07 Nov 2008

Willem and Robaix – November 2008

Willem and Robaix’s wedding was held at Galagos Country Estate to the east of Pretoria.  Galagos is a huge wedding venue situated on a vast piece of property with really cool gardens featuring a mini forest.

Wedding dress on coat hanger - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography  Wedding dress bodice detail - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography

Most of their facilities are great, but I must admit that I was a bit disappointed with the room where Robaix got dressed.  It felt somewhat like a vacation bungalow at an Aventura holiday resort…  The rest of the rooms where Willem and other members of the wedding party got dressed were much better looking inside and out.

Groom getting dressed - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography Grooms brother relaxing - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography

Willem and Robaix also opted to have their wedding shoot done before the wedding to make use of natural light.  I always advise my clients do have a good look at their wedding day’s program together with a sunrise/sunset table to make sure that they make optimal use of daylight.

Bride and groom in fron of Galagos entrance - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography Bride and groom in forest - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography

We walked Willem and Robaix all over the place!  If you want to get married at a big venue I suggest you wear comfortable shoes…  We also need time to get enough nice photos as we need to move around and have fun.  Plan for about two hours if you can.  If we finish before that, you can spend some relaxing quality time together.

Bride and groom in forest - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography Bride and brother entering wedding ceremony - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography

Galagos has thatched roofs throughout it’s facilities.  Although thatch does look nice and rustic, it’s a wedding photographers nightmare as it does not allow us to bounce our flashes from it.  We then have to make all kinds of other creative plans to get enough light onto our subjects.  Make sure you ask for some thatch roof photos shot in dark conditions if you plan to get married in a similar venue to see if the photographer can create the feeling you are looking for in such difficult conditions.

Bride and groom in front of altar - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography Bride and groom receiving blessing from minister - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography Wedding rings - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography Bridal portrait from above - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography

The feature we liked most about Galagos is that there are a lot of raised vantage points from where you can snap some interesting angled photos.

Bride and groom entering reception hall - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography Bride and groom entering reception hall - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography

Their HUGE reception hall is a two level affair with loft seating running all the way around.  It is beautifully decorated and has a nice cosy atmosphere contrary to it’s size

Bride and groom opening dance floor - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography Groom dipping bride on dance floor - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography Guests dancing during wedding - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography Wedding guests dancing - Joretha Taljaard Wedding Photography

Galagos is a quality venue with professional staff, great food and good photo opportunities.

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