The perfect Garden Route Elopement!
There are weddings you photograph, and then there are weddings that stay with you forever.
Babette and Aurel’s elopement is one of those days I’ll never forget.
These two wonderful humans travelled all the way from Germany to elope in my hometown of Plettenberg Bay, and from the very first moment, I knew it was going to be something incredibly special.
It was a hot summer’s day on the 16th of December 2025, and we started the morning at the beautiful Emily Moon. Standing on the river deck, surrounded by nothing but birdsong and peaceful views, Aurel turned around for the very first time to see Babette in her wedding dress.
I’m pretty sure he was speechless…
To be fair, so was I!
After soaking up those first few moments together, we made our way to Robberg Nature Reserve. One of my favourite things about photographing in Plettenberg Bay is knowing all the little hidden corners, and on this day I managed to find the most incredible spot. No crowds. Just the two of them, the sound of waves crashing below, seagulls soaring overhead and one of the most beautiful island backdrops you could ask for.
It was here that Babette and Aurel exchanged their private vows, slipped rings onto each other’s fingers and signed their marriage documents, officially becoming husband and wife.
It was quiet.
It was intimate.
It was perfect.
With the formalities complete, we spent some time simply exploring together, creating everything from huge landscape photographs with dramatic negative space to the little in-between moments that tell the real story of a wedding day. The hugs. The smiles. The “we actually did it” moments.
From the ocean, we swapped it for the African bush.
Next stop, Plett Game Reserve.
I honestly can’t think of a better way to celebrate your wedding day than climbing into a safari vehicle with your favourite person. As we explored the reserve, we were greeted by zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, sable, waterbuck, springbok, blesbok and even fallow deer. We stopped at one of the viewpoints overlooking the reserve, popped a bottle of champagne and simply enjoyed being surrounded by nature.
No rushing.
No schedule.
Just soaking it all in.
As if the day hadn’t already given us enough, we finished at Kay and Monty just as the sun began to disappear. And wow… what a sunset.
The sky exploded into shades of pink, purple and orange, reflecting beautifully across the dam while the vineyards glowed in the last light of the day. It was one of those sunsets photographers dream about, and the perfect way to end an unforgettable adventure.
The celebrations weren’t over just yet.
A beautiful dinner had been arranged in the vineyards, complete with a surprise wedding cake waiting for them. It was the perfect ending to the perfect day.
Then came one of my favourite moments.
As I packed my camera bag and said my goodbyes, Babette and Aurel phoned their families back in Germany to tell them they had just got married.
Standing nearby, I could hear the excitement, the laughter, the happy tears and the overwhelming joy coming through the phone.
Those are the moments that stay with me.
Not because I photographed them.
Because I got to witness them.
Babette and Aurel, thank you for trusting me with one of the biggest days of your lives. Thank you for travelling across the world to celebrate your love in my little corner of South Africa, and for reminding me why I love what I do so much.
Our adventure didn’t quite end there though.
A few days later, we met again before sunrise back at your ceremony location for another magical session together. It was the perfect way to finish your South African adventure, and you can read all about that sunrise shoot in my next blog.
Until we meet again, thank you for an unforgettable adventure.
S
Elopement Wedding Professionals:
Make up and hair: Donna Taylor
Wedding Officiant: Gavin Brown
Robberg Nature Reserve is one of those places that never loses its magic. With rugged cliffs, endless ocean views, secluded beaches and winding coastal trails, it’s a place where nature puts on a show at every turn. Whether the sea is calm and glassy or waves are crashing against the rocks below, every visit feels a little different, making each experience as memorable as the last.
Beyond the breathtaking scenery, Robberg is alive with wildlife. Dolphins regularly cruise through the bay, Cape fur seals play in the surf below the cliffs, and during whale season, Southern Right and Humpback Whales can often be spotted offshore. As the sun begins to set, the reserve is bathed in warm golden light, creating the perfect backdrop for adventurous couples, growing families and unforgettable moments. It’s a place that encourages you to slow down, explore together and simply enjoy being surrounded by the incredible beauty of the Garden Route.
