The Advertiser Article - Friday 10 June 2016 

Text: Bronwen Langmead

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Inspired by the beautiful Autumnial colours and textures in the village, the team from Die Waenhuis recently co-ordinated a photo shoot entitled “Autumn Whimsical Wonderland”, to showcase the magnificence of Autumn Weddings in Nieu-Bethesda.

 

The shoot took a week of prepping, two hours of set installation and four hours of shooting in four different locations and was made possible by many talented people who live full time in the village. 

 

Directed by Jacques Muller with the technical assistance of Justin Duckitt and their dog, Mutton, the dreamy cameos envisioned by Jacques became a reality. Talented photographer Sarina Engelbrecht captured the subtle beauty of the bridal party in various settings including “Klein Ganora” – the home of Ian & Ivonne du Plessis; “Random” – a fantasy stone castle covered in Virginia creeper built by Dusty Kenyon; a dusty backstreet of the village with the Sneeuberg mountains as backdrop; and the forest to the West of the village, bathed in luminescence as late light angled in from the West.

 

This was truly a team effort and properly showcased the talent that abounds in tiny Nieu-Bethesda. Dirkje Louw – artist and mother from the village, donned her own wedding dress and played the perfect ethereal bride with her two tiny charges – Sophia and Alice. Lynette Olivier from Mengelmoes Flower Creations made the most of unusual foraged Autumnal treasures in her floral creations and assisted with table decor.  Michelle Cilliers, Bethesda’s well-known stylist was responsible for five different hairstyles and make-up during the shoot.  The ‘wedding table’ was set with intimate details using names of people who actually live in town or have special meaning to Nieu-Bethesda like Helen Martins. Chris Lloyd brought his white horse, Miracle, to the party, while Justin Duckitt, assisted by local boys Joshua and Bernard, carted and carried an assortment of props form one venue to the next.

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Although they weren’t involved on the day, other Nieu-Bethesdans also often contribute to the success of weddings at Die Waenhuis: renowned caterer Liz Stern is responsible for die delicious food that is served at weddings, while Jacquie Olivier creates amazing wedding cakes. Jakob van Staden provides his famous donkey cart as wedding transport too!

Nieu-Bethesda is fortunate to be home to such a group of creatives all within the confines of the valley walls.  They photographs captured on this special day indicate what can be achieved when all this talent works together as one.

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Model:  Dirkje Louw

Flowergirls: Sophia & Alice

Stylist & Decor:  Jacques Muller - Die Waenhuis

Flowers: Lynette Oliver - Mengelmoes Flower Creations

Props & Set Installation:  Justin Duckitt

Hair & Make-up:  Michelle Cilliers

Photographs:  Sarina Engelbrecht Photography

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