When I met Hendrik and Dorette this quote immediately came to mind. They were warm and welcoming from the first “hello” and their love for life and each other was lovely. The couple are two South African expats who have been living in South Korea for a couple of years but are sadly saying goodbye and so they wanted to celebrate their upcoming anniversary “korean style”. 

Apart from being a kindergarten teacher, Dorette is also a very talented children’s portrait photographer which made this particular session extra special to me as I knew I had to push myself to give her my absolute best.

The couple made their way down to Gwangju and we decided to do a lifestyle session doing things that a young Korean couple would do. Our first stop was at one of the local universities where they wrote a small love note on a padlock and “locked their love” at a beautiful spot that overlooks the downtown area.

Our next location was at a very traditional little bus stop near downtown. Before getting their car, Hendrik and Dorette would travel all over Korea using the local and intercity buses.

After a quick outfit change, we headed to a local café because well, it’s the Korean thing to do ^_^

Hendrik and Dorette thank you so much for coming out to Gwangju! Despite the gloomy weather you two were always happy, cracking jokes and having fun. I am humbled that you chose me to document your “korean love” and I wish you all the best with your future plans and I hope our paths cross again! We had an absolute blast photographing you two!

xoxo