Engaged Couple standing on a step in front of a wooden door fitted into old sandstone church. standing Between by 4 sandstone pillars

 

Ruan & Danelle

 

I had the honour of photographing Ruan and Danelle’s engagement session at NG Ooskerk in Pretoria — a place that holds deep meaning for both of us. With its timeless architecture, soft afternoon light, and a beautiful connection rooted in shared history, this session felt incredibly special from beginning to end.


Once Upon a Time, in the Heart of Pretoria


Once upon a time, there was a beautiful red-haired girl named Danelle. With hair like autumn fire and a smile that softened even the oldest stone walls, she walked the very same paths I did as a teenager, through the grounds of Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria. But on this golden afternoon, she wasn’t walking them alone. Beside her stood Ruan, her best friend, her safe place, and the man she’ll soon call her husband.


We met for their engagement session at NG Ooskerk Pretoria, the church I grew up in - on the same grounds as our High School. This place is more than just a backdrop to me. It's sacred ground woven into my childhood, echoing with memories of Sunday mornings and special milestones. To shoot an engagement session here, with someone who shares part of my school history, felt incredibly full-circle.


Walking through its halls and stone pillars felt tender and familiar. Maybe it was the architecture. Maybe it was the memories. Or maybe it was simply the way Ruan looked at her with complete adoration, making it clear that this chapter of their story is only just beginning.


We wandered through pockets of sunlight, between tall sandstone walls and towering wooden doors. The way her flowing white dress danced with the breeze, the way his arms wrapped around her, every frame felt like a scene from an old-world romance. They laughed, they spun, they slowed down to soak in the moment. And through it all, that striking red hair of hers caught every last drop of golden light.


These two are set to say their vows next year at the enchanting Venue Nouveau, and I’m so excited to capture the next chapter of their love story. If their wedding day holds even a fraction of the beauty and warmth this engagement session did, I know it’s going to be unforgettable.

Here’s a little peek into the magic we captured that day.




To learn more about Die Ooskerk, click here.

Engaged Couple walking in front of old sandstone church. The couple is blurry, capturing the movement
Engaged Couple standing on a step in front of a wooden door fitted into old sandstone church.
Engaged couple spinning in a circle while he picks her up in a hug position.
Engaged Couple smiling with their noses touching
Engaged Couple standing on a step in front of a wooden door fitted into old sandstone church.
Engaged Couple standing between two sandstone pillars, surrounded by the old sandstone church
Engaged Couple standing in front of a wooden church door with orange textured glass windows.
Engaged Couple sitting on a step in front of a wooden door fitted into old sandstone church building.
Engaged Couple facing an old sandstone church, looking at the large clock at the top
Engaged couple standing facing each other in the last bit of golden sunlight, kissing her red hair and the old sandstone church
Engaged Couple standing between two sandstone pillars, laughing.
Engaged couple dancing in the last bit of golden sunlight, kissing her red hair and the old sandstone church
Engaged Couple standing in front of a wooden door fitted into old sandstone church building.
Red Head girl looking straight at the camera with a large organic pearl earring
Blurry photo capturing the motion of a couple holding hands and walking in front of an old sandstone church
Couple standing and laughing in front of an old church building, with him leaning against a sandstone pillar.
Close up of the couple's hands holding while facing each other.