Iline and Dwaine’s Crystal Barn Wedding!
I was having a coffee with a friend when Iline’s email came through. She asked if I was available to snap her wedding at Crystal Barn and when I checked my diary, I could not believe it was the one date I still had available in October. I had to re-read her email and check my calendar three more times to ensure I wasn’t dreaming! You see, I have always adored Antiques Cafe which is sort of like Durban’s mini version of Crystal. I’d celebrated my birthday there, escaped the office there and spent far too much moolah on vintage collectables! When I heard a grander version called Crystal Barn was opening in the Midlands, I darted there with Jon for lunch as quick as I could. While having a glass of wine with our friend, Kerry, the heavens opened up and hail bucketed down. For me, hail = extreme excitement so I was loving life! With the resident dogs at our feet, we huddled in Crystal’s candle-lit corners and I clearly remember saying, “Imagine shooting a wedding here? It would be insane!’ The thing is, I was writing fashion ads back then and my dream of becoming a photographer seemed beyond impossible. If you had told me a beautiful, bohemian bride would be emailing me in just a few short years, I would never have believed you. But she did. And she’s lovely! Her name is Iline. On the 21st of October, this free-spirited soul married Mr Dwaine Brooks in KZN’s cutest chapel! Bunnies were literally hopping around us, guys. BUNNIES. The trees were pink with cherry blossoms. Bunnies and cherry blossoms alone are two of my favourite things. Throw in the world’s coolest couple, the decor of my dreams and the most sensational setting and well, I was kind of beside myself. After we headed back from the creative shoot, Iline and Dwaine threw the most incredible party for their guests. We’re talking dance-offs, photo-booths, rollicking speeches and midnight pizza snacks! You could just tell they had lovingly planned every detail to perfection. It was an absolute joy to be surrounded by so much love, fun and warmth. To Iline and Dwaine, thank you for blessing me such a dreamy opportunity! I will honestly never forget you guys. And I’d also like to thank this incredible team of vendors who helped bring their vision to life. You are all super stars. Alrighty, let’s peek some pics! x
Second Shooter Julia Jane Venue Crystal Barn Wedding Co-Ordination Kate Bain of The Wedding Co Hair and Make-Up Jacqui Trinder aka Gloss Boss of Accentuate DJ Grant Boonzaier Bridal Wear Vesselina Pentcheva
