This Minimalist Wedding in South Africa Unifies with the Natural World
Yael and Christian’s minimalist wedding in South Africa is expertly planned, so much so that the venue seems to effortlessly unify with the surrounding natural environment. The beautiful backdrop of rolling hilly mountains and lush safari paths makes for an incredible venue where Yael and Christian express their commitment and dedication to one another.
Award-winning photographer Clane Gessel’s photographs of the romantic occasion showcase the natural world in breathtaking ways that had us astounded here at the studio. Clane expertly captures everything from out of the blue nature visits from safari wildlife to intimate moments of embrace as this intimate pair embark on a new journey together.
Textures Speak Volumes
At the start of this romantic pair’s special day, family and friends joined together at the sunny venue of AndBeyond in Namibia. The Sossusvlei desert venue is an iconic location that is home to some incredible natural wonders of the world. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of dunes, mountains, deserts, even the ocean! With the incredible open-spaced scenery in the background, the event featured minimalist decor with natural materials like unfinished wood and linen. These organic elements blend seamlessly with the natural environment throughout the safari venue. Adjacent to guest seating, simplistic garlands align wooden trellises to form the ceremony backdrop. Textures truly speak volumes at this wedding!
And, Yael and Christian’s wedding ensemble leave little wanting. Yael’s delicate lace-embossed gown pairs perfectly with Christian’s navy blue suit. Elegance at its finest! Yael’s floral bouquet complements the ensemble with warm hues and pink tones – a perfect match with her blush nails and white veil. Plus, Christian’s navy blue ensemble is paired with a striking statement accessory – a rich blue watch. The piece has gold accents that look beautiful next to the couple’s wedding rings. The smallest details can truly make the biggest difference, especially when it comes to a special event like your wedding! These seemingly insignificant details are the ones that you won’t want to forget when it comes to your big day.
Overlooking the serene landscape and rolling mountains, this romantic pair ties the bonds in holy matrimony. While Yael and Christian say their ‘I do’s,’ loved ones are privileged with an incredible view of the Namibia venue’s private reserve grounds that can be seen in the background of the event. Clane captures shots of the procession that highlight the vibrant grassy fields and lively foliage. The natural landscape brilliantly comes together to create a visual frame of the ceremony wherein Yael and Christian tie the bonds. The scenery is so beautiful that the natural world seems to honor this couple’s union along with their guests of friends and loved ones. Guests commemorate the romantic couple with handfuls of petals and infinite cheer as Yael and Christian gracefully exit the procession. The occasion was an unforgettable experience that Yael and Christian shared surrounded by family, loved ones, and an unforgettable view of the safari reserve.
Austere Grandeur of Muted Motifs
Across the wedding reception hall, bistro string lighting sets a romantic mood with subtle grandeur for the evening. Coupled with the ambient lighting, the ambiance of this minimalist wedding is elevated even further with a vivid green garland ceiling embedded in the enriching venue decor. Floral bouquets of warm, neutral colors are dispersed throughout the venue as well. Subtle pink, cream, and off-white hues elegantly complement the surrounding natural landscape of rich greens and sky blues. As Yael and Christian celebrate their newfound union with one another, friends and family join in for an intimate celebration filled with endless love and joy. Guests take in the breathtaking landscape and dance the night away in celebration inside the spectacular lodge of the venue.
Exploring the Safari
After a wonderful day of romance topped off with an evening of celebration, Clane continues the wedding photography shoot with Yael and Christian across the Namibian reserve in a separate section near the Drakensberg Mountains. The winding paths are home to natural inhabitants of the region, making for an immersive journey for visitors to explore in close proximity to a diverse range of wildlife. While exploring a section of the reserve path, the romantic duo came across some friendly visitors including a giraffe! Natural inhabitants of the safari greet Yael and Christian as Clane captures the peaceful encounters. It’s not every day that you see wildlife guests at a wedding!
Not far from the safari reserve, Yael and Christian continue their serene exploration into the famous sand dunes in the Namibian Sossusvlei desert. The salt pan, Deadvlei, is well known for its dark camel thorn trees that juxtapose with the textured white clay ground. The shoot is an otherworldly reminder of the transient essence of our being and the infinite nature of boundless love, like that of Yael and Christian. Clane expertly translates this transcendental notion through a series of final shots of the couple immersed in the desert sand dunes.
Working in sync with the moving shadows and casts of light enables Clane to get incredible shots of this couple’s unique bond. Yael and Christian pose throughout the rolling sand dunes to explore the gleaming rays of light and texture of the landscape. These unique photos are sure to create lasting memories for this couple to enjoy for years to come. (Check out a behind-the-scenes look at Clane in action at the shoot!)
With the promising future that lies ahead, Yael and Christian are ready to take on their next chapter in life together.
To see more images from this beautiful wedding, shoot us an email – info@clanegessel.com.
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