Our vision for this shoot:

COLOURFUL ELEGANCE

Newlyweds riding a mint green Vespa scooter at sunset.

1. Colourful

We made the bold choice to infuse this shoot with vibrant pops of colour including soft teal and blue, bright pinks, yellows, and oranges. We aimed to create something that would truly stand out! While neutrals have their charm, a burst of colour never fails to captivate attention!

2. Elegance

We all love an elegant-looking bride with a bit of fun and Anelle was the perfect model for this. She is soft yet has a fiercely fun demeanour! We also picked a dress that screamed class, with its stunning sequins, and off-shoulder chic.

Now onto the details...

Let us look at the thoughts, love and the wonderful vendors that contributed to this amazing styled elopement shoot in Johannesburg.

 

Venue: Villa Lugano guesthouse
Couple toasting with champagne glasses on an elegant balcony.

Located in Johannesburg South, Villa Lugano Guesthouse offers the ambiance of Italy right in the midst of Johannesburg's hustle and bustle. It provides the bright and airy feel of Italy, as well as the moody and elegant atmosphere of a high-class hotel. This served as the backdrop for our day, and we took full advantage of the space. A special thank you to Irma for her amazing assistance.

Guesthouse Info
Bride in white dress holding champagne glass under flowering red bougainvillea.

In the tranquil side of Johannesburg, experience elegance, vibrant colours, and luxurious surroundings.

Vintage curved staircase with dark wood railings and carpeted steps.
Romantic couple portrait under flowering arbor with Mediterranean architecture.
Champagne being poured into a vintage coupe glass, with a sparkly wedding dress in view.
Romantic wedding moment captured by window light with couple in intimate embrace.
Hand holding a vintage champagne coupe glass on white surface during wedding celebration.
Playful wedding couple laughing while sharing cake at their reception.
Romantic couple in wedding attire sharing an intimate moment on carpeted stairs.
A tender moment between newlyweds sharing an intimate embrace by a window in soft lighting.
Wedding couple shares an intimate moment through a reflective window pane.

Entering the city...

Here are some of the magical moments captured & explained


We strive to capture the essence of movement in our photos, whether it's the energy of running, the joy of spinning, the exuberance of jumping, or the grace of dancing. These activities help to bring out the genuine personalities of our clients, as laughter and sincere expressions create a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Our goal is to capture the romance and love between couples in an authentic and heartfelt way.

Newlyweds ride a vintage mint-colored Vespa scooter on a rooftop parking area during sunset.
A romantic sunset rooftop moment as a couple embraces in formal wedding attire.
A wedding couple poses with a vintage mint scooter and colorful floral arrangement.
A stylish couple rides a mint green vintage scooter on an urban rooftop.
A bride in lace dress poses with a vintage mint scooter and colorful bouquet on a rooftop.
A romantic couple shares an intimate moment on a mint scooter with a colorful bouquet.
Romantic couple embracing during golden hour sunset next to modern building.
A couple on a mint scooter holds up a vibrant red and orange wedding bouquet against an urban backdrop.
An intimate moment between newlyweds during golden hour on a city rooftop.
Couple sharing intimate dance on rooftop during sunset with urban architecture backdrop.
Intimate moment between newlyweds on urban rooftop at sunset.

Of course there was a mini reception set-up...


After nearly a full day of shooting, we headed back to the guesthouse for a final round of photos and some much-needed sustenance. We enjoyed pizza, leftover champagne, and cake. While we (Nate & Mika) don't have photo evidence of this, we do have some beautiful photos of the setup. Take a look!

Close-up of mixed floral arrangement with daisies, carnations and purple flowers in glass vase.
Intimate outdoor dining setup with white candles, flowers, and place settings.
Vibrant wildflower bouquet with colorful blooms in sunlight on white railing.
Elegant table setting with flowers in vase, wine glass, and sliced grapefruit in natural light.
Romantic table setting with white candles, colorful flowers, and grapefruit halves on white tablecloth.
Wedding menu card and place setting with grapefruit slice on elegant table.
Colorful wildflower arrangement with grapefruit slice and wine glasses on white tablecloth.
Elegant wedding menu card with grapefruit slice on mint green plate.
Intimate outdoor dining setup with white tablecloth and floral centerpieces near white pillars.
Table setting with fresh cut grapefruit, glass vase, and blue table runner.
Overhead view of elegant place setting with turquoise charger plate and gold flatware.
Place setting with red pomegranate, cutlery, and name card on white tablecloth.
cake made by Tisha treats.
Heart-shaped white wedding cake with 'just married' text held in hands.

We frequently witness the ebb and flow of trends. Some embrace them, while others do not. Currently, there is a trend of imparting photos with an old film aesthetic, capturing blurry images, and using direct flash. As mentioned before, opinions on these trends vary. Ultimately, it all depends on the moment.

Couple sharing intimate moment with heart-shaped wedding cake at outdoor reception.

We combined the timeless charm of classic cake design with the dynamic energy of direct flash photography, creating a blend of tradition and innovation that captures the essence of the latest trends.

Heart-shaped wedding cake with 'just married' text in dark moody lighting.
Romantic moment shared over heart-shaped wedding cake at outdoor reception.

Now for the rest of the amazing vendors who really helped turn our vision into a beautiful reality.

Make-up artist:


Minette from @authentic_artistry has an incredible talent for enhancing Anelle's natural beauty. Her keen eye for colour, friendly nature, and easygoing personality made her an absolute joy to work with. We were truly honoured to have Minette on our team!

Wedding preparation scene with bridal gown and flowing white curtains in natural light.
Makeup application in progress for a bride wearing a delicate lace wedding dress.
Wedding makeup artist applies final touches to bride's look in a sunlit room.

Hair stylist:


Our wonderful Sandra, from @sandra_dee_makeupartistry, all the way from Krugersdorp, showcased her incredible hairstyling skills. She took the initiative to ensure that Anelle's hair perfectly complemented her dress and natural beauty. Sandra was a pleasure to work with, and we eagerly anticipate seeing more of her remarkable talents in the future!

Hair stylist working on elegant bridal updo during wedding preparations.
Back view of a beaded wedding dress with elegant updo hairstyle.
Stylist creating an intricate updo hairstyle for a bride wearing a white robe.

Scooter rental


We've been fortunate to collaborate with @jozirides & @classic_rides_za on multiple occasions, and they consistently exceed expectations. Whether you're in search of extraordinary rental cars or, as in our case, a charming teal & white vintage scooter, they come with our highest recommendation!

Bride in lace wedding dress posing with vintage turquoise scooter and colorful bouquet.
Couple sharing romantic moment on turquoise vintage scooter at sunset.
Close-up of turquoise scooter decorated with vibrant wedding bouquet.

Jewellery:


Have you noticed the exquisite, delicate yet striking earrings? They were generously provided by the fantastic PDM Trading, who also supplied the breathtaking dress we featured on the day. Be sure to pay them a visit, either online or at their boutique in Alberton – you won't be disappointed!


Elegant pearl and diamond stud earrings in beige velvet jewelry box.
Wedding ring photographed in dramatic lighting on dark surface.
Romantic wedding moment with couple sharing an intimate kiss, bride wearing delicate lace sleeve dress.

Wedding Stationery


Most people are unaware of this, but Nate, in addition to being an amazing photographer, videographer, and dedicated editor, is also an industrial designer. One of his other endeavours is his wedding stationery business called Momento. Even though it's still in its early stages, whether you're in need of wedding invitations, table numbers, or a beautiful menu for your special day, Nate has all your graphic design needs covered.

Elegant wedding table setting with coral flowers, turquoise charger plates, and gold candlesticks.
Wedding place setting featuring bright florals, pomegranate, and mint-colored plates with gold cutlery.
Wedding menu card on mint-colored charger plate with citrus fruit decor.
Newlyweds in formal attire pose against urban architecture background.

Thanks to everyone who was part of this special day! I appreciate all the vendors, my wonderful husband who helped with last-minute planning, our supportive parents, and our mom for the incredible platter of treats and love!

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. Our business is also our passion and ministry. We take pride in honouring people, appreciating good work, and adding a personal touch to everything we do.


With all our love

Nate & Mika

Couple walking hand in hand on mountain path with flowing white dress and dramatic cliff backdrop.

Photo by Andrea Cronje, Mpumalanga, 2023

 

Who are we?


Hey there, we’re Nate and Mika, your go-to wedding and elopement photographers in South Africa! Whether you're celebrating in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, or the stunning landscapes of Mpumalanga, we’re here to capture those beautiful, unforgettable moments. Our passion is people, and we are driven by our love for Jesus, sharing that love through our craft and our business.

We treat every client as cherished friends, not just clients. From the moment you book with us to the instant we make you feel at ease in front of the camera, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional service and creating memories you'll treasure forever.

Ready to make your wedding or elopement unforgettable? Reach out to us today, and let’s start planning your dream celebration!

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