Gothic Romance in Bloom: Toni & Kyle’s Epic Maternity Shoot at Arderne Gardens

Not every maternity shoot follows the same soft, pastel, dreamy aesthetic—and thank goodness for that. Some shoots completely break the mould in the best way possible. That’s exactly what happened when I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Toni and Kyle’s gothic-themed maternity session at the magical Arderne Gardens in Cape Town.

Maternity shoot in Cape Town.

From the moment Toni reached out with her vision, I was hooked. A gothic maternity shoot? At one of the most enchanting gardens in Cape Town? YES, PLEASE! And when I saw her arrive in a stunning black dress, detailed nails, statement choker, and the most beautifully dramatic parasol—my photographer heart skipped a beat.

Toni owned her look from head to toe. Her makeup was bold and flawless, and her confidence radiated through every shot. Kyle complemented her so perfectly in black, always looking at her with such admiration that capturing their connection felt effortless. They were both such a dream to work with—playful, open to ideas, and full of love for each other and their soon-to-arrive little one.

Arderne Gardens added a layer of whimsy and mystery to the whole session. The winding paths, towering trees, and reflective water features gave us a setting that looked like something straight out of a gothic fairytale. In fact, there were parts of the garden that reminded me of traditional Japanese gardens—the serenity, the textured greenery, the curved wooden bridges—it all came together in a way that felt almost cinematic.

Maternity and Family photography in Cape Town

This wasn’t just a photoshoot; it was a creative experience. We laughed, explored, and played with light and shadows, creating images that felt timeless and powerful. I always say that maternity shoots are about celebrating a moment of transformation, and this one really drove that home. Toni embodied strength, elegance, and individuality, showing that beauty in pregnancy comes in many forms—and this one happened to be wrapped in black lace and bold eyeliner.

If you’ve ever thought about doing something out of the ordinary for your maternity shoot, take this as your sign to go for it. Whether it’s gothic, boho, glam, or grunge—your style is part of your story. And your story deserves to be told in a way that feels authentically you.

Thank you, Toni and Kyle, for trusting me to bring your vision to life. This shoot was one for the books, and I’m so excited to see you step into parenthood with the same fearless love you brought to this session.