The Little Gem

Having just completed shooting Marlene & Deon's wonderful wedding, I was so impressed with the venue, I just couldn't wait to rave about it ASAP. Marlene & Deon were married at Klein Bottelray, on the border of the Stellenbosch Winelands. I must admit, I visited the venue on Tuesday (02/02/10) to prep myself for the big day and I was almost apprehensive about shooting there, it seemed a little dry (it is the driest month) and didn't appear to hold much promise - photographically. Then I questioned myself ( I said "Myself" only kidding) as to how I had seen the venue, as a Jo Bloggs or as a photographer and like every wedding, therein presented the challenge. Well Saturday, 6th Feb 2010, arrived and Monique and I returned to the venue, kitted out and ready for the shoot, both expecting a real challenge (almost pessimistically), upon arrival at the venue, our expectations were incorrect, Klein Bottelary had been transformed into a real gem, almost personified as the bride adorned for her bridegroom. Not by any means of human hands, just by a completely different photographic outlook and by Monique's usual optimism. A walk around the venue found that Elmarie and her team had done an exquisite job of decorating the interior of the stately old manor house (built in 1758) and the cellar in which the couple were married. We believe we used the rustic beauty of the farm to it's full potential, from garden to dam, vineyards to fields and roads to buildings. This little gem, Klein Bottelary, through Elmarie and her team had more surprises, by the way in which the plated meals were presented and absolute "WOW" factor in which the food tasted. After shooting weddings all over the Western Cape, it is always refreshing when a venue surprises you, almost like a smack in the face, I would recommend Klein Bottelary to any couple planning their wedding, from intimate size to an average gathering of 100 guests. This is definitely one venue that will rank high on my ratings and I look forward to returning there for another wedding. Well done Elmarie and Klein Bottelary and congratulations, Deon and Marlene. JON