This was the wedding we have
been waiting for…
My husband introduced Tshidi and I to each other. He knew
that we had both started professional photography and used Sony cameras. It was
our shared love for photography that formed an immediate friendship.
We shot my first wedding together like a
glove and hand fitting perfectly. This was our working relationship. Right from
the beginning, we were in sync. Simple things like knowing where to stand and
how to shoot can take years to learn. Somehow, we knew where to be and how to
move. We were never in each other’s shots. Wedding photography can be very
stressful, but we had fun. We compared what we took and Tshidi always looked
with great enthusiasm and encouragement at my photographs. In the early days, I
needed a lot of help. Sometimes I was just stuck. Then he would lean over and
lift my flash so that it bounced light exactly the right way and I ended up
with beautiful photographs. We were a great team.
When Tshidi started working full time, it was hard for me to find the right photographer to replace him. I was reluctant to ask anyone and I still am. In the proceeding years, I have tried other photographers and I was hopelessly disappointed. Since he left, I’ve really never had another photographer I can work with. I’m still looking for the Tshidi-like photographer that can fill his shoes.
We are what you call photographer friends. We speak
photography and we follow each other’s work. Over the years, Tshidi’s personal
facebook page changed a little. I kept seeing this beautiful blonde girl in his
images, and she kept popping up on his newsfeed. Then he ended up in
Switzerland with her. Like a loyal friend, I followed their journey. Maybe I’m
a bit slow as I thought, “Okay, so she’s not just a friend, she must be more.”
(I know – this girl can be slow). However, in my defense, Tshidi has a lot of
friends and he always makes them feel special. BUT, this one got the VIP
treatment, although I didn’t ask why.
Not long after the Switzerland trip, I got a call. Tshidi announced he was engaged and that he would like me to be one of the photographers at his wedding. I was floored that he would ask me. Immediately, my heart was overwhelmed with emotion. I could not believe it. It’s a great honour when another photographer asks you to capture their life-changing day.
The weeks built up and I got to meet Madeleine for the first time at our official client-photographer meeting. She was gracious and beautiful. One thing I remember was her great admiration and love for Tshidi and the smile on his face was priceless. He was self-assured, had deep confidence. He truly knows that “she is the one.” Getting to know Tshidi on our long trips, I knew he would not marry just any girl. He needs someone who understands him and loves his craft. With this in place, it is a perfect match.
The couple hosted their guests in Botswana, a truly scenic country. The day had no hiccups. Everything went as planned; there was no rush, only a sense of ease and calm. I also think the Botswana people posses this naturally.
It was a beautiful ceremony filled with joyful tears. When Tshidi saw his bride the rush of emotion and joy to his heart was tangible. He shed honest tears as he looked upon his bride who possesses beauty and grace.
The ceremony was filled with joyful tears, long-engaged glances, awe of each other and a beautiful blessing spoken on their unity. There was also laughter, encouragement and appreciation when the groom read his vows in German to his Swiss-German beauty. Her family was delighted and pride showed on their faces as he declared his love for her in her native tongue.
Every photographer dreams of a bridal session filled with
ease. This is what I experienced! There was no rush. Only peace and calm.
The evening wedding celebration was marked by memorable
words of gratitude and admiration to the couple, lovely gifts from the father
of the bride and a stirring illustration by the bridesmaids to the bride
regarding her Swiss-German heritage and relation to Heidi.
The room was filled with celebration and welcoming songs to
the bride. They sang that if ever she should knock on their doors, they would
always open their homes and help where they can.
For me, this day will forever be preserved as a day of
beauty, celebration, calm, favour, blessings and where two worlds were joined
together.
Happiness
Honored Photographer and Friend.
Zee
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