Cimoné & Jasper
I met Cimoné a couple of months ago, though before meeting her I became aware of her presence on our great friend “social media.” So as we all know you can’t really tell by social media who a person is, but for some reason, I just had this feeling that Cimoné was this approachable, dynamic, lady that I just HAD to work with.
Taking photos of her engagement was a dream. All photographers have certain locations they like to use, you know the sun sets here, this flair looks nice, and then whoop your shoot is done. When Cimoné and I started looking for other locations, just for a breath of fresh air, she found this incredible, magical, spot in Franschhoek. The only problem was that I could not find a photographer that has been to this spot and could provide some ins and outs. Oh, and whether it was safe for all of us to go here. As my great friend Emma always says, “not safety first, but safety always.”
A few arrangements later, we were on our way to the Berg River Dam of Franschhoek. My dad and I (Roy was busy shooting an engagement in NYC), Cimoné, Jasper (her partner), and his cousin. I mean safety in numbers.
We had a great time, Cimoné looking gorgeous as ever and Jasper looking dapper in his outfit ran up and down just so I could capture the perfect moment. She looked like something straight out of a movie, and Jasper was her handsome Mr. Darcy, or Michael Scott, which ever you prefer (haha).
Whenever I shoot a couple, I imagine that they are characters in their own romance film. This was so easy with these two, because they are truly, unequivocally in love with each other. You can’t but help to fall in love with their passionate enigmatic energy toward each other. Both are soft-spoken, truly angels on earth. And now they are getting MARRIED!
This day truly reminded me of my love for photography. Why I do it and why I will keep on doing it.
So, more about the location:
The location on google maps does not take you to the location where we shot. We met Cimoné and Jasper at these co-ordinates (https://www.google.com/maps?q=-33.93085861206055,19.08516502380371&z=17&hl=en ). Anything further down the gravel road you lose signal and won’t be able to contact anyone. You then drive along the gravel road (La Roche Estate will be on your right-hand side), up until you drive straight into the Berg River Dam (don’t turn right at any point, this takes you up the small mountain to some other place). You will reach a parking area, and here you can either drive down to the water, or park and walk down.
Things to keep in mind:
+ There is no signal – so take a few friends, and make an event out of it.
+ Gravel road, I feel my Nissan Micra could do it (but everyone might not agree)
+ You are surrounded by mountains so don’t start shooting too late (the sun will be GONE with the wind). We started around 18:00, but I love shooting over exposed so not sure thats everyone's vibe
+ Enjoy every moment.
+ Great location for Weddings at La Roche estate for a change of scenery.
+ I have attached a screenshot of the location map - at the bottom of the page!
A special thanks to Silver Swallow Designs for the stunning dress and Sketch and M for her natural H&MU.
Oh, and of course to our amazing bodyguards (that weren’t needed but super great to have them there) my Dad, and Adi.
If you would like to see some more photographs from this shoot just head over to our gallery!
