Mariëtte is a Namibian photographer and Photography Guide. Available to Travel.
© 2024 Mariëtte du Toit Photography, All Rights Reserved.
This wedding was scheduled for the 2nd of December 2023 and it feels like yesterday when Chaundré called – operating in panic mode but also furious. Her wedding venue closed down and at that stage, every venue we could think of was already booked for the 2nd of December. We went through several lists when she finally contacted me – I found a venue! But the date has changed. Pause. Will you be available on the 4th of November 2023? I hurriedly thumped to November – I was available.
I asked Chaundré if we could still slot in the engagement session but she, rather tongue-in-cheek told me that it wasn’t an option. Rossouw didn’t enjoy photos and would prefer to skip it. Not major, but man, I would have loved to meet them before the wedding day!
My videographer disappeared from planet Earth and my assistant photographer shared the happy news – she was pregnant. I had a few obstacles to cover. But the 4th of November arrived and I drove to Outjo, bought a pie at Outjo Bakery, and headed to Etosha Corner. I have photographed events here, but this was my first wedding. I was rather excited.
When I arrived at Etosha Corner, the venue wasn’t quite finished yet. Chaundré’s chosen flower was white roses. And anyone that knows Namibian summers, knows that roses and summer do not go well with each other, so the event coordinator decided to leave the flowers in the cooling rooms until just before the reception. Which I had to agree with. From what was already on the tables, I could see that this was going to be an elegant wedding with a touch of Namibian flair and the soft gentle touch of an equally soft and petite soul.
I met up with Henriëtte who was my stand-in second shooter for the day and we drove to find the men. They were getting ready at the farmhouse on the property. The house was just as beautiful as the venue and photographing Rossouw was easy. The rooms had plenty of natural light and with a videographer, photographer and second shooter, Rossouw had no space to complain. The nerves were starting to eat away, but smiled, he smiled.
Once done, we headed to where the ladies were getting ready at Willem Burger Hunting Farm. All dressed in pink, these girls were getting excited. They were all ready when we arrived, and we started photographing them. Luckily the rooms here also have a lot of natural light, and we did not need to brave the hot sun for photos.
Rossouw and Chaundré chose to say their vows alone before the ceremony. Not looking at each other, back-to-back, they read their vows to each other. Again, I had to quickly dry a tear or two. I would have loved for them to do a first look, but both preferred a more traditional route to the wedding. But even these were quite special and I loved being a part of it.
From here we headed back to Etosha Corner for the church ceremony. Family photos were plenty of fun and jokes and then we headed to one of the most beautiful venues in Namibia for the couple photos.
We didn’t go hunting and truth be told, hunting is but a small part of this working farm. Here on Willem and Almerene’s farm is a date orchard. I don’t think there is another like it in Namibia. Rows and rows of palm trees surround you and with the setting sun filtering through the palm branches, I was able to create a bit of magic. And to add to the magic, Chaundré is one of the most photogenic brides I have photographed and although Rossouw doesn’t really like photos, he too had a ball of a time and played along to the many ideas and suggestions.
Returning to Etosha Corner, hundreds of fairly lights have been lit. If the venue wasn’t beautiful before, it was absolutely stunning now. The evening proceeded without any hick-ups. Between taking snapshots of dancing couples and listening to heartfelt speeches, we had time to have a bite. And did Etosha Corner deliver! Another fantastic meal in my stomach I realised that it was long after my contract has ended. But then, that is what weddings are about – having so much fun that you forget what time it is.
Thank you Rossouw and Chaundré for having Henriëtte and myself as your photographers. This was an evening to remember and working through the thousands of photos we took, I can honestly say, this one is for the portfolio.
For more information on Etosha Corner, please see my blog post here: Etosha Corner Namibia
Venue | Etosha Corner – Outjo
Venue for Bride | Willem Burger Safaris
Dress & Suite | Amazing Designs
Make-Up | Graftobian Professional Make-Up
Ring(s) | African Art Jewellers & Herrle & Herma Jewellers
Wedding Planner, Florist & Food | Etosha Corner
My name is Mariëtte du Toit and when I’m not out and about on a photoshoot, I like to call myself a travel architect planning the best Namibian journeys. I absolutely love getting to know my couples, chatting to them about life, dreams and of course, their Namibian elopement.
If you would like me to document your elopement, and maybe even plan your journey to Namibia, click here!
Mariëtte is a Namibian photographer and Photography Guide. Available to Travel.
© 2024 Mariëtte du Toit Photography, All Rights Reserved.
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