Best of 2016: Bouquets

by gaby

It’s that time of year again, lovelies! For the next two weeks, along with some off-time for Christmas etc., we’ll be bringing you the best of the year’s weddings and styled shoots. I must say, compiling these is something I always look forward to, even though narrowing them down is SO HARD. And this year, we really have such a diverse crop of bouquets, in all different shapes and sizes and colours. What they all have in common is that they make a beautiful statement, and I hope that they inspire next year’s crop of brides to go the extra mile in choosing something special to carry down the aisle at their wedding. So here we go – in no particular order, our top 20 bouquets!

Read More

Summer Jewels Wedding Inspiration

by gaby

You guys, I can’t believe we’re finally heading into the final stretch of 2016 (surprised, but not sorry). That means that from tomorrow we’ll be starting into our traditional holiday ‘programming’ while I take a few days off, rounding up our best details, dresses, bouquets, cakes, and everything else wonderful from the year that was. I’m so excited to revisit these favourites! But before I do, I just had to end off the year with a bang, by showcasing this gorgeous styled shoot in bright jewel tones from GDG Photography, that’s absolutely perfect for the summer bride! The idea, which was based on a palette of rich, vibrant colours, was a combination of sophisticated and relaxed styles, inspired by the venue, the Hertford Hotel. Add a touch of gold to these bold florals, a boho headpiece, the dreamiest cakes and stationery, and some gorgeous dresses, and you have a winning combination that wows, and wows again. And if this is any indication of what we have for you in 2017, you know it’s going to be a happy new year! See you then, and have a safe and joyous holiday!

Read More

Classic Blush Pink Wedding at Zorgvliet by Cheryl McEwan

by gaby

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?

Read More

Grey & Pastel Wedding Feast at Poortjie Saal by As Sweet As Images

by gaby

This wedding really embodies a gentle elegance for me. Soft greys combined with dreamy pastels, a light and bright country venue, and long wooden tables. It’s a perfectly neutral backdrop for the main event – the exchange of vows followed by a veritable feast, commissioned by the foodie bride and groom, Mariza & Duan. From cocktail hour roosterkoek fresh from the fire, to a table groaning with sweet treats, these lovebirds broke bread and shared love with their friends and family – and all in a venue that turned out to have a very special significance. Now that’s wedding fate! Our friends, the wonderful As Sweet As Images, captured every one of these lovely pics.

Read More

The Hunger Games Wedding Inspiration

by gaby

Get ready for some knockout wedding inspiration, lovelies! Today’s editorial is so super colourful and creative, it’ll blow you away. It comes to us from photographer Nerize Raath and her team of talents, and was inspired by The Hunger Games – or more specifically by the crazy Capitol styling from the films. Now I know this might not be a traditional place to find wedding inspiration, but not only will this shoot put a smile on your face, whether or not you’re a fan of the books and films, but look beyond the dramatic makeup and whimsical fashion, and you’ll find some absolutely gorgeous styling that would sit pretty with any stylish bride or groom on their big day. With a palette of bright pinks, corals, reds and purples, and soft duck egg blue, combined with luxe gold detailing and fresh fruit, the table is a modern wedding dream. Plus, there’s a Katniss cake. Too adorable!

Read More

Colourful Boho Wedding by Piteira Photography

by gaby

Hello friends! I’m melting here in Durban today, and with the month feeling ever more festive, I thought today was the perfect time to share this colourful, summer, boho wedding. Because we do love summer, don’t we? Tara and Antony had a cross-continental celebration, with one wedding in France and another in Cape Town (how awesome is that). Their style is boho in the most free-spirited, joyful sense of the term, and they brought that vibe to both weddings with a choice of rustic venue, colourful blooms, and laid back atmosphere. Basically, the kind of wedding that’s the most fun to attend ever. Even for photographers – especially when those photographers are also dear friends of the bride and groom, as the team from Piteira Photography are. Kerry and Luis were on the scene to capture these gorgeous images, which we’re letting tell the story all on their own today.

Read More

Emerald, Copper & Burgundy Wedding Inspiration

by gaby

001-emerald-copper-burgundy-christmas-wedding-inspiration

Happy December, lovelies! After a few days away working on another project, I’m back, and I have some gorgeous inspiration to share with you this month before we start dipping back into our annual ‘best of’ series. We’re kicking the advent countdown off today with a styled shoot that I have been looking forward to sharing with you for a while, but the colours were so Christmassy that I just had to wait until today. First off, the palette is amazing – rich emerald and burgundy have that beautiful mixture of warmth and depth, but it’s when copper is added to the mix that some modern magic really happens! Add in some beautiful bridesmaid gowns from SBB Directory member Jacoba Clothing. And don’t even get me started on the florals, because OMG they are amazing! Whether you’re planning a Christmas wedding, a holiday table, or just a wedding that makes great use of beautiful colours and flowers (at any time of year, but especially in winter, when jewel tones are particularly appropriate), then this is your palette! Thanks so much to photographer Nadia Basson and her team for bringing us this loveliness today.

Read More

20 Ethereal Wedding Dresses

by gaby

Ethereal Wedding Dresses

*UPDATED FOR 2020* Sorry I’m a bit scarce this week, lovelies, but I’m working like a demon on a super important project here at SBB HQ. But I thought in the midst of all the shopping and holiday craziness today, it would be fun to have an oasis of prettiness in the form of 20 ethereal wedding dresses from two of our favourite Etsy designers, Cathy Telle and Mywony Bridal, all of which just make me swoony! If you weren’t convinced by coloured dresses before, you will be, and even if you’re after something more traditional, but with a gorgeous, high fashion edge, this curated collection of ethereal wedding gowns won’t disappoint. So, so beautiful!

*Links in bold denote affiliate links. SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Read More

Colourful, Glamorous Wedding at Holden Manz by Vizion Photography

by gaby

Elegant Rainbow Flag Wedding Cake for Same Sex Wedding | Credit: Vizion Photography

Today’s wedding is one of those that I spotted on the photographer, Vizion Photography‘s, social feed and immediately asked for a feature. Because seriously, how can you not love SW and Gerhard’s glamorous, opulent, bright and beautiful celebration? It’s floral but masculine, colourful but elegant, and has so much love and personality, which I’m guessing is a tribute to the smitten grooms at the centre of it all. The couple wanted to create a formal but intimate atmosphere, a sense of occasion but with the dinner party atmosphere that long tables and family style dining provide. Which might be one reason why the guests look like they’re having so much fun! Another is perhaps that uber planner, Aleit, created one of his signature experiences, where each part of the day and decor felt different. From the clean, modern look of the ceremony with an incredible display of orchids and candles lining the aisle, to the lush floral chandeliers at cocktail hour, to the breathtaking reception decor, each part of the day was a treat on its own, and part of a beautiful whole. But my favourite detail? The cake, which is all formal elegance on the outside, with a mardi gras surprise!

Read More

Opulent Blush Wedding at Collisheen Estate by Thunder & Love

by gaby

Opulent Blush Wedding | Credit: Thunder & Love

You all know how much I love the details at a wedding, but when I’m putting a feature together and curating the images, I have to tell you, it’s the faces that stick with me. The moments of pure elation written all over the faces of brides and grooms and families and friends witnessing the ceremony, and pure love between the couple in those quiet moments out of the storm when they’re having their photos taken… that’s what gets me every time. And there were SO many of those moments in Nonto and Lebo’s wedding! I think the image of the bride as she reaches the top of the aisle, so full of emotion, is one of my all-time favourite pictures. It’s clear what an awesome couple these two are, and their grand romance deserved nothing less than a grand occasion to celebrate it, complete with opulent luxe florals in shades of blush and champagne, rich fabrics, twinkle lights, and a touch of on-trend copper (love this colour combo by the way). But like I say, as fabulous as the wedding is, it’s the expressions of love and joy that will stay with you, beautifully captured on film by Thunder & Love Wedding Photography.

Read More