A Magical Wedding Shoot at La Roche Estate – My Experience at The Art of Staying on Fire Workshop

Every so often, a workshop comes along that reminds you exactly why you fell in love with photography in the first place. The Art of Staying on Fire at La Roche Estate was one of those days—full of creativity, beautiful light, and the kind of inspiration that keeps you chasing the next unforgettable shot. As a wedding photographer in Cape Town, I’m constantly searching for fresh ideas and challenging myself to grow. This workshop delivered all of that and more.

Wedding photography in Cape Town.

Arriving at La Roche Estate – A Photographer’s Dream

From the moment I arrived, La Roche Estate looked like something out of a fairytale. Soft afternoon light spilled across the vineyards and mountains, and the entire estate carried that serene, elevated atmosphere that makes you want to unpack your camera immediately. There’s something incredibly grounding about beginning a workshop in a place that naturally sparks creativity.

The day kicked off with a focused theory session with Janco and Carlien—two people who don’t just teach photography; they teach passion, intention, and artistry. Their session was packed with insights that pushed me to think deeper about direction, storytelling, and creating emotional imagery.

Afternoon Glow & Grace – Photographing the Ballerinas

After a short break and lunch, we moved into the practical portion of the day, and this is where the magic really began.

Before our couple even arrived, we got to photograph a group of ballerinas arranged around the manor house. Let me tell you—shooting ballerinas in that soft afternoon glow felt like stepping straight into a painting. Their elegance, the way the light caught their movements, and the calmness they brought to the scene created such a beautiful contrast to the dynamic energy of the rest of the workshop.

Their presence instantly elevated the shoot. The white tutus against the warm golden light, the stillness of the estate, and the echo of soft music made everything feel impossibly cinematic. These images might be some of my favourite moments from the entire day.

A Styled Bridal Couple With Movie-Level Charm

Then came the moment we were all waiting for—photographing the stunning bridal couple, Bianca and her husband Henry.

The styled session at the manor house felt intimate and editorial, giving us the perfect opportunity to play with composition and natural light. Bianca looked breath-taking in her gown, and Henry carried that calm, confident presence that balances a romantic shoot so well. Together, they were magic.

I loved capturing the way they naturally fell into each other’s space—soft glances, subtle hand touches, effortless warmth. Shoots like this remind me why wedding photography is so powerful; it’s not just posing, it’s storytelling.

Wedding Photography in Cape Town.

From Reception Details to Ceremony Grandeur

We then moved to the reception setup, where every detail was meticulously styled. Think soft whites, lush floral arrangements, reflective textures, and décor that felt both modern and timeless. This portion challenged me to slow down, observe, and photograph intentionally—something that’s so important for any wedding photographer in Cape Town’s fast-paced industry.

The ceremony setup was equally breath-taking, framed by the estate’s mountains and finished with a floral arch so dreamy it almost didn’t feel real.

A Finale to Remember – Daylight Fireworks

Just when we thought the day couldn’t get more magical, the workshop ended with a daylight fireworks display that took our breath away.

Bianca and Henry stepped under the floral arch as the sky behind them erupted into bursts of light. It was bold, dramatic, and exactly the kind of moment photographers dream of capturing. The combination of the fireworks, the couple, the ballerinas, and the warm tones of golden hour created images that feel alive—full of movement, romance, and pure joy.

Reflecting on a Beautiful Day

Looking back, this workshop wasn’t just about learning new techniques—it was about reconnecting with creativity. I had so much fun photographing Bianca and Henry, playing with different lighting conditions, working alongside other talented creatives, and diving deep into what it means to stay inspired.

La Roche Estate was the perfect backdrop for it all. The scenery, the styling, the energy of the day—every detail came together to remind me why I truly love what I do.

If you're planning your dream wedding and searching for a wedding photographer in Cape Town who values storytelling, golden-hour magic, and capturing genuine emotion, this shoot is a perfect example of the beauty we can create together.