durban wedding photography

Durban wedding photography | Sandhir and Janell

This wedding was full of raw emotion. A two part wedding, the first white wedding took place in Cape Town and the second was a Hindu wedding which took place at Bella Vista in Durban.

Date | 10 April 2021

Venue | Bella Vista

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Durban wedding photography | de la Rey

Couple | André & Chrichan

Venue | Penwarn Country Lodge, Underberg

Minister | Dr. Barry Tolmay

There are fairytale weddings and then theres André and Chrichan’s wedding. This day was one magical moment after another, the emotion was palpable and all in witness could not help but get teary eyed, especially when this beautiful bridal couple were reciting their vows. It was quite a journey to get to Penwarn, especially with storms Underberg had not experienced in many years. There was definitely a rainbow at the end of that storm, vibrant and joyous, and that was André and Chrichan.

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Ireland and Norther Ireland | Ireland wedding photographers

It is easy to get lost in the beauty of these two countries. From the lush green planes to the mountains to the castles at every turn. You are almost guaranteed an amazing environmental portrait...definitely a photographer's paradise!

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Durban wedding photography | Ruschka and Tyrone

Couple | Ruschka & Tyrone

Durban wedding photographers | Jay Pillay Photography

Ceremony | Durban Botanical Gardens

Reception | Durban ICC

MUA | Khadija (Radiant Image SA)

A quite beautiful and opulent ceremony and reception. Ruschka and Tyrone were all smiles and it was such an honour working with this couple. Grand entrances were made with Tyrone striding in on a horse and Ruschka being carried in by her musketeers in a beautifully decorated Dholi. Durban Botanical Gardens made for a serene ceremony and the huge trees surrounding the mandap meant there was ample shade for the guests. Birds chirping, a gentle breeze and the soothing rituals from Pandit Maharaj gave the ceremony a timeless and transcendent feeling. We only had 30 minutes to do a creative shoot but the couple didn't need any posing (definitely helps when Ruschka was a winner of beauty contents as a youngster)

The ICC provided the glitz to the day and I'm sure all guest felt like they were celebrities. It was time to let loose and let loose they did. It was a great evening filled with fun, laughter, and joy, all in celebration of the beautiful life that lay await for Tyrone and Ruschka.

MUA: Khadija from Radiant Image SA
DJ and Lighting: Rish from Big City Sounds
Decor: SpotOn

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Durban Wedding Photographers | Jubal and Sammy

Jubal and Sammy Chetty

Ceremony | St James Anglican Church

Reception | Elangeni Hotel

Durban wedding photography | Jay Pillay Photography

Sammy and Jubal were such a pleasure to work with. Their relaxed and chilled demeanors were quite refreshing, despite the fact that they faced the daunting task of planning a Durban wedding from Johannesburg. We photographed their engagement session at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens in Krugersdorp and they were indeed naturals in front of the camera (contrary to what they believed). 

Their wedding at St James Church was serene to say the least. It was though we were far removed from the outside world. The raw emotion was palpable with every guest completely engaged in the ceremony.

The beautiful Great Ilanga at the Elangeni Hotel made for a perfect reception venue and was more than sufficient for our creative shoot. There was fun, laughter and enthusiasm abound as the couple and guests danced the night away. An unforgettable evening and an absolute pleasure to photograph.

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Durban Wedding Photography | Jugmohun

Name | Jivesh and Renell

Date | 4.3.17

Ceremony | de Charmoy Estate

Durban Wedding Photography and Videography | Jay Pillay 

Hair/Make-up/Dress-up | Mark and Clint Designs

Jivesh and Renell really valued their imagery. So much so that we took a drive to the Natal Midlands just for their engagement shoot. Their Durban wedding at the scenic de Chamoy estate was a vibrant affair. The weather leading up to their big day was sweltering to say the least, but we fortunately had some respite on the wedding day itself. It was slightly cooler and overcast for much of the day. Given that the traditional ceremony was held in the lush gardens, the cooler conditions were a blessing to both the bridal couple and the guests. 

Hindu garden weddings always have a more peaceful, serene atmosphere. It was quintessential tranquility when the Pundit was chanting the sacred manthras amidst the beautiful flora and chirping birds. After the ceremony we proceeded to the creative shoot, and managed to capture most of what this picturesque venue had to offer. We were pressed for time given the fact that Renell and Jivesh needed to freshen up before the reception afterwards, but managed to get some great images. As wedding photographers, we need to make the most of any situation, context, location and time constraint in order to capture the essence and beauty of the couple's most special day.

The reception at the Boma was festive to say the least. It was time for the couple to let loose, and the emotion and euphoria was clear for all to see. 

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Indian Durban wedding photographers | Tarunesh & Leila

Stylish Durban wedding photographer

Tarunesh + Leila

Creative Shoot: Vulintaba Hotel, Small Drakensberg

Reception: Blackrock Casino, Newcastle

Durban indian wedding photographers | Jay Pillay Photography

Taru and Leila were such a chilled, spontaneous couple. From the get-go though, they had a clear vision of how their day looked, and knew what they expected from their Durban wedding photographer. Every interaction I had with them was both fun and productive. I had the pleasure of covering both their pre-wedding function and the wedding itself which was held at the Blackrock Casino. 


The wedding was a true spectacle of tradition, colour and vibrancy. The traditional Hindu wedding took place at Paradise Temple. This made for a serene and peaceful setting for the rendition of their Hindu rituals and marriage rights. The creative shoot took place at the exquisite Vulintaba Country Estate in lower Drakensberg. The backdrop of the misty mountains made for some stunning creative shots.


The reception at the Blackrock Casino was classy and opulent. From the décor to the  menu, it was clear that Taru and Leila had paid immaculate attention to detail. The speeches and fun activities that were planned all reflected the charisma of the couple and there was raucous laughter for much of the function. It was such a pleasure photographing this wedding; witnessing and capturing such memories being created. This is definitely one of the joys of being a Durban wedding photographer.

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Durban wedding photographers | Rhugbeer

Timeless Durban wedding photographer

Jivesh and Aditha

Durban wedding photographer | Jay Pillay Photography

Jivesh and Aditha are a power couple of note, both having reached the pinnacle of business, entrepreneurship and leadership. They are also dedicated exponents of Hindu culture development in South Africa and abroad. Add to this being trained dancers, models and having a private pilot licence means they regularly have something to write home about. Despite their achievements though, you would never know it during an interaction; their humility speaks volumes about the type of people they are. Jivesh and Aditha secured my services on our first call with each other so the pressure was on to deliver based on the trust they placed in me.

The first time we met was for their engagement photo-shoot at uShaka Marine world. From the first few snaps, I could see they were naturals and knew the session would be seamless. It was more flow posing from my side and we had the beautiful sunset at Ushaka to add to the richness of their photographs.

Next on my photographic journey with them was their Sangeet pre-wedding function. I have to say this was a thrilling experience. They both entered to Bollywood music and put on a jaw-dropping choreographed performance fit for the IIFA Awards.

Their wedding was held at Tongaat and was a vibrant affair. Aditha was staying in the beautiful Zinkwazi Lagoon Lodge and I managed to sneak in some quick portraits of her in the morning before we proceeded to the wedding venue. Aditha was carried to the stage in an eloquently decorated dholi and the wedding rituals commenced. Beforehand, we knew that there would not be enough time for a couple’s creative shoot so we agreed to have this within the next month. Given a picturesque location at sunset with Jivesh and Aditha as the bridal couple, I’m sure the imagery will be nothing short of epic…Watch this space.

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