STAY BY INIMITABLE | WEDDING VENUE
A new stunning wedding venue by Inimitable. Stay by Inimitable is an escape from the city.
Last year, I was shooting a wedding for Zavion and stayed over at Inimitable. The next morning, Zavion took me to a new space he was developing. I arrived at a site that was just starting to take shape—heaps of ground, foundations going in, the beginnings of something truly massive. As Zavion shared his vision for this space, I felt my heart race with excitement. This incredible human has a gift for turning everything he touches to gold. I saw the site once more before it was completed and was shocked at how quickly it was transforming. Fast forward a few months, and here I was, stepping into the reality of what was once just a dream.
When I arrived at Stay by Inimitable, I knew I was stepping into a beautiful space, but I wasn’t prepared for how truly awe-inspiring it would be. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the seamless blend of elegance and modern design. For anyone seeking a wedding venue that combines luxury with simplicity, Stay by Inimitable offers something truly unique.
Zavion’s talent for interior design truly stands apart. Stepping into Stay by Inimitable feels like arriving at a five-star resort, with every detail crafted to delight the eye around every corner. Honestly, if I could take it all home with me, I would!
“The architecture immediately caught my eye. It is striking”
The architecture immediately caught my eye. It is striking —clean lines, open spaces, and every detail so meticulously crafted. As a photographer, I’m constantly on the lookout for spaces that capture light beautifully, and this venue does just that. Natural light flows through every corner, making each room feel bright, inviting, and full of life. Every part of the space serves as the perfect canvas, capturing a balance between sophistication and warmth that’s hard to come by.
“Every part of the space serves as the perfect canvas, capturing a balance between sophistication and warmth that’s hard to come by.”
But beyond the aesthetics, the team at Stay by Inimitable is something special. Working with them always feels like coming home to a loving family. They bring passion and precision to everything they do, creating an experience that’s as welcoming as it is seamless. I could see that this venue isn’t just a place to get married—it’s a space designed for celebrations that will be cherished forever.
Just a short drive from the city, this venue feels worlds away, offering an intimate escape surrounded by nature’s quiet beauty. For anyone dreaming of a wedding that’s as stunning as it is stylish, I truly can’t imagine a better backdrop than Stay by Inimitable.
To explore this breathtaking venue yourself, I encourage you to visit Stay by Inimitable and see what makes it so exceptional.
ELEPHANT SAFARI ENGAGEMENT | CHARLOTTE & STEPH
I am thrilled to present Charlotte and Stephen’s Bushveld Safari session at Adventures with Elephants. Despite the sweltering heat on the day of the shoot, the outcome and feeling was nothing short of magical. Surrounded by the majestic presence of elephants, their grace and beauty left us in awe, a sentiment shared by everyone at AWE. This experience was not just a photo session but a celebration of nature, love, and artistry.
Experiencing the serenity and beauty of the bushveld is where I truly feel at home, finding unparalleled joy amidst nature's bounty. This connection deeply resonated when assisting my cousin Charlotte with her pre-wedding photo session planning. Our selection naturally gravitated towards the bushveld, a place echoing our shared childhood memories.
Charlotte and I grew up mere steps apart. Our early years were enriched by the frequent encounters with wildlife on our family farm. Additionally, our grandparents farm, nestled on the border of the Kruger National Park, right next to the Crocodile River, it offered us unforgettable moments, like observing elephants from our grandmother’s veranda.
This backdrop seemed perfect for Charlotte and her fiancé Stephen, both big admirers of the bushveld. Charlotte's bond with nature extends beyond appreciation; she is a gifted sculptor whose works brilliantly capture the essence of wildlife. I highly recommend exploring her exquisite creations under the name Charlotte Elizabeth.
I am thrilled to present Charlotte and Stephen’s Bushveld Safari session at Adventures with Elephants. Despite the sweltering heat on the day of the shoot, the outcome and feeling were nothing short of magical. Surrounded by the majestic presence of elephants, their grace and beauty left us in awe, a sentiment shared by everyone at AWE. This experience was not just a photo session but a celebration of nature, love, and artistry.
Make up by Nerina
Adventures with Elephants is not only a research facility, but AWE is also open for visitation and is only about 2 hours’ drive from Pretoria, perfect for a day outing if you have no idea what to do. They offer educational experiences, nature walks with the elephants, 1-hour private session (ideal for a photoshoot - bring your own photographer) and a couple more options.
““Of all African animals, the elephant is the most difficult for man to live with, yet its passing – if this must come – seems the most tragic of all. I can watch elephants (and elephants alone) for hours at a time, for sooner or later the elephant will do something very strange such as mow grass with its toenails or draw the tusks from the rotted carcass of another elephant and carry them off into the bush. There is mystery behind that masked gray visage, and ancient life force, delicate and mighty, awesome and enchanted, commanding the silence ordinarily reserved for mountain peaks, great fires, and the sea.””
CLASSIC BLACK TIE WEDDING
This Classic Black and White Wedding at Inimitable House in Muldersdrift is absolutely gorgeous
I feel like I am always saying the the planners I work with are amazing, but they really are. Once again I have a wedding up here and the outcome was just so amazing. Love this one especially because it was black tie and the outcome was so chic and classic!
Planning & Styling Zavion Kotze Events | Venue Inimitable HOUSE | Food Andrew Draper | Suit Brereton Bespoke | Stationery Chrystalace | Makeup and Hair Anni B Studio | Video Cinastage Studios
FRENCH AFFAIR | INFINITE LUXE WEDDINGS
Romantic Wedding with a French aesthetic at the beautiful Summer Place in Hydepark, Johannesburg.
Another beautiful wedding by the lovely Infinite Luxe Weddings. When you have a beautiful backdrop like Summer Place and a great team, a cloudy day seems like the perfect weather… and what is not to love about this soft box weather?
Everything looked magical, from the beautiful couple to the stunning garden ceremony and reception setups!
Creative team
Planning & Styling Infinite Luxe Weddings | Venue Summer Place | Stationery Chrystalace | Makeup Precious Xaba | Furniture Reserved Exclusive
MOROCCAN STYLED WEDDING INSPIRATION
Planning & Styling Marble & Mauve | Venue Hello Timber | Dress Marlize Meeding | Flowers Shop Botanicus | Stationery Fleur Design Studio | Model Agency Ultravision Brand Activators | Model Zee MBambo | Makeup Precious Xaba Makup | Photography Rensche Mari
WHITE, GREEN AND GOLD WEDDING | INIMITABLE
Beautiful White Green and Gold wedding in Muldersdrift at the beautiful Inimitable Wedding Venue.
Walking into the room I immediately knew this will be one of those weddings, you know, the one where fun is the main agenda. The love is evident in these moments I captured!
The vibe of this wedding screams awesome and I could not help but have a smile on my face as each part of the day was happening.
That being said, it also helped that an amazing team of creatives was behind the execution and success of this beautiful day, shout out to all them.
Planning & Styling Zavion Kotze Events | Venue Inimitable | Hair Bridal by Armon | Makeup Rebeca Artistry | Dress Vonve Bridal Couture | Stationery Nova Bespoke Stationery
INIMITABLE HOUSE | STYLED INSPO
A beautiful styled session with the wonderful team at Zavion Kotze Events and the beautiful Inimitable House. Loved this dress by Elli-Nicole and the models looked beautiful, thank you Lindsay from Bloom Hair & Makeup.
Loved shooting this romantic wedding styled session with my friends who also happen to be wonderful, inspirational creatives at the beautiful Inimitable House in Muldersdrift.
Venue Inimitable H O U S E | Styling & Planning by Zavion Kotze Events Company | Dress Elli-Nicole Bridal | Suit Brereton Bespoke | Bloom Makeup & Hair | Stationery Chrystalace | Food by Andrew Draper | Wine Deetlefs Wine Estate | Models Bianca Bezuidenhout + Lance Jelliman | Photography by me
BLACK & YELLOW WEDDING INSPIRATION | HELLO TIMBER
Stunning wedding styling by Marble & Mauve. Black & Yellow wedding table setting at the beautiful Hello Timber venue situated in Pretoria.
“Yes!” to this Black & Yellow Wedding inspo by Marble & Mauve.
Planning & Styling Marble & Mauve | Venue Hello Timber | Dress Marlize Meeding | Flowers Shop Botanicus | Stationery Fleur Design Studio | Model Agency Ultravision Brand Activators | Model Zee MBambo | Makeup Precious Xaba Makup | Photography Rensche Mari
JOHANNESBURG ENGAGEMENT - UTHINGO EVENTS
Winter days in Johannesburg can be so magical.
Winter days in Johannesburg can be so magical. This engagement session was captured one warm winter afternoon at Shepstone Gardens in Johannesburg. It was wonderful having this couple in front of my lens and I look forward to the day I get to photograph their wedding!
Planning by Uthingo Events Group | Venue Shepstone Gardens
BLACK & WHITE WEDDING SPECTACULAR
This was possibly one of the most spectacular things I saw in 2020, just before lockdown hit I had the amazing opportunity to shoot for my friends, the Zavion Kotze Events Company. They took everyone’s breath away with this black and white wedding decor setup at The Four Seasons West Cliff in Johannesburg.
I have to confess that since the start of lockdown it been so difficult and depressing to blog, because our industry felt so hopeless. Now as things are starting to pick up again, I am taking a little throwback to when the world was a different place. This is just a sneak peak of the beautiful post-wedding reception from 2020 pre-lockdown, and it is one of those events that gets you all excited about being creative.
Fudhail & Humaira celebrated their union at The Four Seasons in Westcliff Johannesburg and the epic planning and styling was done by none other than the Zavion Kotze Events team. The theme was black & white, like you have never seen before.
Planning & Styling Zavion Kotze Events | Venue The Four Seasons | Videography Hauke Weddings | Stationery Chrystalace | Furniture Reserved Decor
Watch this amazing Video of the Venue by Hauke
ELEGANT ALL WHITE WEDDING INSPIRATION BY MARBLE & MAUVE
White on white sophisticated wedding inspirational shoot planned and styled by Marble & Mauve
I simply loved working with my friend UV from Marble & Mauve on this beautiful styled wedding session at Hello Timber Venue just outside Pretoria. It felt good to be working on something when our country went into a stricter lockdown again on 15 January 2021. Have a look at what this amazing team created!
Planning & Styling Marble & Mauve | Venue Hello Timber | Dress Marlize Meeding | Flowers Shop Botanicus | Stationery Fleur Design Studio | Model Agency Ultravision Brand Activators | Model Zee MBambo | Makeup Precious Xaba Makup | Photography Rensche Mari
Elephant Conservation through Education
In a perfect world, all elephants would be free and wild, indeed all game would be free and wild. In the imperfect world we live in, we must find solutions for both animal and humans to be able to co-exist. As long as wildlife has no value to the people who own them/live with them, wildlife will continue to die carelessly and cruelly. AWE works towards finding and communicating the value of having and conserving wildlife.
There is nothing I love more than to be in the bushveld and to be surrounded by our beautiful wildlife. I grew up right next to the Kruger National Park, so whenever I am in the bush I feel right at home, and the older I get the more sacred the bush becomes. Today I am sharing a very special shoot, I urge you to read the whole post as I feel so many people are uneducated about these gorgeous Gentle Giants I get to photograph so often, this is my opinion and how I have experienced Adventures with Elephants. >
I love visiting Adventures with Elephants (AWE), the people here take in elephants that society has seen as ‘problem' elephants and they habituate them. Many of you might not like this idea of elephants being habituated, but they have nowhere else to go, their choices are limited to being culled, poached or rescued and placed in captivity.
Do you know how much an elephant is worth in Africa? The truth is that no one wants elephants, they destroy habitats (not through any fault of their own) and are very expensive to move to new locations, you will probably have to pay someone to take them off your hands and most of the time the people who will pay top dollar for them are the ones that want to hunt them for sport.
It is an appalling fact that over the last 100 years the African elephant population has been reduced from 3.5 million elephants to only 375 000 remaining today, and habitat destruction has reduced the land available to elephants to only 5% of what they once had (usually the worst lands, as humans have taken the best for cities, agriculture and such) and if the current rate of poaching continues then we will lose all our elephants within a decade’. [Source]
Our elephants are in trouble and there is an urgent need to protect these gentle giants. >
A little more about AWE
The group of 7 elephants at AWE have a purpose that is far better than just being rescued and placed in a national park where they will just over populate it futher, the elephants at AWE help their species and other species by means of educating us humans.
The program they run here is to; 1, look after the 7 elephants 2, help the communities around them by job creation 3, Educate the locals who have to live with the elephants, 4, observe the elephants and learn from them. Their end goal is conservation through education. Adventures with Elephants help our wildlife more than you know:
Some facts about Adventures with Elephants:
Adventures with Elephants have 7 elephants
5 of them were considered troubled elephants and were going to be culled. 2 Elephants were born into the herd.
The 7 elephants get to roam freely on 300 hectare during the day - they need way more than this, but unfortunately land is limited (still, they are far from being caged like zoo animals - in my opinion).
At certain times during the day they go and meet visitors > the keepers teach the visitors more about the elephants, their habits and the habitat they occupy.
At night they sleep in a boma with some of the keepers to keep them safe from poachers.
These elephants are habituated and humanly trained for a variety of roles from educational demonstrations of their abilities to film and research work as well as daily enrichment and anti poaching efforts for all wildlife in the area.
AWE’s elephants are one of the most diversely researched herds in South Africa and have been contributing to many different research projects.
I started working with Adventures with elephants about 6 years ago and it has been a treat to go there every now and then. I hope more and more people will go and visit this place to see what it is all about. >
“In a perfect world, all elephants would be free and wild, indeed all game would be free and wild. In the imperfect world we live in, we must find solutions for both animal and humans to be able to co-exist. As long as wildlife has no value to the people who own or live with them, wildlife will continue to die carelessly and cruelly. ”
