Winter Pastels Wedding at Calderwood Hall by Fiona Clair {Joelene & Stef}

My love affair with Fiona Clair‘s photography goes a way back, but it didn’t take long for new SBB team member Candice to fall head over heels with her work as well. So when we snapped up this winter pastel wedding set in the Natal Midlands, we couldn’t stop gushing to each other about how gorgeous every single image was. You probably know by now that I’m a sucker for pastels, and I LOVED Jolene’s take on the palette, taking it from summer staple to winter whimsy completely effortlessly. Add in mixed metallics (), painted bottles and origami, a vintage plate table plan, a handpainted banner proclaiming ‘Oh happy day!’, an illusion lace dress, flower crowns, faux fur shrugs… every detail, basically. Oh happy day, indeed!Read More

Joyous Garden Wedding at Jex Estate by Lad & Lass {Jessica & Steven}

Crazy beautiful. That’s the only way I can think of to describe today’s wedding – in fact, I’m struggling to find words at all, but who needs words when the pictures are this pretty? Aside from the fact that Jess & Steve are basically one of the most attractive couples south of Hollywood, or that their South African girl meets Australian boy in California story is like something out of a romcom, every little detail of this stylish garden soiree just makes me giddy to look at. From the pink peonies and monochrome stripes to the proteas and bridesmaids in mint, each photograph by the supremely talented Lad & Lass brings a new delight (which is why I couldn’t help myself but include a ton of them in this post). And let’s not forget the aisle lined with scripture calligraphed on wooden boards (swoonage), or Jessica’s insanely gorgeous dress (by SBB fave designer and featured bride, Julia Ferrandi). But as usual, what really, really gets me (once I’ve stopped squealing at how much I love every inspiring idea) is the raw emotion that the Lad & Lass team captured here – Steven’s tears as he sees his bride, her radiant joy, the light that seems to dance around them like a blessing. Crazy beautiful. I told you.Read More

Natural Winter White Wedding at Netherwood by Carmen Roberts {Lauren & Andrew}

If there’s one motif that has quietly been making it’s way into South African weddings recently, it’s cows. Yep, cows. We love ’em, and considering our African roots, maybe that’s not surprising. What’s very cool is that our brides and grooms have shown how a motif like this can be incorporated in a classy way, and never more so than in today’s ‘organic, white and candlelight’ wedding from the lovely Carmen Roberts. Lauren and Andrew were married at the beautiful Netherwood in the Midlands (so the cows were super appropriate to their farm venue) and created a sweet motif that was branded on to the boards at each place setting – cows also popped up in the cake toppers, in signs and table plans, and even in the table names. The rest of the wedding design was classic, white and natural – clouds of baby’s breath and succulents, dapper bow-tied groomsmen and a bride in a beautiful long-sleeve lace dress. It’s everything a winter bride could dream of.Read More

Gypsy Boho Forest Wedding by Summertown Pictures {Kerry & Jeremy}

Do I ever have a gorgeous wedding for you all today! You know, I’m always fascinated to see how people in the wedding industry choose to design their big day – we all see so many weddings, that it can be difficult to choose just one style. Today’s bride and groom are both KZN industry peeps, and instead of worrying too much about colour or theme, they put together all their favourite things – gorgeous decor from the bride’s personal collection (complemented with copper and brass bottles and candleholders – love the gypsy feel of this!), food from all the many local suppliers who stock their market, and an absolutely magical forest location. The ultimate feel is relaxed and organic, with a real bohemian flare – not least from the bride’s beautiful dress and styling! And the bouquet… oh, the bouquet – an amazing job from planner Carolyn of Adore Weddings. I have spent a lot more time poring over these absolutely breathtaking images from Summertown Pictures than I care to admit – and now it’s your turn!Read More

Country Casual Wedding at The Glades by Summertown Pictures {Ash & Peter}

Some weddings just remind me of the simple, wonderful pleasure in life – a cool breeze on a hot day, a new sundress, melting butter on fresh, hot bread. Today’s wedding is like that – pure happiness and country casual chic. Ash and Peter chose a palette of soft neutrals with a touch of peach and a little glimmer of gold (I love how subtly this metallic is used throughout, it’s so perfect), with lovely lace showing up in both the bride and the bridesmaids’ stunning dresses. The florals are a beautiful mix – I especially love the blushing bride proteas. And speaking of these blooms, I just loved how they were used to decorate Ash’s naked cake, and would you believe it, she made it herself! Clever bride, beautiful wedding, happy days. Ooh, and let’s not forget the swooney images from Summertown Pictures too!Read More

Dreamy & Romantic Farm Wedding by Vanilla Photography {Sherri & Jacques}

I love hearing stories of high school sweethearts who grow up and get married, don’t you? Although, I should add, that I also thank the good lord for not making me personally end up with any of the boys I liked in high school. Let’s just say… well, let’s not just say. But no. Today’s couple, on the other hand, are one of those sweet success stories – and eight years down the line they tied the knot on the same farm where they built a home, the same home where Jacques proposed. Isn’t that so lovely? And even though this was a farm wedding with a touch of rustic, Sherri had the romantic wedding style down to a tee. Amongst many, my favourite detail is the little calligraphed glass cloche table numbers – the sort of special touch that makes my heart happy, and perfectly finishes off a perfectly wonderful day. The always-awesome Vanilla Photography were there to take these super dreamy pics.Read More

Pastel Travel-themed Netherwood Wedding by Rensche Mari {Leanie & Theuns}

I just love when I get to feature weddings that combine the talents of wedding pros who I have come to know and admire through my years as a blogger – it always gives me such pleasure to see brides put themselves in their hands and come out with beautiful results! Today’s wedding features three of my favourite names – Rensche Mari, one of our most talented photographers; Netherwood, an absolutely gorgeous venue that I have visited in person; and the very lovely Ché of indieberries and indielovebooks. So needless to say, Leanie and Theuns have excellent taste! As always, my favourite part is the details that tell their story, and their travel theme does just that – be sure to read all about Theuns’ totally original mile high proposal!Read More

Bright Farm Festival Wedding by Casey Pratt Photography {Suzaan & Pieter}

Succulents, bright festival stripes and a dollop of glitter and gold – what’s not to love about this Winterton farm fête from the awesome Casey Pratt of Photo Case Photography? Suzaan and Pieter built their tented wedding reception from scratch, with a focus on their guests, a loose palette of mint, coral and gold, and buckets of personality. From the colourful bridal party (each with a little touch of sparkle) to the gold-dipped jars and bottles on the tables, to the striped runners, to the fox-topped, succulent-surrounded, gold meringue cake, it’s full of vibrancy and fun, and with a bride and groom who closed the dancefloor at 5am no less, it’s no surprise. I just love couples who have fun planning their Big Day, and who make it a reflection of their relationship – and these two even invited the prize Brahman cows in for a couple of pics. It’s farm wedding fabulousness all the way.Read More

Pretty Peach & Traditional Zulu Weddings by Vita Bella Photography {Slindile & Siphile}

Last week, I was thrilled to bring you a traditional Xhosa wedding, and today I get to showcase another double celebration, including a joyous traditional Zulu wedding. I love seeing this gorgeous couple in their traditional garb (actually, I’m more than a little jealous of Slindile’s costume changes, since she also got to rock a princess dress and a hot little cocktail number for her reception at wedding number 1!). The two ceremonies couldn’t have been more different – one with an elegant peaches & cream palette while the other bursts with colour, but what they have in common is a sense of vibrancy and delight, and the biggest smiles from bride and groom. Chantel of Vita Bella Photography did an amazing job capturing both happy days, so you’ll understand why this is a bumper, photo-filled post!Read More

Black Tie Winter Wedding by Fiona Clair {Tamara & Paul}

You know it’s going to be a good day when a wedding from Fiona Clair is on the schedule. I love everything about her images (which is why I asked her to do my last portrait shoot) – so crisp and gorgeous and full of colour and light. Plus, she seems to attract some of my favourite brides and grooms, couples who are beautiful inside and out, and whose weddings are equal parts personal, romantic and stylish. You don’t need to look further than today’s elegant winter wedding to see what I mean – this really is both how to rock both a monochrome colour palette and a cold weather reception (fireplaces and gluhwein, yes please!). And to top it all off, bride Tamara is wearing a breathtaking gown from another SBB favourite, Casey Jeanne. Sigh. Yep, it’s definitely going to be a good day.Read More