Vasti + Pieter’s Wedding: 12/16/2009 – Words, photos, and videos can’t express how grateful I am for meeting Vasti and Pieter. What turned out to be a silly comment about me flying out to South Africa to photograph their wedding turned into an experience I’ll never forget and a friendship I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

I’m finally back in the states after spending the last two weeks in South Africa. During the first week of the trip in Pretoria and Johannesburg, I had the utmost pleasure getting to know Vasti, Pieter, and their wonderful families. Everyone kept asking Nancy and me what we liked about South Africa (most) and it was the people we both met and got to know.

From Pieter’s parents, brother Carl, cousins, and groomsmen like Wynaad (who was kind enough to be our personal driver on the wedding day) to Vasti’s parents, Anna and Lonngren, Dax and Rene and their three adorable kids, and just everyone else we said hello to…you each hold a special place in my heart. But especially to Vasti and Pieter, I’m truly touched and inspired by the love you have for each other and how you opened your hearts and home to Nancy and me. We can’t thank you enough for not only having us at your wedding, but taking the time out of your busy schedule to show us around your hometown and making us feel like part of the family.

As 2009 quickly comes to a close, I’m so thrilled to start it photographing Vasti’s brother Lonngren and his wife Anna’s wedding, and closing a memorable year with Vasti and Pieter’s big day. Thanks again to the Taljaards and Pienaars for everything. On behalf of both Nancy and myself, we feel truly blessed and thankful for knowing you all. We hope to come back to South Africa (and a first to New Zealand for Dax, Rene, and their families :P) in the not so distant future. All the best to Vasti and Pieter!

Here are some video clips Nancy shot for me throughout the day with color commentary by yours truly :). The first one is during the girls getting ready, the second is right after the guys got ready, and the third/last video is towards the end of the reception. We kinda forgot to record clips during the portraits. Anywho, enjoy!

Vasti + Pieter’s Wedding Part 1 – 12/16/09 from Henry Chen Photography on Vimeo.

Vasti + Pieter’s Wedding Part 2 – 12/16/09 from Henry Chen Photography on Vimeo.

Vasti + Pieter’s Wedding Part 3 – 12/16/09 from Henry Chen Photography on Vimeo.