Festive & Colourful Winter Wedding at Orchards by Bright Girl

I’m a little biased because I adore her, but it seems to me that everything that’s in front of Eileen of Bright Girl‘s lens turns to gold. Or in this case, gold and sparkle, plus lots of bright, bold, beautiful colour! Lana and Greg’s wedding brought a whole punch of festive flair to the KZN winter – fat red peonies, roses in every shade of pink, velvet linens, a ceiling dripping in stars and twinkle lights, a shiny gold pear at every sitting. And the bridesmaid dresses – oh my! I’m obsessed with Lana’s choice of gowns, which manage to be romantic and a little ethereal, while also being colourful and super stylish – LOVE! They worked perfectly with the abundant blooms and with Lana’s own dreamy pale blush wedding gown and perfectly matched the mix of whimsicality and grown-up glamour that characterised this very special celebration. All brought to life by Eileen’s lovely pics of course! Get those pinning fingers ready!

Read More

Blush & Rose Gold Wedding at The Venue Fontana by Bright Girl Photography

Blush & Rose Gold Wedding at The Venue Fontana | Image: Bright Girl Photography

When it comes to describing Coral and Devon’s dreamy, elegantly rustic wedding, I can’t think of any better way than as the lovely Eileen of Bright Girl Photography told it to me! “I knew their wedding would be amazing, but I was blown away when I arrived and saw all the beautiful decor and the warm sunshine bouncing off the green leaves in the forest where the ceremony was going to take place. It was magical. When Coral slipped her dress on, the magic continued… The friends, the flowers, the tears of happiness and all the stones which the guests held throughout the ceremony… all was magic or so it seemed. I mean who else can catch popcorn with a smiling mouth wide open with laughter while leading his gorgeous bride up the aisle. Yes, Devon can! These two were wrapped with warmth and love for each other and from their friends and family.” Awwww! It really is a special day, and includes the work of some of my very favourite KZN wedding pros, including the very talented Eileen, Hanrie Lues Bridal (who made Coral’s gorgeous dress!) and one of my all-time fave venues, The Venue Fontana. Enjoy!

Read More

Toujours Wedding House Boutique Tour

Maybe it’s from watching too many movies, but when I think about wedding dress shopping, I picture a charming little shop full of soft light and plush chairs and flowers and champagne – a place where dreams are made, and where somewhere in amongst the silk, tulle and lace, that perfect wedding dress is just waiting for you to try it on and fall crazy in love, and share that amazing moment with your mum or best friend. Sadly, reality sometimes falls short of the fantasy. So you can imagine how thrilled I was last year to discover the most wonderful little boutique right here in Durban, tucked in amongst the leafy streets of Westville that I know so well. Toujours Wedding House is an absolute gem – a light, bright studio nestled off a sunny courtyard, with just the right amount of chic understated detail to let the gowns, veils and accessories take centre stage. Guiding her brides through their experience is owner Tracey Laubscher, who you immediately warm to like she’s an extra bridesmaid, and who knows and cherishes each dress in her collection like a favourite song. I couldn’t wait to go back to the boutique to do a special little tour, together with the talented Eileen Laubscher of Bright Girl Photography. We spent our morning drinking tea, shooting these beautiful images, and chatting to Tracey about what makes Toujours such a special place…

Read More

Leisurely Luncheon Wedding at Sibton Hill by Bright Girl Photography {Lauren & Luke}

For our third gorgeous wedding of the week, we’re heading to the KZN countryside for a relaxed luncheon bathed in golden light and awash with proteas. Because in case you haven’t noticed by now, we bloody love proteas around here. And I love that Lauren and Luke used them as the basis for their colour scheme, along with lanterns, mismatched glass jars and vases and custom laurel monogram napkins. Add beautifully rustic wooden tables and lace bunting, blush dresses for the bridesmaids and Lauren’s dreamy lace-back dress, and it’s everything an elegant country wedding should be. Everything and more, since it’s photographed to romantic perfection by the lovely Eileen of Bright Girl Photography. What a way to end the week!Read More

Down on the Farm Engagement

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I get the coolest readers. Not only do I love hearing from you all (even if I don’t always get to reply as quickly as I’d like) but it’s a particular pleasure for me to be able to follow some of you through your planning journey. That’s what happened with SouthBound Bride Keri, who also just so happens to have a super awesome blog of her own, Midlands Musings. I first heard from Keri when she asked for an inspiration board, and loved helping her with her French-inspired country colour scheme. In fact, you’ll get to see her lovely wedding for yourselves next week. But first, we’re going to meet Keri and her now-hubby Andrew and hear their super sweet love and engagement story, as well as see the easy going e-shoot that took place on their farm, cows and all. The fab Eileen Laubscher of Bright Girl captured it all perfectly!Read More

Farm-Style Engagement Shoot

Oh, I just love today’s engagement shoot, don’t you? It’s so dreamy and chilled out, and the couple (Celeste and Nathan) are so beautifully styled (not to mention in lurve). The large silver milk containers also get a bit thumbs up from me. This slice of rustic heaven was sent over by photographer Eileen Laubscher of Bright Girl Photography, who is based in Durban, and who takes the most gorgeous wedding pics as well – check out her blog here.

Read More