Adam Richardson - miracle baby!

Little Adam had a tough start in the world.  Born on New Years Day, after a very difficult birth he spent two weeks in ICU, where the doctors couldn't make any guarantees on whether he'd pull through or not.  After a really difficult and emotional couple of weeks, spent with tubes going in an coming out and constant monitoring by medical staff, the little man made it through and finally went home.

Little Adam was featured in one of our earlier posts, "Baby Jamaal Richardson" (his name has improved dramatically).  This however would be his first photo shoot on the "outside" and our first newborn shoot.

Due to his rough start Adam has regular visits to his doctor and every milestone reached is a small miracle, but this little man is the happiest little dude ever and seems to be making giant leaps down the road to recovery.

And while Adam is truly beautiful his fingers and toes are my best bits.  So small (his mom is convinced they're HUGE), delicate and perfect.

Holding on to mom's hand tight - just in case the scary photographers try steal him (which they keep threatening to do.)...

And while there were plenty of smiles (no giggles just yet), as soon as the camera was in the little man's face, the smile turned to curiosity.  But still, that doesn't mean that the fella isn't the perfect model...

And when he was done with being the centre of attention he let us know with a big yawn...

And almost as we had finished packing up, and The Guy was holding Adam over his shoulder, we managed to get one more perfect photo of him.

Live strong little man.

Denise & Rainer

The Ireland Family

The Ireland's, Chris, Olivia and their two little girls Rebecca ad Madison are our neighbors.  They really wanted to get some family photo's taken with Madison in them before she was all grown up.  This being said, little Maddy had other ideas about photo shoots and decided that this shoot would be done her way.  That's 2 year old's for you...

Here's a family photo we managed to get in the first 5 minutes of the shoot, before Madison decided that this was enough and the garden was far too interesting to waste it on silly photographs.

In their beautifully coordinated outfits (don't photo's always look awesome when everyone blends?) we managed to get some great updates to "the Ireland Family album"; some of them even include little Maddy who we needed to bribe to be in the photo's most of the time.

The funniest photo's from this shoot are definitely the ones where Madison decided she was boss.  Alright, not all of them.  In some she's just a pink corner blur while the rest of the family look lovely.

And here's Chris & Olivia looking picture perfect.

I'm pretty sure these next photo's are Madison telling us how things should be going down in this shoot.  Clearly she's not impressed by our crazy-mad photography skills.  I love how Rebecca clearly isn't impressed with Madison...

Rebecca always smiles beautifully for the camera so getting shots of her was easy (also, she's pretty easy to direct and she's a fab model) but dear little Maddy was proving a tough nut!  And then, in the blink of an eye, just as we were packing up, we snapped some pic's of a little Madison posing for the camera with a big grin on her face.  Clearly the idea of going home was just too exciting for this little bun.

Happiness is...

On another note, remember to tell all your engaged buddies about our fabulous "win huge" wedding photography competition.  There's now a link on the right-hand side of the page so interested couples can go and check out all the important details there.

Enjoy reading, chat soon
Denise & Rainer.

WIN HUGE!

Now that January is over and we're into the month of love, we thought we'd share some more love with you. Now I can already hear you saying "how can it get better than your AMAZING January specials?" but never fear because this Girl and her Guy are pulling out all the stops for one lucky couple.


We're working so hard to get ourselves known and to get our brand out there that we've decided to give away an unforgettable prize of FREE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY!  Can you dig it?  Yes that's right, we're giving away a full day's wedding photography plus a disc of images to the lucky couple who impress us the most.


I can already tell that you're itching to find out how you can win this awesome prize and really, it's simple.  All you need to do is LIKE us on facebook  and inbox us a message (via email) about you and your partner (We want all the mushy details about how you met etc.), when your wedding date is, where your wedding is and why you should win this incredible prize.


There are a couple of little things that we need to clear out the way, terms and conditions if you will...  

1. The competition will run until 31 May 2012.  Any entries received after this date won't be considered for the prize (so hurry up and get moving).
2. The prize can only be claimed in 2012.
3. Only couples who Like our FB page will be considered
4. Entries must be sent to our FB inbox.  Entries posted on our wall or emailed won't be considered.
5. The judges decision is final.  I know we're going to desperately want to give everyone who messages us a prize but we have to be strong and chose just one couple.
6. The prize consists of aGuy&aGirl Photography's time and expertise as well as a disc of the images.  Should the prize winners want albums, cards or any other products offered by aGuy&aGirl Photography these will have to be purchased by the winning couple.

So come on internet, get busy.  Send us messages and give us plenty of reasons why you should get this prize.  Tell your friends.  Tell everyone...

I'll leave you with a series of pic's from one of our early engagement shoots.

Hope we'll be hearing from you soon

Denise & Rainer

January Specials

Welcome 2012

I hope you've all had the most fantastic festive season.  I love Christmas and all it's glitz and sparkle.  I love the decorations and the indulgent foods.  The carols and the merriment.  But there's one thing I don't love about Christmas... The big fat dent it makes on my bank account and I'm pretty sure all of you are feeling the same way.

Now as this Girl & that Guy are human too and are also faced with the fact that we still have to make bookings which often require payment in advance.  So that is why we've decided to have THE BIG JANUARY SALE!  All our package prices are discounted in the month of January so book early to avoid disappointment.  Now don't be confused, this isn't only for bookings during the month of January, this is for whenever but if you book in January, you'll get the special rate (pretty awesome I think!).  We will require a 50% deposit to confirm we're booked for your big day.

If you want to chat to us about when we're available or what the deal is (really there's no catch to it at all) pop us an email or just visit our new specials page to have a look at these GREAT DEALS.

Hope to hear from you soon
Denise & Rainer

Old Balgowan - The Red Wedding

As our time at Old Balgowan draws to an end, the latest editition to be added to the "Old Balgowan Archive" is the wedding of Rowan and Pamela which is unlike any other wedding I've been to.  Not just with Old Balgowan... EVER.  Held on a Monday and the bride dressed in passionate red, this wedding had a very individual flair.

The dramatic red's scattered around the reception venue were set off by the crisp whites and silvers in the center pieces.

And the red's were in full bloom in the flowers flanking the bridal couple in the church.

But nothing was as dramatic as the brides dress... 

as it floated down the aisle...

and waiting for her at the end of the aisle was Rowan...

Old Balgowan is a fantastic venue that caters to every bridal couples needs, and more importantly, WANTS... If you're interested in Old Balgowan for your wedding, click here to download the booking form which includes all the details you'll need to know.

Alternatively you can give Judi a call on +27 33 234 4622 or else send her an email.

Chat soon

Denise & Rainer

Old Balgowan - All the Glamour

Working with Old Balgowan has been fantastic as we've seen all kinds of weddings.  This past Saturday all the bells and whistles were on show for the wedding of Stephan and Kellie.  With guests flying in from all corners of the world, it was time for Old Balgowan to put their best foot forward and pull out a stunner.  Judi and her team had been gearing up for this wedding for some time now and made the entire affair seem effortless.

The venue was exquisitely dressed, from the beautiful draping on the ceiling (a standard feature at Old Balgowan) down to the glass crystals sprinkled over the tables.   I'm always amazed at how the Old Balgowan team manages to make the same venue appear so differently at each of their weddings.  While the key elements are the same, the fine details are always so individual that no two weddings ever appear similar.  A grand achievement considering weddings is what they do.

The beautiful pale roses set off by the delicate gold trim, placed perfectly on the crisp white table clothes, gave the main table a freshness experienced at very few weddings.  And the beautiful gold detail found on all the tables was repeated in the chairs, which of course had a very special touch added to them.

The delicate peach, yellow, white and pale pink roses adorned every detail of the room, including the wedding cake.

While the details may be fabulous, the day certainly belongs to the bride and groom who in this case had flown out from the UK to spend their special day back on home turf.  The bride, Kellie, and her "team" looked as fabulous as they prepared to make their big entrance...

As did the groom, Stephan, and his "crew".

Even the littlest wedding guests were dressed to the tee and sharing beautiful smiles with everyone (especially the photographers at Old Balgowan).

And on leaving the church after the ceremony, the bridal couple were showered with rose petals by the happy onlookers...

before stopping on the step outside the main reception venue entrance to pose for photo's with family and friends.

Thanks to Judi and her team at Old Balgowan I'm sure Kellie and Stephan had the wedding of their dreams.

If you're looking at venues in the Natal Midlands, give Judi at Old Balgowan a call on +27 33 234 4622 or pop her an email.

A technical note:  We've been experiencing a few problems with our comments feature on the blog.  Hopefully it's all in working order now so please feel free to leave us a comment (preferably a nice one) and let us know what you think.  You'll also be doing us a huge favour because I'm desperately trying to get this to work.

Chat soon

Denise & Rainer.

Old Balgowan - On a Rainy Summers Day...

From the moment we stepped out the car I doubted wearing a dress.  The weather when we left Pietermaritzburg was decent but by the time we reached the Midlands I was regretting dressing for summer and wishing I could have pulled some long pants and a cosy scarf out of my Mary Poppins carpet bag!  However, this didn't dampen the spirit of the day.  Not one bit.

This past weekend, Rainer and I headed back out to Old Balgowan Farm in the Natal Midlands to photograph another wedding on their behalf.  

The Midlands charm is something quite special. No matter what the weather, come rain or shine, weddings and functions held out at Old Balgowan are something quite special.  The view is always spectacular and the fine details add the perfect touch.  Whether you chose a low key or high glam theme to your wedding, the Old Balgowan atmosphere seems to lend itself  suitably on all accounts.  

This past weekend was the wedding of Benn and Lauren, a more understated affair. While many bridal couples rush around frantically making sure that everything is perfect, Benn and Lauren went low key-simplicity.  While I say simplicity, don't be mistaken.  Who else can boast a full school choir entertaining your guests as they enter the chapel in anticipation of your arrival?

(If you look carefully, you'll see the choir dancing!)

While simplicity may have been the order of the day, the details certainly shone through and all the love and admiration the couple have for one another came out in the beautiful details of the day.

The beautiful flower arrangements on the tables, both inside and out, added a lovely freshness to country charm of Old Balgowan.

While the rain held up outside...

The bride couldn't help getting a little misty eyed inside...

And who could blame her when the two men who love her most said the most wonderful things about her.  Lauren's dad made a very emotional speech during the service which brought tears to many eyes.

And while not all the guests at the party were invited, they sure did dress for the occasion.

(That's just a joke.  This guy is just part of the deal if you chose Old Balgowan for your wedding)

Congratulations Benn and Lauren and well done Old Balgowan on yet another super successful wedding.  Don't forget that if you're interested in Old Balgowan for your wedding or function head along to their website, www.oldbalgowan.co.za or email Judi, the events co-ordinator at weddings@oldbalgowan.co.za.  Or better yet next time you're in the Natal Midlands and want to shop, wine taste or look at the beautiful view, why not stop in at Old Balgowan  Farm (click here for a map of how to get there) and do all three in one place.

Chat again soon

Denise & Rainer

Craig & Candice - The Family Jack

There's been a fair amount of discussion about this pending arrival.  In December, Craig and Candice are to become parents to a beautiful little boy.  We were contacted last week about doing some photo's as it is so near to Candice's due date and they realised that they don't as yet have any pictures of her / them.

If little baby Jack is as laid back as his folks were on this shoot, living with him should be a breeze.

We don't usually take on this kind of photography, we're usually all about engagements and weddings, but for Craig and Candice we were more than happy to give it a go.

The Pietermaritzburg Botanic Gardens makes such a beautiful backdrop.  I recommend it to anyone wishing to have family or couple photographs taken.

Here's to Craig and Candice.  Plus baby makes three!

Old Balgowan - It's all in the fine detail

Old Balgowan is the newest wedding venue on the Midlands Meander and it's exquisite!  Every last detail has been thought of and if not yet implemented, it's in the works.

a Guy & a Girl photography very nicely asked the owner of Old Balgowan if we could venture up there for the next few weekends doing wedding venue photography on behalf of them in order to get some superb shots for our portfolio and of course, which they will be able to use for their website.

The great thing about Old Balgowan is that it's not just a wedding venue...  No no, Old Balgowan has a shoe factory (Born in Africa) which produces Shisheka shoes among many others and also, a newly added winery, distillery and brewery.  The great thing about all this is that while the bridal couple heads off to take their photo's, the wedding guests can go to wine and sherry tastings or even indulge in some retail therapy...

Back to the reason we're here though, the wedding venue...

The venue hire includes use of the Old Balgowan Wedding Chapel situated 10m away from the reception venue which can seat 300 guests.  The stained glass windows add a lovely touch of romance while the bridal couple are wed under the lovely quaintness of the thatch roof.

And just 10m away from the chapel is the incredible reception venue with it's glamorous satin drapping and exquisite leather seats (these cannot be classified as chairs!).

All the small, finer details look perfect against the satin and fairy light "sky".  How dreamy...

Turquoise was the colour of the day and the brightness of it just made the details pop against the Old Balgowan backdrop.

For those interested in finding out more about Old Balgowan Farm and the many things it has to offer, head along to their website at www.oldbalgowan.co.za or email the events co-ordinater, Judi at weddings@oldbalgowan.co.za


Enjoy the read, chat soon
Denise & Rainer