Whispers of the Berg – Elopement Styled Shoot
Posted in Style Files by Jacqui Neumann
A Drakensberg Elopement Styled Shoot - Celebrating Intimacy, Bold Romance & Creative Collaboration.
Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of standing in one of the most breathtaking places on earth—Cathedral Peak in the Drakensberg Mountains—surrounded by an incredible team of creatives, each bringing their unique magic to the table.
We came together to craft something intimate, bold, and deeply romantic. The kind of elopement that speaks to couples who crave connection over convention, who feel most alive in wild places, and who want their wedding day to be as unique as their love story.
What follows is a behind-the-scenes look at each element we brought to life—and the wonderful people who made it possible.
Planning & Coordination: The Marriage Meander Company
The vision was simple but layered: a modern elopement with quirky touches, warm golden tones, and a deep sense of place. I wanted this shoot to feel like a love letter to the Drakensberg, the kind of elopement that feels both rooted and untamed.
This was more than just a styled shoot—it was a story brought to life. From the real couple (newlyweds Michaela and Liam) to the use of a traditional Scottish oathing stone ritual, every detail was chosen with heart and intention.
The Setting: Cathedral Peak Hotel
There’s something undeniably sacred about Cathedral Peak. With sweeping views, towering rock faces, and a soft stillness that settles into your bones, it was the perfect setting for this mountain-top love story.
From the honeymoon suite to the chapel steps to the windswept ridge above the dam, every backdrop offered a new way to capture the wild beauty of the Berg.
The Storytellers: Stephen Michael
Steve and Cloeme from Stephen Michael captured the energy of the day so perfectly—quiet moments, bold silhouettes, real laughter, and windswept romance. The way they told this story through both stills and video is pure artistry.
The Florals: Studio Petals
Annie from Studio Petals created floral magic with a colour palette of buttercream, ochre, mustard, amber, and earthy blush tones. The bouquet featured loose garden-style blooms tied with flowing silk ribbon, and the ceremony arrangement—set on a perspex plinth—was later repurposed for a cosy setup at the honeymoon suite.
Rusty grasses, seasonal seed heads, and minimal foliage gave the florals a romantic but modern edge, perfect for a mountain elopement.
Bridal attire
Dress & Veil: Bella Bride KZN
Suit: Suit Up Suit Hire
Michaela’s dramatic off-the-shoulder gown from Bella Bride was proof that an elopement doesn’t mean compromising on style. It was bold, elegant, and unapologetically bridal.
Liam’s deep green suit from Suit Up Suit Hire offered the perfect contrast—stylish, unfussy, and just formal enough to complement Michaela’s dress.
The Vows & Ceremony
Personalised Vows: Something True
This part deserves a pause.
Sarah from Something True created the most moving, custom ceremony script for our couple—including a beautiful Scottish-inspired oathing stone ritual. As Michaela and Liam said their joint promises, they took turns holding a stone from the exact spot where their fictional characters “got engaged”—a symbol that their vows were set in stone, enduring as the mountains themselves.
It was a moment that gave everyone goosebumps.
Insider info: Sarah works closely with couples to create heartfelt, meaningful ceremonies that are truly their own—whether it’s a quirky elopement like this, or a more traditional celebration.
The Paper Goods: Aurora Designs
Lara from Aurora Designs delivered beautiful, understated pieces that elevated the details of the day. From minimalist vow books tied with matching ribbon, to a black-and-white "Elopement Tabloid" and a playful “Just Married” sign for the quadbike getaway—each item was designed to match the palette and personality of the shoot.
Hair, Makeup & Prep
Hair & Make-up: Pro Make Up DBN
Satin PJ Set: Tehillah Clothing
Tammy from Pro Make-Up Dbn gave Michaela the perfect bridal glow—gorgeous, glam, and natural all at once—with her hair drawn away from her face into a voluminous ponytail, and adorned by a breathtaking veil from Bella Bride that danced beautifully in the mountain breeze.
Before stepping into her gown, Michaela wore the cutest satin PJ set from Tehillah Clothing—a soft, feminine detail that made the “getting ready” shots in the honeymoon suite feel cute and intentional.
The cake: Whisked Cakery
Janine from Whisked Cakery made us a small, two-tier vanilla cake with salted caramel icing and a simple message: “It’s a forever thing.” It was elegant, meaningful—and best of all—absolutely delicious! (We know because we ate it. Every last crumb.)
Our Real Husband-and-Wife Couple: Michaela-Skye Parry + WithInfluence
Michaela and Liam brought such genuine love and chemistry to the shoot. Every look, every touch, every laugh—it was all real. They reminded us why elopements are so special: at the heart of it all, it’s just two people promising forever.
Final Thoughts
This shoot filled my creative cup to the brim. It reminded me of the magic that happens when talented people come together to build something beautiful from scratch.
To the incredible team that made Whispers of the Berg possible—thank you. This is the kind of work I’ll never stop being grateful for.
VENDOR CREDITS
Location: Cathedral Peak Hotel
Photo & Film: Stephen Michael
Florals: Petals Fine Flowers
Dress & Veil: Bella Bride KZN
Suit: Suit Up Suit Hire
Vows: Something True
Stationery: Aurora Designs
Hair & Makeup: Pro Makeup DBN
Cake: Whisked Cakery
Satin PJs: Tehillah Clothing
Couple: Michaela-Skye Parry + WithInfluence
Creative Direction & Coordination: Marriage Meander
