Casey and Jake were married beneath a magnificent Natal Mahogany tree, with fish eagle calls for a background soundtrack, and open-billed storks perusing the winding Chongwe river as a backdrop. 

Zambia’s pristine Lower Zambezi National Park was Casey and Jake’s chosen spot to mark the start of their married life together. Surrounded by the wonderfully warm team of Time and Tide’s Chongwe Camp, the couple said their vows in the bush beneath a mahogany canopy neatly clipped level by the nibbles of passing kudu, and were cheered on a group of people who days before had been strangers – but now really felt like family to the two of them. Mwaka, (the Chongwe Operations Manager by day – and respectable officiant on the occasional special Tuesday afternoon) conducted a beautiful ceremony. Chongwe staff (made up of everyone from waiters to mechanics to general managers) provided the drumbeats, ululating and spontaneous happy dances and after a very emotional ceremony there was champagne, drumming, singing and a lot more dancing!

Just down from their ceremony spot the Chongwe river merged with the great Zambezi River and after a quick freshen up back at their lodge suite, it was sundowner cruise time, with Sam, the best man (and guide) taking us to a beautiful buffalo sighting – and then on to our own private island where there was time to soak in the beauty and serenity of this very special river and National Park. This trip was Jake’s first time to Africa, and it was Casey’s first visit to Zambia. It was so touching to see things through their eyes. With the two of them being avid nature lovers, every animal footprint was interesting, every animalian sign in the sand a cause for pause. For two nature fanatics who appreciated every single moment of what Africa was dishing up, I don’t think you could ask for more. Well done to the fantastic team at Chongwe Camp for such a caring and considerate job putting it all together – the love showed through!

Casey and Jake,  it was really lovely to spend time with you and to see the Lower Zambezi through your eyes, and enjoy you appreciating your African immersion so much. It was my first time photographing an elopement and I loved it so much.