Author: gaby

Bridesmaids Getting Ready Outfits for Your Wedding

by gaby

As Sweet As Images on SouthBound Bride

*UPDATED FOR 2020* So you already know I love bringing you pretty bridesmaid dress inspiration here on SouthBound Bride. But what about BEFORE the dresses, aka the bridesmaids getting ready outfits? Of course, your girls can wear anything they want for the glow up sesh part of the day, but with a professional photographer capturing the moment, it’s always nice to have some kind of coherence. For the last while, the biggest trend has been bridesmaid robes, from terry cloth spa style to monogrammed numbers and printed silk kimono robes. But there are other options too, including the prettiest getting ready rompers and pajamas. And the best part is that they not only look cute in pics but make for fantastic bridesmaid gifts as well. Which bridesmaid getting ready outfits are you considering for your wedding day?

*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

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Gin & Glam Fynbos Estate Wedding by dna photographers {Robyn & Grant}

by gaby

Rustic, chic, jazzy, intimate, beautiful, fun… I don’t even know where to start with this wedding, I love it so much. Okay, scratch that, I do. THE DRESS. Seriously, how gorgeous is Robyn’s lace feature back creation (dreamed up by the fashionista bride herself), especially topped off with a shiny gold belt that makes it unlike any wedding dress I’ve featured (or seen, actually) before? Huge wow factor. And speaking of wow factors, let’s talk about the gin bar that Robyn and Grant set up as a way of sharing some of their London lifestyle with friends back home. Amazing (and personal, win). And those are just two aspects of a wedding that really takes rustic glamour to the next level – equal parts elegant and laid back, it’s the kind of garden party I imagine people throwing in the ’20s, with a touch of both France (where the groom proposed) and home, including lovely arrangements of fynbos and herbs. Look out for a hundred perfect little details – flowers frozen into ice cubes, table numbers in lace embroidery hoops, mason jar lanterns, mix and match bow ties. And let’s not leave out the gorgeous pictures by dynamic duo Toni and Desmond of dna photographers, who so beautifully captured everything on camera. Hooray for all of it.Read More

Books & Bicycles Old Mac Daddy Wedding by Captured Moments Photography {Irene & Du Toit}

by gaby

I always feel a bit nostalgic when we get to the end of our Real Life Bride season, as it also signals the end of another South African summer wedding season (and summer, boo – although of course, there’s all those cosy winter weddings to look forward to!). But at the same time, it’s such a true pleasure to see the coming together of all the planning and dreaming and excitement that we’ve been a part of. Today, I’m honoured to share the handmade pastel wedding of Irene and Du Toit, whose wedding decor was a labour of love, incorporating both bicycles (for Du Toit’s favourite hobby) and books (representing translator Irene’s passion for books). From the gorgeous ribbon bedecked ceremony arch (we all remember that one from Irene’s posts!) to the pastel bridesmaids, to the swoony dress (how beautiful did the bride look?), to the spectacular view, it’s everything our RLB dreamed of, and I have to give a very special shout out to Captured Moments Photography for the spectacular pics! Thanks so much for taking us on your journey Irene, and here’s wishing you a life of love.

For Irene & Du Toit’s ‘how we met’ story and all her planning posts, check out the Bicycle Bride archive.Read More

Inspiration Board: Mint & Rose Gold

by gaby

Okay, I know I am going through a bit of a mint and a pinky phase at the moment, but I think mint and rose gold might be my ultimate right now. I mean, they go together perfectly, like salt and caramel, like Louis and Ella, like Pimms and a summer day. It’s also the ideal mix of a cool and a warm shade, of pastels and metallics, and of classical and modern. Come on, tell me you’re not as over the moon in love with it as I am? ;)

Colours: Mint, white, rose gold

Top row (l-r): Green dress {Elizabeth Messina/Ruche}; table setting {White Spark Photography/Little Sooti}; rose gold stripe cake {Karen Buckle Photography/Ideas In Icing}; marquee reception {White Spark Photography/Little Sooti}
Row 2: Green bridesmaid dress {V.A. Photography}; rose gold wedding rings {Katelyn James Photography/Meant To Be Calligraphy}; mint and rose gold shoes
Row 3: Dress in room {Corbin Gurkin/Love & Lord}; cupcakes {White Spark Photography/Little Sooti}; bride {Amanda K Photography}.

 

Nutcracker Ballet Styled Shoot by Debbie Lourens & Green Goddess flower studio

by gaby

Fun fact: I was so bad at ballet, they held me back a year. Yup, I failed ballet. Which is obviously a HUGE surprise if you know me, since I am totally graceful and never walk into doors or trip up on my own feet or ANYTHING. Fortunately, I’m not holding it against ballet as a whole, which I still love, and which I still think is incredibly beautiful as an art… and as a wedding inspiration. In fact, there was a big trend toward ballet a couple of years ago, but that was all about frothy pinks. Today’s styled shoot is a little different – it’s perfect for the winter bride, with rich berry hues, and just a tiny touch of Christmas (fitting for the ultimate Christmas ballet). But even though it’s seasonal, it’s never themey. Instead, it’s full of beautiful new twists on old themes, and a touch of shimmery gold. I am completely and utterly blown away by every frame shot by Debbie Lourens, and especially by the incredible florals done by SBB directory member Green Goddess flower studio. And red ballet shoes? Yup, I love it ALL. I may have failed at ballet, but this shoot wins on every level.Read More

Fern Wedding Details

by gaby

A few years ago, when baby’s breath first became popular again, I remember thinking that this might mean that some other low-cost fillers may also have their day in the sun, but I must admit, that I never would have predicted ferns as the next big thing in weddings. Not to the same degree, of course, but there’s no doubt that these lovely bits of greenery have been enjoying a very stylish turn on the worldwide bridal stage of late. That’s partly to do with how perfectly they fit in with the botanical trend, partly to do with the move towards greenery and garlands (see our roundup of that here), and a lot to do with the fact that they’re really pretty and versatile (and of course, relatively lower cost). I’ve been looking forward to doing this roundup for a while, but I was surprised just how many pretty options you have for incorporating this trend into your wedding design.Read More

Peonies & Lace Wedding at The Cradle by picture me&u {Nadja & Adriaan}

by gaby

There’s a reason why season in, season out, blush pink weddings are always so popular. They’re just so romantic – and let’s be honest, nothing shows off wedding white like the soft glow of a rosy palette. Nadja and Adriaan’s wedding is every bit as lovely as a blush wedding gets, pairing peonies (my favourites!) with lovely little lacy details and mixing up the vintage texture with a sleek modern setting and of course the gorgeous natural bush-style backdrop of the Cradle, perfectly captured by photographers picture me&u. The look is classic with thoughtful personal touches, including Pimm’s cocktails, framed quotes and map table numbers to reflect the couple’s philosophy that their lives together are a journey and an adventure. Here’s to many more exciting stops along the way!Read More

Winter White Waterkloof Wedding by Abri Kruger {Nikki & Gary}

by gaby

It is, as the saying goes, a nice day for a white wedding. And that’s just what I have to share with you all today – a winter wedding at beautiful Cape venue Waterkloof that is based on simple, elegant, and white-on-white decor, a perfect mix of classic and modern. Nikki and Gary were married in a candlelight ceremony (LOVE THIS), and then adjourned for photographer Abri Kruger to take some seriously breathtaking pics of them with their wedding party, followed by a reception where the scenery outside was as much as part of the decor as the white orchids and all-white dessert table within, and where the couple and their friends and family danced their socks off late into the night.Read More

Veluz Reyes RTW 2014 Collection

by gaby

As you probably know by now, I’m a HUGE fan of Veluz Reyes, the powerhouse designer behind some of the most pinned wedding dress images since ever. Based in the Philippines, her fame has spread worldwide, and with her first ever Ready to Wear collection last year, finally international brides were able to get their perfectly manicured paws on her creations (the heart of the business is still custom dress design from the studio, which is wildly in demand among lucky local brides). So of course I just have to share the latest installment in the Ready to Wear line, the 2014 collection. Like Veluz’ previous RTW, it’s awash with silky, billowy skirts, intricate beading and the most spectacual portrait backs, but it also manages to be fresh and modern. And be sure to scroll to the end where there’s a super fun little video (with bridal models who actually SMILE, but then, who wouldn’t smile wearing one of these beauties?).Read More

Handcrafted Picnic Wedding by Howling Moon Photography {Marilet & Leon}

by gaby

When asked to sum her wedding up in three words, today’s beautiful bride said: Oh happy day! Best description ever. And if you look at these lovely pictures by Howling Moon Photography, you’ll see why – Marilet & Leon had such a relaxed, joyful celebration, handmade by friends, family and themselves. A picnic perfectly fit the no-stress-no-fuss vibe, along with tables set with copper milk urns full of fynbos, heaving under the weight of delicious treats, including an absolutely gorgeous succulent-bedecked cake! And to prove that fashion always runs in circles, Marilet’s breathtaking on-trend lace back gown was entirely vintage, handed down by her mother in law and styled for the reception with the prettiest crown of flowers. Sigh. Oh happy day indeed!Read More