Pretty in Pink Wedding at Palala by Charl van der Merwe

There are bush weddings, and then there is this pretty as a picture game lodge celebration in shades of blush and candy pink, captured to perfection by Charl van der Merwe. Picture a classic affair, overflowing with lush blooms, with touches of gold, its glam elegance contrasting with the rustic scenery. Then imagine a beautiful bride in a breathtaking illusion lace gown, flower girls in froths of rouge, groomsmen in stylish navy, and a handsome groom whose eyes light up at the sight of his wife-to-be. It’s the dream, isn’t it? Well, with Leona and Christopher’s big day, it’s a reality. And while we don’t have their story to share with you today, these romantic images really do speak for themselves.

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Classic Blush Pink Wedding at Zorgvliet by Cheryl McEwan

Cheryl McEwan, I could kiss you. Every time we feature one of this lovely Cape Town photographer’s weddings, I get to immerse myself in golden light and pure romance. Of course, it doesn’t hurt when, as with Tarryn and Aidan’s big day, the bride is a beauty, her hubs is dapper as can be, and their classically styled wedding is choc full of pretty in pink details from the cookie favours right down to Tarryn’s blush Badgley Mischkas (shoe swoon!). There’s so much to love about this wedding, so let’s get started, shall we?

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Bougainvillea Pink Wedding at Molenvliet by Moira West

Romantic Vineyard Wedding by Moira West

Before I say anything about today’s wedding, I feel like I need to give the groom some applause, because as proposals go, his was awesome. Surprise flash mob at sundown, in a beautiful garden – so romantic! And that was just the start of Matt and Aly’s wedding journey, which cumulated in a gorgeous wedding at Molenvliet with a colour scheme inspired by one of Aly’s favourite flowers, the bougainvillea. I love the way that this punchy pink was worked through the flowers and stationery, with the rest of the details kept soft and pretty (beautifully co-ordinated by SBB Directory members Someday Soon and catered by the awesome Two Chefs). And Aly’s Janita Toerien dress! Total gorgeousness, and that’s even before you realise it was made from her mother’s wedding dress! It all wraps up to something sweet and splendid, delightfully captured by the fab Moira West.

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Inspiration Board: Botanical Stripe

Hello lovelies – we’re entering the last week of our month of Greenhouse botanics, so there’s just enough time to squeeze in one last lovely inspiration board. This one takes a cue from Kate Spade by mixing bold monochrome stripes with feminine pinks and greens, but takes things an extra notch up the pretty scale by adding garden rose garlands, greenery swags, and floral prints. This is my perfect mix of masculine and feminine, modern and romantic.

Colours: Black, white, pink, lilac & green

Top row (l-r): Bouquet {Belathee Photography/Bustle Events/Natalie Bowen}; floral table runner {Watson-Studios/Jennifer Laraia Designs/Whimsical Gatherings}; bride in floral crown {Jack and Jane Photography/Ribbon Creative Studio}
Row 2: Greenery crowns {Erich McVey/Lushka}; floral print bridesmaid dress {Chi Chi London}; chairs with striped ribbon {Aaron And Jillian Photography/A.Caldwell Events}
Row 3: Groom with pink & stripe boutonniere {Bwright Photography}; mini champagne {Scott Clark Photo/100 Layer Cake}; greenery swags reception decor {Kristen Weaver Photography/An Affair To Remember/Raining Roses}

 

Glamorous Navy, Pink & Gold Wedding at Brenaissance by Marsel Roothman {Frances & Cobus}

Oh how do I love thee, today’s wedding? Let me count the ways (settle in, this may take a while). First off, I’m busting to tell you all how off-the-charts gorgeous it is, with its navy, pink and gold palette against a crisp white background, and its thousand tiny clever and original details from co-ordinators, Kraak (golden swallows on the dancefloor! craft beer bar! gold print napkin menus! salt escort card placement! etc. etc. etc.) I’m also about ready to write an essay about how amazing Fleur Le Cordeur‘s florals are – everything from the romantic orchid and wood arch in the ceremony area to the cascading arrangements on the tables to the little pink and gold pots of roses and hydrangea and tulips. Most of all though, I can’t wait for you to see the smiles on Frances and Cobus’ faces. In five years of doing this, I honestly don’t think I’ve seen two people who look happier to be getting married – their joy kind of spills over in every lovely photograph by Marsel Roothman, so that I just want to jump up and down and do a little happy dance with them. Get ready to break out some goofy smiles of your own – this is one cool wedding.Read More

Romantic Country-Chic Wedding at Orchards by Crystal Malloy {Julia & Geoff}

Don’t you just hate people who tell you that rain on your wedding day is a blessing? Because, come on, everyone’s hoping for a dry day for their nuptials (even if it is lucky). But here’s what I can honestly say from both personal experience and featuring hundreds of weddings on the blog: some of the best weddings happen on the days that the heavens open. I don’t know if it’s the fun photo oppportunities or the feeling of intimacy that develops, or maybe it’s just a bit of devil-may-care attitude that creeps in when the best laid plans have to be abandoned and everyone just relaxes and remembers what really matters. Whatever it is, I’m a fan, and today’s wedding just goes to prove my point. While Julia and Geoff didn’t have a downpour, there was enough of a spatter to get the umbrellas out and create that beautiful cold, clear light that rain brings with it, which streamed in through the windows at their ceremony, and made their country chic decor at their reception in shades of pink, purple, coral and red look even more pretty and inviting. I love the colourful touches that make it all work together, from the stunning bouquet to the berry-shaded bridesmaid dresses, and every lovely moment was captured to perfection by Crystal Malloy. We don’t have the bride’s words to share today, so instead let’s just sit back and let the pictures tell the story themselves.Read More

Inspiration Board: Rings & Arrows

Hey lovelies! It may be a public holiday in South Africa (mmm… sleeping in), but I just had to stop in with a sweet little inspiration board. I’m finding pink and blue so satisfying at the moment, and while I really loved the navy/fuschia and pastel pink/blue combos of the last few years, the marriage of the two is what’s really catching my eye right now. A bold, dark blue mashed up with a soft pink or peach, and a touch of gold. I mean, come on, it’s pretty right? Anyway, add in a few little arrows like the ones shot from Cupid’s bow (or just because they’re kinda cool) and you have yourself a wedding inspiration. Enjoy the day off, friends!

Colours: Navy, blush, flamingo & gold

Top row (l-r): Bride & groom {Bia Sampaio Photographs}; ornamental arrows {Sepia Smiles}; shoes {Melissa Kruse}
Row 2: Marquee light arrow {Lauren Peele Photography}; blush wedding gown {Samuelle Couture/Elizabeth Messina Photography}; groom {Catherine Mead}
Row 3: Cake {Sweet & Saucy Shop}; forever in love invitation {Wedding Paper Divas}; blue bridesmaid dresses {Julina Marie Photography}

Let’s take another look at those adorable ornamental arrows, shall we? They’re made by Sepia Smiles, one of the awesome Etsy makers who’ll be exhibiting at this year’s London Etsy Wedding Fair. If you’d like to be in with a chance to win a ticket, be sure to leave a comment on this post before 30 April!

 

Inspiration Board: Watercolour Wonderful

If you’d asked me a couple of years ago, I would have told you probably that the watercolour trend that had just started then would be so over by now, but as I’m learning, trends in wedding world have a longer life and more staying power than I used to give them credit for. Especially since everything watercolour has gone from strength to strength – so much so that it has me wishing I could paint, and that’s saying something, since I have the artistic ability of a flea. Fortunately, I can satisfy myself with beautiful painterly palettes like this one, and gently washed out and handpainted details, from stationery to fabric to flowers. Best of all, if you like colour, you can really enjoy a multicoloured scheme, but with a very soft, romantic feel to it, which is basically perfect for a wedding. So ja. I’m #teamwatercolour all the way.

Colours: Fuschia, mauve, blush, purple, medium blue, navy & coral

Top row (l-r): Watercolour bridesmaids {Ali Harper}; cake {Alexa Loy}; ribbons {Jose Villa/Kate Holt Of Flowerwild }
Row 2: Reception decor {Jasmine Jade/Dream Occasions/Jades Flowers}; ceremony programmes {Harwell Photography/A Day In May Event Planning & Design}; groom in navy suit {Jenna Bechtholt Photography/Wedding & Events by elizaMade}
Row 3: Invitation {Oh My Good Mess}; bride {Emma Pilkington}; bouquet {JAC Photography/Just Chic Events/Commerce Flowers}

 

Inspiration Board: My City Valentine

Happy Valentine’s week, lovelies! I have some fantastic treats coming up for you in the next few days, but we’re kicking things off with an inspiration board that’s a fun urban twist on the traditional Valentine palette of pink and red. I personally love city weddings, especially those with a bit of an industrial twist or loft-style location, so this is right up my street! Think café lighting, elegant minimalist lettering, mini champagne bottle favours, textures like metal and distressed wood, and then add an array of soft, romantic blooms in the signature shades, and you’ve got this look all wrapped up. Of course, there’s no need to limit this inspiration to V-Day weddings either, because it would be chic at any time of the year.

Colours: Scarlet, brick, blush, rose pink & slate

Top row (l-r): LOVE letters {Landon Jacob Photography/Jove Meyer/2H Flowers}; centrepiece with proteas {Bellamint Photography/ Sunflower Creative}; bride & groom {ALLAN ZEPEDA/Lindsey Brunk }
Row 2: Champagne bottle minis {Leslee Mitchell}; hanging bulbs {Belathee Photography/Downey Street Events}; modern save the date {Little Red Press}; groom & groomsmen
Row 3: Bride {BHLDN}; industrial style escort card display {Archetype Studio Inc./Bourbon & Bloom Vintage Rentals}; bouquet {Melanie Bennett Photography/The Flower Farm/Valley House of Flowers}

 

Inspiration Board: Lace Tattoo

I wasn’t even sure you all would have an inspiration board this week, what with Eskom and Telkom conspiring to make my weekend extra frustrating but I have to say, I am loving this board! Lace is no newcomer to weddings, but at the moment I am absolutely loving the way that nude lace has been making an appearance, mimicking the look of intricate lace designs against skin, but also introducing a lovely warm, neutral blush to the equation. In fact, it’s a combination that would be pretty on its own, but to add some extra drama, I’ve added just the tiniest pop of deep purpley red, and I absolutely love the sophisticated mixture. With lace tablecloths and cakes (not to mention wedding dresses) very much on trend, this would be an easy – but very impressive – look to pull off perhaps with the addition of a touch of gold for extra evening glitz. I’m especially loving the nude lace wedding invitation from Wedding Paper Divas – don’t you agree?

Colours: Nude blush, white, scarlet

Top row (l-r): Invitation {Wedding Paper Divas}; blush lace dress {Jose Villa Photography}; table with lace runner {Matthew Moore/Weddings International}
Row 2: Bouquet {Danielle Capito Photography/Davia Lee Weddings & Events/Renae’s Bouquet}; bride with lace dress & headpiece {Twigs & Honey/Elizabeth Messina}; lace manicure
Row 3: Lace cake {Paula at ‘Sweet and Simple Cakes’}; hanging lace embroidery frames {Simply Kissed Photography}; dresses {Naomi Kenton/Katya Shehurina}