Askari Lodge wedding photography - Theunis & Chantel

Askari Lodge wedding photography by JC Crafford Photography

May 15, 2015

There were too many highlights to mention at this wedding. So, let’s start with the couple. Theunis & Chantel, two such cool people, friendly, VERY much in love with each other, they go out of their way to please their friends, and real family people. I met Chantel’s parents and brother at the pre wedding shoot, man, she’s got the kind of family that’s so nice you wish it was your family.

We were the photographers and videographers at their wedding at Askari Lodge and were there early the Saturday to get all the footage. They got married in a magical forest at Askari, so, so beautiful. Theunis was VERY nervous waiting for his bride, and when she walked into the forest and he saw her….(I’ve never seen a groom, or the bride’s brother for that matter, so emotional when the bride walked into the church)

We had a lot of fun at the shoot, the photos with the elephants was of course very special, it is not a lot of brides and grooms that can boast with wedding photos with two huge African elphants. Have a look at the photo where the elephant congratulates them with their wedding with his trunk. It looks like he was shaking their hands.

I must make mention here of the wedding coordinator at Askari Lodge, Andre, he accompanied us all over Askari and showed us the best places for photos, thank you very much, one don’t often get coordinators that is as helpful as you are.

The rest of the evening…some VERY emotional and heartfelt speeches, and some VERY hard partying. One thing I’ve seen about Theunis and Chantel, if they do something…they go ALL OUT!

Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day and the start of your future Theunis and Chantel, you guys are really really two super people, we loved spending time with you.

I asked Chantel a couple of questions about their wedding and honeymoon.

How did you meet?

Theunis and I met in the most unromantic place you could possibly think of – Dropzone. Him and his best friend both tried to chat me up, but Theunis came out the clear winner!! (The friend remains one of our dearest friends even until today, he was also a groomsman at the wedding)

Tell us about the proposal

It was on valentines day, and I was studying for admission exams so I told him “just don’t do it before the exams” (as I knew that he had met with the designer for my ring a few times). I expected it in my birthday which was just a week away. He told me that he wanted to get me out of the house as I had been studying for days. He planned a surprise dinner and just told me that I should be ready that day. On the day he phoned me and told me that we won accommodation as well (yeah right)…so the surprise destination was the beautiful Villa Paradiso in Harties…I started to expect something as everything was soooo romantic, but as dinner came to an end, I realised that it might not be the big night…but THEN as we walked into the room there was a rose petal heart on the bed with a little gold box in the middle…I started laughing/crying/giggling…and he went down on his knees.

Describe your wedding day, anything specific that you will always remember

Our wedding day was the ULTIMATE fairytale. We got married in the forest where 2 bagpipers lead me in. It was such a special moment for me and my dad…and when I saw my soon to be husband tearing up (a little more than your average groom), everything felt just perfect. We had the opportunity to have our wedding “blessed” by elephants, which was not only super special, but also made for glorious photos.

The dress

My gorgeous dress was a Demetrios Design.

The Flowers

Every bride thinks it, but I KNEW it, I had the most amazing bouquet ever. I am not a flowery type of girl, but adore black baccara roses, so they were incorporated in my deep read bouqet. (Flowers done by: Lilli Lue, 0836293603)

Highlight of the wedding

There were so many, but one of the highlights of the wedding was a great toast on us done by all of our siblings, as well as the groom’s speech.

Was there any drama

The biggest drama was with the décor company, Wedding Warehouse(It arrived late and some of the crystal chandeliers were broken, and my glass underplates were different, etc) But luckily the day was saved by the wedding coordinator from Askari, Andre, as well as A&F Décor.

The Honeymoon

The honeymoon was an absolute dream. We went to Zanzibar, Hideaway of Nungwi. We were the only two people form SA, (and for the first couple of days, the only people on our island). The food, drinks, beach, people, etc etc was AMAZING.

Tell us about your photographer.

JC is the just the MOST AMAZING photographer you will ever find. He is so talented. He captures the most beautiful moments even more beautiful than you can ever imagine and he makes you feel so comfortable. We had so much fun with them and the photos came out perfect! We cant wait to book another shoot with him! Surika also ensured that our beautiful day was captured on video. She is amazing at what she does!