A Golden Evening with Nicola’s Family at Lované Boutique Wine Estate

There’s something truly special about photographing families on holiday. There’s a softness, a slower pace, and a sense of we finally get to exhale. That’s exactly what it felt like during Nicola’s family session while they were staying at the beautiful Lované Boutique Wine Estate & Guesthouse in Stellenbosch.

They had come down to Cape Town for a family getaway — time together, sunshine, and memories made far away from the usual day-to-day routine. Even though this was just a short session, it was filled with so much laughter, connection, and those fleeting in-between moments that have a way of sticking with you long after the holiday ends.

Family photography in Cape Town.

And let me tell you — it was a scorcher. One of those Cape summer days where the heat seems to rise from the ground and wrap around you. But this family didn’t let the weather slow them down at all. With a few water breaks, lots of patience, and plenty of smiles, they embraced the moment and simply enjoyed being together.

We wandered through the vineyards, using the lush green rows as our backdrop. The mountains faded softly in the distance, the light filtered through the leaves, and everything felt warm and golden. There were cuddles with mom, gentle moments between mom and dad, and sweet giggles from the kids who were just happy to be exploring somewhere new.

Family Photography in Cape Town.

What I loved most was how natural everything felt. No stiff posing, no pressure — just gentle guidance and space for their personalities to shine. And then, right toward the end, we did my favourite thing to do during a family shoot:

We let the kids take over.

Shoes slightly dusty, cheeks flushed from the heat, they suddenly had the freedom to run, play, and discover. They raced between the rows of vines, peeked around the trees, and carefully picked a few grapes, completely in their own magical world. That was when the real magic happened — the pure, unfiltered childhood moments that you simply can’t stage.

Wide-eyed curiosity. Little bursts of laughter. Wind in their hair and sunshine on their faces.

Those images — the ones where they were just being themselves — turned out to be some of my absolute favourites from the session. They captured innocence, adventure, and joy in the simplest, most authentic way.

Sessions like this are such a beautiful reminder that family photos don’t need to be complicated. Sometimes all you need is:

✔ a beautiful location

✔ a moment in time

✔ and the people you love most

I’m so grateful I had the chance to document this chapter for Nicola’s family — heat, vineyards, grape-picking and all. These are the memories that grow sweeter over time, and I know they’ll be cherished for years to come.

If you’re planning a holiday in Cape Town and would love to capture your stay in a relaxed, natural way, I’d absolutely love to photograph your story, too. Let’s turn your getaway into something you can keep forever.