Writer's Blog: June 2014

Carin & Miki's Rovos Rail wedding embodied the often quoted phrase: 'Life is a journey, enjoy the ride'. What an incredible 'wedding ride' it was for this Hawaiian-South African couple---resplendent of a bygone era, couple with performing peacocks, multicultural charm and a uniqueness of wedding venue not often found in the contemporary wedding scene. Smiles for 'railway miles' to Carin and Miki for this incredible photographic journey.

Carin and Miki enjoying a reflective amble in the Capital Park grounds (http://www.rovos.com/)

The intimacy and tenderness of a moment

Stylish minty 'Forest fever' captured at the Capital Station grounds with bridal suits thanks to Diaan Daniels Couture (www.diaan.co.za)

Peacocks on parade before the train departs with wedding party in tow.

I think this peacock was trying to figure out if this was his 'GOOD SIDE' or not to be photographed?

TAKE NOTE all you boys out there--it appears no matter how impressive, the ladies are just not interested in your good looks.

Bridal couple getting ready to be chauffeured to the wedding platform

Sneaking a few last minute touch-ups before the train departs to the wedding platform

Cheers to our 'journey' of a lifetime

And the Rovos Rail wedding 'train' is on the move

Nudging closer ….

First Sightings --a moment to be cherished with all loved ones waiting on the wedding platform

The bridal couple walked along seperate wedding isles, beautifully manicured with rows of fresh red rose petals thanks to
David & Alan of Caar' i Flora (http://www.caariflora.co.za)

The Rovos rail wedding venue--elegant and opulent and perfectly co-ordinated by the wedding planner J.P. van Schalkwyk (http://www.upatone.co.za/)

Touching and tender moments. Wedding bands thanks to Stephen Colegate Jewellers (http://www.colegatejewllers.co.za/)

Guests sporting some impressive 1920 glitzy glamour 'bling'

Upatone Jazz band- serenading the guests with a few funky railroad crossing accompaniments (www.upatone.co.za)

HAPPINESS IS……let the good times roll.

One of the most moving and beautiful moments was the performance of the Hawaiian Hula - an ancient and sacred form of expressing ones deepest feelings. Without any written language the Hula has always been seen as a history book for Hawaiians (http://www.hawaiileihochzeit.com/traditionsENG.php)

This one guest epitomizing old world glamour and charm reminiscent of the Victorian days

Carin and Miki adorned with their traditional Hawaiian wedding Lei which is a symbol of both love, respect and all-around aloha.

Wedding couple departing for their dinner and journey around the outskirts of Joburg and Pretoria

As the guests dine and drank the finest of South African wines ……..

Trains flashed by in a fury (Gau-train passing us by in a flash)

Thanks to hair stylist Hannatjie van der Schyff (http://www.facebook.com/foreverhairoptions) for adding her glowing final touches to the girls

Over-indulgence on all those top South African wines????

As you can see, all that exceptional Rovos Rail service is starting to 'kick in'

Back at the station, we were greeted by the sweetness of Lore Nagel's 'The Baking room' cupcakes (http://facebook.com/lorethebakingroom)

And just in time for a spot of magical 'Light Painting' with our giant sparklers from ABC wholesalers in Cape Town (www.abcwholesalers.co.za)

HUGE THANKS to venue co-ordinator Querida Venter and her team for assisting me with my 'Light Painting' adventures. It really was an entertaining interlude (querida@rovos.co.za)