Get ready for an incredible tale of love and celebration! Grab yourself a cozy cup of coffee, settle in, and let me take you on a journey through an unforgettable wedding weekend:
Following our departure from the Pont Drift Border post, we embarked on a brief stroll towards the cable car that awaited to ferry us across the majestic Limpopo River, marking our entry into Botswana. The experience was already extraordinary, thanks to the exceptional assistance provided by the rangers from Mashatu Game Reserve. They graciously aided us with our luggage and gear, guided us through customs procedures, and escorted us to Tuli Safari Lodge where the wedding took place.
Upon our arrival at the lodge, we indulged in a delightful lunch before retiring to our tented accommodations for a moment of relaxation. Soon, it was time to embark on an exhilarating game drive. We gathered with fellow guests at De Beers lookout point—the same spot where Chris & Sam's love story had begun with their engagement and where they exchanged vows during their couple session.
The serenity of the surroundings and the sense of adventure in the air set the stage for what promised to be an unforgettable celebration weekend.
After sunset drinks, we moved on to the incredible bush rehearsal dinner.
Wedding day morning game-drive
After a marvelous evening and a restful night's sleep, we eagerly awaited the morning game drive with Chris and our fellow guests.
Our journey was nothing short of extraordinary, filled with captivating sightings at every turn. Witnessing hyenas and foxes engaged in a lively dispute over two pieces of impala meat was a thrilling highlight. Additionally, encountering two magnificent leopards—mother and son—lounging lazily in a riverbed added an enchanting dimension to our safari experience.
The Wedding Day
Following the exhilarating game drive, we returned to the lodge to a warm welcome and an extraordinary breakfast served under the tranquil shade of the trees. The peaceful ambiance provided the perfect setting to reflect on the memorable sightings we had just encountered.
As the day unfolded, Chris opted for a leisurely morning by the pool, indulging in moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. Meanwhile, Sam and her bridesmaids savored a delightful breakfast accompanied by mimosas in the bridal suite, setting the stage for the day's festivities to come.
These tranquil moments of preparation and anticipation added to the overall magic of the day, setting the tone for what promised to be a celebration filled with love and joy.
Reception of dreams at Tuli Safari Lodge.
Our bride, Samantha, is not only radiant but also the mastermind behind the exquisite wedding planning at Acacia Life. She has truly outdone herself with the natural yet classic florals and decor, ensuring that every detail harmonizes seamlessly with the venue and its surroundings.
From the elegant floral arrangements to the carefully curated decor elements, Samantha's vision has transformed the setting into a breathtaking tableau of beauty and sophistication. Each detail reflects her impeccable taste and meticulous attention to detail, elevating the ambiance and creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
As the momentous occasion approached, it was time for our groom to don his wedding attire. With each carefully chosen piece, Chris radiated confidence and elegance.
In his light suit adorned with subtle green touches, Chris looked dashing. The ensemble perfectly complemented the natural beauty of the surroundings, adding a touch of sophistication to his already debonair appearance.
Our bride, Samantha, was an ethereal vision in her Anna Sposa dress from The Wedding Collective. Every detail of her attire exuded grace and elegance, capturing the essence of her radiant beauty. The addition of a piece from her grandmother's wedding dress, lovingly incorporated by The Wedding Collective, added a poignant touch of love and remembrance to Samantha's ensemble. It was a beautiful tribute to her grandmother, who was dearly missed, especially on this special day.
In a heartfelt nod to both style and comfort, Samantha opted for personalized Nike shoes, a thoughtful gift from her bridesmaids. These touches of personalized flair reflected Samantha's personality and added a unique charm to her bridal look.
The moments shared during the first look with her new in-laws and her father were profoundly touching. As emotions ran high, I found myself moved behind the camera, witnessing the love and joy that permeated these precious moments. The heartfelt words exchanged were a testament to the deep bond and happiness felt by all, as Samantha was warmly welcomed into the Jacobsz family.
These moments of connection and love served as a reminder of the power of family and the beauty of new beginnings.
High tea was a delightful prelude before we embarked on the journey to the ceremony location.
As Samantha eagerly awaited her father's arrival to escort her to the celebration beneath the magnificent Mashatu Trees, anticipation hung in the air. Along the way, we were blessed with the sight of a large herd of elephants—Sam's favorite animal—a symbolic sign affirming the decision she was about to make, filling her heart with joy and reassurance.
Each guest was seated in a game drive vehicle, providing the perfect vantage point for the ceremony. Surrounded by the majestic rock formations of Tuli Safari Lodge, the setting was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The exchange of vows beneath the sprawling branches of the Mashatu Trees was a moment etched in memory forever. After the heartfelt "I do's," guests were treated to refreshing drinks and snacks, basking in the shade and serenity of the natural surroundings.
It was a ceremony filled with love, laughter, and the beauty of nature—a celebration that will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Couple Session
The moment I had been eagerly anticipating arrived, knowing that the locations chosen to capture the essence of Chris and Sam's love story were nothing short of spectacular.
Chris and Sam exchanged their heartfelt wedding vows against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset at the iconic De Beers vow point. As mentioned earlier, this was the very spot where their love story had begun, where they shared their engagement, and where they had enjoyed pre-wedding game drive drinks.
The beauty of this spot during sunset was truly magnificent—a captivating blend of natural beauty and profound love, creating a scene that was as enchanting as it was unforgettable.
Let's raise a glass and welcome the new Mr. & Mrs. Jacobsz!
Following the exchange of vows, it was time for champagne toasts, heartfelt speeches, and a sumptuous meal.
In a serendipitous twist, it was discovered that both Chris and Sam's parents had been married on the same date and had danced to the same song during their first dance. To honor this beautiful connection, Chris and Sam surprised their parents with a special dance following their own first dance—a touching moment filled with love and nostalgia.
Adding to the magic of the day, Chris's dad showcased his culinary talents by crafting the delicious wedding cake, while his mom orchestrated the creation of an incredibly special wedding topper. Exact replicas of Chris and Sam, complete with a miniature version of Sam's wedding ring designed by Carat Jewellers—the same company that had crafted her real engagement ring and wedding band—the topper was a delightful hit among guests.
Before dancing the night away, we stole a moment to admire the starlit sky from Tuli's Star platform. The celestial display was simply breathtaking, and though I'm not a seasoned star photographer, I couldn't help but be impressed by the beauty captured in my portrait of Tuli Lodge against the horizon.
As the day drew to a close, the memories etched into our hearts remained, serving as a testament to the love and joy that filled every moment of this incredible celebration.
Until next time,
My wildest Love,
Nadia
