I hadn’t been to Vredendal since the “Rittlefees” was at the very heights of its powers (a few years ago for those not in the know), but one thing I had vivid memories of was the absolutely blistering heat! Quite literally seared into my memory, I think. You can get a tan just thinking of Vredendal in November… 40 degrees in the shade and there aint no shade! So I might be forgiven for the level of trepidation I approached this wedding with. I had visions of heatstroke, dehydration, of eggs cooking on car bonnets and having to dig out roots of plants for some moisture in order to survive – very Bear Grills! I think the very thought of Vredendal in summertime would have ol’ Bear quaffing a pint of his own urine or squeezing the last water from a dead Camel’s rumen!

But turns out I was way off and my fears were completely misplaced… unfounded even! Turns out the hottest thing in Vredendal in early November was was in fact YOUNG LOVE… burnin’ strong! And the closest I got to drinking urine was a shot of Witblits – although, sometimes I’m not 100% sure which I prefer, truth be told! Be that as it may, we were treated to a perfectly cool evening in the countryside (What a blessing), with very little uncomfortable sweating – For which I was ever so thankful. But whilst outside it might have been quiet and cool, with only a slight breeze stirring through the trees… Inside it was quite a different story alltogether! more like a STORM! At least, that’s what the guests were dishing up on the dance floor! Rockstar moves, I tell ya… Would make the Jackson Five look like first round contestants on “so you think you can dance”!

In my expert opinion, a crazy good time was had by all! And that certainly extends to yours truly here, who had a ball trying out some interesting new lighting setups and shooting some late night portraits of the lovely couple, who were up for anything! YAY for my awesome couples… YET AGAIN! Now look, you might be inclined to think that this is just the sort of thing every photographer says – you know, to be nice, and what not. But let’s be quite honest, it’s not every bride who willingly plonks down on the ground in her beautiful white dress when the loon holding the camera mentions that “lying down in the dirt” might be a good idea! Of course, that wasn’t the only “bright idea” the loon with the camera had on the night… making out under various lighting fixtures was another reoccurring theme… oh, and don’t forget the little game I like to call “everyone puff the cigar and make smoke”! hehe… but it was all done for a good cause! that cause being awesome pictures, of course!

So thanks a bunch to Hannes and Anelle for letting me enjoy their lovely wedding with them – it was an absolute pleasure and they have extended my long run of having only the best and coolest couples! As is always my wish, I hope that these memories will last them a lifetime. It was a great occasion and if ever that age old question is asked: “wie maak vir Vredendal lekker?” …well… these folks right here – they do!