The Okonjima Reserve is situated a mere 50km from Otjiwarongo, but the moment I enter through the gates, I am galaxies away from home. Rocco would have said that I entered through a portal. The greens are astonishing. The grass is literally as high as I am in places and I am thankful for the last-minute celestine injection I took before departing on this trip. And although it is absolutely stunning, spotting wildlife in these grass fields is nearly impossible. Wildlife; that I know Okonjima has tons of. I drive with my telephoto lens planted between my legs and soon enough, I meet the first four-legged wonder – a giraffe. Not coincidentally the only inhabitants here standing neck and shoulders above the tall grass. It’s quite a big family browsing the tree tops and the youngsters are quite curious. Taking the opportunity, I snap into action.

Arriving at Okonjima Bush Camp I have time for a shower before I get to do what I am here to do. Driving with the guests’ agent, Claudia to the Villa where Martin and Patrizia are getting ready for their vow renewal is a game drive in itself. Kudu, oryx and baboon just sitting next to the road – like this is normal. Again the thought strikes – I am literally only 50km from home. Why can’t “home” look like this? I expect the wedding guests to be almost ready – you know – getting ready etc. But instead, I find them at the pool, at the snack table and still deeply emerged in a book…  nobody seems stressed or in a hurry. The vibe is vastly different to any wedding I have photographed before. And I love it. Writing this, I realise that all my elopements and weddings with older people felt like this – we’ve done this, we’ve got time and life is good. A vibe that is obviously absent from traditional weddings. And a reminder of why I so love elopements.

It is hot. At four in the afternoon, the sun is holding nothing back. I can see everyone dwindling in the heat. Like flowers, the heads just bent lower and lower. The vows are renewed, tears are shed and well wishes are spoken. Before long the ceremony is over and the dancing commences – but not before everyone receives an ice cold water. Water is life, and life here is good. After all the group photos have been taken, we depart on a game drive to finally arrive at our destination – a table decked with delicacies in the middle of nowhere. Even on the game drive vehicle, it is difficult to spot the animals. But our guide is superb and I manage to add a few photos to my growing collection of animal photos. Whenever I spot an area for photos, everyone alights, stretches their legs and smiles like there is no end. Before long the sun starts dipping and we stop at the viewpoint. Here a feast is awaiting the guests. Delicacies from an artisan’s bakery and an icy selection of drinks – right here in the middle of nowhere. Namibian hospitality at its best. 

The light becomes softer and a golden glow appears on the grass blades swinging silently in front of us. My every nerve and muscle awakens after the incredible heat – it is time. Only now I get to do what I do best – photographing families and couples in the Namibian nature, in golden light. When the sun sets there is one final show – a thunderstorm on the distant horizons. As we return to the Villa for dinner and darkness fills the empty spaces around us, I look up into the night skies with an incredible sense of wonder. Being thankful out here under the stars, surrounded by nature, is easy and I wish I knew how to portray that thankfulness or at least knew how to capture the night skies to visualize what so often brings me to the tears of thankfulness – the Namibian nights.

Martin & Patrizia – thank you for making me a part of your very special day. For the few hours that I got to be part of your holiday, I felt like a part of the group. Thank you for sharing your life motto with me and for living it – Life is Indeed Good. Here is a small selection from the few hours I got to share with you. May it be an accurate representation of your day and may you find renewed love and joy in these photos.

Okonjima, but especially Lise – you are awesome. Keep doing what you do so well.