Wedding at Simbali Lodge | Victoria & Steven


Victoria and Steven’s Wedding at Simbali Lodge was filled with thoughtful details, heartfelt moments, and a celebration that felt completely true to who they are as a couple.

Set in the peaceful Pretoria East, Simbali Lodge provided the perfect backdrop for their wedding. With everything taking place in one location, the day unfolded naturally and without any rushing, allowing Victoria and Steven to really soak in each moment.

Before we dive into their story, a huge thank you to the incredible vendors who helped bring this day together. Victoria and her bridesmaids looked absolutely stunning in handmade dresses created by her mom, Instagram: Wraptures by Wendy. Her and her lovely bridezmaids' glowing makeup was done by Makeup by Lara, and their hair was styled beautifully by Hair by Jen (Studio 310). And a very special mention goes to Jaryd Smith, whose live music during canapés and the reception created such a fun atmosphere that the dance floor stayed full all evening.


A Relaxed Morning at Simbali Lodge

One of the things we love most about photographing Gauteng weddings at venues like Simbali Lodge is how relaxed the morning can feel when everything happens in one place.

Victoria and Steven both got ready at Simbali, surrounded by their closest friends and family. The atmosphere was calm but filled with excitement as laughter filtered from the getting ready suites while the couple prepared for their ceremony.

These slow, in between moments allow space for telling the story of the day.


A Beautiful Simbali Wedding Ceremony

The Simbali wedding ceremony took place at the lodge, surrounded by nature and the people who mean the most to Victoria and Steven.

The beautiufl outdoor chapel, surrounded by the green bushveld is a magical choice for a wedding ceremony. As Victoria was walked down the aisle by her mom and brother, the emotion of the moment was clear to see. The joy, the nerves, the excitement… all the feelings that make a wedding ceremony so powerful.

From a Gauteng wedding photography and videography perspective, ceremonies like this are a dream to document. Genuine moments unfold naturally, and the focus stays exactly where it should be: on the couple and the promises they’re making to each other.


Portraits Around Simbali Lodge

After the ceremony, the couple and guests enjoyed canapés in the lovely canapé area and Simbali, entertained by Jaryd Smith, before we headed off into the grounds of Simbali Lodge for Victoria and Steven’s couple portraits and bridal party photos. The venue offers such a beautiful mix of natural scenery and thoughtfully designed spaces, making it ideal for relaxed wedding portraits.

Their décor and styling carried through beautifully into the portraits too. The wedding featured a gorgeous neutral colour palette with rust and beige flowers paired with black details – a combination that felt modern, elegant, and timeless all at once.

One of the things this wedding showed so well is that simplicity can be incredibly elegant. When the styling is intentional and personal, you don’t need excessive décor for the space to feel beautiful.


A Simbali Wedding Reception to Remember

The Simbali wedding reception was where the celebration truly came alive.

Guests gathered under the warm glow of the reception space, enjoying great food, heartfelt speeches, and the incredible atmosphere created by live music. Having Jaryd Smith perform live during canapés and throughout the receptionwas such a fantastic idea – it brought a relaxed, vibrant energy to the evening and kept the dance floor packed. We can highly recommend him or another live musician to add something truly special and unique to your day.

Just as the evening unfolded, Gauteng delivered one of its signature surprises: a spectacular thunderstorm rolled in later that night. The distant rumble of thunder and flashes of lightning created the most dramatic backdrop to an already unforgettable celebration.


Why We Love Photographing Weddings at Simbali Lodge

From a Gauteng photographer and videographer perspective, Simbali Lodge is a wonderful venue to work at. Having the preparations, ceremony, portraits, and reception all in one location allows the day to flow naturally and keeps the focus on the couple rather than the logistics. The blend of bush and Bali is tasteful, unique and elegant.

For couples planning Gauteng weddings, Simbali offers a beautiful blend of natural surroundings, thoughtful spaces to make the day truly your own.

And as Victoria and Steven’s wedding showed so perfectly, when you combine a stunning venue with meaningful personal touches, the result is something truly special.


Final Thoughts

Victoria and Steven’s Wedding at Simbali Lodge was joyful, relaxed, and filled with genuine connection. From the thoughtful styling to the incredible live music and the dramatic thunderstorm that closed out the evening, it was a day that felt both intimate and full of life.

It was such an honour to document their story and capture these moments for them.

Scroll through the images below and enjoy a glimpse into their beautiful day. And if you’re planning your own Wedding at Simbali Lodge or anywhere in Gauteng and have questions about photography or videography, feel free to reach out. We’d love to hear about your plans and help you tell your story too!


 

White table settings with elegant candle centerpieces in a soft focus wedding reception setup.
Delicate peach roses in small white vases create an elegant table setting with soft bokeh lighting in the background.
Elegant table setting with white roses in black vases and wine glasses arranged in a row on neutral linens.
A series of delicate peach-colored paper roses arranged in small white vases on an elegant table setting.
Elegant table setting with crystal wine glasses and peach roses on white tablecloth under soft lighting.
Long banquet tables with white linens and wooden cross-back chairs set up in an elegant reception venue with exposed beams.
A row of delicate peach-colored roses arranged in clear glass vases on a white tablecloth.
Elegant table setting with white flowers, crystal glasses, and blush pink linens creating a romantic atmosphere.
Elegant table setting with white linens, wine glasses, and dark cutlery arranged on a rattan-backed chair.
Four sequential photos show someone in a white dress shirt and black cap adjusting their sleeves outdoors on a porch.
Four people in white shirts perform martial arts moves in an outdoor training area.
Groom in classic black tuxedo and bow tie poses on wooden porch with natural outdoor backdrop.
A series of black and white photos showing men in tuxedos adjusting their bow ties.
Bartender in black tuxedo carefully arranges and pours a flight of craft beer samples at wooden bar counter.
A group of people in formal black attire gather on a wooden deck during a special occasion.
Empty cocktail glasses with ice cubes arranged on a dark bar counter at an elegant event.
Professional bartender in tuxedo smiling behind an elegant bar counter with bottles and glassware displayed.
A vintage black and white photograph shows a group of men in formal attire standing at an elegant bar counter.
Two men in formal attire having a conversation at an elegant bar with warm lighting and bottles in the background.
White orchid flowers arranged with delicate bridal shoes on a rustic wooden surface create an elegant wedding detail.
A pair of white ballet flats sits in dramatic lighting against a textured wall with scattered light and shadow effects.
A close-up view of silver and pearl stud earrings arranged in a row against a gray fabric background.
A black and white film strip showing multiple sequential frames in a horizontal layout.
A close-up photo of delicate pearl stud earrings arranged in a row on a beige fabric background.
A bride and makeup artist share joyful moments during wedding day preparations in a warmly lit room.
Close-up shots of someone getting ready in a salon setting with soft lighting and natural tones.
Wedding party members in dark dresses gather together in a dimly lit room during preparations.
A row of bridesmaids in black dresses sit together on a bench outdoors during a wedding photoshoot.
A black wedding welcome sign for Steven and Victoria displayed on a wooden easel in a garden setting.
Wooden cross-back chairs with white ribbons arranged in rows for an outdoor wedding ceremony.
Memorial display with white lilies and framed photographs arranged on wooden chairs with woven seats at a celebration event.
A bride in a white beaded wedding dress being helped with final adjustments before the ceremony.
A sequence of black and white photos showing two people in formal dresses embracing in a tender moment.
A bride in a white lace wedding dress adjusts her shoe while sitting on a carpeted floor.
A black and white photo series showing close-up details of a white lace wedding dress against carpet flooring.
Close-up black and white photos of a bride's lace wedding dress collar details from different angles.
A bride's veil catches the light as it floats gracefully in an indoor setting.
Wedding party in black formal attire stands outdoors in a desert garden setting during a ceremony.
Wedding party in black dresses and white gown pose playfully together outdoors in a natural setting.
A bride in a white lace gown poses outdoors among trees while holding a white floral bouquet.
A radiant bride in a white lace gown holds a cream-colored bouquet against a natural outdoor backdrop.
A bride in a long-sleeve lace wedding dress holds a luxurious white peony bouquet in an outdoor garden setting.
Wedding party in black and white attire poses together in an outdoor setting with trees in the background.
Men in black suits applaud during a formal indoor event with wooden chairs visible in background.
A group sits together in an outdoor covered area, with someone in a wheelchair and others in formal attire.
Wedding guests seated on wooden folding chairs in an outdoor wooded setting.
Wedding guests sit in wooden chairs during an outdoor ceremony, smiling and engaged in the celebration.
A bridesmaid in a black dress holds white flowers with ribbons at an indoor wedding venue.
Emotional moments captured at a wedding ceremony as someone wipes away tears while wearing a black suit.
Wedding party walking together under a rustic wooden pavilion with warm lighting and natural outdoor surroundings.
Wedding couples dance together in an elegant indoor venue with hanging lights and exposed beams.
A wedding ceremony takes place under a covered outdoor venue with string lights and wooden chairs.
Wedding guests gather around and watch attentively during an emotional ceremony moment.
A joyful wedding couple shares an intimate moment on the dance floor during their first dance at a rustic reception.
A couple shares their first dance under a rustic wooden pavilion surrounded by blooming trees.
Wedding guests throw flower petals as newlyweds walk down outdoor path during recessional celebration.
A romantic wedding moment captured as a couple embraces during their outdoor ceremony surrounded by guests.
Couples enjoy drinks and celebrate under a rustic wooden pergola at an outdoor wedding reception.
A wedding cake decorated with pink and white macarons arranged in tiers and topped with delicate flowers and a cake topper.
A white wedding cake decorated with delicate white butterflies and peach roses features an elegant black cake topper.
A couple cuts their elegant white tiered wedding cake together at an outdoor garden reception.
A musician performs outdoors with an acoustic guitar wearing a floral print shirt and khaki pants.
White sheets and linens hanging to dry on clotheslines between trees in a natural outdoor setting.
Wedding party members lined up outdoors in formal attire raise their arms in celebration against a natural backdrop.
A group in black dresses laughs together while standing in a row on a dirt path surrounded by green trees.
A romantic wedding moment captured in a series of photos showing a couple embracing outdoors with white floral bouquet.
Wedding party poses together outdoors in a fun sequence of jumping and celebratory group photos.
Wedding party in formal black attire and white gowns posed together on outdoor patio.
Wedding party in elegant black bridesmaid dresses poses with bride in white gown holding floral bouquets.
Black and white wedding party photos showing joyful group poses with bridesmaids and bride in white dress.
Wedding party wearing black dresses and white gown walk together along outdoor path at sunset.
A couple in wedding attire shares romantic moments along a tree-lined outdoor path during their special day.
A couple walks along a desert path in wedding attire with a long flowing veil trailing behind them.
A romantic wedding moment captured in three sequential photos showing a couple embracing outdoors in natural lighting.
A romantic wedding couple embraces on a gravel path surrounded by blooming wildflowers and greenery.
A romantic black and white photo sequence shows a couple sharing intimate moments during their outdoor wedding photoshoot.
A couple shares a joyful moment together on their wedding day along a nature path.
A couple in formal wedding attire stands together on a rustic dirt path surrounded by green foliage.
A series of candid wedding photos showing a couple dancing and twirling in a wooded outdoor setting.
A couple in wedding attire walks along a scenic rocky path surrounded by green trees.
A romantic wedding couple shares an intimate moment on a tree-lined gravel path at sunset.
A wedding first look sequence showing a bride and groom sharing an emotional moment on a gravel path surrounded by greenery.
A couple in wedding attire embrace and spin joyfully during their outdoor celebration.
Elegant table setting with white candles, cream flowers, and place settings on a white tablecloth in warm lighting.
Elegant wedding reception table setting with white plates, floral centerpieces and warm ambient lighting.
Elegant place setting at wedding reception with name card, white plate, and wine glass on beige tablecloth.
Elegant table setting with white flowers, glowing candles, and wine glasses in a dimly lit reception venue.
Elegant wedding reception table settings with white linens, candles and rustic decor in a romantic evening atmosphere.
A group of people dance together in formal attire at a dimly lit event venue.
People in formal attire dancing and celebrating at an elegant wedding reception in a dark venue.
Wedding party dancing and celebrating on dark dance floor during reception.
A couple shares a romantic dance on a dimly lit wooden dance floor at their wedding reception.
Wedding guests dancing and celebrating together on a dimly lit dance floor at an evening reception.
Wedding guests seated at elegant dining tables in a dimly lit reception venue with wooden cross-back chairs.
Wedding guests seated at elegantly decorated tables with white floral centerpieces during an indoor reception.
Wedding guests seated at a long table with white linens during a formal reception dinner.
Wedding guests dancing together at an evening reception with dining tables and candlelight in the background.
Wedding guests laugh and smile while seated at round tables during an elegant reception in black and white.
A black and white candlelit wedding reception shows someone in a white dress seated at an elegantly decorated dining table.
A performer in formal attire speaks into a microphone at a bar venue with warm ambient lighting and wooden decor.
A couple shares their first dance in a dimly lit reception venue with guests watching from the background.
Wedding celebration with guests dancing and enjoying festivities in dimly lit rustic reception venue.
A wedding reception dance floor filled with guests dancing and celebrating in a dimly lit venue.
Romantic wedding dance sequence showing couple sharing intimate moments under twinkling lights in rustic venue.
A person in a black dress dances enthusiastically with raised arms at a dark party venue.
Wedding guests enjoying drinks and conversation during an indoor reception celebration.
Couples dancing together at a dimly lit wedding reception with warm ambient lighting.
People dancing and celebrating at a wedding reception in a dimly lit venue with warm lighting.
People dancing at a wedding reception with a bride in a white gown on a dimly lit dance floor.
A group of people enjoying drinks and socializing at a dimly lit bar or party venue.
A musician performs with an acoustic guitar while seated in a modern venue with stone wall accents.
A group of groomsmen in white shirts and black ties dance enthusiastically at a wedding reception.
A person in a white wedding dress dances and smiles on the dance floor during a reception celebration.
Wedding couple dances and celebrates joyfully on the dance floor in a dark reception venue with dramatic lighting.
People dancing and having fun at a dimly lit party or celebration.