SouthBound’s Best 2013: Aisle & Ceremony Decor

So often when we think wedding decor we’re thinking about the reception, but today’s Best of 2013 post is all about the ceremony. Now don’t get me wrong – the most important thing happening at the ceremony IS the ceremony, but that doesn’t mean that (especially if you’re not getting married in a church) you can’t enjoy some creative licence in making it look like a fairytale. That’s just what some of our brides and grooms did this year, turning ordinary spaces into very special ones. Here they are, all in one place, to inspire!

I loved everything about this beach wedding, which was lovingly handcrafted by bride and groom Vicky and Arri. Their ceremony was held on the beach, where a makeshift chapel was created using this floating door, benches and an old boat. LOVE. See the whole wedding here (photography by Natural Light Photography).

Farm fairytale… the forest ceremony of Ester and Tobias would have been gorgeous on its own, but I loved that the natural ‘cathedral’ started with these doors. See the whole wedding here (photography by Leani Holmes).

Forest ceremonies have been an emerging trend on SBB this year, and there’s nothing lovelier than to see a gorgeous set-up like the one Amanda and Stephen had! Also love the blue tin flower vases lining the aisle. See the whole wedding here (photography by i.am.tamryn).

Definitely one of my all-time faves – the simple addition of these colourful paper pinwheels to a wooden frame creates a focal point for the whole ceremony at Leigh and Andrew’s handmade wedding. See the whole wedding here (photography by Samantha Maber).

Kerry and Adam’s ceremony was really something special. It was held in the labyrinth built by her late grandfather in her parents’ garden, the very same place where Adam proposed. Not only was it steeped in significance for the couple, but it allowed guests to sit in the round, creating a really personal, intimate atmosphere. Even without a handy garden labyrinth, that’s something to inspire other SouthBound brides! See the whole wedding here (photography by Lauren Kriedemann).

Love, love, LOVE how Bridget and Quinton used the drive at Nooitgedacht as their ceremony area, stringing it with lanterns and bunting to create a festival atmosphere. You loved it too – this was one of your Pinterest faves :) See the whole wedding here (photography by Abigail K.).

Lizaan and Michael’s whole wedding was countryside chic at its finest, and their ceremony area was no exception. Love the little touches here, like the flowers in tin tubs and the gorgeous arch. See the whole wedding here (photography by Natural Light).

Elegant simplicity was key in Natalie and Alex’s intimate vineyard wedding, and their outdoor ceremony area was just that – elegant and simple. Love the wine barrel used as a focal point. See the whole wedding here (photography by Cheryl McEwan).

Oversized letters added a really fun touch to Penny and Henry’s wedding ceremony! Cheeky and stylish. See the whole wedding here (photography by Dreampix).

Last but certainly not least, is Rienne and Johan’s gorgeous vineyard wedding with colourful accents throughout. So of course it’s only appropriate that their ceremony decor mixed elegant rustic (those barrels, love) with fun in the form of big, round balloons. Adorable! See the whole wedding here (photography by Catherine Mac).