubbling energy. On the way back to the venue we stopped to take a few more shots in a Macadamia plantation. The best description I can give of the light there between the trees as the sun had already set was ethereal. Truly some of my favourite photos I’ve ever taken.
The reception felt more like a family gathering than a wedding affair due to it being so intimate. A full moon rose a bit later, just before an easterly wind picked up bringing in clouds. This was a little bit unfortunate as they had planned to do a chinese lantern launch later in the evening which had to be canned due to the wind.
I want to thank Lindi and Jaco for trusting me with the responsibility of being their photographer. It was wonderful to work with them and I wish them all the best for their future together.
EJ.
