It’s a sunny Friday morning and our team is rushing to the venue of our cover shoot – Vivari Hotel and Spa. There is an unspoken electricity in the air between us; as we navigate our way to the hotel that is a stone’s throw away from the popular Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden in Roodepoort.
We’re worried for a number of reasons. One, the traffic lights are out and there’s unexpected congestion. Two, we’re all running a bit late and are still attempting to keep up with two key factors in our shoot – a 1pm meeting for Kabelo and possible nap time for daughter, Zoe and son, Khumo. Three, we’re not sure of our locales for a magazine shoot.
However, a factor we don’t consider is the possibility to be pleasantly surprised from stepping out in faith … And as we do, we are rewarded. The hotel is a hidden gem behind office parks. It’s as breathtaking as Gail is beautiful upon arrival.
She’s looking trendy and relaxed in her jeans, flats, hat, and loose, but fashionable shirt. Her beauty and style are all so effortless: “I’ve been here since 6am!” she jokes. Understated, timeless, classic and elegant, we immediately know, this shoot, at this venue, is actually going to turn out great.
I can’t help, but draw comparisons between this place and Gail’s gorgeousness and her positive, enthusiastic, and deliberate energy. We quickly rush her to her holding room and later, Kabelo, Zoe and Khumo arrive – all upbeat, with a spring in their step, keen to spend the day together and make magic happen.
Throughout our time together, the Mabalane family shares pieces of themselves that make
