When I think of Dullstroom I remember fine dining at Mrs. Simpsons, the 4 seasons in a single day, Harries (there is no place like Harries) and the trout farms with stone buildings neatly placed on a timeless landscape. Where Johannesburg reminds me of the ugly yet more productive member of the family, Dullstroom is the beautiful cousin that so many have heard about, but hardly seen. Yet she exists somewhere looking all glorious and not knowing much about the fuss. When you drive into Dullies there is no pretentiousness that you get with so many other touristy towns. You are not greeted with unsightly greed-driven security developments and a bunch of fast food franchises. Life in Dullstroom is the same as it ever was and I guess, ever will be. Organic.
When Willem and Riette asked me to photograph their wedding at Dunkeld Estate I think they probably saw the expression of ”yes!” on my face even before I said it. Not only was I excited to photograph the coolest couple in the history of mankind, but it was also in one of my most favourite of spaces.The ceremony took place in among the giant trees of Dunkeld which created the perfect ambience to an even more perfect day. Luckily the other three not-so-perfect seasons that Dullstroom was so notorious for decided to go hide a little – just long enough so that everyone could have the best of times. And the best of times it was. I remember lots of laughter and some of the funniest stories ever told. Happy friends and family from everywhere – quite literally. For a second or fifteen I felt blessed. Life was good and history will say that it all happened in Dullstroom.
H.
by Hannes
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