Our vision for this shoot:
COLOURFUL ELEGANCE
1. Colourful
We made the bold choice to infuse this shoot with vibrant pops of colour including soft teal and blue, bright pinks, yellows, and oranges. We aimed to create something that would truly stand out! While neutrals have their charm, a burst of colour never fails to captivate attention!
2. Elegance
We all love an elegant-looking bride with a bit of fun and Anelle was the perfect model for this. She is soft yet has a fiercely fun demeanour! We also picked a dress that screamed class, with its stunning sequins, and off-shoulder chic.
Now onto the details...
Let us look at the thoughts, love and the wonderful vendors that contributed to this amazing styled elopement shoot in Johannesburg.
Venue: Villa Lugano guesthouse
Located in Johannesburg South, Villa Lugano Guesthouse offers the ambiance of Italy right in the midst of Johannesburg's hustle and bustle. It provides the bright and airy feel of Italy, as well as the moody and elegant atmosphere of a high-class hotel. This served as the backdrop for our day, and we took full advantage of the space. A special thank you to Irma for her amazing assistance.
In the tranquil side of Johannesburg, experience elegance, vibrant colours, and luxurious surroundings.
Entering the city...
Here are some of the magical moments captured & explained
We strive to capture the essence of movement in our photos, whether it's the energy of running, the joy of spinning, the exuberance of jumping, or the grace of dancing. These activities help to bring out the genuine personalities of our clients, as laughter and sincere expressions create a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Our goal is to capture the romance and love between couples in an authentic and heartfelt way.
Of course there was a mini reception set-up...
After nearly a full day of shooting, we headed back to the guesthouse for a final round of photos and some much-needed sustenance. We enjoyed pizza, leftover champagne, and cake. While we (Nate & Mika) don't have photo evidence of this, we do have some beautiful photos of the setup. Take a look!
cake made by Tisha treats.
We frequently witness the ebb and flow of trends. Some embrace them, while others do not. Currently, there is a trend of imparting photos with an old film aesthetic, capturing blurry images, and using direct flash. As mentioned before, opinions on these trends vary. Ultimately, it all depends on the moment.
We combined the timeless charm of classic cake design with the dynamic energy of direct flash photography, creating a blend of tradition and innovation that captures the essence of the latest trends.
Now for the rest of the amazing vendors who really helped turn our vision into a beautiful reality.
Make-up artist:
Minette from @authentic_artistry has an incredible talent for enhancing Anelle's natural beauty. Her keen eye for colour, friendly nature, and easygoing personality made her an absolute joy to work with. We were truly honoured to have Minette on our team!
Hair stylist:
Our wonderful Sandra, from @sandra_dee_makeupartistry, all the way from Krugersdorp, showcased her incredible hairstyling skills. She took the initiative to ensure that Anelle's hair perfectly complemented her dress and natural beauty. Sandra was a pleasure to work with, and we eagerly anticipate seeing more of her remarkable talents in the future!
Scooter rental
We've been fortunate to collaborate with @jozirides & @classic_rides_za on multiple occasions, and they consistently exceed expectations. Whether you're in search of extraordinary rental cars or, as in our case, a charming teal & white vintage scooter, they come with our highest recommendation!
Jewellery:
Have you noticed the exquisite, delicate yet striking earrings? They were generously provided by the fantastic PDM Trading, who also supplied the breathtaking dress we featured on the day. Be sure to pay them a visit, either online or at their boutique in Alberton – you won't be disappointed!
Wedding Stationery
Most people are unaware of this, but Nate, in addition to being an amazing photographer, videographer, and dedicated editor, is also an industrial designer. One of his other endeavours is his wedding stationery business called Momento. Even though it's still in its early stages, whether you're in need of wedding invitations, table numbers, or a beautiful menu for your special day, Nate has all your graphic design needs covered.
Thanks to everyone who was part of this special day! I appreciate all the vendors, my wonderful husband who helped with last-minute planning, our supportive parents, and our mom for the incredible platter of treats and love!
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. Our business is also our passion and ministry. We take pride in honouring people, appreciating good work, and adding a personal touch to everything we do.
With all our love
Nate & Mika
Photo by Andrea Cronje, Mpumalanga, 2023
Who are we?
Hey there, we’re Nate and Mika, your go-to wedding and elopement photographers in South Africa! Whether you're celebrating in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, or the stunning landscapes of Mpumalanga, we’re here to capture those beautiful, unforgettable moments. Our passion is people, and we are driven by our love for Jesus, sharing that love through our craft and our business.
We treat every client as cherished friends, not just clients. From the moment you book with us to the instant we make you feel at ease in front of the camera, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional service and creating memories you'll treasure forever.
Ready to make your wedding or elopement unforgettable? Reach out to us today, and let’s start planning your dream celebration!