I was booked more than a year ago to photograph Bianca and Michaels wedding, and what an incredible wedding it was. Yes it was a loooong day, but the imagery that we managed to create more than compensated, and i would not have had it any other way.

Bianca treasure and values photographs, and she made sure that there would be loads of time to capture hers and Michaels special day. I am not sure how she managed to get all the best men and page boys ready before 8 in the morning but she did. You just got to love this girl.

I arrived at Michael’s parents home at 08h30 and outside I  was greeted by all the guys already dressed , ready and waiting. We did some funky cools shots in a half built house next door and then moved on to the more serious portraits. I had an absolute blast. Thanks guys for being such willing subjects.

Met up with Bianca just after 10, and the girls were all excited, giggling and excitedly getting ready. i had the most gorgeous dressing room to photograph in. Loads of natural window light and tons of space and time.

Family shots are always hectic, and this time it was no different with lots of arm movements, gesticulating and just having fun we finished more or less on time. Onto the bridal party shoot, it was “happy crazy” in a fun way, we captured some images at a nearby field, then moved onto a shopping centre in Sandton, had drinks at a local restaurant, stopped cars in the road and had a BLAST.

Bianca had planned her day to the T, and we were running on schedule , moving onto towards the Hilton we did a few last minute shots and then it was on to the reception.

Yea it was a long day, but most important we had fun and I could not have asked for more.
Bianca and Michael you folks are extremely blessed, you have a tremendous friends and family and I feel very honored to have been part of your day.

Highlights, to many to mention but the shot with the guys and girls deserves mention, the city shoot 10/10 , Bruce from the Face Box ( photo booth ) was a huge hit. DJ Paul rocked the crowd and kept them on the dance floor. Sergio for being a great friend and helping out during the shoot.

Venue: Hilton Hotel

Ceremony: St Charles Victory Park Church

Makeup: Cicillia Kaufmann

Videographer:  SB Video Productions, Specializing in Greek Weddings. Contact Sergio Batista 082 332 3305

DJ: DJ Paul 082 717 1452  or  071 252 6719
Latinos Mobile Disco

Photo Booth : Bruce Hill  082 575 9700

THIS IS A HUGE POST ENJOY!!!







Above: This must rate as one of my all time favourite images captured at a wedding. There is just something about this one. The expressions of the bridesmaids and the interaction is special.



Above: As we had loads of time, we decided to do a Bridal portrait of all the bridesmaids and flowergirls. Very traditional but classic and timeless.

Above: Bianca and Michael were walking back to the alter after giving thanks, when I noticed that one of the bridesmaids was holding Bianca's veil, the light and the feel of this image tells a story. Another one of my favs from the shoot.

Above: This must have been one of the luckiest men at the wedding, love the smile. pure Bliss.



Above: Love the interaction of the bridal party here,One of the bestmen is kissing a bridesmaid with everyone looking on. The expressions are priceless.





Above: Did a quick portrait of the couple before they entered the venue.

Above: Some of the guests having a blast at the photo booth. This was a huge hit.

Above: Great moment captured.

Above: Ever wondered what DJ Manny looks like? From Left to Right: Bianca, DJ Paul and Michael
Above: Father of the Bride, putting in some serious dance moves.


Above: Dancing with a potatoe Part 1

Dancing with a Potatoe part 2. Don't ask folks you needed to be at the wedding!!!

Hannelie and Theo got married this Saturday at Chez Charlene. I just love it when brides value photography. And Hannelie most certainly falls into this elite group. When I arrived Hannelie was already dressed and just waiting to be photographed. not only does this allow for more creative imagery, but it also allows for any hiccups that might just crop up. Well in this case it was all good and we did some amazing work. Theo who was also getting ready next door was far more casual and relaxed. No stress issues here.

I could not have asked for more, great couple, awesome bridal party, fantastic venue and good solid music.

Enjoy your honeymoon and will catch up with you wghen you return.
Best wishes.
Mario

Venue:Chez Charlene 

Makeup: Kim Winterscale  082 810 0178

Videography: Dehlia from DM Productions  082 920 7787

Music: DJ: DJ Paul 082 717 1452  or  071 252 6719
Latinos Mobile Disco

Above: A simple sexy shot of shoes.

Above: Hannelie looking absolutely gorgeous.





Above: One of my favs, the interaction, the love says it all in this picture.

Above: Shot as seen, no cropping.



The bridal party!!

Above: A fun sassy and playfull image.

At the end of the day we were blessed with some amazing light. Love the sequence.

Georgia and Sean great couple, awesome family members and a great celebration is how I would describe their wedding.

There is something about Greek weddings that always make me smile, you know that warm fuzzy feeling you get inside you! Well that is the way I felt about their wedding. Everybody is involved, from the little ones to Grandmothers and Grandfathers. Georgia you looked absolutely stunning, and Sean confirmed this during his speech, which was truely heartfelt and from the comments that I overheard from the guests they loved it. Winner in my book.

To the two of you may you be blessed and always look after one another. To your families thank you so much for making me feel welcome.

Another thanks also goes out to Deon from Natasha du Preez photography who accompanied me on the day and assisted me. It was great to have you around Deon. Here is a quick sneak peek.

Enjoy.

Mario

 

 

Lately i have been pushing boundaries to create some unconventional wedding imagery. And I must admit that my couples when they se the results absolutely love the idea and final product. Well I could not resist this one. Printed on eithe Fine Art paper ot on Canvas would look absolutely stunning.

Enjoy.

It was a rather strange not having to photograph a wedding in the rain this weekend. Apart from no rain, we were blessed with the most amazing light this weekend.

Taryn and Justin got married at Laquila, with close friends and family witnessing their vows. Although we ran about an hour behind schedule as a result of the minister getting trapped in traffic, there is always a positive. And the positive being that when it came to the Taryn and Justin’s photo op we had this incredible soft light filtering through. Also I had ample time to take some cracker portraits shots of Taryn. Side Note: Taryn was not phased at all, way to go Girl.

Here are a few of my favs from the shoot.
Many thanks you folks “Rocked”

Best wishes.
Mario

Above: Love the gorgeous light on this image, this was actually photographed outside in midday light almost.

 Love the window light filtering through.

Above: Made use of a wall to frame Taryn in this shot, focussed, locked in the focus and recomposed the shot.

Above: One of my favs from the shoot.

Above: Taryn specifically planned her wedding day to coincide with a full moon. No Kidding. Well I needed a closing shot to end their album with, and this is the result. Credit for this image must also go to Sergio ( videographer) who kindly let me use his video light and had to sit all cramped in at the back to light this for me. Owe you a "Cerveja" Sergio.

Saturday’s wedding of Tommie & Lecia was just out of this world. Now when you have a stunning couple, great service providers you are sure that it is going to be a cracker of a wedding. While the weather was another part of the day, it “RAINED BUCKETS”  a few minutes after they exited the chapel. but this did not deter Lecia or Tommie who hopefully had as much of a blast as I did. Most of these images were actually shot in the rain. Eventually it started to come down seriously and we sought cover amongst the building shooting and creating some Wow images.

Lecia’s wedding dress was pure Lecia and suited her personality and theme of the wedding.To both of you , thank you so much for a really great day. Will be posting images of the day after shoot shortly.
Best wishes and enjoy Thailand.

Service Providers:
Videography
PETRUS DU TOIT
E-mail
lucindaf@m.web.co.za
Tel:
0832845409

Wedding Co-ordinator and Dress Design      
PAPILIO DESIGNS
Lorraine
E-mail
Papiliodesigns@gmail.com
Tel:
083 289 9202

Makeup Artist                          
ELOISE
E-mail
Beautyunveiled @gmail.com
Tel:
084 820 5443

With all the rain we have been having lately it was a blessing that the rain held off. Fanie and Miranda got married at the NG Kerk Pretoria Oos whiich must certainly rate as one of the most striking churches to photograph. The reception was held at the Voortrekker Monument. Miranda’s dad ( who is also a keen photographer ) surprised her by framing all photographs that he had of them as a kid, on holidays, outings, special friends which he then tied up onto an old “old “ tree where guests could actually linger and have a look at them during the pre-dinner drinks. What a great idea. Here are a few of my favs.
    Enjoy, best wishes.
Mario

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donnie and Michelle got married on Friday at Intundla. They could not have selected a better day, the weather was great, the couple drop gorgeous and full of fun, and to top it all they just could not wait to get married. We had arranged to shoot some images before the actual ceremony and from the first meet I could see that these two are very much in love. Here are a few from the day. Enjoy Italy and catch up upon your return.
Best wishes.
Mario

The studio was broken into Friday morning. So for all those clients trying to contact me on my mobile unfortunately that was taken, hence this post. We should be operational again by Wednesday catching up on e-mail and administration,reloading software and backups.

As ever, best wishes and we look forward to a Fantastic 2010.

Mario Sales Artistic Imagery

 

What better way to start off the New Year with a wedding. I had the privilege of photographing Rachel and Jon’s wedding at Shepstone Gardens this Sunday. With close friends and family who travelled from various parts of the world to share it with them. Weather wise we were extremely fortunate, and we managed to get the most part of the coverage done before it came down. And did it rain,  even with loads of water everywhere it did not deter any of the guests or Jon and Rachel who made a special mention of it during his speech.
Many thanks to the two of you and your families.
Best wishes.
Mario

 

How often do you get the chance to watch some really old Classic Films, or try and make a point " That today I am going to set aside the entire day to watch some really old movies"? Well I was given a DVD collection of the Sergio Leone Anthology which consisted of ' A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" must rate as one of my favourite all time Westerns. Just love the musical score. The grain and the technicolour of these movies is like a catalyst transporting one back to your childhood. Mmmh! careful now I might just be giving my age away.

Well I just loved the way these movies were filmed, "panavistic" landscapes, tightly cropped shots and real life characters who weren't made up by plastic surgeons and caked with layers of makeup. Well after watching the full set, I decided to compile a short preview of the year in pictures from some of the shoots and weddings I did in 2009. This is by no means the complete picture, as I used what was currently available on my external hard drive at the time.

Given more time I will be compiling a slideshow of my favourite images for 2009, right after I finish watching The Motorcycle Diaries, Vacas and Malena.

Enjoy the peek show. File size is 10MB, so please be patient while it downloads.

Mario

Some time back I had the opportunity of photographing some table decor and dresses created by Papilio Designs. Well the images have now been published, so I am now able to share some of these with you. Lorraine and her team from Papilio Designs are creative and very much service orientated. So if you are looking for that something special be it flowers, decor or a wedding dress don’t forget to give them a call.

Take a peek at their website http://www.papiliodesigns.co.za/ for some inspiration.

 

 

I had the privilege of capturing Barry and Candice’s wedding this weekend, and I must admit it was a great way to end off the last wedding for the year.  Not only did we have a great time, but I had the most delicious Chinese lunch at Candice’s parent home, this time I did not need anyone to twist my arm. Many thanks for the warm hospitality Aunt Loraine and Uncle Chuck.

I started off by photographing Barry earlier on during the day, arriving 10 minutes earlier, which I account to no traffic, just love this time of the year. Was introduced to Barry’s parents, Aunt Shirley and Uncle David who flew up from Port Elizabeth.

I always take an interest in what Grooms are wearing, but this time Barry surprised me, the first thing that caught my eye was this black box with gold embossed lettering stating 
“ PRADA”. Well I can comfortably tick that off on my Bucket list. Now where is my Christmas wish list? These were real cool statements.

The service was held at the Sacred Heart College Chapel, and Candice made her entrance to Beethoven’s “ Ode to Joy” played by the Lyric Ensemble.

Candice and Barry, thank you so much for a great day. Your friendship and kindness shown towards me means a lot. It was an awesome wedding and I got to meet up with old friends. Rowan and Natasha - Congratulations on the birth of your son Justin I will most certainly be doing a family shoot in Sydney next year.

Best wishes,
Mario

Venue: Johannesburg Country Club

Videography: JPB Media Productions ask for Juan website link

 

Classy, understated and an amazing couple is how I would describe Esme and Neel's wedding. When I first caught a glimpse of Esme'e wedding dress, I just knew that this was going to be a Humdinger of a wedding. Neels could not have said it better durring his speech, they wanted a casual unpretentious feel, and they surely pulled it off. Esme and Neels you both looked great and I had a great time. Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to capture your special day. Best wishes and enjoy the Honeymoon. Best wishes. Mario

Venue: Bergvallei

Videography: JPB Media Productions. Ask for Juan website link

Rhole and Willem tied the knot at Galagos. After some dodgy rainy weather the last couple of days and leading up to the wedding, Friday morning was a beautiful sunny day. Hooray! Rhole ad Willem met while in Chile, hence the chilli in one of the images, so before any of you folks out there start asking , there is the answer. Here are a few from the day. Enjoy. As ever, best wishes. Mario