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Archive for March, 2010
Sunday, March 28th, 2010
I want to share something that has had such an enormous impact on my life and the lives of so many who new him. 3 weeks and 2 days ago, one of my best friends little boy Jude, passed away at aged 18 months. The morning of that shocking phone call, the time at their home on that dreaded morning, has without a doubt been one of my biggest, most devastating ‘lifeshocks’. Jude was part of my life even before he entered the world – his mom and I got to travel around Cuba and shoot for close to 3 weeks, with him happily squirming away in her tummy. When he was born up until recently, the 3 of us would meet up every week for coffee. When Jude starting walking he had absolutely no fear of life – he would spot a shop, or dog or another child and just make a bee-line, with either mom or I taking turns running after him. His little life on earth was cut short by a virus – no warning, no preparation, no nothing. The day, with all it’s chaos, the tears, the whaling, the disbelief, the anger, the shock, the numbness, the love, the support, all of it, was umbrella’d by this hovering nauseating and surreal silence.
Jude has brought so much love to so many people in such a short time. He has enriched my life and left his mark. I was chatting to his mom on Friday, and we agreed how something like this makes you want to be more real – to just cut the crap. It has been a reminder too, about what is important, what really matters – quality time with family and friends and just sharing moments with people you love . When children are first discovering things, they make us stop to re-discover them too – to just ‘be’. I have learned huge lessons and many things have changed for me in past few weeks, by this one smiling, funny, lively and unbelievably gorgeous little boy. His death has made me completely re-evaluate my life and do a 360 deg. turn. Work has been my main focus – shoot, edit, shoot, edit, coffee, shoot, shoot some more, edit, edit, edit. As much as I completely love what I do, work is just part of the large ‘pie’ and the need to focus and give 100% to each area – friendships, relationships, work, health, self etc – is a challenge and a difficult one to balance. It didn’t take a life coach, but one loveable little boy to show me that. Jude’s death doesn’t make any sense. Some things are beyond human control or understanding. I am grateful for the journey and friendship I have shared so far with his mom, and even more grateful that I knew and got to spend time with this precious little soul.
One of my favourite shots of Jules – I love the light wrapping itself around her and the Jude-bump.
Please take some time to see some amazing images of Jude by viewing this link www.julesmorganweddings.com/life/to-my-judle-noodle.html
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Saturday, March 27th, 2010
I met Laura several years ago when she was working for SA Wedding Venues and we’ve become friends and stayed in touch. When she asked me to photograph her and Pete’s wedding I was so chuffed! She is such a lovely person – always smiling and laughing. I started with some shots of her getting ready in Camps Bay and was greeted by a whole room of excited women – mostly Aussies! Laura is from Australia, and when i first walked into the room i did a double take -I’d forgotten that she has a twin sister, and they are identical!!! I’m not generalizing here, but Aussies are soooooo friendly and always up for a laugh!
Their ceremony took place on the lawn outside The Roundhouse with views of the 12 Apostles mountains, Clifton and Camps Bay. All couples are different when photographed – some are shy and reserved while others are crazy and up for anything. Laura and Pete are the kind of couple that are so connected and just so completely into each other, and just laughed the whole way through the shoot. This made the entire experience relaxed and loads of fun. The reception was held under a marquee attached to The Roundhouse, and was beautifully lit by fairy lights, candles and kerosene lamps. Awesome wedding and fantastic energy! Mix up Aussies and South African’s and you have one heck of a party! Thanks Laura and Pete for an incredible wedding and being just so wonderful. I am sad you are both moving back to Oz.xxx
Make-up: Wydaad from Bobby Brown
Flowers: supplied by Flowers In The Foyer, but created and put together by Emma from Floriade – a Sydney-based florist.
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Wednesday, March 24th, 2010
Bret is a pilot and Nicole an air steward and they met in the air! They live in the USA and flew to South Africa with Bret’s best friend and Nicole’s sister Lydia. It’s not often I get to shoot a wedding with such a small bridal party of 4! We did some creative photo’s in Franschhoek at their guest house, then headed off to Haute Cabriere for the ceremony in the cellar. Following this we headed into Franschhoek centre to ‘play’ some more and had a blast in the streets. This was the longest time I’ve ever had with a couple doing the bridal photo’s – 4 hours in total (with 20min for the ceremony).
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Posted in Franschhoek, Haute Cabriere, Weddings | 6 Comments »
Sunday, March 21st, 2010
It is quite rare to meet someone with so many incredible qualities rolled into one. When I met bubbly Rebecca I felt as if I was meeting up with an old friend. Not only radiant on the outside, but equally so on the inside. She is one of the very few people i’ve met in my life that can make whoever is in her presence, feel important and special. The way one person treats another and the positive energy which they carry around speaks volumes. As a photographer, it just makes the day that much more awesome. Rebecca & Jacques met at a Rocking The Daisies concert and have been together ever since.
The day started off a little cloudy and by the afternoon the sun was out, warming up the large area where the wedding would take place. Both the ceremony and reception were held at the beautiful Rhebokskloof in Paarl. This is the first time i’ve shot a wedding there and it’s a spectacular venue. The ceremony took place next to the lake, and the reception was a black and purple baroque themed picnic. Little ottomans were dotted across the lawn as well as picnic blankets, and each group was giving a picnic basket, drinks and champagne. Goodluck, with a genre of ‘live-electronic-house’ music opened the dance ‘floor’, and everyone danced on the grass. These guys were out of the world – I have never felt prouder to be South African – they rocked the place! I highly highly recommend booking them for your wedding – but you have to get in early! They have gigs all over the place and have several international gigs lined up too.
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Saturday, March 20th, 2010
Nooitgedacht Estate is a beautiful venue, and it’s the first time i’ve had the privilege of shooting a wedding there. Royal Blu co-ordinators meticulously did the elegant decor – crystal lampshades, beautiful flowers, intimate lighting and the funkiest green and white striped dance floor. Carey and Gareth live in the UK, and I met them several months ago in CT to chat about their wedding day. They were so easy to photograph – happy to go along with anything that presented itself. The weather was awesome, and the sunlight over the orchard was incredible.
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Posted in Stellenbosch, Weddings | 5 Comments »
Sunday, March 14th, 2010
The day I photographed Jacqui and Warwick for their maternity shoot, all the elements were in our favour. They wanted something urban – wall signs, funky cargo crates, punchy colour, peeling paint… I arrived at Paarden Eiland a little earlier to scout out the surroundings and found ALL those things. The area was practically free of people and traffic as most of the warehouses closed for the weekend, so we had the whole area to ourselves. It was a very peaceful start to a Sunday – we’d drive a little, find a funky door and shoot, drive a bit more, find something else that looked interesting and shoot a little more. Thanks Jax and Warwick for just going with the flow! Looking forward to meeting little Sebastian.
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Saturday, March 13th, 2010
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.
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Posted in Cape Town, One & Only Hotel, Weddings | 13 Comments »
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