50th BIRTHDAY BASH - CELEBRATING IN SOUTH AFRICA WITH STYLE!

Thanks to Andrew and Claire from DMC sports travel (www.dmcsportstravel.co.za) for organizing this  fabulously 50th Birthday bash.  It is not often that you see both adults and kids enjoying the festivities with equal enthusiasm. Andrews idea of adding a plunge pool for the kids to enjoy the picnic views on offer at Warwick wine estate was an epic one. 

Happy 50th to Joanne--this 1st pic's especially for you Birthday Girl.

Birthday girl Joanne looking as gorgeous at 50 as the stunning views on offer at Warwick Wine Estate in Stellenbosch (www.warwickwine.com)

Birthday girl getting ready to rock and roll on horseback through the winelands.

Horse whisperer in our midst

          A perfect way to traverse the Stellenbosch winelands…. by horseback (www.stellenbosch.travel)

                                                                    Panoramic picnic views

                                      WINE O CLOCK - the perfect time for 'living large in leisure'

                                             The kids enjoying the birthday vibe as much as the adults

                                                               Kids version of 'Happy hour'

                                                                          Smiles for 'vino' miles

                                                      Picnic Power - Feeding the figures in style!

                                                                        Salmon sessions

        The birthday party was greeted by these dashing Springboks at La Residence in Franschhoek for
                                                       their evening session of entertainment

        La Residence &Villas in Franschhoek - step into the main hall and be transported to a world of   exquisite beauty (www.laresidence.co.za)

             La Residence--a private 30-acre estate, and a haven of luxury surrounded by vineyards, plum   orchards and endless mountain views on offer.

         Kids pulling out some high tech dance moves to the beats played by the Ama Ambush Marimba band (www.marimbas.co.za)

                                                           Birthday bubbly for the birthday girl

                                                  Andrew from DMC hitting the High notes

        Glittering Indian chandeliers hang from the vaulted ceilings and plush furnishing with elegant     antiques adding to an air of refinement and sophistication at La Residence in Franschhoek

                       An atmosphere of complete tranquility and indulgence for this touring birthday party.
                        No wonder La Residence is part of the royal portfolio (www.theroyalportfolio.com)

                                                Fantastic Fire dancers entertaining the birthday party

                                                      The fantasy of fire! (www.firetribe.co.za)

     

                                               Night falls on a fabulous 50th birthday bash

KRIS & SUE - 24 YEARS IN THE MAKING - CAPTURING A CLASSIC LOVE STORY

After 24 years of waiting for same-sex marriage to be legalized in the USA, this wedding ceremony was not only a celebration of love and spontaneous jubilation but it symbolizes progress, equality, the art of patience and a smashingly good reason for a grandiose party. 2013 an iconic year for this extraordinary couple. What a pleasure it was to photograph history in the making.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Mississippi, Blooming Creations (http://www.bloomingcreationsmn.com)  did a fantastic job of keeping everyone cozy inside the tent amidst 3 degree celsius temperatures 

After years of waiting, anxious moments of contemplation quickly turn into butterflies the size of elephants, and before you knew it, their moment has finally arrived.

Kris wore a stylish outfit by Israeli designer Elie Tahari (http://www.elietahari.com) complimented by Sue's garb coming from House/Black Market (http://whitehouseblackmarket.com) and her glittery silver shoes by Guess - 'sexy without question' (www.guess.com)

Thanks to Tim Brown creations for all the thought and attention to detail, including the special placement of the heirloom lanterns and evergreens in honor of Sue and Kris lost parents

Enjoying their magic moment to the fullest. Hair and make-up thanks to Sandy Bettin from Salon Bella Vita - their hairstylists for the past 25years (http://salon-bellavita.com).  Interestingly in a recent survey done in the United Kingdom, they found that the average woman in the UK keeps her hairstylist for longer than her marriage lasts (11years), so by all account Kris and Sue look like they are a 'cut above' the rest :)

             The romance of raindrops 

              Yes ….finally!

And then the celebrations began--for a split moment as I shadowed the couples dance moves up and down the isle, I thought I was appearing on Ellen TV live.

The family photo session was done amidst bursts of drizzle droplets---but nothing could stop this couples enthusiasm 

The image on the right reminds me of the famous Simon and Garfunkel song - 'Still crazy after all these years' - it also epitomizes my 'passionately playful' style of shooting.

        You are my world

Eagle Trace Golf and Event Center in Clearwater, providing the perfectly lit backdrop with all its vibrant colors (www.eagletracegolf.com)

                                                                The sensuality of silhouettes

Eagle Trace stylish event center, rich in mahogany tones, and table decorations

Matt Imdieke (matt@eagletracegolf.com)

Welcome newlyweds!

Caters 'Russell's on the Lake' did a magical job of blending in their floral arrangements with touches of tropical sweetness (http://www.russellsonthelake.com)

A poignant and touching 'open-mike' session for Kris and Sue

The tradition of 'clinking' of glasses until the bridal couple kiss originated in medieval days when wine was often spiked with poison, and hence a way of the host proving his innocence and ultimately a sign of trust, honesty and a toast to good health (www.westchestermagazine.com/Blogs/The-Wedding-Guru/)

Dashing and creative table and flower designs thanks to Foley Country Floral  (http://foleycountryfloral.com)

DJ Mary and David Marx from North Country doing a delightful job of getting everyone in the party vibe (http://www.northcountrydj.com)

Love this image of Sue dancing with her mom in the top left-hand side--generations apart, partying together.

Sue showing that its time for 'lift-off' 

Everyone getting down to some serious boogie

       Light painting is a photographic technique in which exposures are made by moving a hand-held light source (we used extra long sparklers). This image was inspired by the couples love of spirals---seems like their love is spiraling out of control.

       For the love of light

Cheers from our magical day!