Sometime early last year, I received a call from Ben Kiruthi and Gathoni Mwathi. They wanted us to meet and talk. I thought it was going to be a simple chat about work, shooting styles, lens reviews, rate cards and all things photography. Well, it turned out they wanted me to be one of the photographers at their wedding!
I gulped at their request and agreed, then started preparing for the pressure that would come from shooting the wedding of a respectable couple who’s work I admired.
Fast-forward to February 14th this year, and the day was upon us. I was shooting the guys while long-time friend and award-winning photographer Allan Gichigi was shooting the ladies. You can see the amazing work he did at their wedding here.
I got to Ben’s place a little late (sorry about that Ben) and found him and the guys in a very relaxed mood. This was one of the few times I’ve shot guys and all I can say the atmosphere is very different from the busy and sometimes chaotic one I’ve become accustomed to at brides’ homes.
We had a grand plan to shoot at the Jacaranda Gardens swimming pool so we got into slippers, packed towels and Speedos, prepared underwater cameras and walked to the pool, only to find it closed for renovations! After this bubble burst, we decided to shoot a little in the estate before returning to the apartment.
Ben appeared very easy to direct during the shoot. But I know deep down he was wondering what f/stop I was on and if the shots wouldn’t have been better on a wide rather than 50mm. Sindio Ben?
Indoors, Ben and his band of brothers started preparing for the day.
One of my favourites of the day, captured in available light. Thanks to Faimus Productions for lending me your macro for this.
Ben and Gathoni got each other wedding day gifts. This concept was totally new to me. You’ll see what Ben received shortly.
In the same time it takes to apply foundation on a lady, the guys were showered, dressed and ready to leave for church!
Ben looking sharp! in his gift from Gathoni.
I love how this came out in B&W.
The driver and kange were bewildered when we asked if we could shoot in their vehicle. They however saw the humour and obliged.
The wedding ceremony was at PCEA Kahawa Farmers, which was decked out in an African theme.
Guess who’s mum… Yup!
Guess who’s sister… Yup!
Ben used to be a dancer before picking up the camera. And since he didn’t have one on him, he returned to his dancing days…
…and everyone followed suit…
Gathoni, smiling as always.
Dramatic Ben after being asked to unveil Gathoni…
…who was too hot for his eyes!
And too hot to touch!
Gathoni loved it!
There was an African dress code and almost everyone kept to it.
The bridal party.
This was one of the highlights of the day – selfie after the first kiss!
After the church ceremony, the bridal party exited the church in a colourful display of dance moves.
We stopped at Pizza Inn at TRM for some snacks before proceeding to reception.
Since I didn’t make it to reception, I offered Ben and Gathoni a shoot in town, which is something they had wanted to do on their wedding day but didn’t get to because of time and me disappearing with the shooting permit. (sorry guys)
We shot these on a Sunday evening along Kenyatta Avenue, a month after their wedding.
They looked as fly as they did on their wedding day and fit into their outfits really well.
Thanks Ben and Gathoni for calling upon me to tell the story of how your wedding day was. It was a great honour.
May you continue blazing the wedding photography trail globally and praising God with your all.
Ok, the shots with the cars in motion…love it! Great job overall, as usual.
Congratulations, Ben & Gathoni!
Mark A. Kathurima
Mwarv, I respect how you have mastered your craft. The way you shot the rings, WiCKED! Kudos!!
Wow bro wow such amazing amazing images. Gathoni & I are so very humbled by this glory be to God for u bro & Gina you gave us images that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. God bless u bro and the wonderful job you are doing in this indurstry
Wow! Congrats on your wedding! It was simply epic love the creativity there wish you all the best in your marriage life
Fantastic images Mwarv, and very creative…Totally love the feel of the images,they leave you with a very memorable effect..and the light Streaks…A+
You took one of the shots i long to take . . . the long exposure shot . . . i like
…. Really love the whole flow of the story, amazing images too “especially the macro ring shot” …. Awesome work Mwarv
Who does a photographer call upon to take pictures during his own wedding? Now I know. The selfie is really cool too. Seems like the ceremony was loadsa fun. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Kiruthi!
(www.afrowatta.com)
Awesome shots man!
lovely, lovely stuff Mwarv. Love the compositions. The selfie, the macro rings image and the long exposure light streaks images are stand-out for me.
As always you captured each moment perfectly,after watching the wedding on telly and now going through the photos,i feel like i attended the wedding. Lolest @ ‘atmosphere is very different from the busy and sometimes chaotic one I’ve become accustomed to at brides’ homes’-yes indeed!
photographers say hello to the master…. Its all about the journey to the end
Great work Mwarv.
Masha, thanks for all the strobing you did for me. Sorry I didn’t get to say this earlier. Baraka!
I love what I am seeing…especially the night ones! U guys are simply great.
Love the pics… the story even better
You guys are amazing couple, you compliment each other ! I saw ur wedo on wedding show n I really admired your creativity all thru… the dressing for the whole bridal party , photography, stop over at TRM my my the list is endless but all I can say is that u r UNIQUE n that’s what’s matters! Can you imagine I had to google just to see your wedding photos once more? Can I get it on ytube?
To top it all you are God fearing couple and may God bless you now and forever.
I admire you two,,,no i think i love you guys. Everything in you, how you love each other, how you love what you do, working together, having best of moments together, how you guys are cute, daring and most of all, how you guys love God.I dont get enough of you, looking at your photos, those that you shoot too. They are the best. Dawm, you two are the best. hope that one day all be like you. God bless you, Love you sana.