Monica Dart Photography Blog » Cape Town

Cape Town Boudoir Photoshoot | Abbey Manor Luxury Guest House | Oranjezicht

Monica Dart — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:04:20 +0000

The very charming Abbey Manor luxury guesthouse in Oranjezicht, Cape Town, was built in 1905, and was the setting for a stunning boudoir photoshoot. Boudoir shoots can be very private and sometimes clients wish to remain anonymous. Once I’ve done your shoot, I will only upload the images you approve of.

A special thanks to the lovely Judi for being so accommodating with her guesthouse. Not only do I highly recommended Abbey Manor for your boudoir shoot, this is a great gem of a guesthouse with the most spectacular views all around.

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Joanne & Ken | Couple Shoot | Cape Town & Blouberg

Monica Dart — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:05:43 +0000

Joanne and Ken flew into South Africa from Hong Kong to have a pre-wedding couple shoot done with me. They wanted some variety to their images – so we started off in the Gardens in Cape Town, moved onto Long Street and ended on Blouberg Beach. To say Blouberg was windy is an understatement! It was blowing gale force winds, but in hindsight I love the movement on Joanne’s dress which added to the magic. Joanne and Ken thank you for being so enthusiastic on the day and for keeping a smile despite the chilly wind. I hope to see you both again someday.

Marni Bezuidenhout did Joanne’s make-up – and Ida Webster did her hair.

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Nicola & Justin’s wedding at Lagoon Beach, Cape Town – Part One

Monica Dart — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 13:34:40 +0000

Numerous wedding bookings come from word of mouth, and Nicola and Justin got hold of me through their friend Katherine. I photographed Katherine and Shaun’s wedding in September 2009. On Nicola and Justin’s day, everything happened at the beautiful Lagoon Beach Hotel – getting ready, ceremony and the reception aka PARTY! The view from this hotel is spectacular and probably the best place to enjoy Table Mountain. I don’t know what has gotten into me lately, but I love blogging in 2 parts…I think it helps with the exciting build up of seeing the photo’s…and it also means the wedding day experience can be stretched out a little bit longer. So here I present to you Part one of a magical day…

I love this shot (below) of the flower girl through the hair roller.

The guys were getting ready in a another room not too far from the bride…

Moments before walking down the aisle…

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Mark & Natalie’s wedding – Kirstenbosch Gardens

Monica Dart — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 01:10:47 +0000

Natalie and Mark met on the set of the filming of a music video. They have a copy of which they can look back on to the earlier days of dating. I think that is pretty special! Natalie is graceful and and has the most amazing calming presence – during the getting ready, the room was so peaceful.

Both Natalie and Mark are very eco-friendly and wanted a ‘green’ wedding’. Kirstenbosch Gardens was the perfect location for this – the ceremony was held against the backdrop of the mountain, surrounded by the lush gardens. Following the ceremony, everyone enjoyed drinks and canapes on the lawn while we snuck off to do the bridal photo’s. The rest of the evening unfolded in Silvertree Restaurant in the gardens with everyone dancing the night away!

My favourite shot – love playing with movement!

make up: Helga Bridal

Hair: Shanti O’Hagan

Dress: Lara Klawikowski

Cupcakes: Cupcake Boutique

Flowers: Alison’s Flowers

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Melissa & Jonty – The Mount Nelson Hotel

Monica Dart — Sat, 01 May 2010 22:37:33 +0000

Melissa and Jonty got married at the most famous hotel in Cape Town, The Mount Nelson. The weather in May is usually unpredictable in Cape Town, but on this particular day it was beautiful and sunny. The ceremony was held outside under a Chuppah (canopy). I had previously photographed Mel & Jonty’s E-session in Houtbay, so I knew how easy and relaxed they would be to photograph on their wedding day. I love doing Jewish weddings – they are so full of energy and everyone always seems to be on the dance floor when the music starts. There was such a build up to their wedding. They set up a website for family and guests with a little story of how they met, and the plans for the wedding. I think that was such a special touch, as it gave insight into their lives, which then meant that when i spent the day at the wedding, the experience was a more personal one. More and more couples are doing this and I really encourage it. The Knot offers a website for couples to easily set up info about their wedding day.

Mel & Jonty, thank you! I had such fun with you both. x

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Vanessa & Kevin, “One And Only” Hotel, Cape Town

Monica Dart — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:23:46 +0000

Vanessa got ready at her mom Maria’s apartment in Mouille Point with a stunning view of the World Cup stadium – from the balcony it looked like a hovering space ship!

I was excited about shooting at The One & Only Hotel at the Waterfront – the energy in Cape Town is so different to that of the winelands. The decor and lighting was spectacular and the cake a work of art – I was so excited I didn’t know where to start!

Jorge Castro Tenor was flown in to sing at the wedding – he has sung with Pavarotti! His powerful voice and unrivalled energy left everyone spellbound. This was a real treat as it added to the elegance of the wedding day. Vanessa & Kevin were awesome to photograph – both were a little shy, but it added to the charm and beauty of the photographs . I did the bridal shoot at The One & Only, as the whole of the outside area is just incredibly beautiful and private. Thanks to both Vanessa & Kevin for being so warm and welcoming.

Make-up: Carl Isaacs – www.monopole.co.za

Videography: Silverline Productions – www.silverlineproductions.co.za

Dress: Elie Saab – www.boutique1.com

Cake: Cake Bread – www.cakebread.co.za

Venue: One & Only Hotel, Cape Town

Co-ordinator: Gavin Rajah

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