The return of the Rattle Snake!

Wow where do I start with this wedding?  The weather predictions were for rain for the entire weekend so I was not too hopeful about getting much done outdoors but thank goodness they got it wrong.  We arrived at Bosch Hoek to do a scout around the golf course for some potential venues for the photoshoot, photograph the decor done exquisitely by CHC Catering (as well as the delicious food), thank you to Midlands Style Events for letting us sample the sweets at the Sweet Bar yummy,  and then onto Matt and the boys who were staying on the course.  Thank goodness the sun came out and Matt and his partners in crime were keen to swim in the dam and do the usual guy things like dive off the jetty, have fun and my favourite, sink a rowing boat.  Next it was onto the chapel at St Annes in Hilton to get an idea of the lighting and where Kierran (our apprentice) and I would position ourselves to get different angles etc.  What a stunning chapel.  Next stop Julia in Pietermaritzburg where her bridesmaids and her were getting ready.  I have to mention a big thanks to Julia’s parents for their honest, humble and welcoming hospitality in their home.  Julia was so excited and was loving every minute of the day which was a pleasure to witness.  Back up to Hilton for the service and by now the day had turned into a hot summers day with Matt and the boys sweating like crazy in their suits.  After the service and congrats came the big surprise for Matt and Julia as Andrew and Sandy had arranged with Pierre ( a family friend) to take them in his helicopter back to Bosch Hoek. This was a complete surprise for them and they were like kids in a candy store or more like this photographer in a candy store.  I went with them and could here their laughter and screams from the front even with the headset on.  We managed to get some stunning photos on a hill along the way which was a special treat.  Skipping to the next surprise which wasn’t as fun (for some that is).  We were busy photographing Matt giving his speech from the dance floor when we heard the guests screaming “Snake!”  Kierran, who was sitting down on the dance floor turned and looked down to see this snake about 30cm away staring up at him.  It was love at first sight as they seemed to stare at each other for eternity (probably only a few seconds) before Luke (Matt’s brother) jumped up and grabbed the snake by the tail and threw it into the dam.  Everyone was too shocked to take any photos including me. The rest of the night turned into a big, big party and it looked like it would carry on all night when Kierran and I left after midnight for the drive home.  Actually now that I think about it the snake was probably coming to visit the Rattler aka Matt or also known as the “Side Winder” which is a whole different story and cannot be told by myself.  A wedding to remember for everyone so thanks to Matt and Julia for including us (not sure if Kierran feels the same way) haha.  I would love to see the footage that Leon Loubser (videographer) captured as well.