Shayla + Emile

Shayla and Emile’s wedding was nothing short of exciting. These two were one of the sweetest couples I’ve gotten to work with, and I was so glad that I got to help capture their big day.

I was the second photographer for this wedding for David N Sachs Photography so that means I hung out with the guys for the majority of the day, which is always a good time! Emile and his family are from South Africa (and yes, they did have those beautiful accents). While their voices were wonderful to listen to, they were also great company! We popped champagne, danced a little, and had a bunch of fun while we waited for the girls to get to the venue.

When Shayla and the girls arrived, I was shook. Is she a literal model????? Shayla made such a gorgeous bride and Emile is one lucky fella. Before the ceremony, we positioned them on opposite sides of the barn door so they could hold hands and talk without seeing each other and it was so cute – a great idea if you don’t want to do a first look but want to have a quick, intimate moment before you walk down the aisle!

The ceremony was beautiful – it was early summer so everything was still pretty green and it made for a gorgeous backdrop. And look at that arbor! Shayla and Emile are such a genuinely happy and in love couple and their ceremony was absolutely perfect. Oh wait, did I mention Emile sings?! He sounded like a combination of Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra and he serenaded Shayla during his vows and it was hands down the sweetest thing I’ve ever witnessed during a wedding ceremony.

Although these two families are from two different parts of the world, they truly acted like one big, tight-knit family. The toasts were full of sweet and thoughtful words, there was more singing, lots of hugging, and many happy tears. But my favorite part of the reception…

Have you guys heard of the money dance? Probably? Well, have you heard of the South African money dance? NEITHER HAD I. I don’t know if it’s a real thing or if the groom’s brother just made it up but here’s how it went… Emile stood on a chair while the best man hid Shayla away and all the guests lined up and pinned dollar bills to Emile’s clothing. Once all the guests pinned their dollars, Shalya could come back out but she had to be blindfolded. She had to find all of the dollar bills while blindfolded and shove them into her dress. It was honestly the strangest thing to watch but it was SO much fun and way more engaging than the traditional money dance! So if you’re planning on doing the money dance at your wedding, do it like this!

Naturally, we ended the beautiful day the best way we know how – with a sparkler exit. I’m definitely looking forward to many more summer weddings with David N Sachs Photography!

Second shot for @davidnsachs by @rebeccaskidgelphoto