Journal

We have a rule about photographing friends weddings and that is - we don't. If you do, you'll never get to attend one. It's a simple yet effective rule. With Lauren and Gene however things were different.

To be honest, at the time, were more "friendly" than "friends". You know, sort of friends through friends. And as we never expected to crack an invite to the wedding we saw no reason why we shouldn't photograph what was certain to be a very unconventional celebration.  What we didn't realise was how much things would change in the run up to the wedding.

We really got to know them and friendly moved over to friends. Gene is a quiet but enormously interesting character who plays the French Horn, designs & builds furniture, knows how to weld & has seen Africa from the seat of an old motorcycle. Lauren, with her unmistakeable edge is best known for her illustration work but she has a heart that may actually be too big for her chest. They both do actually. We have honestly never seen so many hugs at a wedding. 

Lauren and Gene chose the beautiful Swartland farm Kalmoesfontein, owned by the kamikaze winemaker Adi Badenhorst, with its endless views, laid-back atmosphere, its magical eucalyptus forest, and the two farm dogs Appel and James. Their own dog, Leo, looked right at home amongst the farm hounds and in his duties as best man at Gene's feet during the ceremony. The couple wanted their wedding day to reflect their personalities and planned a simply decorated, honest and laid-back wedding celebration which they could share and enjoy with family and friends.

There was lots of wine, laughter, plenty of hugging and a real treat for everyone with live music and dinner from the El Burro Mexican Food Truck. Kind and heartfelt words were shared in the speaches. With more than few unexpected tears from Lauren. It felt like the kind of wedding that you never wanted to end.

So in the end and without really planning to, we kind of broke our own rule. And even though we weren't actually invited we will always be grateful that we got to see our good friends celebrate their wedding day.

Congratulations Gin and Elly. x