LOURENS & CHANELLE - OUT OF AFRICA -

NAMIBIAN WEDDING

THE STORY

Lourens & Chanelle met at Chanelle’s sister, Chandrè’s, 18th birthday party. Poor Lourens didn’t know that Chandrè had a sister and that they looked very much alike. What made matters worse for the gent, was that both sisters had coloured their hair dark and telling them apart wasn’t for the faint-hearted. And so of course, Lourens stumbled into a dialogue with Chanelle, believing it was Chandrè. And that was all she needed to fall in love.

A couple of months later, it was Chanelle’s 21st birthday party at the Kegel Club outside of town. It was supposed to be a birthday surprise, but oh dear. Our Chanelle is very curious! So she didn’t just know about the surprise, she also knew about a ring in Louren’s cupboard and expected him to pop the question on her birthday. She didn’t expect though, that he would pop the question in front of all their friends and loved ones. So when it was her turn to bowl, he got ready behind her on his knees… and you can imagine the rest of the story…

I also had the privilege to take Lourens & Chanelle’s engagement photos (Link Here). Chanelle packed one amazing picnic basket and the three of us had the most beautiful sunset out in the bush. Simple, nothing over the top… and yet, so beautiful.

THE WEDDING

Chanelle’s initial idea was a small intimate wedding, planned by herself and Lourens. The final day was a celebration of family and friends from across the country at Out of Africa Town Lodge, planned by Vannila Events. I popped into the hall earlier in the day and it felt like walking into a park in Cape Town. Fynbos! Chris-Mari pulled out all the stops and together with the very unique and stunning little hall where the ceremony was held, I had ample opportunities to photograph this beautiful wedding.

Too hot to call it a Winter Wedding, we geared for a proper summer celebration. Light and airy, with plenty of colour. Lourens and his two mates waited for me at Out of Africa for their photos. Not much into photos, the gents quickly finished to enjoy their Gift Boxes. I could then start with Chanelle and her besties. Nerves already crackling, we immediately proceeded with the photos. Unlike so many other brides, Chanelle was early and it took a whole lot of coaxing to keep her calm while her guests gathered and settled into the church hall.

I’m not sure anyone expected our gentle giant to tear up as beautifully as he did. This groom was overwhelmed by the sight of his bride. Officiant duties fell on Jaco Pretorius and did the man give a sermon and a half?! What a stunning way to get married?!

Chanelle and Lourens chose bubbles and colourful streamers as confetti and it just gave their day that extra bit of colour. Cutting the cake after the family photos was a superb idea as we had plenty of light and everyone was present to witness this tradition.

Returning to the spot of their engagement, we took the bridal party photos and then the couple’s photos. Still making good time we arrived in daylight back at the reception… and then the family got dancing… Ceremony of Masters, Van Zyl, had a few games planned, which had everyone running, laughing and participating in what was one of the most fun-filled weddings I have attended in a very long time.

Dancing commenced and I’m not sure it has ever stopped…

Congratulations Lourens & Chanelle on one very special day. May your be filled with love, laughter and colour. May you be each others’ biggest blessing.

WEDDING TIPS & SUPPLIERS

Chanelle & Lourens had a traditional wedding timeline and we closely worked together to make the best of the day and shoot the couple’s photos at the best possible time.

Tip: Always work with your photographer for the best possible timelines.

Vanilla Events was Chanelle’s choice of wedding planner. Though it is not within everyone’s budget, I highly recommend using a wedding planner or event planner. It takes an immense amount of stress from the bride’s shoulders. And it saves you more time than you will ever realise.

Tip: Work with a Wedding Planner that is local to the venue. So if you get married in Windhoek, don’t use a supplier from Outjo unless that supplier is your brother.

Your photographer of choice has probably travelled the country and photographed the odd wedding or two… always ask them for suggested suppliers, venues or just advice. They love sharing their knowledge. Well, I do!

Venue | Out of Africa Town Lodge

Venue where Bride and Groom got Ready | Out of Africa Town Lodge

Dress | M.I. Emporium

Florist | Vanilla Events

Planner | Vanilla Events – Chris-Mari Giani

Hair | Wilné Augustyn

Make-Up | Anelle Ludik

DJ | JJ Strydom

Canapés | Altersheim Otjiwarongo

Dessert & Cake | Eats a Treats – Elize Steenkamp

Table Gifts | Antoinette Henle

Catering | Out of Africa