Unscripted Oyster Box Wedding – Susan and Marcus
Susan and Marcus live in Botswana and came down to Durban with their best friends and family to have a destination wedding at the grand old Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga.
When I asked them about what they expected from me as a wedding photographer they said “Capture all the moments of the day as it unfolds, if the kids are crying shoot it, if it pours with rain shoot it, if the bride runs late shoot it” …. “We aren’t interested in loads of pictures of the bride posing whilst wrapped around a wall, we aren’t interested in pictures of shoes and of decor … we want real images, the action shots, the honest moments”.
And so I attempted to jump into the heart of their wedding and photograph its soul. Here are the real moments …. here is their real wedding!
Second Shooter: Natasha Schoeman
Venue: Oyster Box Umhlanga, www.oysterboxhotel.com, +27 (0) 31 514 5000
Hair and Make up: Aldytha from Makeup Your Mind, www.makeupyourmind.co.za, (031) 312-2019
Church flowers, bouquets and button holes: Kobus, Designer Flowers, desflowers@hotmail.com, +27 847373432
Decor/Flowers at the Venue: Kobus, Designer Flowers, desflowers@hotmail.com, +27 847373432
Brides Dress: De La Vida Bridal, www.delavida.co.za, +27 11 431 4304, Info@delavida.co.za
Brides Veil: De La Vida Bridal, www.delavida.co.za, +27 11 431 4304, info@delavida.co.za
Groom’s Suit: Grooms own
Greek Orthodox Church, Durban North www.thehellenic.co.za 031 563 3877
Wedding Coordinator: Ginny from the Oysterbox – fantastically organized and professional!
Wedding Decor: Wine charm table placings, www.etsy.com – once on site, search for Wilma&Betty – ordered them on line from USA and they were very professional to deal with and the items were cost effective even with postage.
Also ordered my tiara and bridesmaid earrings from etsy.com….love this website!
Printing – Clarise, clarisebeket@hotmail.com, I don’t have her number, but she can also be contacted via Kobus, the florist.
Videographer: Aubergine promotions, http://www.aubergineproductions.co.za/corporate-video.html, Liesel, +27 834566302
I booked Liesel last minute and after only two email correspondence. She was very sweet and professional. I thought she may not show up as all I did was pay a small deposit and give her the address, but she did! 
They weren’t in the way and I hardly noticed them around, which is what I was hoping for.
DJ:Vivian, http://www.topjocks.co.za/djprofile.asp?ID=3&DJ=Vivian%20Westergreen, I don’t have his number saved and can’t find it on the website, but he is contactable on the site.
Photo’s – I haven’t even seen them yet, but know Jacki has done a superb job! From the beginning I could see she was in control and knew exactly what she needed from us to make sure we get what we want in terms of style. Jacki is not only a fantastic photographer, but exceptionally professional and in tune. She made me feel relaxed and comfortable knowing we’d get some beautiful pictures on our special day. Thank you Jacki! Well worth your weight in gold!
Overall, my day felt perfect and I definitely recommend every venue and supplier listed!
October 1st, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Absolutely brilliant Jax! You are the doccie QUEEN! That shot of the kids sleeping (from above) is awesome.
October 1st, 2012 at 12:37 pm
Beautiful pics!!! x
October 1st, 2012 at 12:53 pm
This is such an awesome way to do it!!! Probably one of your best shoots! I love the honesty and story telling this way of shooting lends to the photos.. Absolutely love it!!!
October 1st, 2012 at 1:26 pm
Jax – you really did fulfill the brief!! A whole new challenge on it’s own…well done!
October 1st, 2012 at 2:56 pm
Love it! Just absolutely beautiful!
October 1st, 2012 at 3:57 pm
These are awesome! The kids shots are hilarious and brilliant….what an album! x
October 1st, 2012 at 5:33 pm
What an absolute delight these pictures are. Absolutely a story that is being told. I love the intimate, the funny and the beautiful moments. It is deceptively simple and informal. It takes a very observant eye and a fast reaction to get this kind of story that is being told. Congratulations. It gave me so much pleasure, I can only imagine the wedding couple’s happiness.
October 1st, 2012 at 8:39 pm
Awesome job Jacki!
Marcus say thank you too. Xxx
October 1st, 2012 at 8:39 pm
…says thank you….
October 1st, 2012 at 8:43 pm
The first time I came across your work was when I was googling a venue where you shot a wedding (Happy Wanderers). I was amazed at your ability to capture special moments between people. You have a real talent and your pictures tell stories of a thousand worlds. I think your photos become special memories to treasure forever.
October 2nd, 2012 at 1:17 am
Bravo, bravo!!! What a bride and groom!!! I hope more brides out there look at these and choose to laugh off the pomp and ceremony (and MOBzilla & Co’s expectations!!!!) in favour of whatever the day holds. After all, it’s the spontaneous, unaware moments captured that make our wedding memories so cherished. To Susan and Marcus: Congratulations! I am sure your marriage will be as happy and fun and loving as your wedding day. Hats off to you!
And yes, Jacki, you have the eye and the sensitivity to capture nuance and culture so beautifully and respectfully. In my opinion, this is what makes you THE BEST wedding photographer IN THE WORLD! High praise, but genuine. I’ve had friends of friends (STRANGERS TO ME!!!) enquire about you and our wedding photos and know there are at least 2 wedding photographers here in NZ who’ve been referred to your website for ‘the standard’ – lol!
WELL DONE JACKI! I think this is your very best shoot ever!!! X X X
October 2nd, 2012 at 7:44 am
Hey Jacki
I’m looking over the photo’s again and even though others can tell a story from them, it’s so much more to us. The sequence of when the priest had his hand on my cheek was actually when he slapped me 
affectionately I think, but still a slap! Me pulling my veil over….after almost walking down the aisle forgetting to pull it over. The photo of my friend and her beautiful shoes. Those shoes were so exclusive and beautiful, but hurt her feet so much, I caught her later fetching her slippers from the bedroom and she spent the end of the eve dancing In slippers 
things I wouldn’t have easily remembered without the photo reminders. Thanks again Jacki!
October 5th, 2012 at 9:25 am
Absolutely stunning!
Beautiful little family
xx
October 5th, 2012 at 9:45 am
Susie!!! These photos are amazing! You looked BEAUTIFUL and your son is absolutely adorable! Looks like it was a magical day. Congratulations to you and Marcus, wishing you a life filled with love and laughter xxx
October 8th, 2012 at 12:49 pm
Stunning Jacki! One of your best shoots ever. Black and white’s are soooo good.
October 17th, 2012 at 7:04 pm
Very nice. Beautiful moments – wonderfully captured. Sorry I missed this special day, looks like you had a blast. Wish you a blessed life together. XRONIA POLLA FILAKIA!!!
November 15th, 2012 at 7:31 pm
STUNNING STUNNING !!! Love all of it WELL DONE!!!!
December 11th, 2012 at 2:36 pm
The tears, the nose picking, the yawn… they could not have asked for a more real photogapher! Stunning.