Thomas and I love to travel – that is no secret! We have a big map above our bed from Wayfaren Co where we pin our travels. When we had the opportunity to travel to South Africa with one of our couples, we truly couldn’t believe it. South Africa? Are you kidding me?

About a month before our trip, I remembered that I had been featured on a South African wedding blog. On a whim, I decided to email the editor of the blog, Storm, and ask her if we could meet up or collaborate on a shoot. Unfortunately, she wasn’t going to be around the same days we were planning on being in Cape Town, but she was generous enough to help us connect with vendors in the area. And so the different time zone emails began.

I am so grateful that the vendors in Cape Town were willing to give me a shot. Without hesitation I was able to get a dream team pulled together! It was truly remarkable. I mean, someone pinch me! The last missing piece was the model.

We boarded our flight to South Africa, and I still hadn’t found someone to be the bride. Sure enough, Instagram came through and helped me find gorgeous Chelsea who was an absolute dream to work with! We didn’t even have to tell her how to pose, she just…kept moving and every motion was an image.

The shoot inspiration was simple. Mountains right along a coastline with soft blue water. Boulders breaking up smooth beaches. We wanted the nature of Cape Town to set the stage for this session. I pictured a very soft, organic session, complete with windblown beach hair.

Chelsea’s hair was in loose, beachy waves, styled by Marnel Toerien. In addition to providing natural hair and makeup, Marnel was amazingly during the shoot itself. She took care of many of the final logistics and stuck around to touch up hair and makeup along the way – and of course, wear the veil or flower crown when not in use… 🙂

Chelsea wore the effortlessly chic Casey gown from Janita Toerien – a Cape Town designer. The halter-neck dress has a heavy corded lace bodice and a flowing chiffon skirt. Janita also made the cathedral length veil that Chelsea wore.

Jeanette from Paramithi Wedding Flowers created an impressive lush bouquet filled with outstanding floral elements. From tulips to lilacs, and pink wildflowers plucked off the highway, this bouquet was a sight to be seen. Jeanette even incorporated greenery from her own backyard. It was an impressive bouquet for sure.

In addition, Chelsea wore a flower crown to match, providing an elegant ethereal bridal look. Chelsea and John were so much fun to photograph. Every movement was an image and we couldn’t even keep up! They were so natural and worked off of each other so well.

I’m so thankful to everyone that came together to help us with this inspiration shoot. It truly is hard to believe that this happened! Such a dream team of vendors that all came together to create something truly magical. An experience that is unlike any other that we’ve ever had.  It is amazing how photography has not only connected us with so many brides and grooms, but also vendors all over the world. Someone pinch me!

Not only will I treasure the morning, but I also look back fondly on the evening before. Thomas and I drove out of the city and met with Jeanette, watching as she put the bouquet together and drinking Greek coffee (woooooweeee that is strong!) with her husband Adrian. It was so special to be welcomed into someone’s home that otherwise would have been a stranger without this connection. This whole experience is one that I will cherish for a lifetime – thank you all.

Major help and support: Storm from Confetti Daydreams // Gown: Janita Toerien // Hair and Makeup: Marnel Toerien // Flowers: Paramithi Wedding Flowers // Model: Chelsea Wilson

This session was featured on Confetti Daydreams – check it out!