VIETNAM |Land of rice paddies...and well rain

It was difficult to explain to people about Vietnam when we got back - it wasn't an "enjoyable" holiday in the strict sense of the word. It had mayor ups and mayor downs, we were completely outside our comfort zone and it RAINED! LOTS!!! The mayor reason we went - an overnight stay on a Junk boat in Hanlong Bay, was cut short due to Typhoon Vincente raging off the coast of China and Northern Vietnam. Also Sapa, which was a must see for me, was a bit of a disappointment, northern Vietnam is still very much a communist country and therefore very poor - so all Western people visiting, especially the very rural northern highlands are not just seen, but literally a meal ticket to all the women, making crafts for a living. So we where swamped with people forcing you to buy all kinds of handmade trinkets, it's tolerable up to a point and then it gets just too much. Hanoi where we had to stay longer than planned due to the rain, is really, really dirty...really. And then I start editing the images, and I walk past a shop and hear snippets of Asian music and in a flash I forget the discomfort, the weirdness and filth...and I'm transported back to an experience that I will never forget. So in short – Vietnam isn't a relaxing holiday – its a life changing experience... The one thing this trip thaught me, who's a bit of a control freak, it to just let be. I had certain expectations which were not met, but in it's place I learned and experience things I would never have had I stayed home or traveled to Europe. First Part: Sapa, Second Part: Hanlong Bay & Third Part: Hanoi

BLOEM | Floral Couture - Paarl

Tanya is one of my best friends, we've know each other for nearly 13 years, and although we don't see each other every day - when we do see each other it's like we've never been apart. I always laugh a lot and leave feeling like I had a holiday. Tanya is also one of those friends whom you can't help to feel extremely proud and jealous of at the same time... She (and in fact her whole family) is just one of those people who is naturally gifted and very creative - she breaths, sleeps and oozes creativity. I have to work twice as hard to get the same result, when she makes it seems effortlessly! Tanya I'm so proud of you and I'm sure you'll be a great success with your new business.  If you want to make your wedding day extra special - pop her a  mail at:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Niel & Elri | Nooitgedacht - Stellenbosch

I LOVE winter weddings, I adore the colours of the vinyards and the intensity of the light...warm yummy colours. Niel and Elri's wedding day was one of those perfect wintersdays you get after a week of rain. Balmy and full of sunshine...Niel & Elri thanks for making my last wedding of the season susch a special one!

Ernst & Minki | Kleinevalleij - Wellington

I'm such a nerd... the day I got an enquiry for a wedding from a Minki vd Westhuizen, my first reaction was: "Who's playing a joke on me?".  Needless to say it was a huge deal for me to be able to do her and Ernst's wedding. I was so intimidated, I mean she's worked with the best photographers in the world... Then I arrived at Tanglewood where Minki got dressed, and all fears seem to vanish, how can I screw up with this gorgeous women in front of the lens and secondly -Minki is so down to earth and friendly that I immediately felt at ease. And then I met Ernst, equally attractive and friendly...he's one of the English Rugby club, Saracens, star players. They embraced their winter wedding, even though we had torential showers and it rained the WHOLE day and we ended up shooting the whole couple shoot on Kleinevalleij's stoop...Thanks to Sybrand Cillié for second shooting and Jo-Ann Stokes for assisting. Have a look at their wedding video on my Facebook page - shot by the Shoot & Create team.