Contact Details:

Email: couture.info@gmail.com
Phone: 082 833 4720

Monday 27 April 2020

A Photographer To Remember

Puppies and Dresses


Back in 2013 my dad's dalmatians had a litter and we ended up spending a lot of time on the farm taking care of the dogs and making sure they had regular vet checks and inoculations.
During this time I was contacted by a photographer who wanted to take pictures of the puppies with foodbowls and toys for a catalgue. A date was chosen and a photoshoot was sceduled.

All our correspondence was regarding the animals. On the day of the shoot Sally was surprised to hear that I am working in the Clothing Industry. Getting to know more about her business, I found that she had a studio where she did fashion photography and also kept herself busy with wedding photography.
In that moment we decided to do a studio shoot with a few of my dresses. I chose one of my friends as a model for this shoot. Not only is Aimee beautiful but also a talented makeup artist. She has an exceptional sense of style and her personality makes her one of my favourite people to work with. It was decided, she would be my muse for this shoot.

This was my first ever shoot in a studio and it was a 3 man job.
Not sticking to a particular theme, I made 3 dresses. Aimee did her own hair and makeup and where extra hands were needed I lend her one of mine. The three of us had so much fun doing this shoot and would end up doing another shoot a year later. Aimee behind her makeup brush and Sally behind her camera.
Unfortunatly life does not go on forever and Sally is not with us anymore. She still lives on through our memories and the pictures she took.

The truth is that I am a time traveler.
In a dream I see her again, standing at the counter in a coffee shop paying for her order. We greet and hug.
"It is so nice running into you." her voice clear and familiar.
"I've got a big wedding coming up and then I'm free. Would you like to do a cover shoot?"
Even though I know this is our final good bye. "Sounds good, let me know when."
Sally winks and smiles as I walk away and take one last glance at her over my shoulder.
I open my eyes and find myself in bed, it is 04:32 in the morning.
It was nice to see you Sally.




Photographer: Sally Lippstreu
Hair and Makeup: Amiee Moore Ackers
Model: Amiee Moore Ackers




Friday 24 April 2020

First Bridal Styled Shoot


"Love Me Tender, Love Me True"




Today I am looking back to the year 2015.

I had been working in the wedding and evening wear industry for a few years and have always done so on my own. My belief is that if you want something done right, do it yourself. I love to help other people, but am not very good at asking for it. My mom would say in Afrikaans: "Ai, Vrek voor jy vra!"


It was around March when one of my friends asked me to collorate on a wedding styled shoot. She also works in the wedding industry as a hair and makeup artist and had a concept in mind, a 50's inspired bridal shoot.
We weren't planning on sticking to the rules for this one and thought a bit ouside of the box for this collaboration. Since I love working in shades of pink, I grabbed the opportunity to create a unique little tea-length dress in this inspirational color.

I had two weeks to construct this little number before the shoot. The model lived close and I was lucky to have two fittings with her before the shoot. I used pieces of lace that was almost forgotten in fabric cuboard and made tullle flowers for the bodice. Layering tulle in different colors over satin to get the right shade of pink.

The shoot was a great success and was published a few months later in Wedding Inspirations with the title "Love Me tender, Love Me True".

 My first styled shoot was a great experience and I have done many since.



 Photography: Angelique Smith Photography
Hair and Makeup: Adri Hugo Hair And Makeup Artist
Model: Kim Rose De Vries
Venue: Diamant Estate



Thursday 23 April 2020

Real Life Fairytales


Real life fairytales are found in unconditional love.


Since my first meeting with Frances it was clear that she had found her prince. A bride was never more exited about marrying the man of her dreams and at the same time calm and organized about the wedding.
I remember her first email, it was a much appreciated back story of herself and an outline of what she had in mind for her wedding, not only the dress.

Fittings quickly turned into a opportunity to share stories and for a few minutes the clock would stand still.
After fittings I would walk her to her car and the long arm of the clock would still be broken as conversations continued.

With her final fitting she looked at herself in the mirror and a bride was looking back at her. I could see the tears of joy building in the corner of her eye and I would return the same gratitude for having a beautiful, kind and soft spoken client as she.

Thank you Frances for granting me the opportunity to make your wedding dress.
I wish you and your prince Janes a long and happy live togther. 


Photography: Claire Nicola