Classic Black and White Portrait | VSCO presets for Lightroom

We were preparing a package for collection by a bride this morning when we came across this picture that we realized we just had to blog. We've never had a horse or any other animal as part of a bridal portrait session before but when we heard Rob and Xan's wedding was taking Place at the Val De Vie Polo Estate an image like this, and many others, popped into our heads.

The horse had just come off the polo field and Xan knew the rider and the horse so we took the opportunity to shoot. We had to slow everything down and shoot very quietly for this picture. Very unusual for us actually. Eventually the horse settled and this little moment appeared. It was amazing. 

It's the kind of picture we might have shot on medium format film a few years back. It has that order and the feel that comes with shooting slow and thoughtful. Digital makes us work to fast. Too fast maybe? The film look or rather resemblance is there at least. The picture was partly edited with the VCSO presets for Lightroom 4 which we are still getting to grips with.

We love the picture and think it is has just started its journey on to becoming a classic for us.

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Cape Botanical Wedding Part Two I Vrede en Lust I Jamess and Josi

Aaah, Jamess and Josi. 
Sigh.

Jamess (with two s's), is a boy-eyed, ridiculously charming Australian and Josi is South African born and raised, although with a surname like Heyerdahl, there is viking spirit in her. Google Heyerdahl, you'll see exactly what we mean. We heard much about this "viking spirit" in the many stories shared during the speeches at the wedding, including Jamess' recalling the moment he realized, and accepted, that great adventure would be a big part of his marriage to Josi.

When a couple has lived all over the world, they make friends all over the world, so this was, with out doubt, an international wedding. The South African accent was almost lost amongst those from Australia, The States, Norway and Mexico, to name but a few. It takes a lot for people to stay close across many thousands of miles, with many years in between and so to see so many old friends come from all across the world to celebrate a marriage is remarkable. You know a couple is special when this happens. Jamess and Josi, you are truly special people.

Thanks so much for allowing us (two strangers) to sneak around and observe the adventures of your wedding and for the chance to bring you the pictures of what we saw that day. We really hope that you enjoy them.

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welovepictures

 P.S be sure to check their beautiful botanical-themed decor post we did yesterday here.

Cape Botanical Wedding I Vrede en Lust I Jamess and Josi

We've seen a lot of pretty weddings, in fact, we like to think that all the weddings we document are pretty weddings. But Jamess (yes, with two s's) and Josi's wedding blew our socks off.

We fell head over heels in love with the insanely talented Heike from Fleur Le Cordeur - and the killer job she did with Jamess and Josi's Botanical-themed wedding. Veggies under bell-jars, red onions spilling out of vases, mini-lettuce in sweet glass-jars and only flowers that bloom on vegetable plants, fruit trees and herbs were used. Look at those leggy leek flowers.

So today we're doing something somewhat unusual, dedicating an entire post to the details and decor of Jamess and Josi's beautiful wedding.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for more of the wedding of the sweet couple that dreamed up this gorgeous wedding!

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P.S The stationary complimenting these amazing arrangements was put together by the The Secret Diary team. :)