Kirsty & Josh's Kay and Monty wedding, photography by Sharyn Hodges.
From Sharyn’s journal

Kirsty & Josh’s Fairytale Kay And Monty Wedding

Kay And Monty is one of my favourite wedding venues and today's wedding was just spectacular. The day was a perfect December summers day and the sunset was just perfect as always over the dam, let's not even talk about the stunning decor! What a day!

A Perfect Kay And Monty Wedding! 

There are weddings that you enjoy photographing, and then there are weddings that leave you driving home (with an ice cream in hand) with the biggest smile on your face, already wishing you could photograph it all over again.

Kirsty and Josh’s wedding at Kay and Monty was one of those weddings.

The day began at The Palms, where both Kirsty and Josh got ready surrounded by the people who mean the most to them.

The girls’ suite was full of excitement. Champagne was flowing, music was playing, everyone was helping each other get ready and there was that beautiful mix of anticipation and emotion that always fills the room on a wedding morning.

The boys, however, had a slightly different approach.

Before getting suited up, they decided there was only one sensible thing to do, with a LITTLE bit of encouragement from my side, jump straight into the swimming pool!

It was the perfect way to start the day. Carefree, full of laughter and completely reflective of the relaxed atmosphere that would carry through the entire wedding.

From the moment I arrived at Kay and Monty, I couldn’t stop smiling.

Kirsty had thought of absolutely everything.

Every little detail had been planned so beautifully, but nothing caught my eye quite like the flowers.

Blue and purple hydrangeas.

For days. AND DAAAAAYS!!

Honestly, it felt like walking into a fairytale. Every corner of the venue seemed to have another stunning arrangement, another thoughtful detail or another beautiful scene just waiting to be photographed.

If I could shoot this wedding every single weekend, I honestly think I would.

As if the styling wasn’t enough, the weather decided to play along too.

The ceremony took place beneath a blanket of soft cloud, creating the most beautiful light as Kirsty and Josh exchanged their vows surrounded by their family and friends.

And then came their personal vows.

I honestly don’t know if there was a dry eye left.

They were heartfelt, emotional and beautifully written one of those moments where you almost forget you’re holding a camera because you’re so caught up in what you’re witnessing.

Their bridal party made the whole experience even more memorable. There was so much laughter, so much encouragement and so much genuine excitement for Kirsty and Josh that every photograph felt effortless.

Then, almost as if someone had timed it perfectly, the clouds slowly parted.

The sun broke through just as we headed off for their couple session.

Photographer heaven.

We wandered around the dam, explored the fynbos and walked through the vineyards while the late afternoon sun wrapped everything in the most beautiful golden light.

Those are the moments photographers dream about.

Beautiful light.

A couple completely lost in each other.

No rushing.

No pressure.

Just time to create.

And safe to say, we came away with some absolute bangers.

Then came the speeches.

The kind that have everyone laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next.

Family and friends shared stories that celebrated not only who Kirsty and Josh are as individuals, but who they are together. You could feel just how loved they are by every single person in the room.

The celebrations carried on exactly as they should.

The food was absolutely delicious.

The ice cream cart quickly became one of the biggest hits of the afternoon, with guests lining up between conversations and laughter.

As the sun disappeared and the evening settled in, the dance floor came alive.

The music got louder.

The shoes started coming off.

The dance moves became more questionable.

And everyone celebrated exactly the way a wedding should be celebrated.

Looking back, it’s almost impossible to choose a favourite part of the day because every moment seemed to flow effortlessly into the next.

Beautiful styling.

Perfect weather.

Heartfelt vows.

Emotional speeches.

A couple completely in love.

Friends and family who celebrated every second.

It truly felt like a fairytale from beginning to end.

Kirsty and Josh, thank you for trusting me to capture one of the most important days of your lives. Thank you for welcoming me into your world, for making me laugh, for making me cry, and for reminding me why I fell in love with photographing weddings in the first place.

Your day was unforgettable, and I have no doubt that everyone who was lucky enough to be there will remember it for years to come.

Congratulations again, you two.

S

 

These days are not possible without extremely talented humans that have chosen to be in the wedding industry:

Wedding Planner & Decor – Mango Tango Events

Venue & Food – Kay and Monty 

Flowers & Co-ordination – Louise Fine Flowers

Videographer – Gustav Geldenhuys

Dj & Saxophonist – Harrison Entertainment 

Musician – Tanner Wareham

Lights & draping – Du Toit Events 

Furniture Hiring – Du Toit Events 

Hair – Saint Marks & Co

Makeup – Kayla Thirion

Officiant – Gavin Brown 

Cake – Sweet Joy Cakes 

Ice Cream Cart – Ice Palazzo 

Wedding Dress – Vonve Bridal Couture

Suit – David Harris Custom Made

Bridesmaid Dresses – Billy J Bridal 

Stationary – Andrea Maree Design Studio 

Live Guest Portraits – Hannah whitehead

Luggage Tags – Tags by Elysian

Hotel Getting Ready – Ivory Haus 

 

 

Tucked away in the rolling countryside just outside Plettenberg Bay, Kay and Monty Vineyards is one of the Garden Route’s most picturesque wedding and photography locations. Surrounded by vineyards, tranquil dams, indigenous gardens and breathtaking mountain views, it offers a peaceful escape where couples can celebrate life’s biggest moments while embracing the beauty of nature. Every season brings something different, making it a stunning backdrop for weddings, engagements, maternity sessions and family photography.

One of the things I love most about Kay and Monty is the incredible golden hour light. As the sun begins to set, the vineyards glow with warm tones, the surrounding mountains are bathed in soft light and the still dams often create beautiful reflections that make every photograph feel a little magical. Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding, celebrating a milestone or simply spending time with the people you love most, Kay and Monty offers a relaxed and unforgettable Garden Route setting that perfectly captures the charm of Plettenberg Bay.

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A wedding celebration photographed by Sharyn Hodges
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