Botanical NYE Wedding at Maroupi by Sasha Campbell

Y’all probably already know how much I’m in love with greenery and botanical style weddings in general. But being a Durban girl now, that love is even stronger when you combine more subtle greenery (your ferns and eucalyptus for example) with bold tropical foliage. I mean, seriously. So when I caught a glimpse of Lucy and Mike’s New Year’s Eve wedding decked out in all kinds of botanical beauty from the amazing floral chandeliers to mini topiaries to lush palm leaves, I was in LOVE. Mind you, that wasn’t even the first thing I fell in love with when I saw Sasha Campbell‘s lovely pics – that honour goes to the incredible Hanrie Lues gown worn by the bride with its whimsical illusion lace back and flowing skirt. This celebration perfectly marries (ha!) subtle sophistication with botanical boldness, and it was held on New Year’s Eve, so it had that extra dash of magic. Settle in and check it all out!

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20 Statement Back Wedding Dresses

Unique Wedding Dress Back Styles

If you’re planning your wedding and have given your wedding dress some thought, you might already have some of the lingo down by now. Illusion necklines, tulle layers and lace details are all the rage, but somehow we often forget to mention the back of the dress. Taking into consideration that your guests will be staring at the bride and groom’s backs for the entire ceremony (and I’m sure we all have attended a ceremony that seemed to last forever!) it is just such a pleasant surprise for them not only to be wowed when you walk down the aisle, but also to be in awe of the breathtaking details that have gone into the back of your wedding gown. Seriously, how gorgeous are these wedding dresses with back detail I have found? Have a cuppa while you take your time to look through all the unique dress back styles, and start planning your wow factor today! *Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

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Casey Jeanne’s Jeannelle la Amour Collection

Hello beauties – time for some wedding fashion inspiration, courtesy of one of my favourite South African designers. Casey Jeanne is a star on a pretty meteoric rise (and you’ll remember we’ve featured her bespoke gowns in the past). Now, she’s come up with a splendid ready-to-wear collection, Jeannelle la Amour, that’s spreading the word far beyond her home in Durbs. Featuring the designers signature love of detail in lace tattoos, beading and sumptuous fabrics, each one of these gowns is a whisper of loveliness. It’s just hard to pick a favourite! I also love that the collection is a tribute to Casey’s French grandfather, who was orphaned and adopted during the war and moved to South Africa. Alexis Diack took the beautiful pictures, and be sure not to miss the fab video by Wes of The Shank Tank at the end.Read More

Get the Look: Sheer Illusion Bridesmaid Dresses

I must tell you guys, I’m loving putting these little bridesmaid dress posts together each week – hey, any excuse for window shopping, right? But I think this is the week I’ve been most tempted to pull out my credit card and fill my wardrobe up with the prettiness I’ve sourced, because I absolutely LOVE the look of an illusion neckline. This is a style that’s taken brides by storm, and now bridesmaids are getting in on the act. Which, as far as I’m concerned, is awesome. In fact, the only downside is picking your favourite! Be sure to find these and other gorgeous dresses on the SBB Bridesmaid Boutique Pinterest board, which we’re keeping updated with current dresses from a variety of shops and shipping destinations. For more illusion bridesmaid dress inspiration, see our special feature. And don’t forget this illusion lace wedding dress roundup for the brides!Read More

Persy Bridal Collection 2014/2015

Time for some more gorgeous fashion inspiration, ladies! I must say, I am loving how far bridal has come in the last few years, from cookie cutter meringues to truly amazing, one-of-a-kind creations that often wouldn’t look out of place on the red carpet. Because a bride shouldn’t just feel like a princess, but a  starlet, right? And talking of Hollywood-worthy looks, I’m super excited to be introducing you to the work of another international designer today, Yaniv Persy. This ultra-feminine, beautifully structured and exquisitely made collection is really making waves, and when you see the pics below you’ll know why. Born in Israel and raised in South America, Yaniv has worked with some of fashion’s biggest names, including John Galliano, Roberto Cavalli, and Donna Karan. He’s now established his own label and launched the Persy Bridal Collection.Read More

Mira Zwillinger 2014/2015 Collection

You know, there are some wedding dress designers that each year when they release a new collection, I think they’ve outdone themselves – surely reached the tippety top of as pretty as their dresses can be – but lo and behold, the next season I’m dying over their new collection all over again. Mira Zwillinger is one of those designers, and true to form, her 2014/2015 collection is my favourite yet. Holy embroidered and illusion lace amazingness. Combined, as Mira does, with super soft, billowy skirts that combine into the ultimate mix of drama and elegant femininity. Long story short, I’m a huge fan. So let’s schedule some sigh-time to have a look at this latest bevy of beauties from the Israeli designer (not available in SA as far as I know, but can be found at Browns in London).Read More

Veluz Reyes RTW 2014 Collection

As you probably know by now, I’m a HUGE fan of Veluz Reyes, the powerhouse designer behind some of the most pinned wedding dress images since ever. Based in the Philippines, her fame has spread worldwide, and with her first ever Ready to Wear collection last year, finally international brides were able to get their perfectly manicured paws on her creations (the heart of the business is still custom dress design from the studio, which is wildly in demand among lucky local brides). So of course I just have to share the latest installment in the Ready to Wear line, the 2014 collection. Like Veluz’ previous RTW, it’s awash with silky, billowy skirts, intricate beading and the most spectacual portrait backs, but it also manages to be fresh and modern. And be sure to scroll to the end where there’s a super fun little video (with bridal models who actually SMILE, but then, who wouldn’t smile wearing one of these beauties?).Read More

Illusion Neckline & Statement Back Bridesmaid Dresses

We’re continuing our busy Friday with a look at one of my FAVOURITE bridesmaid trends of the moment. Actually, this one started as a wedding dress trend, but good news girls, illusion necklines and statement or portrait back dresses are now for bridesmaids too! There’s just no denying how pretty these are, and how gorgeous and sophisticated they will make your bridesmaids feel. Plus, win, they look GREAT in photos! I think we’ll be seeing lots more of these this season, but today I’ve rounded up some of my favourite looks so far.Read More