Some people prefer not to have a wedding cake at their wedding.  Some choose to have no videographer.  Luckily not many choose to have no photographer.  But choosing the wedding flowers, are an essential part of even the smallest wedding (even if they are plastic ones as at a traditional Las Vegas wedding!).   When I met Hendri & Imke to chat about their dream wedding, I learned that Hendri is an owner of a flower warehouse in Cape Town.  Next thing I knew we started talking about a Wedding Flower Shoot to update their website.  I met the team at On the Rocks in Blouberg and had a brilliant creative afternoon between lovely people and beautiful flowers.  All the flowers, bouquets, vases and accessories that you see below (and much much more) can be ordered from them.

Feel free to contact Moon Drops on their website or by phoning 021-939 4672.

It is just after 11pm on 30 June 2010.  It is the last hour of the 2009-2010 Wedding Season according to the way we look at a it at Peartree Photography.  And I am overjoyed to share that by the grace of God …

• it has been a record year for both Peartree & Germinate Photography (our sister company)
• we’ve had a 100% happy Wedding Client rate (unless we missed something somewhere that we’re not currently aware of!)
• I have just finished the last bit of editing on my final wedding for the season … it’s all done!
• we managed to stick to ALL our deadlines during the whole season
• we haven’t had one double booking to date
• I still absolutely  L O V E every aspect of what I do, &
• (most importantly) I’m still happily married, fitter than ever and my boy loves his daddy to bits

From tomorrow onwards, we will be operating in the 2010-2011 Wedding Season.  All I can say is … BRING IT ON!

I motivated myself to first finish all my editing, before I post the photos below.  Welcome to change at Peartree … a bit of family, relaxing, friends, experiences and emotions from the last couple of weeks.  Speed up the Internet & Turn up the Volume!  heeehaaa!

As I have been editing Tinus & Sunandi‘s wedding, my mind wondered to all the times I had to explain the importance of keeping to the schedule recommended by Peartree to couples.  At our first meeting, we will work through the details of the day, the couple’s needs and Peartree’s professional recommendations for the best light and timing of the day.  Like we always say – no one is suppose to govern the couple’s big day, except for the two of them.  But on the same note, if they are open to our professional advice and stick to our schedule, we can guarantee the best product to them.  And I am glad to say, most people do and get great results.

“If the timing is right and the couple in love, the natural approach of Peartree Photography  won’t disappoint.”

Sunandi made sure she reminded the hair & make up artist what time she needed to be done (as specifically recommended by Peartree Photography).  Although we still only started with her Bridal Shoot 15 minutes later than planned, the fact that we included enough buffer times into the program, made that we could still keep to our  60 minutes for her shoot (including her close family & bridal party shoot).  That way we insured she was 100% comfortable and relaxed during the whole shoot and that we give her a product worthy of her wedding day.  To make the point even clearer, imagine the opposite situation where this potentially great shoot needs to be rushed and the moment forever is gone.  Apart from this, the bride & family can become so rushed & stressed by it all that no one enjoys the moment.  Not a great start to your day I am sure!  This one is specially for you to steer well clear of the stress…

Your 10 Point Bridal Shoot Checklist:

1. Choose a photographer who is willing to serve rather than govern you on the day.  It is your day, not just another one of his / hers.
2. Make sure that you check / plan your wedding day schedule with your photographer.
3. Buffer times can save your day.  Work them in for just in case.
4. Make sure your Make Up & Hair Artists know where you will be, how long it takes to get there & what time they must be done. (This point here can make or break your day!)
5. Choose a room or venue  to get ready in that has enough natural light and options.
6. Make sure you have a good lunch on the day.
7. … and not too much champagne!  (Believe me, we’ve seen it all!)
8. Having a camera in your face is not something all of us are used to.  When it feels awkward, try to look straight through the lens and imagine your hubby-to-be on the other side.  He is going to love the pics (cause he loves you!).
9. Those Hair & Make Up Artists – make sure they are done on time (Sorry, but this one needs to be repeated!)
10. Be yourself, relax & smile.  This is your day ..

Lastly, I decided to post 1/6th of Sunandi’s Bridal pics to prove these points.  The other 5/6ths are equally stunning.  We had time to capture her naturally … and that made all the difference.

PWDI (Peartree Wedding Day Information) is an insight into Peartree Photography’s approach & a guide for couples who are planning to get married.  Over the weeks, we will cover every aspect of a wedding and give you a 10 Point Checklist on each.

Francois & Nina‘s wedding has made some noteworthy headlines the past few months.  First they were voted as the Allée Bleue Wedding of the Year 2009 – a decision made by the public based on their wedding pictures.

Now they also feature in the current Your Wedding Day Magazine under the Real Weddings Section.  Congratulations guys!

We feel very privileged to have played a part in this and wish you as a couple all the best & happiness in your marriage.  Our prayer for you, as for all the other couples we have photographed before,  is that your blessed marriage will make even more headlines than your wedding day.  Enjoy one another!

In a digital world where anyone can pick up a camera, download software and create a great photo, one need to stand for a style that makes you unique and bring something fresh to a cluttered world.  Peartree Photography is committed to our slogan of “The Natural Choice” where we guarantee capturing you naturally in natural environments and moments.  To show our commitment, we have lately invested in a vehicle that will add to your comfort on the day and take you to the natural environments you have dreamed about.  Personally it is also a honor to take over the Toyota Fortuner from my late brother in law and legend Willouw van Heerden exactly a year after his sad departure.  The legend lives on