Johannesburg Wedding Photographer Kat Forsyth » Weddings

Wedding: Kirsty & Ant at the Johannesburg Country Club

Kat Forsyth — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:28:29 +0000

Kirsty and Ant were married two weeks ago on a beautiful warm Saturday. Their service was held at the Rosebank Catholic church (gorgeous!), and the reception at the Johannesburg Country Club in Auckland Park. I shot their engagement photos there a few months ago, and it was interesting to see how different it looked in winter! I’m actually really glad we did that, because we got to shoot in a few great spots that we didn’t have time for on the wedding day.

Kirsty and Ant, thank you so much for such a beautiful wedding! I hope you’re enjoying The Maldives!

Candice and Andrew: Wedding at Casalinga

Kat Forsyth — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:10:24 +0000

Candice and Andrew’s was my first wedding of the season, and hoo boy, was it an incredible way to start off! Candice, Andrew and their bridal party were so much FUN, and willing to do anything I asked. Let’s just say I was expecting to beg Candice to jump on the trampoline, but before I could even open my mouth, she suggested it herself! And when she mentioned in the days leading up to the wedding that she was keen to have balloons for the photoshoot, but didn’t think she’d have enough time to get them on the morning of the wedding, I volunteered to pick them up for her – any shoot is immediately more fun with balloons! I think we got some stunners Thanks to the awesome Melanie Wessels for being my second shooter, and thanks to Candice and Andrew for having us be a part of your amazing day!

And this is what I did on Saturday…

Kat Forsyth — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:56:46 +0000

I did this on Friday….

Kat Forsyth — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:13:22 +0000

Wedding: Angel & Neels at Helderfontein

Kat Forsyth — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:09:59 +0000

I love social networking. Facebook, Twitter – I have them open all day and I spend way too much time on them. And then, because of Twitter, I got to photograph a wedding like this one, which suddenly makes it all worthwhile from a business point of view. (It was always worth it from the other viewpoints)

I don’t even remember how I met photographer Jeanette Verster, but I know we were twitter buddies long before I ever met her in real life. Through her, I started following Angel (of Angelsmind and Cupcake Lady fame), so when Jeanette said she needed a second shooter for Angel’s wedding, I believe my response was something along the lines of “Heck yes! Me! Me!”

The wedding guestlist was like a who’s who of the SA blogging and twitter world. Angel and Neels actually met through their respective blogs, and I think it’s a testament to the sort of people they are (wonderful, loving, open, warm) that blogger friends flew in from all over the country to witness their union. They even streamed the whole event online so that the people who couldn’t make it could still be a part of the day. I told you it was amazing.

Here are some photos from the day. You can see Jeanette’s post about the wedding here, for more pics!

Angel’s amazing dress was designed for her by Christa B:

Angel and Neels did a First Look before the ceremony. I love these!

Angel’s two sisters really enjoyed it, too!

They used some of Jeanette’s engagement photos for their seating chart, as well as on the tables. Everything about this wedding was so full of personal touches!

She’s the cupcake lady! She has to have one:

Angel and Neels, thank you SO much for letting me share in the love and warmth and joy of your wedding day! I loved every moment.

Vivian and Gary: Wedding at The Bridge

Kat Forsyth — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:05:59 +0000

Vivian and Gary were my last wedding for this season, and what a fun way to end off it was! I knew from their engagement shoot that (a) Viv and Gary are both extremely gorgeous and photogenic, and (b) they were really keen to make their photos awesome! So I couldn’t help but look forward to their wedding.

The staff at The Bridge were all really helpful and on the ball, even covering up their plants in the nights leading up to the wedding, so that Vivian could have the roses she hoped for. And I can’t say enough good things about the owner-DJ, who sang, played the saxophone, guitar, drums and some other instruments I couldn’t identify, all with a smile that never left his face. Such a joy to watch someone enjoying their job like that!

Thanks to the lovely Sharon of Life Images for being my second shooter for the day! I had so much fun with you! You can go see Sharon’s images from the wedding here.

At The Bridge, the bride can make her grand entrance down the river:

And then into the chapel to see her groom. Apparently it was dusty in there and something got in Gary’s eyes. Or so he said.

Or maybe, just maybe, he saw this vision walking towards him:

That’s one pretty excited bride:

I don’t often post reception photos, but I promise I do take them! Here are a few pics of the FUN!

Guess who caught the bouquet?

And at the end of the evening, one very tired flower girl on the dance floor:

I love it!

Gary & Vivian, I hope you’re having an amazing time in The Seychelles! I won’t pretend I’m not a little bit jealous

Vivian and Gary: Sneak Peek

Kat Forsyth — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:04:42 +0000

Daleen and Aaron: Kuthaba Lodge Wedding

Kat Forsyth — Mon, 24 May 2010 17:51:09 +0000

Remember Daleen and Aaron’s fab engagement shoot? Well, they got married a week after that. This wedding was extra special to me because I was part photographer, part guest! My husband works with Aaron, and not only were they present at our wedding, but Daleen caught the bouquet, and Aaron…well, he was forced into catching the garter. It wasn’t too much in the hands of fate, though, since they were already engaged! And finally, almost two years later, Jeremy and I got to be at their awesome wedding.

It was a bit odd being the photographer while my husband mingled with the guests, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way, especially after I had a preview a few months ago of Daleen’s inspiration boards (country chic) as well as her dress (Pronovias!) and her shoes (cowboy boots with a touch of blue! Yes, really!). Oh, the deliciousness I had to photograph!

Loved these flowers on the tables in their the outside reception area:

Gorgeous, gorgeous bride!

Swoonworthy veil!

Oh yes…they ALL wore boots!

One of the best ceremony sites I’ve ever seen, under a huge fig tree. Everyone sat on hay-bales…so much fun!

Feel the love…see the love…it’s all here:

You can’t tell here, but they were actually standing in the water! Then again….so was I!

And some more details to end off with…adorable cake topper, complete with Daleen & Aaron’s two dogs, the Wedding Tree guestbook for everyone to leave their thumbprints on, and a gorgeous vintage birdcage with candles inside.

Daleen and Aaron, you two were fabulous! Thank you for letting me capture your AMAZING day, and for giving me so much time to shoot myself crazy! (Let’s just say the two best men had a bet as to how many photo’s I’d taken. They were both seriously under!). Your wedding was such an expression of your style and your love…it was incredible to be a part of! See you when you get back from Spain!

Daleen & Aaron sneak peek

Kat Forsyth — Tue, 18 May 2010 14:11:05 +0000

Hayley & Marc’s Wedding

Kat Forsyth — Thu, 13 May 2010 11:55:12 +0000

Hayley and Marc were married in an intimate Jewish celebration at Faff Restaurant in Norwood. This was my first time photographing a Jewish Ceremony, and hopefully not the last! Hayley and Marc wanted something a bit different for their couple shoot, so we used the streets of Norwood, posed in front of a lot of gates and walls, and got barked at by a lot of dogs! I had so much fun…yes, even when someone almost reversed their car over my camera bag and all the props! Note to self: When shooting a street session, do not leave valuables in street behind parked cars.

Hayley and Marc, you are such a gorgeous couple! Thank you for trusting me with your wedding; I had an amazing time, and I hope you did too, once you got to see it!

Starting with some black & whites…

Oh, Hayley. So, so beautiful.

Stormy Weather: Leandre & Erich’s Wedding at Mongena Lodge

Kat Forsyth — Mon, 10 May 2010 12:40:43 +0000

Leandre and Erich were just fated to have a rainy wedding! We had to postpone their engagement session three times because of the strangely cold and rainy weather we’ve been having this autumn – and, in fact, we still haven’t shot the session! It’s turned into a “day-after” session now. However, Leandre and Erich are two of the most relaxed, chilled and easygoing couples I’ve ever met, so they just went with the flow – even when it was cold and drizzly on their wedding day!

I swear I’m not exaggerating here when I say that I have never seen a couple more excited to be getting married in my life! I thought I had a smile you could fit a coathanger in on my wedding day, but Leandre had me beaten! She was literally bouncing for joy as she walked down the aisle, and for the rest of the day too, and Erich wasn’t far behind! You guys make such an adorable couple; thank you for letting me share in your wedding day! I cried, I laughed, and it felt like such a privilege to be there. Congratulations!

My second shooter for the day was Hannalee – go see her post here! Thanks, Hannalee; it’s always such fun working with you!

Is it just me, or do wedding dresses sometimes look even more beautiful from underneath?

Leandre as she was getting into the car to go to the chapel. I love the serenity of this image.

I’m going to entitle this next set of black & whites something like, “I could not be more excited to be marrying you”…or something.

Mia & Francois: Wedding at Leopard Lodge

Kat Forsyth — Tue, 04 May 2010 09:41:27 +0000

Mia & Francois were married last month at Leopard Lodge. The strange rainy April (and, apparently, May) we’ve been having cleared up beautifully for their wedding day, and the clouds and sunrays did exactly what I wanted! Mia was gorgeous in a dress she designed herself, which I think made her look like a Grecian princess, and yet again it was proved that bridesmaids don’t have to match to look fabulous! Mia & Francois, thanks for having me along on your wonderful day, and I hope you enjoyed Mauritius!

I was assisted on this wedding by Mandy Pietersen – thanks, Mandy!

I loved the country-chic lemon-themed decor!

At my very first meeting with Mia last year, she told me how much she loved this type of shot, and especially requested that I do one for her! Here you go, Mia – beautiful!

Sneak preview of Hayley & Marc’s Sunday wedding!

Kat Forsyth — Tue, 04 May 2010 08:51:39 +0000

Taryne & Werner: Wedding at River Place

Kat Forsyth — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 07:30:01 +0000

April has been a pretty hectic wedding month so far, and I’m sure Taryne and Werner have been waiting anxiously for their blog post! So here it is, a few weeks late. Thanks for your patience, guys.

I met Taryne in December when she catered Mel & Graeme’s wedding (go and look at her site here; her dessert buffet was AMAZING), so I knew that her attention to detail would be impeccable – and I was right! Bird cutouts hung from the trees and fluttered in the breeze during the ceremony. They adorned the glasses at the bar, sat atop the bowls of chocolate eggs, and even found their way into Taryne’s gorgeous bouquet. Taryne made jars and jars of jam and homemade lavender-infused biscotti as favours, and yes, they were delicious! Werner and Taryne, it was an absolute pleasure photographing your beautiful wedding, and I wish you all the happiness in the world!

My assistant on this one was Hannes Uys – thanks, Hannes!

When life gives you rain…

Kat Forsyth — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 17:52:03 +0000

Put on your rainboots and jump in it!

From Leandre and Erich’s wedding yesterday at Mongena Lodge.

So we were photographing this giraffe, and a wedding couple just happened to wander by…

Kat Forsyth — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 07:35:25 +0000

Taryne & Werner: Just one for now!

Kat Forsyth — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:23:38 +0000

Ulisha & Andre’s Wedding

Kat Forsyth — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:12:25 +0000

Ulisha and Andre had two weddings – a traditional Hindu celebration as well as a more western ceremony and reception the following day. I was asked to capture the Hindu ceremony, which was completely new to me, and therefore totally fun! I loved the traditions that are incorporated, and especially the emphasis laid on how the man and woman are equal partners in the marriage. I am so down with that!

Ulisha and Andre, it was a pleasure to capture your wedding (Part 1) – I hope Part 2 was just as beautiful!

Sneaky peeky from Saturday

Kat Forsyth — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 08:48:56 +0000

My first Hindu wedding!

Kate & Rupert’s Trash the Dress

Kat Forsyth — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:32:32 +0000

Kate and Rupert were married in February, and they opted to use their engagement shoot as a Day-After-Trash-The-Dress session instead. Because we had very little time for portraits on the wedding day, we started at their venue, Turbine Hall, and did some more shots there, and then moved on to the streets of Newtown. Oh, graffiti and grunge, how I love you.

I love this little yellow guy. I think he looks so sad that they’re kissing right in front of him, and he’s all alone…at least, that’s how my brain works

Rupert and Kate were married on the 20th of February, and we did this shoot on the 20th of March, so when I saw the numbered parking bays I made them lie down in number 20. Nothing like a bit of special meaning in a parking lot

Shoana & Chris: Backyard Wedding with a Difference

Kat Forsyth — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:51:06 +0000

Shoana and Chris were married last weekend on their family’s plot in Northvale, near Krugersdorp. A more relaxed bride I’ve never seen (“You can’t find my shoes? Ok, I’ll just walk barefoot then!”), and a more fun family, helping out with every little detail, would be hard to find! When I arrived with my 2nd shooter Mandy, the guys were cutting grass and cosmos for the table centrepieces, the flowergirls were decorating the cupcakes, and the ring-bearers were putting out homemade fortune cookies on the tables. It was wonderful. The ceremony took place in an area cleared of long grass, and we took Shoana and Chris’ portraits right there in the veld. The skies remained sunny for the ceremony, and then the gigantic stormclouds blew up right in time to get some amazing sky shots. Perfection!

Coming soon: Shoana and Chris

Kat Forsyth — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:00:07 +0000

Jani and SJ at Irene Country Lodge

Kat Forsyth — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:20:32 +0000

A few months ago I asked Centurion-based photographer Kim Welsford if I could second shoot with her sometime, and she came back to me with this wedding, which we shot in February. I love working with other photographers and seeing how they do things. It’s all too easy to get stuck in your own ways without even realising it. Jani and SJ were such fun, even willing to lie down in the fly- (and goodness knows what else) infested grass so we could get our gorgeous shots of them! Thanks, Kim, for having me along.

I barely ever get a great sunset…well, this one was gorgeous and I didn’t let it go to waste!

Wedding at Turbine Hall, Newtown: Kate & Rupert

Kat Forsyth — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:42:09 +0000

When Kate first contacted me about her wedding, I was sold on one word: Newtown. Not only was Turbine Hall an amazing venue that completely suited Kate and Rupert’s style, but theirs was also the first wedding ever held there! I never thought I’d be able to say I was the first photographer to shoot a wedding at a new venue so early in my career. So I was thrilled that Kate and Rupert asked me to be a part of it. Congratulations, you two! Your wedding was amazing and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Isn’t this the most amazing location for a wedding venue?

Kate’s dress was so simple and elegant, but the black sash really gave it some WOW factor.

Getting her hair done in the midst of the “Ohmigosh it’s actually ME getting married today!” realisation. Those tend to hit periodically throughout the day.

Kate and her bridesmaids arrive at the venue.

Being an informal affair, the wedding party and family all walked together across the second floor bridge in Turbine Hall to reach the ceremony area. The sun was in just the right position for me to get this amazing flare.

Rupert as he sees Kate for the first time, and his brothers applauding.

We only had about fifteen minutes for our creative bridal portraits, but because Kate and Rupert didn’t have an engagement shoot, we’re going to go back to Newtown and do an uber-fabulous Trash the Dress session in a few weeks! Oooh.

Sarah & Adrian’s Wedding

Kat Forsyth — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:10:28 +0000

Sarah and Adrian got married at the Vaal last Saturday, and I was invited to second shoot by Hannalee Photography. If you live in Gauteng you might remember that that was the weekend of violent storms and flooding (I even got trapped by a flooded intersection on Republic Road near Cresta on the Friday night!), and the Vaal was, well, a lot wider than it should have been. Sarah and Adrian had to rethink their plans of getting married on the banks under the trees, or we would all have needed wetsuits and snorkels! But Sarah and Adrian didn’t let that worry them; the ceremony was moved upshore and they just got on with the most important thing – being happy and in love and getting married! Here are some of my photos from their wedding.

Yes, she had the most gorgeous satin blue heels. I swooned. Then I took a thousand photos.

The guys trying to figure out how to wear flowers for the first time in their lives:

Oh so GQ:

Sarah, you’re gorgeous:

By the way, I don’t MAKE brides lie down on the grass. But I do ask very nicely. I figured Sarah might be up for it!

Desiree & Warren

Kat Forsyth — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:26:50 +0000

Desiree and Warren were married just before New Year at Lucit Restaurant in Pretoria, and we did their creative shoot at the Union Buildings. I was second shooting for Tanya Rudman, who shot for me at Riette and Wouter’s wedding.

Capturing the Feeling

Kat Forsyth — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:09:32 +0000

I’m just finishing editing Mel & Graeme’s wedding, and I found these two pictures that just sum up the feel of the wedding for me. Sitting at the reception after the ceremony, listening to the fabulous African jazz band, just feeling the happiness pervading the crowd, and the love Mel and Graeme have for each other and for everyone there, I just felt so chilled and happy, even though I was technically working.

Can you feel it?

Deliciousness from Wanja & Dave’s wedding

Kat Forsyth — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:39:39 +0000

On Saturday I had the pleasure of assisting Tanya Rudman at the wedding of Wanja and Dave at Shepstone Gardens. And what an incredible wedding it was! Here’s a little teaser:

Jade & Craig’s wedding

Kat Forsyth — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 07:32:29 +0000

Another wedding at home that could blow venue weddings out of the water! Jade and Craig (remember them from their fun and fantastic engagement shoot?) got married at Jade’s father’s house in Houghton. The ceremony was in the garden on the edge of the hill, overlooking the city, and the marquee for the reception was filled with white lanterns and hanging hearts. So gorgeous! Rain was threatening the whole day, but although it apparently poured in the south of Johannesburg and north of Houghton, we stayed dry. We did the couple shoot at Roedean School, and had so much fun! Jade and Craig, thank you for being so sweet, wonderful, fun and in love (oh, and for being willing to do anything I asked!).

It takes a village to dress a bride…

Oh, Jade – are you kidding me with that gorgeousness?

The evening ended with a surprise from Jade’s father: paper lanterns for everyone to make a wish on and float into the sky. Definitely one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen at a wedding.

Jade and Craig, it was an honour to shoot your wedding. May your future be filled with all the joy you deserve!

Jade & Craig – oh, the fun we had!

Kat Forsyth — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:34:40 +0000

I’m not sure who had more fun on their wedding day – Jade and Craig, or me! I think this might give you an idea:

More soon, I promise!

Mel & Graeme’s homegrown wedding

Kat Forsyth — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:00:39 +0000

If you think there’s not much you can do to make a wedding at your house beautiful and personal, think again. I fell in love with the little details Mel & Graeme thought up – from the little chandeliers hanging over the carport, to the petal-strewn driveway, to the lanterns inside the marquee, to the heart-shaped rose-filled wire ornaments…I could go on for ages!

Or I could just let the photos speak for themselves.

Mel’s blue-grey vintage-inspired wedding dress was designed by the fabulous Abigail Betz.

She wore shoes she already owned…and why not, when they’re this pretty?

Her birdcage veil with feathery-rosey yumminess was also designed by Abigail Betz.

Mel and Graeme did a First Look before their ceremony. I set Graeme up under the gazebo and had Mel walk out to meet him. I think his face says it all.

Graeme’s two sons stood beside the couple as they made their vows and became a family. I love the expression on 9-year-old Nicholas’ face in this one.

I love everyone clapping as Mel and Graeme were pronounced husband and wife.

…the perfect end to a perfect wedding. Mel and Graeme, I hope you love your photos as much as I loved your wedding.

Riette & Wouter’s Wedding at Shepstone Gardens

Kat Forsyth — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:34:43 +0000

Riette and Wouter chose what turned out to be the hottest day of the year for their wedding at the beautiful Shepstone Gardens. Not that they seemed to mind, although I do recall glasses of champagne and juice appearing constantly. I know I drank more water than I probably ever have in one day. And it was completely worth it!

Thanks to Tanya Rudman for 2nd shooting for me!

Riette looked so beautiful even before her hair was finished; look at her mother’s reaction on seeing her beautiful daughter as a bride:

Yes, Riette’s wedding gown was lilac!

Mel & Graeme’s Wedding sneak peek

Kat Forsyth — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:17:38 +0000

Coming Soon…Riette & Wouter at Shepstone Gardens

Kat Forsyth — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:07:58 +0000

Just a quick one from Friday’s wedding:

Heather & Ryno

Kat Forsyth — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:57:20 +0000

Here’s the full post of Heather and Ryno at The Ridge School in Westcliff. As soon as I saw Heather’s dress, I knew we had to do their creative shoot somewhere elegant and beautiful. So I called up my connections and secured The Ridge School, which has to be the most beautiful prep school I’ve ever seen.

Heather & Ryno sneak peek!

Kat Forsyth — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:07:37 +0000

If you were in Johannesburg last week, you’ll know what appalling weather we’ve been having. Overcast, rainy, cold – it’s like we swapped November weather with the UK! But wouldn’t you know, on Sunday it just miraculously cleared up just so Heather and Ryno could get these:

Claire & Dewan

Kat Forsyth — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:40:02 +0000

Apparently the veld I shot Claire & Dewan’s pictures in burnt down a few days after this, so it’s perfect timing I got them when I did!

Of course, I grabbed some ring shots! Obviously.

Featured on Rock ‘n Roll Bride!

Kat Forsyth — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:04:06 +0000

I knew I loved Simone’s bridal session, but apparently Kat (great name!) over at the awesome Rock ‘n Roll Bride does too!

Thanks for featuring me, Kat!

Cheryl & Mark | Wedding at Avianto

Kat Forsyth — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:44:44 +0000

Cheryl and Mark were so wonderfully relaxed and fun on their wedding day. They were up for anything! Avianto is a beautiful Tuscan-inspired venue in Muldersdrift, Johannesburg, so we had lots of beautiful backdrops for their wedding photos. Again I was second-shooting for Tanja Vogt.

Bear with me; this sword is going to make a lot of appearances in this post. And I love swords. They’re so swashbuckly

Mark offered Cheryl his sword during the ceremony in a very gallant “White Knight” scenario. Ah, Chivalry, you are not dead.

I HAD to use the sword as a prop to get a great “ring shot”!

Yes, the butterfly is real. And perfectly-timed!

Cheryl wanted a shot of her pretending to slay Mark. They were such fun!

And the sword appears for cake-cutting again…

Oh no he didn’t!

I love Mark’s face here. Sooo nonchalant. “What do you mean ‘I’m smashing cake in your face’, honey?”

Thnk you, Mark and Cheryl, for being such fun and willing participants in our photo madness!

Patricia & Jerry | Wedding at Zebula

Kat Forsyth — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:44:33 +0000

Early on Friday morning, Tanja (for whom I was 2nd shooting) and I trekked out to the game lodge of Zebula, near(ish) Warmbaths, for the wedding of Jerry and Patricia. Typically we got there much earlier than we needed to be, but at least that gave us time to check into our awesome digs and look around the property. Later I’ll show you some animal snaps I got, but for now, here’s the wedding:

I know everyone didn’t get off the ground simultaneously, but I love the groomsman on the left! Oh boy!

Dear sunset, I’m in love with you. Regards, Kat.

Katlego & Unathi | Wedding at The Moon & Sixpence

Kat Forsyth — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:40:47 +0000

Katlego and Unathi were married at The Moon & Sixpence last Saturday. I was second-shooting for Tanja Vogt on this one. They were such a great couple to work with…so graceful and so IN LOVE. I could just feel the love in every shot!

These groomsmen really rocked it out!

This chapel at The Moon and Sixpence is the same venue at which my husband and I got married, so it was so fantastic to be here again!

Katlego was just incredibly gorgeous. And so calm!

I loved these girls – they were such fun to work with!

Look at Katlego’s eyes! Could she be any more excited?

Did I mention the whole bridal party rocked?

My favourite:

What a gorgeous wedding. Thank you to Katlego and Unathi for allowing me to be part of your special day. You guys are so fabulous!