I have heard about Zimbali a few times but this was my first time shooting a wedding there on the beach and I just have to say that it is magnificent.  They describe their lodge as:

“Zimbali Coastal Resort is a breathtaking 700-hectare Coastal Resort situated on a pristine stretch of KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast. It is a place of expansive beauty, endowed with lush vegetation and an abundance of indigenous wildlife. Appropriately, it’s Zulu name means ‘valley of flowers’. Featuring inspired architecture that displays an Indonesian influence, the majestic estate offers residents and guests an exceptional quality of life within a pristine natural environment. Zimbali is perfectly positioned to experience the unmatched magnificence of the KwaZulu-Natal province.”

Being a wedding photographer I thought I had arrived in Heaven when I had my first tour of Zimbali.  The architecture is tastefully designed to accomodate the environment (as you can see from the pics with the wall and a tree encapsulating it)  They have their own private beach where you can have your special wedding ceremony, complete with a horse bringing you in and all.

The vegetation is lush and provides a breathtaking backdrop to all beach wedding photos, ensuring that you have a wide variety of backgrounds.  I would recommned having your beach wedding at the Fairmont Zimbali resort on the Dolphin Coast in a heartbeat.  The service is superb and the venue is a slice of heaven…

Riani

Zimbali Beach Wedding Venue

“The Thaba Ya Batswana Eco Lodge is a rare and valuable jewel surrounded by the southern Johannesburg metropolis, which captures the spirit of the African renaissance. It is situated in the Klipriversberg Nature Reserve area and has an abundance of indigenous trees, plants, birds and wildlife. The Tswana name meaning “Mountain of the Tswana People” is an apt description due to the discovery of Tswana settlement ruins that date back between 300 and 600 years. The historic remnants of the Tswana people are scattered throughout

the eco lodge where visitors are able to observe it from many of the paths and trails.” – Taken from the Thaba Ya Batswana website.

Johannesburg and its surrounds are known for its beautiful wedding venues.  We have got everything from Italian villages at Avianto right through to the African experience at Thaba Ya Batswana.  Professional wedding photographers have the pleasure of seeing and experiencing all these beaufitul wedding venues while they are working.

A few reasons why I love the wedding venue Thaba Ya Batswana:  Their venue is well looked after and have absolutely breathtaking sunsets.  Friendly service at all times, doesn’t matter of you are there for a small conference or a R50 000 wedding the staff are always helpful.  The chapel is set in between the most beautiful trees and have natural light falling through the big windows.  And the food (OMW the food) is always mouth watering…  and this is just to name a few.

I have done so many photoshoots for Sam & Arthur that they almost feel like family by now… J  They chose Thaba Ya Batswana as their perfect wedding venue (and also to christen baby Chaise)  Ok, ok they only told everyone they are christening Chaise but not that they are also getting married at the same time (or what did Sam call it, formalities lol)  The dress

was made from the most elegant flowy material and Sam looked nothing short of a Greek Goddess.  It had been chilly all week before the wedding but luckily Sam knew where to order lovely weather which made it perfect conditions to shoot wedding photos in.  Sam & Arth, it really was a pleasure and a privilege to take your stunning wedding photos and I wish you guys many more happy years together!

Riani

Choosing the perfect wedding photographer is almost more important than choosing a wedding venue.  This is the person you enturst with capturing some of the most important memories of your life…  I always feel truly privileged when people choose me as their wedding photographer, it is just such a special responsibility that we as top wedding photographers share with wedding couples.  You have to feel so

comfortable around your wedding photographer just like they are family.  Along with a really good wedding portfolio of course.  We also offer engagement photoshoots, so that you can meet and bond with your wedding photographer, see their style and and decide if they are the perfect wedding photographer.  With the added extra bonus that if you book your wedding photos with us you get the engagement shoot absolutely free.  Contact us now for extra information at info@louisedieselphotography.co.za

Riani

Being in the profession we are we have had the opportunity to see a lot of wedding venues in muldersdrift and just about
everywhere else.  Let me tell you that Toadbury Hall ranks in the top ten wedding venues in Johannesburg.  They have beautiful
scenery (including big old trees, rose gardens, a lovely Jetty over the water and wide open spaces)  Combine all of this and add
the breathtaking chapel and delicious food and you have a great wedding venue!

I had the privilege of meeting C & D earlier this year and was amazed at the special connection which they share.  On their
wedding day they couldn’t have asked for better weather conditions.  A wonderful summer’s day in sunny South-Africa.  This special
wedding was a small intimate gathering shared with family and close friends.  It gives me the goosies just to think about it…

Everything went perfectly smooth and they had a wonderful celebration.  I always say that the only thing that  matters is that
you get married on the day and this is exactly what they did

Guys may your marriage be truly blesses until the end of time…
Riani

Shepstone Gardens is a beautiful wedding venue situated in the heart of Johannesburg.  When you drive past it in the street you can never imagine the true beauty which lies inside the stone walls.

This Johannesburg wedding venue also has it’s own unique story.  Ken’s father has a passion for gardening (which you will see once you go and have a look at these heavenly gardens)  So one day Ken proposed to his father why don’t they turn it into a wedding venue?  And voila!

When I went through to go and take a look before the wedding day I remember walking up the stairs and telling Ken how beautiful his venue is.  And he was saying but I haven’t even seen it yet.  I just had the feeling like I was walking into a movie.  You don’t get many places like Shepstone Gardens in South-Africa and that’s what makes this a unique wedding venue.

Sharon & Anton is living proof that you can really find your soul mate over the internet.  Yes, they met in a chatroom and decided to then meet face to face and here they are a few years down the line saying I DO

They are completely smitten…  You can almost feel the energy when you are in their company. WOW!  I love to just watch the way they communicate.  You know that song:” You say it best.., when you say nothing at all…”  It makes me think of them.

Sharon & Anton, thank you for making me feel like part of the family!  I truly enjoyed your gorgeous wedding day and all the best for the future!

Riani

The thing that I like most about Thaba Ya Batswana (which is a wedding venue and conference centre) is that it’s close by but you feel like you are in the bush. It’s like a little bit if the bushveld in the heart of JHB As you already know Thaba Ya Batswana’s Kraal Kombuis has been one of woman at work’s venues but we just couldn’t resist going back there (seeing that we had such a lovely time there last time…nudge…nudge…wink…wink) We had a great turn-out of roundabout 100-110 ladies who wanted to network and promote their business. Every woman got a nice floral necklace just to get us into the mood of Spring. I don’t know about you but I am ecstatic that winter is over Every woman at work event (and I’ve been to every single one) is without exception better than the last. I think this is because there is always such a dynamic group of women attending and this just makes the event a wonderful success! For attending this month’s woman at work networking event in the south of JHB you even got the opportunity to appear on TV… Vasi is busy shooting a movie about women empowerment and had all the ladies doing funny moves like “hanging the washing” and “washing the clothes” while repeating the slogan “WOMAN AT WORK…BREAK THE SILENCE…” laughed so much that our stomach muscles eventually hurt:-) Robyn introduced to us to her new revolutional water product which is called Soul Sole (pronounced soul so-lay) This water has gone through a process which has added electrolytes which basically makes this water a natural energiser. To give you an example normal REHIDRAT contains 11 electrolytes and soul sole has 83 electrolyes. AMAZING!!! It took Robyn and her partner 7 years to get their water medical aid approved. Then we also had Alison come and talk to us about putting the spring back in your step. As women we are always trying to get our families to eat healthily but I think we sometimes lose focus when doing it for ourselves. I’m not saying you need to diet just to eat bigger portions of healthy foods and veg. Making time for yourself every day is vitally important. When last did you do something completely for yourself. Just had some you-time? Exactly my point. Recharging the batteries of your soul is just as important as taking care of your family. Just like a bird can’t fly without one wing, you can’t help others if you don’t help yourself. So even if you only take 10 minutes out of your day, make time for YOU and what you want. Then we also heard the exciting news that woman at work is branching out to the East of Johannesburg. Wandy and Debbie will be running and overseeing this section. Isn’t it wonderful? Likeminded businesswomen understand each other and that is why we need to stand together and support women. By doing this we are not only empowering ourselves but also empowering other like-minded women. PS-Ican’t believe we didn’t have any microphone malfunctions and that we managed to finish on time!! Well done Toni & Tanya
Riani

We have photographed countless weddings for overseas couples so I thought today I would write a quick blog on tips on planning your African Destination wedding 8000km’s or more away…

Imagine taking the plunge and saying ‘I do’  by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean or in the heart of the bushveld somewhere in Africa.

South-Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and is the perfect country to get married in because it is a vastly big country with a rich diversity of cultures and gorgeous surroundings.  You can choose from almost every possible choice from having your wedding on a beach in picturesque Mozambique or getting married in the bush (true african wedding style) and even having your wedding photos taken with African Lion Cubs. And as a bonus most South Africans are laid back and fun-loving and visitors always feel instantly at home.

When getting married in Africa (or any overseas location for that matter) be on the lookout for a wedding venue who offers a one-stop service and are able to organise everything from a venue to a minister, to catering, decorations etc.  Each event is individually planned and, with everything taken care of prior to the your arrival, your peace of mind is guaranteed.

It is a good idea to try and book your African wedding venue and South-African wedding photographer a year in advance for a large wedding, while smaller wedding celebrations can be arranged within 48 hours.  Services such as ministers, decor and flowers can be organised at shorter notice but keep in mind that will be subject to availability.

Wedding licenses takes roundabout 2 days to be processed.  Legal requirements in South-Africa include couples’ passports, copies of previous marriage/divorce documents and birth certificates.  Your wedding minister will then be able to perform the service and arrange all legal documentation.  The only limitation concerning you African wedding venue is that the signing of the register needs to take place under a roof.

Then lastly, remember that the sky is the limit… If you do all the necessary research and planning you can have your wedding in africa exactly the way you have always seen it in your wildest dreams

Riani