• Wedding photographers are a dime a dozen, but this one truly stands out. An official photographer to the British Royal Family, Tim Moolman has captured some famous moments. His love of wedding photography, however, has become career-defining.

    Widely recognised as South Africa’s leading documentary wedding photographer, Moolman’s work is iconic. He is a rare breed of professional photographer, able to capture photographs in many different genres – and do it well. He’s a Fujifilm X-Photographer ambassador, a passionate documentary photographer, and is also known for his skateboarding photography.

    The creator. Image: supplied

    Surprisingly, this artist only began capturing these moments at the age of 30, and quickly fell in love with it. He learned most of his skills on-the-job while working at a photography shop that hired out photographers for various events.

    Through his wedding documentary work, it is clear to see that Moolman is a craftsman that blends into the background to capture those images brides and grooms might have wished were taken during their big day. Instead of the big moments, Moolman favours those smaller, more intimate exchanges. Some of his favourite moments of a wedding are when guests are interacting with the couple, congratulating them with hugs and kisses. Behind-the-scene photography tells the story of the moment, capturing smiles and tears, the joys of those who were there and, sometimes, the sadness that goes along with it.

    Credit: Tim Moolman
    Credit: Tim Moolman
    Credit: Tim Moolman
    Credit: Tim Moolman

    “During a wedding, hundreds of random things happen every minute. There’s joy. Tension. Anticipation. Glee. Drama. Boisterous buttons seek to escape. Little fingers trail across spotless windows. Soggy (t)issues sit in the hands of emotional aunts. I see these little moments clearly – and wedding couples miss out on them, because you can’t be everywhere. But I am.”

    “This is my passion, these are my images, this is your story.”

    Credit: Tim Moolman
    Credit: Tim Moolman

    To couples, Moolman advises that they take the time to truly enjoy the day instead of focusing on all the things that may have gone wrong.

    “No event ever runs 100% according to plan and I feel it’s far more important to focus on the love and joy with friends and family instead of worrying about some minor table decoration.”

    Please visit his website or his Instagram to view more of his incredible work.

    Feature image: supplied

    Who says you can only wear a wedding dress once? This couple decided to make the bride’s wedding dress worth every cent by taking it along on their travels all over the world. The images they’ve since captured are nothing short of amazing.

    Jeff and Jennifer Salvage met online and quickly fell in love. Once engaged, they decided on a destination wedding to Easter Island, and thus needed a wedding dress that could travel in a backpack. Jennifer’s dress, a Maggie Sottero gown, made the long 7 000 mile (11 265km) journey from their home in the United States to Easter Island.

    Impressed by how well the dress held up, the pair then decided to take it along with them on their travels. Almost 12 years later, Jeff has taken photos of Jennifer all over the world in her iconic wedding dress.

    They’ve been dogsledding in Iceland. Credit: Jeff Salvage, One Woman One Dress.
    Hiking in France. Credit: Jeff Salvage, One Woman One Dress.
    Horseback riding in the Bahamas – Holland America Cruise. Credit: Jeff Salvage, One Woman One Dress.
    ZERO-G Experience® in Florida. Credit: Jeff Salvage, One Woman One Dress.

    Thus far, the dress has travelled 308 635 miles (496 594 km) and has been in 50 countries, including Albania, Argentina, Croatia, Germany, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.

    The pair typically go on two trips a year, and continue to do so because it keeps them close. “It’s very easy for couples to grow apart,” Jeff told Business Insider. “This is one way we have a common bond and drive.”

    To see more images, visit their website: www.onewomanonedress.com

    Feature image: Jeff Salvage, One Woman One Dress

    Considering an alcohol-free wedding can be stressful. We know that weddings are big parties and many guests will expect some drinks. We also know that you want your guests to have a good time. At the end of the day, however, it’s your special day and you’re free to do as you please.

    Maybe you and your partner are not big drinkers or maybe you come from religious families who frown upon drinking. Whatever the reason, you have a tricky decision to make.

    Here are some pros and cons of an alcohol-free wedding to help you make the best choice for you:

    Pros: 

    – Your expenses will be much lighter on the pocket 

    Supplying all your guests with enough alcohol for the entire wedding can cost you a small fortune. You’ll also have to provide the drinks whether or not they consume all of it.

    If you have an alcohol-free wedding, you save all of that money!

    – There’s no risk of guests getting too tipsy 

    Everybody has that one family member who tends to get a bit out of control with the drinks. There is always a risk of things getting out of hand when there are drinks involved.

    Avoid all the potential shenanigans with an alcohol-free wedding.

    – You can get creative 

    There are tons of alternatives to alcohol, and the concept is not unheard of. Get creative with mocktails or other replacements. This is a chance for you to add more of your personality to your special day.

    – Everyone gets home safely 

    There will be no need for Uber, Taxify, or any other app. Guests will leave completely sober and will get home safely.

    Cons: 

    – The dance floor might be less lively 

    Drinks do tend to lighten the mood; they definitely loosen your guests up more than anything else can. Without alcohol, there may be less mingling and dancing.

    – No champagne toast 

    Toasting to your marriage may be a bit weird without champagne.

    – It’s against expectations 

    Most guests expect to be served drinks at a wedding. This could lead to some disappointed or fidgety people in your audience.

    Whatever you decide,  remember that this is your day!  You can do what you like. It is a good idea, however, to mention that the wedding is an alcohol-free zone on your invitation – if that’s the route you decide to take. It will save you a lot of unnecessary questions from guests on the big day.

    There are in-between options too.  You don’t necessarily have to choose between zero alcohol or freely flowing drinks. A cash bar or a limited bar may also be possibilities to consider.

    Also read: Open bar vs cash bar: what’s the difference?

    Image: Pexels 

    Sometimes you want all the choices without all the fuss. Rest assured: You don’t necessarily have to buy two wedding dresses for an outfit change. Plus, the weather can often be unpredictable and you might just want that extra bit of warmth when you sit down, without having to sacrifice freedom on the dance floor.

    Detachable sleeves is a trend we can definitely get behind. There are so many ways to do it, you can go puffy or sleek, long or short. Here is some inspiration to get you going in the right direction.

     




     

    Image: almajbridal