Mariëtte is a Namibian wedding photographer and travel agent. Photographing weddings on digital all over Namibia and wherever the need may be.
© 2024 Mariëtte du Toit Photography, All Rights Reserved.
Michal and Daniela – two days of exploring, capturing love and raw emotions and building a love-hate relationship with stairs.
I love to arrive early at a wedding. To get the feel for the day, the vibe… If you shoot with emotion and feeling, it is an absolute must to get in touch with your couple’s feelings.
When I shoot elopements, it usually is at a location or lodge I have not stayed at before. And it almost always is a couple that I have never met before. So here it is absolutely essential to come early and if time and budget allow, I like to go a day early. Elopements are often chosen in an area that the couple loves for various reasons – and I need to know where we’ll be able to make the most of the occasion. And of course, if I can meet the clients the day before, it also gives me more time to get to know them and also to understand what their expectations are for the day.
With Michal and Daniela, I was privileged to stay the night before, meet them and explore the area. This gave me a solid advantage on the proceeding of the next day.
After a morning of exploring the terraces around Vingerklip Lodge, I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do for the photo session. Around lunch, I headed for the main area to feed a growling stomach (exploring is hard work!) and then Daniela and I headed for Heaven’s Gate.
Getting to Heaven’s Gate is no easy feat. The walk is quite steep, but those stairs! But of course, it was all worth it and once we reached the bungalow at the end of the terrace, Daniela was absolutely stunned. The views, the quiet… and then we went inside. Luxurious, decorated with taste and offering 360′ views, Heaven’s Gate is absolutely worth those steps. Daniela started getting ready and I continued my explorations.
When Daniela finished with her make-up and hair, we headed back down the terrace and stairs to where Michal was nervously waiting. We had planned a first look and Michal was all nerves when I walked into the room. Emotions filled the room as Daniela walked in and realisation hit – they were getting married.
I have photographed a lot of weddings, but this was incredibly special. The raw emotions, the tears… knowing that I am the only witness – it filled me with gratitude and immense responsibility… I have to get this right.
At our little private venue at the foot of the Vingerklip, pastor Lucas was ready and waiting together with Steffie from Vingerklip Lodge. A bit of 4×4 action and we were ready for the ceremony.
The sun still shining in true Namibian style – hot and very bright – the emotions from the “first look” continued and we had a very intimate elopement ceremony.
Steffie and the Vingerklip Lodge staff had prepared a delicious platter of canapé to go with champagne for after the ceremony. All ravishing hungry and thirsty, we sat down, and chatted about the day so far and then Michal, Daniela and I departed for the real reason I came. Photos.
We first ascended a bit of the Vingerklip path for photos and then returned to Vingerklip Lodge to head up to Eagle’s Restaurant and Heaven’s Gate.
As much as I struggled with those steps, I loved them for the photo opportunities they provided. Steps – and a lot of it – is not something we have plenty of in Namibia. So when the opportunity arises, you use it.
Finally, rather out of breath, we reached the top and headed for the different viewpoints.
When the light got too dark to continue it was time to call it a day. But then we headed for the restaurant and celebrated the views, the day, the tears and the joys of life.
For more information on the Vingerklip Area – travel tips and accommodation, please head over to my blog on the Vingerklip.
Mariëtte is a Namibian wedding photographer and travel agent. Photographing weddings on digital all over Namibia and wherever the need may be.
© 2024 Mariëtte du Toit Photography, All Rights Reserved.
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