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Black and white photo and video image of bride and groom kissing in the back of a vintage car.
Photo & Film

Lights, Camera, I Do! Your no-fuss guide to hiring photo & video pros

August 4, 2025
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The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Photo Poses: 27 Ideas for Your Dream Album

April 8, 2022
Photo & Film, Planning, Finance & Legal

Choosing a Location for your Engagement Photo Shoot

April 9, 2021
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The 8 photos that every wedding album should include

April 1, 2021
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Choosing a great photographer and videographer

October 13, 2020
About to walk down the aisle on father's arm
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Do we need a Wedding Video?

October 16, 2019
Wedding Day photography session
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Choosing the right Photographer

October 16, 2019
Choosing the right Wedding Photographers in KZN and Gauteng
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Choosing the Right Wedding Photographer

October 3, 2018
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45 Questions to Ask your Photographer

April 12, 2017
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Wedding Photo Tips

February 22, 2017
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The Person behind the Camera

December 18, 2016
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It’s that time of year for Family portraits

November 10, 2016
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Pictures Worth a Thousand Words

November 20, 2015
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We know that wedding planning can be stressful! Why not let Marriage Meander lift some of the stress by providing you with the contacts, advice and tools you need to make your wedding planning a smooth and fun journey. Our annual publication is full of inspiring and useful info, and our website directory boasts some of the top wedding venues and suppliers in your area. Settle in right here to start your planning… We’ve got your back, beautiful bride-to-be! xxx

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HONEYMOON | There’s a certain kind of honeymoon th HONEYMOON | There’s a certain kind of honeymoon that doesn’t need a passport or a packed itinerary. It just needs space, quiet, and the feeling that the world has softened around you.
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That’s what @dumamanzi offers – an escape in the Umkomaas Valley, close enough to feel easy (±90 minutes from King Shaka International and 60 minutes from Pietermaritzburg), but far enough that you genuinely switch off.
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Duma Manzi sits on a 5,000-hectare, malaria-free nature reserve, with plains game, abundant birdlife, fauna and flora, and landscapes shaped by magnificent sandstone cliffs. The mighty Mkomazi (Umkomaas) River runs through it for 12 kms of thundering water so even when you’re doing very little, the setting still feels alive.
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For honeymoon couples, Sandstone Lodge is the main event: five luxurious, adults-only riverbank chalets where the days start slowly and the views do a lot of the talking. Mornings on your private deck, unhurried meals at the Sandstone Restaurant, and an Eco Spa experience with the river as your soundtrack.
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Prefer complete privacy and a self-catering rhythm? Rock Lodge is their newer exclusive-use option, designed for relaxed, private living with its own kitchen and lounge spaces, plus a distinctive rock pool setting and extra seclusion built into the river-facing rooms.
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If you’re honeymooning with family or close friends, Fish Eagle Lodge offers a private eight-sleeper with four river chalets and a central lodge area with a pool, deck, fire pit, and cliff-top views.
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What makes Duma Manzi special is how easily you can shape the mood of your stay. Keep it slow and restorative — or add a little adventure with guided walks, game drives, fishing, swimming, and time out in the reserve. Then come back to the romance: a picnic by the river or a lantern-lit private dinner under the stars with a bottle of wine.
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And because Duma Manzi is genuinely eco-led, the luxury here is rooted in nature rather than excess with sustainability built into how the lodge operates.
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CREDITS
Photos provided by:
@dumamanzi
@maverick_adv
@jacquineumann
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#MarriageMeander #DumaManzi #KZNHoneymoon #EcoLodge
MUSIC | The best wedding DJs don’t feel like “a s MUSIC |  The best wedding DJs don’t feel like “a service you booked”. They feel like the steady hand behind the celebration. The person who keeps the night flowing, keeps the energy right, and makes it all look effortless.
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That’s DJ Jay of @simplemusicsolutions.
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Jay has been doing this for 25+ years, and what makes him different is simple: he personally DJs every event. No assistants. No outsourcing. If you book him, you get him — his experience, his crowd instinct, and his ability to keep the dance floor full right through to the last track.
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He’s built his reputation the old-fashioned way: by being good enough that people call him back. Jay is often booked again by the same families for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings. Now that’s the kind of word-of-mouth that only happens when a supplier is consistent, professional, and genuinely easy to work with.
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And he doesn’t leave couples to hope it works out. He guides the process with a bridal questionnaire and a consultation (face-to-face or online), so your music choices are clear, while still leaving space for what matters on the night: reading the room and knowing what the next moment needs.
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One couple put it perfectly: they’d been to plenty of weddings, but they’d never seen a dance floor stay as full for as long as it did at theirs. That’s the Jay effect. Friendly, reliable, and excellent at turning a reception into the kind of party people don’t want to leave.
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CREDITS
DJ: @simplemusicsolutions
Photos @mistykissesphotography
Video @carlovisuals
Venue @collisheen_estate
Planning & Coordination @the.socialite_
Florals @thebloombarkzn
Dress @bespoke_by_maryke + @allora_bridal
HMUA @brennapaigemakeup
Couple @the_nicole_roets + @darren_roets
Photo of DJ Jay @pose_a_rosey_photography
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#MarriageMeander #SimpleMusicSolutions #DJJay #KZNMidlandsWeddings #KZNWeddingDJ
WILDFLOWERS & WHIMSY | A Marriage Meander styled s WILDFLOWERS & WHIMSY | A Marriage Meander styled shoot 🌸

A little whimsical, a little wild and a whole lot of happy.

Who says a wedding needs to be hosted in a fancy reception hall to feel magical? Sometimes, the most beautiful setting is one where nature does most of the work. And with its open fields, tranquil dams, pretty gardens and surrounding forests, Bushwillow Park in the Karkloof was the perfect backdrop for our Wildflowers & Whimsy vision.

This shoot was all about fresh ideas, playful details and reimagining what a wedding could look like if you’re after something a little different from the traditional formal sit-down.

Think colourful canapés served on the lawns by Jackie and her team, fluttering ribbons on Debbie’s framed sweetheart table backdrop, bright blooms in delicate bud vases and a pastel-coloured bridal gown by A’mour. This was our first-ever coloured dress featured in a Marriage Meander styled shoot, and we loved it! Because who says a bride has to wear white?

Lara from Aurora Designs brought her own artistic touch to the stationery suite, including the hand-painted flowers on the welcome mirror, while Janine from Whisked Cakery created an on-trend oval cake with the prettiest fruit accents.

Every collaborator brought something fresh and thoughtful to the table (quite literally!), and the result was a day that felt happy, wholesome and wonderfully relaxed.

Yes to more daytime weddings! ☀️ Whether it’s a garden lunch, high tea, canapés on the lawn or a picnic surrounded by nature, there are so many ways to make your wedding feel uniquely yours.

Thank you, Wade, for so beautifully capturing this little snapshot of our day. And to this team of incredible collaborators, thank you for bringing the whimsy!

Film @conwayphotoandfilmsa
Venue @bushwillowpark
Flowers & Decor @etceventsdebbie
Canapé Furniture @muirheadshiring
Photography @pose_a_rosey_photography
Stationery @aurora.designs01
Catering @jackiecameronincolour
Cake @whiskedcakeryza
HAMU @diosgracia_mua_aesthetics + @bloom_bridal_hair_artistry
Dress @amourbridalboutique
Suit @suitupsuithire
Models @irenesmodels
DJ @simplemusicsolutions
Coordination @marriagemeande
MUSIC | If you love the idea of live music at your MUSIC | If you love the idea of live music at your wedding, @renetshiakanyi is the kind of musician who makes it feel easy — relaxed when it should be, uplifting when it matters.
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René is a Durban-based singer-songwriter and a true multi-instrumentalist, able to perform as a singer/guitarist, singer/pianist, saxophonist, or even accordionist depending on the tone you want to create. That range is a real advantage on a wedding day, because it allows the music to shift with the timeline — gentle and welcoming as guests arrive, more buoyant as the celebration opens up, and confident enough to carry a room when it’s time to move into the party.
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One of the things couples love most is his multilingual repertoire. René performs in French, English, Portuguese, Afrikaans, and Zulu, which adds an effortless layer of connection when families and friends from different backgrounds are sharing one space. It feels personal without needing an explanation — just the right song, in the right language, at the right moment.
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He’s also a musician with serious training (Trinity College of London) and strong local presence, performing regularly at respected venues and country clubs across KZN — which shows in his professionalism on the day. He arrives prepared, keeps everything running smoothly, and adapts easily if the timeline shifts.
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Couples describe René’s music as the thing that made the atmosphere feel right — joyful, grounded, and memorable in the best way. If you want live music that feels warm and real, but still polished and well-managed, René is a beautiful choice.
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CREDITS
Musician: @renetshiakanyi
Photos, slides 1 &3: @pose_a_rosey_photography
Photo, slide 4 @thekeepers_mediasa
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#MarriageMeander #ReneTshiakanyi #DurbanLiveMusic #WeddingMusicianKZN #WeddingSingerKZN
MUSIC | If you want a DJ who can genuinely run a w MUSIC | If you want a DJ who can genuinely run a wedding reception, keep the dance floor full, and read a mixed crowd properly, @press_play_djs is the kind of team you book with confidence.
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But here’s what really elevates them: they don’t only DJ the night, they shape the whole entertainment experience so it feels intentional, polished, and a little bit cinematic.
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With 20+ years of experience behind them, they understand that the difference between a good party and an unforgettable one often sits in the layers around the music. Clean, reliable sound from the ceremony through to the last track. Lighting that doesn’t just flash, but actually changes the mood of a room — from elegant uplighting that lifts your décor, to intelligent dance floor lighting that builds energy as the night gets louder. And then the “how did they do that?” moments, done with taste: Dancing on a Cloud for your first dance, indoor sparkler fountains (cold sparks) for entrances and key beats in the timeline, plus high-impact extras like CO₂ guns, confetti blasts, bubbles, and smoke — all used in a way that feels premium, not gimmicky.
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What couples often don’t realise until they’re in it is how much this kind of full-service setup lets you relax. When one team is handling the sound, the lighting, the timing, and the transitions, the night feels smoother. The formalities land cleanly. The shift from dinner to dancing doesn’t drag. The “big moments” feel properly marked — and then the party takes over without you having to manage a thing. That’s the quiet difference between a reception that happens to you and one you get to be fully present for.
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Couples mention DJ Rish for a reason. He listens carefully, matches your vibe, and then does what the best DJs do: keeps things flowing so smoothly that it feels effortless on the day — while the room around you quietly transforms.
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If you want a wedding that sounds incredible, looks incredible, and feels like one big, joyful release, without a hint of tackiness, Press Play DJs delivers that full-body celebration.
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CREDITS
DJ @pressplay_djrish
Photos @aloefilmco
Rest of credits in comments
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#MarriageMeander #PressPlayDJs #KZNWeddingDJ
MUSIC | Some wedding music is there to entertain. MUSIC |  Some wedding music is there to entertain. String music does something else: it changes the temperature of a moment. It slows people down. It draws them in. It makes an aisle walk feel intentional, and a drinks hour feel like part of the story, not just the gap between ceremony and reception.
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That’s what iziBani String Quartet @izibanistringquartet does so beautifully.
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They’re the official Candlelight Concert Series quartet in KZN, which tells you a lot about their sound: precise, polished, and beautifully controlled — the kind of performance that holds a room without ever needing to chase attention. But what couples tend to remember most is how it feels: calm, elegant, and quietly moving, like the day has a little more glow around it.
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Their repertoire also has range that’s genuinely useful for weddings. You can lean classical (Vivaldi, Mozart, Pachelbel), go modern in a Bridgerton-inspired direction, or blend the two — and they’ll shape it into a programme that fits your day and your people, not a one-size-fits-all set list.
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And because the musicians perform regularly with major orchestras, what you’re booking is not 'background strings’, but artists who understand dynamics, timing, and atmosphere at a professional level. That orchestral grounding shows up in the small things: clean cues, confident pacing, and music that supports the moment instead of overpowering it.
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One couple described the result as beautiful, calm, and magical — exactly the kind of tone-setting you want on a day that moves quickly and means everything.
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If you’re drawn to weddings that feel elevated but not overdone, where the music adds texture, emotion, and a sense of occasion without becoming a show, iziBani String Quartet is a brilliant place to start.
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CREDITS
Live Music, photos and video: @izibanistringquartet
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#MarriageMeander #iziBaniStringQuartet #izibanistringquartet #KZNWeddings #KZNWeddingMusic #LiveWeddingMusic
MUSIC | There’s a part of a wedding that nobody no MUSIC | There’s a part of a wedding that nobody notices… until it goes wrong.
The ceremony mic that cuts out. The speech nobody can hear. The “can you turn it up?” shuffle. The feedback squeal. The awkward pause while someone fiddles with cables.

@heine_klopper (aka DJ-K) is for couples who want that entire layer handled — professionally and properly.

Based in the Natal Midlands, Heine Klopper brings a wedding-day setup that covers the full sound journey: PA for the ceremony through to the reception, clear microphones for formalities (including a lapel mic for anyone who hates holding one), and a system designed for smooth transitions so the dance floor never feels interrupted.

What makes him stand out isn’t only the gear — it’s the way he works. He’s request-friendly, adapts to mixed-age crowds, and takes the time to understand your preferences so the music feels like your day, not a generic wedding set. 🎤🎧✨

And if your venue is off the beaten track? Heine is set up for that too, with battery-operated sound options and backup ways to source a song if something unexpected comes up.

Then there’s the fun layer: lighting effects, smoke, and bubbles — all available if you want your reception to feel like a proper party without losing the polish.

Couples consistently mention the same things: clear communication, early arrival, smooth running, and a dance floor that stays busy long after you expected people to sit down.

If you’re planning a Midlands wedding (or anywhere in KZN) and you want your sound, music, and formalities to feel effortless from start to finish, DJ-K is the kind of supplier you book and then stop worrying about.

CREDITS
DJ @heine_klopper (aka DJ-K)
Photos @blissfullyyoursco
Marquee, draping & lighting @Mrent_events
Coordination @nickycawood @service.excellence
Flowers & Décor @flowersbyleighhollis

Dress @melizamarybridal
HAMU @glow_hmua
Catering @bleuberricatering
Cake @sugarsociety_cakestudio
Photo of Heine @vixphotographyweddings

Couple: @keeganp108_ + @chlo.pfeil_

#MarriageMeander #DJK #HeineKlopper #KZNWeddingDJ
DESERT VOGUE | The secret is out! 🤘 We’ve been si DESERT VOGUE | The secret is out! 🤘

We’ve been sitting on this one for a little while, but now that international publication Rock ‘n Roll Bride has shared our Desert Vogue shoot, we can finally let you in on what we got up to!

This shoot started with a vision Steve had of an elopement in the extraordinary Red Desert. As each team member came on board, that vision grew, evolved and took on a life of its own.

Meliza Mary took an old, traditional wedding dress, gave it a rather rebellious snip, and breathed new life into the fabric with an incredible little two-piece, created especially for Sinead. Paired with a short veil, hat and boots? The perfect anti-bride look.

And then there was the team. A small but mighty bunch who brought their own ideas, creativity and enthusiasm to the table. They lugged chandeliers and floral arrangements through the desert, shone light bars across the landscape, cranked up the beatbox and created a vibe that was very much our own.

But one of our favourite moments wasn't planned at all.

A group of locals walked past our shoot site on their way home at sundown. Quite understandably, they mistook our little production for a REAL WEDDING and spontaneously began cheering and calling out blessings over our “newlyweds”. It was such a wonderfully unexpected and genuine moment. 🤍

And speaking of real moments... Sarah from @somethingtrue.weddings worked with our real-life lovebirds to craft personal vows from their own stories and memories. The couple kept their words secret from one another, so when they read them aloud in the desert, the emotion was genuine. No pretending. No rehearsals. Just two people expressing their love.

Desert Vogue – you were a definite 2026 highlight.

I couldn’t be prouder of this crew:

Photo + film @stephenmichael.za
Flowers + decor @thefloralteam
Stationery @willowandmistdesign
HAMU @promakeupdbn
Dress @melizamarybridal
Suit @suitupsuithire 
Vows @somethingtrue.weddings
Models @irenesmodels @bosh_avocado @james_healthlifestyle
Host venue @clearwater_farm_venue
Coordination @marriagemeander

#MarriageMeander #DesertVogue #ElopementInspiration #RedDesert #KZNWeddings

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