Dear Lee-Ann & Alberth
There are weddings where the scale is big, the timeline is full, and the moments come fast. And then there are weddings where, despite all of that, what stays with you are the in-between things.
Lee-Ann, you were an absolutely breathtaking bride. Truly. Your dress, your hair, the way everything came together—it was one of those looks where you just stop for a second and take it in. Alberth, you were pure joy next to her. You laughed easily, smiled constantly, and looked like you were genuinely having the best time marrying your person.
Your ceremony surprised everyone by being wonderfully short, but what it lacked in length it more than made up for in setting. Standing there, overlooking the Durbanville Valley, it felt open and expansive—like the landscape itself was part of the promise you were making.
One of my favourite moments of the entire day was slipping away with you both for your couple shoot at Meerendal. Off-site, away from the noise, with space to breathe. And that sunset—holy moly. The kind that feels almost unfair, pouring gold over the vineyards and wrapping everything in warmth. Those are the moments that make time stretch in the best way.
And then there was that toast. Alberth, the song you played—describing a woman as “green”—had the entire room holding its breath. Tears everywhere. One of those moments where humour, emotion, and love all land at once.
Another standout? Your first dance. Placed right at the beginning of the reception, just as the sunset light flooded into the venue. The timing couldn’t have been better if we’d planned it down to the second. Soft light, full hearts, and everyone watching you two exactly where you were meant to be.
When it came down to it—when it was just the two of you in front of my camera—you were natural. Comfortable. Clearly in love. You enjoyed the time you had together, and that mattered more than anything else.
Lee-Ann & Alberth, thank you for trusting me to notice both the small, quiet moments and the scale of a full, eight-hour wedding day. There was so much beauty here, and I’m glad I got to capture it.
With love,
Gem
