Nadine & Riaan
Nadine and Riaan’s wedding was not just another assignment. It was a destination wedding, and a family one.
The journey led to Bloemfontein, Riaan’s hometown. The timing placed the wedding in early March, which corresponds to late summer in South Africa. Conditions were consistent throughout the day: clear blue skies, strong sunlight, and temperatures reaching 35°C. That level of brightness affects both pacing and shooting style. You work more deliberately with light and seek controlled shade when needed.
The venue, Goosehill Wedding & Guest Farm, is set within open natural surroundings. It leans into a rustic aesthetic, with simple structures, earthy textures, and wide, uninterrupted views. This type of environment offers clean compositions and strong natural colour, particularly in late afternoon.
This wedding carried a different weight for me. Riaan is my brother-in-law, which meant I was both a guest and the photographer. That dual role changes your perspective. You are documenting the day, but you are also part of it.
The morning began with Riaan. I captured a sequence at the barber’s, where he had a haircut and a traditional shave. Those moments tend to be understated but add context to the overall story. From there, I moved to Nadine’s preparations. Hair and makeup were handled by Posh Lab Dan Pienaar. The setup was calm and structured, which helped maintain a steady pace leading into the ceremony.
The civil ceremony took place in the on-site chapel. One detail set it apart. The celebrant was the groom’s brother, who is also my partner. Most guests were expecting a formal officiant, so this came as a genuine surprise. It shifted the tone immediately. The ceremony felt more personal and closely connected to the people involved.
Afterwards, we completed the family and group photographs while the light was still strong. Then we moved away from the main venue into the surrounding bush. This area included a disused quarry, which introduced texture and depth to the landscape. The terrain, combined with the warm tones of late afternoon, created a strong visual contrast. As golden hour approached, the light softened and became more directional. That window is short, but it delivers the most consistent results. We positioned the couple near a traditional windmill just before sunset. These windmills are a recognisable feature of the Free State landscape, and including one added a clear sense of place.
What makes a location truly work for photography? It is not just appearance. It is how light interacts with it at specific times of day. Nadine and Riaan were fully present throughout. Relaxed, connected, and engaged with each other. That consistency made the process straightforward. There was no need to over-direct or interrupt the flow.
Looking back, this wedding combined personal significance, a distinct location, and strong natural conditions. It required balance between participation and observation.
And it is one I will always remember for both reasons.
