Café LANG Coffee Shop | Mthatha

Café LANG is a family-owned business established on the 30th October 2008 by four sisters Lesty, Antoinette, Nikki and Gen.

I first went to Café LANG in February 2009 when they were still based at their previous premises in Delville Road. I was quite sceptical but yet excited to see this coffee shop a friend had told me about. It was a lovely summers day, as I walked up the stairs into the coffee shop, I was greeted with a warm welcome by a lady named Sibu (Sibu was with Café LANG from the beginning but unfortunately passed away last year), she seemed nervous at first but settled in quite fast. I remember ordering  a cup of cappuccino and a slice of chocolate cake. While waiting for my order I was approached by Nikki, she introduced herself and welcomed me to Café LANG. She had this big smile on her face and I felt right at home. This soon became my favourite hang out spot for… coffee and cake hahaha
 

Years later I realised that everyone is brought into your life for a reason and knowing Nikki and her sisters has been nothing but awesome. The moment you step foot into Café LANG you are received with big warm smiles from Nikki and her team and your mood is immediately uplifted to the point where  you have absolutely no option but to leave smiling.

 

 

“Our coffee shop is set in a tranquil spot, where you can escape from the hectic lifestyle of everyday pressures and be warmly welcomed by Nikki and her team”

This has become my favourite coffee shop because these ladies have made God the foundation of their business coupled with good hearts making this a successful and inspirational place to be. Every morning they have a “thought for the day” on their black board as you enter, they offer thee best Red Velvet cake and lemon meringue, nothing beats feeling uplifted emotionally and spiritually by simply being in the presence of someone who owes you nothing but brings you peace and gives you hope.

 

 

So pop on over to Café LANG in Park Road (Mthatha) and see for yourself why this is such an awesome place to be :) 

GIVEAWAY!!! For TODAY ONLY (8 July 2014)... Starting at 11:00am, when you order a beverage or meal (sit down only) you will receive a FREE slice of CHOCOLATE CAKE compliments of ME in celebration of AVS Photography turning 4 years old this month.

P.S - Don't forget to mention that you saw this post on facebook/blogger - 1 slice per person, 8 slices available :)

 xoxo

Ayesha

Lonwabo & Bongeka’s Wedding | 26 April 2014 | Dans Country Lodge

Introducing my super-awesome-keen for anything couple.

April being such a crazy month for photographers, Lonwabo & Bongi knew that they had to book way in advance… and so they did… 9 Months in advance! I first met the couple when they came for their pre-wedding pictures earlier this year, they were keen for any of my ideas – nature reserve included. Its not often photographers get to meet their couples so far in advance and get a feel for what the couple would like. Lonwabo & Bongi are from Cape Town so most arrangements were done via email and whatsapp.

Lonwabo and Bongi got married at the scenic Dans Country Lodge about 22km’s out of Mthatha and had the perfect weather.

The following Monday morning they got suited up once more to have some awesome pictures taken at an old church and long the railway line in Mthatha.

I cant wait to meet this this couple on the 10th year anniversary or even 20th year anniversary :)

 

Blood Donation | 1st Time | Harcourts Mthatha

My Monday morning started off a bit crazy because I had sooooo much to do and while getting things done I get a whatsapp message from Nella at Harcourts Mthatha, it read "Blood Drive at Harcourts Mthatha today between 9am and 3pm". I had seen the poster last week and was thinking "hmmm... maybe I should go for it" here's the picture they posted on their facebook page

So there I was at Café LANG to drop off a few flyers and to get a slice of their awesome Red Velvet Cake (a must have if you haven't had it yet). I told Nikki (one of the owners of Café LANG) that I was considering going to donate blood at Harcourts (just down the road from Café LANG) and she said I should do it because its an amazing feeling and two of her staff member had also gone to donate.... I decided to take a drive passed Harcourts, I parked outside their yard and sat thinking for a few minutes about whether I really want to do this.

All sorts of thoughts went through my mind about how my sister had told me that the needle is huge and that they take about 500ml of blood. My mind was racing and while thinking of all these things... I found myself greeting Nella and Devyn at the Harcourts door. They both thanked me for coming but I was still not sure whether I am going to go through with it.

Anyway I approached the lady from SANBS who gave me a pamphlet to read then said I should fill out the form if I agree and understand what was written on the pamphlet. I nodded and she passed me the form. I stopped and asked the SANBS man next to me "how much blood are you taking" she giggled and replied "about 475ml" I was relieved coz it was 25ml less than what my sister told me and that made the worlds difference in my mind. I then turned and asked the SANBS lady across me "I hear the needle is quite big, how big is it?" she said "it is big but not thaaat big" I once was again relieved. She asked if I was nervous and I didn't hesitate and responded with a huge nodding of my head. She smiled and said "the more nervous you are the more it will scare you and it might just hurt" I thought about it and said "ok I'll calm down while filling the forms out" she agreed. I filled the forms out and handed them to her. She signed them and told me to take them to the bus that was a few feet away.

I walked to the bus, handed the forms over to the SANBS lady inside who I recognised from earlier when I told them about my knee injury and the meds I had taken for it. I was slightly relieved to see Devyn in the bus already giving blood.

I can honestly say the most sore thing was the prick on my finger for the iron test, which they lady said wouldn't be sore but told me afterwards that she was joking coz she knew I'd probably not want to do it LOL which is actually very true! I then laid down on the bed and watched the man prepare the area where he would insert the needle, which he got the needle I looked away and told him to tell me when he was done... he said "Don't worry it doesn't take long, and there you go, its done" I was like... you can't be serious! I was preparing myself to scream from the pain. It was painless! I must admit though I was shaking non stop until the last drop!

And just like that it was over, he was putting a plaster on and I was fit to go. I put a brave face on and went to have a glass of juice and those awesome biscuits.... that they only give you three of hmmm... LOL. I was then good to go with my certificate below:

I then went to thank the Harcourts team for having the blood drive, and to show off my certificate hehe...

Below is a picture of my arm

Below is my reward (half-eaten) Red Velvet Cake

 

 

Last remarks: Donating blood was well worth it, knowing that I helped save someone's life by just giving the few millilitres I have made a difference in someone's life, in someone's family's life. Donating blood is not as scary as people make it out to be, its actually quite fun, there are people there along the way making sure that you are ok. You walk away with a little wiggle in your step and that warm fuzzy feel good feeling. Please don't walk away if you feel dizzy... LOL only kidding. Walk away proud and come back 60 days later to give a little more *wink*

Thanks again Harcourts Mthatha for the little push *smile*

 

Wiggle wiggle

Giggle giggle

Big smiles

Wine & Cheese Evening | 5 March 2014

I'm always keen on teaming up with different organisations and companies, Hotel Savoy invited me to join them on the Wine & Cheese Evening. They invited various businesses to attend & showcase their talents and their work. To mention a few, Hertz Mthatha, Sun International, EC Productions, Vodacom Mthatha, Umvini etc.

With a few days to get all my advertising material together I had to rush but managed to get flyers, business cards and a pull up banner made just in time. I also sponsored a voucher for a lucky winner. I must stay Hotel Savoy pulled out all stops & I applauded Leigh, Joann & their team for pulling off a successful event.

Below are  a few pictures from the event. I included a few pictures taken by Adiel from Umvini how sponsored the décor for the tables.

Décor by Umvini - Picture taken by Adiel (Owner of Umvini)

Mqhome Wedding | 14 December 2013

Welcome to the Mqhome Wedding...

I love covering weddings! Its the day you say "I do" and promise to spend the rest of your life by each others side.

I declare Siyanda as one of my favourite brides, I love all my brides and still keep in contact with 80% of them (Others change phone numbers and email addresses) some I even have as facebook friends and we joke around often.

From the moment I met Siyanda (just a few minutes before covering her bride dressing) I knew she was special, she had this ease about her, yes she wanted to be on time but also realised its her special day and she has to enjoy it... And so she did. Sbabatso was also quite a chilled groom, he was up for some cool fun pictures so was Siyanda and the bridal party. It was really awesome when a golf ball came flying over out heads and we all ducked lol. Fun times in deed.

Below are a few pictures of the Mqhome wedding.

 

De Kock Family - Jan 2014

I absolutely love this family, I only got to meet Adien now and he is already over a year old!

These two boys had me laughing most of the time with the cute little things they done, Adien enjoyed copying everything his big brother Justin done. This is my 3rd photo shoot and every time was more and more special. I am honoured to have captured both boys when they were still in mommy tummy and now both of them as little toddlers. Daddy handsome as ever and mommy beautiful inside and out. I look forward to capturing the boys 21st birthday AND weddings hahaha as well as mom and dads 50th anniversary *grin*

Thank you Caroline and Reagan for allowing me to capture your maternity and family pictures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Til next time...

Lots of love, Ayesha

xoxo

2014... I welcome you!

Out with 2013 in with 2014

This year I'm doing it BIG and giving more quality to my clients and potential clients.

Its going to be one crazy awesome year, starting with my new studio which I've just opened TODAY! (14 January 2014) My address is 1 Prestwich Road, Mthatha. I'm situated just below the TPS Sports field off the N2.

From all the people I've met last year I'm walking through 2014 with them by my side and I hope to build stronger relationships with them aswell as develop new ones with more service providers in and around Mthatha.

First on my list is something that's rather new to me and on my facebook page, its my Project 365 which I started on the 1st January 2014. Basically I will be uploading a picture every day of something that happened during the day or of something I done/saw that day. So far its going good and I'll keep everyone updated on it as the year goes by.

Secondly I'll be running more regular blog posts (I know I posted a lot last year but I'd still like to get more active when it comes to posting blogs and keeping people informed about what's happening)

Lastly, I'd to wish everyone a Happy New Year and may all your aspirations for 2014 be come a reality but bigger and better than your expectations :)

Don't forget I'm still doing 2014 calendars for those who never got theirs in 2013, I got your back ;)

For all the teachers out there, I'll be starting on School Pictures from the 3rd February so make sure you reserve your date ASAP because I wont be doing school pictures beyond the second term (after the end of June)

Here's to an awesome year ahead

xoxo
Ayesha