Whimsical Romance Wedding Inspiration

by gaby

It’s a new month (and a new season) and I’m super excited about this month’s editorial theme. In September we’re focusing on fine art weddings – not just in terms of photography, but the fine art style that has emerged as a decor trend in and of itself. Not sure what I mean? Well, you’re about to, since today’s whimsical romance styled shoot is a perfect example! (Been DYING to share this one with you!) Think: soft fabrics, beautifully curated details, juxtapositions in texture, and artisan florals. The combination is breathtaking, and for this gorgeous editorial there’s even a touch of real fine art, since the fabric backdrops used throughout are prints of original artworks by renowned artist Louise Janse Van Vuuren. With a pastel palette and an Old European feel that Marie Antoinette herself would approve of, it’s simply the best way to bring in a new season, thanks to the talented team led by Forever September Photography, Anella Wedding Shoes and The Event Planners!

Read More

Glitter & Greenery Wedding at Maroupi by Carmen Roberts

by gaby

It’s Friday! And while we can’t pop the bubbly until after work, Lauren and Sean’s wedding has just the right amount of fizz and sparkle to keep us more than happy until champagne ‘o clock. This effervescent couple chose the lovely Maroupi as their venue and dressed it up with greenery and a dusting of glitz in the form of shimmery linens and gold sprayed eucalyptus – so pretty! And for an extra touch of festive flair, they placed a cracker at each setting – I love this Christmassy touch which is sure to delight your guests whatever the time of year. (For a cracker making tutorial, see here.) I’m also utterly in love with Lauren’s gown, which comes from chic boutique Toujours Wedding House, and fit the bride like a glove! But my favourite idea? The wine and charcuterie spread for cocktail hour – (clearly this is a couple after my own heart!) Carmen Roberts took these lovely pics – cheers to all the pretty!

Read More

Modern Gems Wedding Inspiration

by gaby

It’s been fun focusing on marble and minerals this month – really one of the most versatile trends I’ve seen in a long while, which works for wedding styles from sophisticated city soiree to organic boho celebration, and everything in between. And as we come to the end of August, I can’t think of a better way to end off than with this utterly gorgeous styled shoot, from some of my bestest local Durban suppliers, including my almost-neighbour, Toujours Wedding House, Planned to Perfection, and photographer Wilma Towell. Incorporating greenery, moody candlelight and sophisticated styling, mixed in with crystals and geodes and the prettiest of marble cakes and stationery, it just sums up everything I love about this look and gives it the perfect amount of industrial-meets-rustic flair. The gorgeous models rock swish suits and swoony gowns (oh, so swoony!), and the flowers… oh my. It’s fabulous, so ready, steady, let’s get inspired!

Read More

Elegant Rustic Farm Wedding by Wildflower Photography

by gaby

If there’s one look that’s really standing out for me as THE trend amongst SA brides at the moment, it’s jewel tones. Beautiful rich palettes with dark and moody shades and pops of colour that really make an impact, whatever the season. Today’s elegant farm wedding of Jeanine and Marthinus is a perfect example. Navy, burgundy, deep pinks and green foliage work together so beautifully, making the whites of the lines whiter and the smiles brighter! And speaking of making an impact, Jeanine’s gown is the absolute bomb, a touch of Hollywood glamour against the rural backdrop! Add to that beautiful stationery, lovely tables, and hanging greenery, and you have a super inspirational day, captured exceptionally well by Wildflower Photography. Let’s take a peek, shall we?

Read More

Geode & Marble Escorts & Place Cards

by gaby

Custom Agate, Quartz, or Tile Place Card by Seniman Calligraphy

Haven’t you guys been loving the agate slice place cards and marble escort cards that have been ALL OVER styled shoots for the past year? They are so fabulous. They kind of appeal to my inner kid who wants to go trawling through the semi precious stones in a scratch patch. And the first time I saw these I assumed they were only for the actual richie rich, but it turns out that they are on a par with many other escort options, and they definitely make a statement! Plus, they double as a favour, since guests will love taking them home as a keepsake. Anyway, so they rock. (Ha – see what I did there?) And as always, I’ve done all the research for you and pulled 20 fab options from Etsy. And for those on a budget, I’ve even included a few faux marble paper options which would make a gorgeous addition to any table! Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Read More

Country Classic Wedding at The Glades by Fiona Clair

by gaby

Oh joy! We’re kicking off our week with a wedding from SBB fave Fiona Clair, and it’s as romantic and beautiful as you might expect! Brittany and JP opted for a Midlands wedding right out of the country classic playbook, adding their own spin with personal details that reflected their history and personalities. With greenery, fairy lights, Kraft paper stationery and the most breathtaking Casey Jeanne gown, you won’t be able to help yourself from pinning away! I also love that Brittany took to heart a tip from our friend Jo of Oh Happy Day! here in Durbs, to concentrate on the feeling they wanted to create – such great advice, and the result was an atmosphere of celebration, fun and love. And with Fiona’s oh-so-spectacular images, the picture is complete! Sigh.

Read More

Whimsical Vintage Wedding at Diamant Estate by Claire Thomson

by gaby

When I’m selecting weddings for publication, there’s always one detail that stands up and shouts at me, and I don’t mind saying that for one, it started with the bridesmaid dresses. They’re fabulous! Fun, frothy, Carrie Bradshaw-style tutus, and they are tutu cute! But the inspiration from Marike and Tobias’ beautiful day certainly doesn’t stop there. Combine a classic winelands setting with an eclectic collection of decor that’s vintage and glam and whimsical, with pops of bold, colourful blooms, and you might be getting close to describing what you’re about to see. And the reason I think it all works together is because it’s a true reflection of the bride and groom, so the decor and details are really an expression of their love and happiness. Claire Thomson was the perfect person to capture it all in these absolutely lovely images!

Read More

Berry Tone West Coast Wedding at Gelukkie by Kusjka du Plessis

by gaby

Pretty as a picture and coming to your screen right now, Altus and Leandri’s wedding is one for the books! This sweet couple decided to combine the relaxed summer ambience of the West Coast sunshine with a bright (bang on trend!) berry palette, and seal the deal with family friends and fun! I love this wedding, not just because of how well all the little details fall together or how fabulous the colours are (those bridesmaid separates, wow!), but because Kusjka du Plessis has captured it in the most gorgeous images – the sunset shoot of bride, groom and bridal party is like something from a magazine! But then again, models never get to have this much fun!

Read More

Vintage Organic Autumn Wedding at Orchards by Summertown Pictures

by gaby

I love when couples really get into the creative design of their wedding, because frankly, that’s why I even started doing what I do! I get such a buzz from finding that perfect combination of colours and textures and design elements that will work together, and converting trends into personal details that will resonate with the bride and groom and their families. Today’s bride clearly shares this love because she had a comprehensive vision for the happy day she and her love Rob tied the knot, which included greenery, copper, warm tones, autumn details, soft candlelight, beautiful music, and great food. All the best stuff! And best of all, Cindy and Rob’s family and friends got in on the action, adding that wonderful, creative, handmade touch to everything from ceremony to reception, and filling the space with pretty (and love!). So wonderful, and Summertown Pictures were there to take these lovely pics!

Read More

Natural Elements Boho Luxe Wedding Inspiration

by gaby

Happy Monday, lovelies! I have such a beautiful shoot in this month’s series of marble & minerals features to share with you today, which comes all the way from California, USA. I’ve never actually been to the US West Coast, but when I do, Big Sur is high on my list of must-sees, and this shoot really shows why. It’s absolutely breathtaking scenery, in the most humbling and heartfelt sense, which is part of why photographer Carlie Statsky, floral designer Christine Cater, and their team chose it as a location; as Christine says, “to complement this incredible landscape in a meaningful way”. With the backdrop forming such a powerful part of the shoot, they complemented it with on-trend boho luxe style, and elements of geode, marble and crystal. With a stunning ceremony set-up, and inspirational tablescape, and two gorgeous gowns, the look is complete.

Read More