The Ruby Bride’s EnGedi Wedding by Lad & Lass Photography {Jerusha & Gideon}

I’ve just adored meeting our Real Life Brides this season, haven’t you? Jerusha, our Ruby Bride, always made me laugh with her hilarious take on wedding planning, and I knew that when it came to the day she married her beloved Gideon, that humour would be firmly in place, come what may. Fortunately, it was smooth sailing – a beautiful Gauteng day, a joining of two families, and a massive celebration of friendship and love. Jerusha made such a stunning bride – she’s so elegant and poised, like a ballerina, and her gorgeous lace dress was perfection. And of course, she rocked red lipstick and ruby nails! The tablescapes dotted with teacup candles were the perfect complement to the watercolour stationery design, and I love the bridesmaids’ lace cap sleeve dresses, but what really stands out in Lad and Lass‘s incredible photos is the Moments. Those memories that really make a wedding day what it is – the rest is just (very pretty) window dressing. From the look Jerusha shared with her dad as they prepared to walk down the aisle, to a bridesmaid dance party, to the newlyweds laughing together, they’ve captured them all, and I can’t but finish this post with a huge smile on my face. Congrats Jerusha and Gideon!Read More

Sunflower-filled River Place Wedding by Genevieve Fundaro {Carin & Darren}

Roses are red, violets are blue, and sunflowers… well, sunflowers are the colour of happiness. They always remind me of my days at university, when us girls would often buy a single sunflower stem for a friend, or just to make our own day. They also remind me of the fields of sunflowers I’ve seen from the window of a train rolling through the Tuscan countryside. Such happy memories! Like proteas, I love how a little goes a long way (even a single bloom makes a statement), and of course their relentlessly cheerful bright yellow. It goes perfectly with the gorgeous aqua/mint chosen by Carin and Darren for their rustic chic wedding with a chilled outdoor reception by a gorgeous river landscape, and photographed beautifully by Genevieve Fundaro.Read More

Stylish Intimate Garden Wedding by Lad and Lass Photography {Nandi & Brett}

We feature all kinds of weddings here on SBB, but I must admit to having a huge soft spot for those that take place in a garden or backyard. I love the idea of getting married somewhere that literally feels like home, being able to go back there again and again and make new memories, as well as the loving and intimate feel you always get from an at-home celebration. Today’s wedding is just a perfect example of that, and it’s effortlessly chic too – I love that bride Nandi was inspired by her mum, and wanted the decor to look like something that came from her cupboards. And can we just take a minute to salute Nandi’s dress? Absolutely love it, especially paired with a pretty braid and a crown of flowers. As I said, effortlessly chic. I can’t think of a better choice of photographer for this wedding than Lad and Lass Photography, as their style really complements the couple’s – a perfect match. Just like Nandi and Brett. And just like backyards and beautiful receptions. ;)Read More

Elegant Watercolour Oxbow Estate Wedding by Howling Moon Photography {Annine & Pieter}

Rush rush rush! I’m off on a MUCH needed mini-holiday today, to spend a weekend with some of my besties in (hopefully) sunny Plett. No laptop for four days :) But first, I wanted to share this lovely little wedding with you all. Taking classic elements and adding a few personal twists and clever touches, like a super cute escort card display and lovely little watercolours on the tables (what a sweet way to add colour and flowers that aren’t flowers, if you know what I mean). Pieter and Annine obviously had a lot of fun putting their personalities and history into the day, so that it was a true celebration of their past, present and future. Howling Moon Photography captured every moment in these lovely, light-filled images.Read More

Woodland Fairytale Garden Wedding by Love Made Visible {Elize & Steyn}

Something I never expected when I started this blog was that some of the people I feature would become friends, and yet that’s exactly what’s happened (in fact, I’m meeting one SBB bride for lunch today, yay!). One of my all-time-favourite couples is Louise & Riaan, who are the kind of people who you know that not only will you like, but you’ll like the people THEY like too. So I wasn’t surprised to see their faces pop up in the pics from Elize & Steyn’s wedding – not just because it was the kind of effortlessly creative and detailed wedding that makes my heart sing, but because when I read the couple’s story, I knew they were full of heart. Just like Louise and Riaan, and just like their awesome photographers, Rebecca and Bruce of Love Made Visible, who have once again done an AMAZING job of doing just that – making love visible.  There’s also something about today’s wedding that reminds me of Snow White (in a good way, without the wicked stepmother obvs). Maybe it’s the red apples and the woodland elements (OBSESSED with the wreath escort cards!) or maybe it’s Elize’s gorgeous dark hair and ruby lips, but whatever the reason, it’s appropriate, because this is a modern-day fairytale – the kind that wedding dreams are made of.Read More

Delft Blue Glenshiel Wedding by Laurentia E. Photography {Elena & Liam}

Oh be still my Delft-loving heart! From the minute that an email from the lovely Laurentia E. landed in my inbox, I was head over heels in love with Elena and Liam’s stylish blue and white Delft-themed wedding design. This is a theme (or a motif rather) that I have been talking about for a while now, and the couple (together with By Word of Mouth) has pulled it off perfectly – beautiful feature plates on white linen, patterned vases full of white, blue and purple flowers, silver accents, lasercut table names, hanging Delft panels, and a blue and white check dancefloor. It’s all SO GORGEOUS. And on a personal note, I have to say that I have extra love for Elena & Liam’s wedding because they were married at the beautiful Rosebank Catholic Church, which is not only where my own mom and dad were married, but where my dear friends Ros and Jean were too. So here’s wishing Elena and Liam the same longevity and happiness that has blessed both of those marriages :)Read More

Rustic Lace Klipskuur Wedding by GingerAle Photography {Haloise & Jaco}

Where do I start with this wedding? Honestly, I don’t know. Is it the whirlwind love story that brought these two lovebirds together? Or maybe the fact that they planned their wedding in just TWO months (not that you could tell – the rustic farm-style details are so beautifully put together!) How about the novelty of a Sunday morning wedding in winter, with all the relaxed warmth of a family luncheon? Or how about Haloise’s incredible lace dress? Or maybe the fact that so much of this wedding was eco-friendly, right down to the gifts. Or the gorgeous atmospheric photographs from GingerAle Photography? It’s impossible to choose, so I’m just going to start at the beginning. Which is after all, to quote Sound of Music (hopefully for the only time ever), a very good place to start. :)Read More

Blush & White Thaba Ya Batswana Wedding by As Sweet As Images {Sasha & Sergio}

I love an involved groom, don’t you? In the last few years, it seems to have become the norm rather than the exception, which I think is awesome – after all, your wedding will best tell the story of your relationship if it comes from both of you. Today we not only have an involved groom, but we’re hearing the story of the wedding from his perspective! You can just hear the love Sergio has for his beautiful bride come through in his words. And even though their venue, Thaba Ya Batswana, is situated just outside Johannesburg, it has the lovely feeling of being in the African bushveld. The couple decided to complement this with a classic white wedding, with the prettiest hint of blush in the bridesmaids’ dresses and the rose bouquets. The fabulous As Sweet As Images were on the scene to record every sweet smile and happy moment for eternity.Read More

Nautical Emoyeni Wedding by Lauren Kim {Abigail & Dean}

Those of you who have been around here for a while will know that my love of nautical knowns no bounds. Like today’s bride describes herself, I’m a nautical fiend. There’s no bad day that a bit of crisp linen and bateau stripes can’t solve, no view that isn’t made better by having a ship on the horizon, and no end to the shiny nautical bits and bobs that I have to restrain myself from filling my home with. So I think what I really love about Abigail and Dean’s wedding is that, even though it isn’t located even remotely near the coast, that didn’t stop them from pulling off a sea-worthy festival of awesome. From the blue and white striped tablecloths to the nautical cake to the oh-so-adorable bridesmaids with their captain’s hats, photographer Lauren Kim has captured every lovely detail. (Oh and PS, if you love coastal style, come back later for more beach-themed table decor!)Read More

Indian Fusion Helderfontein Estate Wedding by Jack and Jane Photography {Manisha & Martin}

We’re heading towards the end of our first week back at work, and our first week of 2014 wedding loveliness here on SBB – how has it been for you? I must say, I am full of excitement at what the year has in store (of course, it makes a difference that for the first time in years I’m in the sunshine instead of braving the January cold in London!). And just wait until you see the weddings I am lining up for you in the weeks to come – as my Dad would joke, “you’ll daaah”. But today we’re all about Martin and Manisha’s cross-cultural celebration, and I absolutely adore the rich winter berry colours that they chose. And Manisha’s bridal style – WOW. I especially love how she’s paired all the intricacy of her jewellery and her sari and that insanely gorgeous henna with a simple, elegant bouquet of calla lilies. SBB fave Laura Jane Photography was there to capture every gorgeous image, telling the story of the day from beginning to beautiful end.Read More