Author: gaby

Get the Look: Voortrekker Frontiers

by gaby

The best part of a styled shoot for brides and grooms (apart from basking in the sheer prettiness, of course!) is the wealth of fresh ideas that you can borrow to add an extra special touch to your own celebrations. As part of our Styled Shoot Competition showcase this week, we’re breaking down five of our favourite ideas from each shoot, as well as bringing you tips and advice for recreating the look from the talented team behind each entry. Next up, we’re taking a second look at our Voortrekker Frontiers shoot by the dream team of Wesley Vorster and Leipzig.Read More

Voortrekker Frontiers by Wesley Vorster & Leipzig

by gaby

We’re at the half-way mark of our week of homegrown inspiration and I am loving it – aren’t you? There are so many clever ideas and beautiful images in these shoots that I have literally found myself dreaming about them! Today’s finalist is something so original, so rooted in a (sometimes controversial) aspect of South African history, and yet is a somewhat playful (hanging paper bonnets I love), always stylish, exploration of themes that we all share, like new frontiers and exploration. It’s a showcase for some seriously amazing and innovative local design talent (including fashionista Mieke Vermeulen), and with Leipzig‘s flawless florals and attention to detail and Wesley Vorster‘s crisp images, the result is FIERCE.Read More

Get the Look: Protea Landscape

by gaby

The best part of a styled shoot for brides and grooms (apart from basking in the sheer prettiness, of course!) is the wealth of fresh ideas that you can borrow to add an extra special touch to your own celebrations. As part of our Styled Shoot Competition showcase this week, we’re breaking down five of our favourite ideas from each shoot, as well as bringing you tips and advice for recreating the look from the talented team behind each entry. Next up, we’re taking a second look at the Karoo chic of this Protea Landscape shoot by Kadou (who made many of the amazing details by hand, right down to painting the chairs) and Michelle Wiese.Read More

Protea Landscape by Michelle Wiese & Kadou

by gaby

Day Two of styled shoot inspiration begins! From the beach yesterday, today we’re off to the Karoo, where the arid landscape inspired our latest team of wedding pros to come up with a very special shoot that has so many elements to it. Led by photographer Michelle Wiese and Kadou, they created some dramatic bridal looks and two variations on a homegrown rustic tablescape that include (shut the front door, seriously) a paper protea table garland. I love how some of the starker elements, like concrete and wood textures, geometric elements and an earthy palette contrast with softer touches like a dreamy tulle peplum dress and watercolour washes. And you can’t get a more classic South African motif than our national flower- which turns up in all sorts of fresh ways. Love it!Read More

Get the Look: We All Have Roots in Africa

by gaby

The best part of a styled shoot for brides and grooms (apart from basking in the sheer prettiness, of course!) is the wealth of fresh ideas that you can borrow to add an extra special touch to your own celebrations. As part of our Styled Shoot Competition showcase this week, we’re breaking down five of our favourite ideas from each shoot, as well as bringing you tips and advice for recreating the look from the talented team behind each entry. Next up, we’re taking a second look at multi-textured We All Have Roots in Africa shoot by lovelies Cheryl McEwan and Creation Events.Read More

We All Have Roots in Africa by Cheryl McEwan & Creation Events

by gaby

Ready, steady, let’s GO! I’m so excited to share a week of proudly South African wedding inspiration here on SBB, starting with this delightful shoot from two long-time supporters of the blog (along with their talented team), stylist Theresa of Creation Events and photographer Cheryl McEwan. Instead of choosing a single South African twist, they were inspired by just how eclectic and diverse our cumulative culture is (one of the things I love most about SA) and created a look for both ceremony and reception that incorporated a mix of the gorgeous textures and colours of our nation. Including a beadwork cake, which I am absolutely DYING over, leather accented stationery (how. cool. is. that.) and lots of beautiful, beautiful proteas. Put simply, these are a few of our favourite things :)Read More

Rock (‘n Roll) The Frock Styled Bridal Portrait

by gaby

Am I ever glad to see Friday – it’s not been my favourite week, and I’m very glad the weekend is finally here. Especially since I’ll be working on the posts for next week’s SUPER exciting reveal of the styled shoot finalists. Wait until you see them! But first, we have a styled shoot of a very different kind. I love the creativity that Debbie Lourens always brings to her styled bridal portraits, and today’s is for a statement modern bride (with a bit of a love for retro). Together with Marnel Toerien on hair and makeup, she channeled her love of the ’80s into a funky rock the frock (literally!) session full of vinyl, glitter and alternative bridal style. Gorge.Read More

Eco Chic Botanical Wedding at Rosemary Hill by Van der Bijl Photography {Leigh & Byron}

by gaby

When Brownwyn of Van der Bijl Photography sent over today’s gorgeous organic-lovely wedding, I had to go back and double check her email after the first few pics that this was a real wedding and not a styled shoot, since the florals and details are that perfectly styled. Of course, once I saw Leigh and Byron’s ceremony pics, the happy tears and the love between the couple (and on the faces of all their guests) there was no doubt this was as real a wedding as you’ll find, which of course makes me love every pretty botanical detail put together by Carol-Anne of Eco-chic Weddings even more. And eco-chic is the right word – everything right down to Leigh’s gorgeous frothy dress was created with an eye on upcycling and sustainability. It’s a beautiful day with a big heart, and I’m delighted to be sharing it with you all!Read More

Black Natural Wedding Hair Inspiration

by gaby

I thought it was about time we did some hair inspiration, and this one is especially for our beautiful brides of colour! I’ll be honest with you guys, I know next to nothing about black hair care, and what goes into the decision to wear yours straightened or au naturel for your wedding day, but I have to tell you, I absolutely adore this look and I wish I saw it more outside of styled shoots and fashion editorials. Whether it’s a long mass of curls or twists, a stylish fro, or something super-short, Lupita-style, each of these looks is super glam in an unfussy way, but what I like best is that I feel like each of the brides’ best features are really able to shine. Flawless makeup is a must, and as you’ll see, the choice of accessories is wide and wonderful, from chunky statement necklaces to delicate hairpieces and lush flowers. Which is your favourite look?Read More

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

by gaby

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