Who doesn’t love a real Safari Wedding?
Every now and then, a wedding comes along that reminds you exactly why you fell in love with photographing people.
Ben and Richard’s wedding was one of those days.
Richard grew up in South Africa, while Ben calls the UK home, and when it came time to decide where they wanted to celebrate one of the biggest moments of their lives, there was only one place that felt right.
Home.
They chose the beautiful Belle Balance, nestled within Plett Game Reserve just outside Plettenberg Bay, to bring together their favourite people from opposite sides of the world. It was the perfect setting to celebrate not only their marriage but the joining of two families, two countries and so many incredible friendships.
Now… before we go any further, we need to talk about the suits.
Burnt orange.
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I’ve always dreamed of photographing burnt orange wedding suits. So when Ben and Richard stepped out looking as incredible as they did, I think my exact words were…
“Well… I can retire now!”
Obviously I was joking… but honestly, they were everything I’d hoped they would be.
From that moment on, the day just flowed.
There was no rush. No stress. Just two people completely present with one another and surrounded by the people who love them most.
The laughter came easily.
The tears came just as easily.
And every moment felt genuine.
One of my favourite parts of the day was listening to the speeches. They were heartfelt, funny, beautifully written and filled with the kind of stories that only the people closest to you can tell. Before long, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
Including mine.
It’s moments like these that remind me wedding photography has very little to do with photographs.
It’s about preserving the feeling.
The uncontrollable laughter.
The proud parents.
The friends who travelled across the world.
The stories you’ll tell for years to come.
Those are the memories that matter.
As the evening continued, the celebrations carried on with incredible food, great company and a dance floor full of people who simply didn’t want the day to end.
Exactly how a wedding should be.
Ben and Richard, thank you for trusting me to tell your story. Thank you for making me laugh, for making me cry, and for finally letting me photograph the burnt orange suits I’d been dreaming about for years.
Although… I do have one request.
One day, we’re taking those suits to Iceland.
I can already picture the two of you standing on the black sand beaches with the Atlantic crashing behind you. I honestly think those suits were made for that landscape.
Until then, thank you for an unforgettable day, for welcoming me so warmly into your celebration, and for reminding me that the very best weddings aren’t about perfection.
They’re about people.
Congratulations, my friends.
S
These days are not possible without extremely talented humans that have chosen to be in the wedding industry:
Venue: @belle_balance_
Florals and wedding co-ordination: @ecozest_dp
Marriage Officiant: @sandycoffey_marriage_officer
DJ: @huntedmike
Catering @iledepain
Suits: @editsuits
Belle Balance is a beautiful Garden Route wedding venue situated on the Plett Game Reserve property, just outside Plettenberg Bay. Surrounded by rolling hills, open bushveld, tranquil dams and mountain views, it offers couples the chance to celebrate their wedding in an elegant setting while still experiencing the wild beauty of South Africa.
One of the most special things about getting married at Belle Balance is having the game reserve right on your doorstep. Couples can include a guided safari, wildlife portraits, a romantic bush picnic or a champagne stop overlooking the reserve as part of their wedding day. Plett Game Reserve is home to an incredible variety of animals, including giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocodile, sable, waterbuck, springbok, blesbok and fallow deer, creating an unforgettable experience for couples and their guests.
The venue itself offers beautiful gardens, vineyards, reflective dams and peaceful countryside views, providing plenty of variety for wedding photographs throughout the day. As the sun begins to set, the surrounding landscape comes alive with warm golden light, while the still water can create incredible reflections across the dam.
Located near Plettenberg Bay, Belle Balance combines the relaxed atmosphere of the Garden Route with the excitement of an African safari wedding. With beaches, forests, nature reserves and the ocean all within reach, it is an ideal venue for couples looking for a destination wedding that feels romantic, adventurous and unmistakably South African.
