Belamie & Alain are getting married in Mozambique  (how romantic?!) and unfortunately their mozambiquan wedding venue can only accomodate a select few wedding guests like moms, dads and other close family. 

They decided on having a spiritual ceremony for extended family and friends and their chosen wedding venue was St Andrew’s school for girls situated in Edenvale Johannesburg.  The school is built in a traditional Victorian style and features older buildings (very well maintained) and well established gardens with rolling lawns and  enormous oak trees.

On arrival I was told that the start of the ceremony included each and every guest choosing a hat from a table covered in a array of  hats including a circus hat, pirate hat, cowboy hat and too many others to remember.

Belamie is a free-spirited woman, not necessarily like a hippie but just very spiritual and in tune with the earth and other people.  They really make a great pair, Alain is so in love and it’s always great being able to capture this kind of connection between a couple.

The ceremony consisted of dancing, not like race but just basically moving your body gently on the rythm of the music with a spiritual leader telling everyone how they should be moving….

like everybody slowly lift your arms up into the air, keep it there for a few seconds and then slowly bring them back down and this symbolises utilising the power of the earth to strengthen the bond between the couple and guide them in their upcoming marriage.

The ‘bridal couple’ stood in the middle of this big circle of friends in order to receive all these blessings.  In the middle of this ceremony Belamie and Alain had the chance to make a small speech to one another, about how much the other person means to them, how they met, what they’re expecting from the marriage and how much they cherish each other… you know the rest

After the ceremony they had a lovely picnic lunch and everyone enjoyed just socialising in paradise under umbrellas on soft picnic blankets.

It’s a real pleasure to photograph such a laid back bride and groom, it makes my job as a professional wedding photographer in Johannesburg so much easier and fun.  Having a relaxed couple really helps inspire me to create more beautiful and creative wedding imagery.

This unconventional wedding ceremony ended up giving me Goosebumps,  it was such a spiritual experience and will remain with me forever…

Riani