THE BEST OF 2017

Looking back on the best of 2017

And just like that, another year has passed by. This year for me started off with so many unknown beginnings and there have been some speed bumps, it’s been a pretty incredible journey. I began January with a new team of epic people at my “day job” as an Account Manager for Halo Media. When I started, I had no idea how happy I would be 12 months later and so grateful that this tribe is in my life. We celebrated our first year of marriage and started renovations on our new house (which is still currently under construction and a story for another time).
Life isn’t always perfect (like I said…speed bumps), but sometimes we need those bumps to slow us down and give us the chance to reflect on all the great things we do have. Every year, It’s round about now that I reminisce on the moments I’ve shared through the year. This post is dedicated to some of the moments that had me smiling through 2017!

Baby Reef

Roxi and Byron got married last year and in 2017 they welcomed their first baby boy into the world. The best word to describe Roxi is delightful. She has a sparkle in her eye and a smile that can light up a room. Watching her and Byron grow into the role of parents has been wonderful to see.

Monika’s Maternity

Monika and I had met years ago in a Pole Fitness class. I was so happy when she went with my idea of getting in the water! I’m a water baby by nature and chances are if we’re shooting on the beach… you’ll end up in the sea! This was so much fun.

Baby Tahlia

You’ve already met Monika and Nicholas, we’ve shot again when I met baby Tahlia. She’s just the most peaceful little creature and mom and dad have made sure she’s surrounded by love. I stole this quiet moment of dad rocking her to sleep.

Banski Family

The Banski Family, oh my gosh where do I start! My Britty lives on the other side of the world with her hilarious husband and two incredible little people! They flew in to Durban for a sneaky little holiday this year and I got to meet Alex Banana! The Banksi’s hold a very special place in my heart and I burst with pride every time I see them.

Cassidy

Cassidy is a long standing family friend who I hadn’t seen, in what felt like more than 10 years! She reached out to me to help out with a few photos for a model portfolio. It was so great to see her after all these years!

Hawkey Family

Tiffany and Wesley booked a family session with me just as Nate was starting to walk. Michaela totally stole the show! Her laugh is infectious and she will keep you entertained for hours! This little girl is so full of character and will be keeping her little brother very busy.

Birthday Celebrations

We took some time off in the middle of the year to celebrate my husbands birthday with some of our closest friends. We spent our weekend exploring the Red Dessert in Port Edward, drinking cheap cocktails and playing tennis. This was a weekend filled with laughs and good memories to go with it.

Price Wedding

Kirsty and Calvin got married the day before my 1st year anniversary. When we first met for a coffee, I instantly connected with them and after the wedding I felt more like a friend than a supplier. This exact moment still has be grinning from ear to ear. Kirst’s mom surprised them with a treasure they didn’t even know they had. It was a piece of paper with scribbles of a plan that they had made to get married one day… fast forward years later and that’s exactly what they did! The pure joy on Kirsty’s face is just Price-less!

Riley

So Meg (Riley’s mom) and I go way back to school days. This year we agreed to a trade exchange (I get nails – she gets photos) and it’s been the best! Not only have I become nail art obsessed and day dream over which new glitter I’m going to try… but I’ve also gotten to know Megan and her little family really well. Riley is the happiest baby (and I’ve met a lot of happy babies!) and very clearly a fan of cake! This cake smash session was messy and totally worth getting covered in icing.

The Roricks

This was another blast from the past for 2017! Chantel was in high school with me as well and we were reconnected through a mutual friend. Like any good relationship, we started on a few coffee dates and moved on to the engagement! Chants and Grant were long time lovers and finally got married this year. They weren’t too keen on “lovey” photos for their engagement session… so I suggested they bring the fur kids along. Grant had us falling apart with laughs and didn’t disappoint at the wedding either. The best part of witnessing them promise to love each other forever, was seeing the raw emotion from Grant as his beautiful bride walked down the aisle towards him.

The Rorick Family

Yes, you read right… these are Roricks too! Except this was Grants brother, wife and son. We had a VERY early morning Family session and I fell in love with Alex. Alex has these adorable little quirks about him and getting a little giggle out of him had me smiling like a Cheshire cat.

The Terblanche Family

Kathy and Billy are another couple who have been shooting with me for quite some time now and this was my second session with little Amber. I really love photographing these two, probably because they are so laid back but mostly because they are so down to earth. Amber already has a strong personality and knows exactly what she wants! And what she wanted that day was to play in the sand and pick up the biggest sticks she could find! She’s definitely keeping mom and dad on their toes.

Keith & Heidi

Heidi was pretty much a second mom to me when I was growing up. Her daughter is one of my best friends and the longest friendship I have (from Grade 2)! Heidi is also one of those people with a very distinct laugh. You know, those laughs that get you laughing and once you’re in a laugh-off it takes a while before anyone has a chance to speak again. I love those laughs! Anyway, after 13 years… they finally tied the knot. The last two photos are my favorite moment at their wedding. The roles were reversed and Keith was the one with the uncontrollable giggles!

Lisa & Monet

I thought it would be perfect ending off this post with Lisa & Monet because I’ll be photographing their wedding this weekend! I loved their engagement session earlier this year because the love between them is undeniable. They adore each other and you can tell by the smiles on their faces. I can’t wait for them to become Mr & Mrs Wicks!

After searching through the files and files of shoots from the past 12 months, I’ve come to the realisation that I love to take photos that make me smile! Happy people is what makes my heart tick, because life is better when you’re laughing! Whatever 2018 may have waiting for you, I hope that it is filled with love and laughter!