A 04h30 start to catch the perfect sunrise over Robberg Nature Reserve
Some adventures are just too good to end after one day.
After spending Babette and Aurel’s incredible wedding day together, I couldn’t stop thinking about the beautiful little ceremony spot we had found at Robberg Nature Reserve. I knew exactly what it looked like at sunrise and I also knew they were leaving South Africa soon.
So I asked them:
“How do you feel about one more adventure?”
Luckily, they were just as excited as I was.
Our alarms went off painfully early, and we met at Robberg at 04h30 in the morning, giving ourselves plenty of time to walk out to the ceremony location before the sun appeared over the horizon.
And wow!!!! Was it worth it.
As the first light crept across the bay, the Island slowly came to life, the ocean sparkled beneath us and the exact place where they had promised forever to each other just a few days earlier was glowing in the most beautiful morning light.
It was one of those mornings where everything simply came together.
No crowds.
No distractions.
Just the three of us, an unforgettable sunrise and two wonderful humans completely soaking up every last moment of their South African adventure.
We wandered around the cliffs, created some of my favourite large landscape photographs from the entire trip, found little pockets of beautiful light and, as always, spent just as much time chatting and laughing as we did taking photographs.
That’s honestly one of my favourite parts of this job.
By the end of a wedding or an adventure session, it rarely feels like I’m saying goodbye to clients.
It feels like I’m saying goodbye to friends.
When it was finally time to head back, we shared one last hug before Babette and Aurel continued their South African journey. I’ll admit, it was a little bittersweet.
I absolutely loved every single minute we spent together over those few days.
Babette and Aurel, thank you for trusting me, for embracing every adventure, every early morning, every kilometre travelled and every crazy idea I threw your way. Thank you for reminding me why I love photographing intimate weddings and adventurous couples so much.
I hope every time you look back at these photographs, you’re transported straight back to that quiet little corner of Robberg, watching the sunrise over the bay where the next greatest adventure began, marriage.
Until our next adventure…
S
Robberg Nature Reserve is one of the most iconic locations in Plettenberg Bay and one of the Garden Route’s most spectacular places for couples, engagement sessions, family photography and intimate weddings. With dramatic coastal cliffs, secluded beaches, endless ocean views and winding walking trails, it offers an ever-changing backdrop that’s beautiful in every season. Whether you’re visiting for sunrise, when the first light spills across the bay, or at sunset as the sky transforms into shades of pink, orange and purple, Robberg never fails to leave a lasting impression.
Beyond its breathtaking scenery, Robberg is a place where nature truly comes alive. Dolphins are regularly seen surfing the waves, Cape fur seals gather along the rocky shoreline, and during the winter months Southern Right and Humpback Whales can often be spotted just offshore. For adventurous couples looking to experience the natural beauty of Plettenberg Bay, Robberg Nature Reserve offers the perfect combination of wild landscapes, incredible wildlife and unforgettable views, making it one of South Africa’s most remarkable locations for creating lasting memories.
