Author: gaby

Crepe Cakes & Other Brunch Wedding Dessert Alternatives

by gaby

Time for some brunch wedding inspiration! One of the ways that I really think you can have fun at a morning wedding is with the food, and especially when it comes to the cake. Fortunately, there are loads of creative (and delicious) options, my favourite being crepe and pancake cakes. Actually, these are a trend on their own (and not just for brunch weddings) – I’m pretty sure crepe cakes are this year’s naked cake. I’m dying to try one – aren’t you? What’s nice about a lot of the ‘cakes’ and desserts featured here is that they can be DIYed by yourself or a friend/family member, which is great for the ol’ wedding budget. Of course there’s nothing stopping you from having a traditional tiered wedding cake, no matter what time of day you’re hosting a wedding, it’s just that these creative alternatives are a whimsical way of referencing your brunch theme, and they’re bound to put a smile on your guests’ faces. Plus, who doesn’t love breakfast food?

PANCAKES

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Classic & Chic Toadbury Hall Wedding by Louise Vorster {Cristina & Richard}

by gaby

You all know how much I love colour and pattern in wedding design, but there’s no denying the magical power of a classic. A little black dress, Chanel No. 5, Paris in the springtime, Casablanca… and of course, an elegant white wedding. Cristina and Richard’s big day was a modern classic all the way, from the bride’s cathedral length veil and white peony bouquet, to their romantic reception filled with mirrors, candlelight and more white peonies. (Oh, peonies, I love you so!) Louise Vorster‘s pictures from beginning to end are just so gorgeous, they take my breath away – I especially love her portraits of Cristina as she was getting ready, capturing such a beautiful moment in time. Oh, and speaking of beautiful moments, I think Richard’s proposal might be one of my all time favourites. Picnic on a mountaintop, 360 degree views, just the two of them… sigh.Read More

Elegant Periwinkle Kurland Hotel Wedding by Monica Dart {Tembakazi & Mateli}

by gaby

As if this morning’s traditional wedding wasn’t awesome enough, I get to share this gorgeous Part 2 with you this afternoon! For their second ceremony, Tembakazi and Mateli chose to work with the amazing Wedding Concepts, who pulled together an elegant, luxe reception at the Kurland Hotel in Plett. From the rose garden ceremony to the marquee reception, where guests feasted and danced under a galaxy of lanterns, every detail was perfectly executed in shades of pink and periwinkle. The bride and groom made a spectacular entrance, dancing into their reception (with Tembakazi in the shorter evening version of her incredible dress). And as with their Xhosa wedding, Monica Dart was there to capture every beautiful moment.Read More

Traditional Xhosa Wedding by Monica Dart {Tembakazi & Mateli}

by gaby

Today is a VERY special day. That’s because today I finally get to share our first full traditional South African wedding (our first, but by no means our last – in fact, look out for a gorgeous traditional Zulu wedding next week!). Up until recently, not many brides and grooms invited a pro photographer along to the traditional part of their weddings (as South Africans will know, many choose to have a ‘Western’ wedding as well – and we’ll be showcasing Tembakazi and Mateli’s separately this afternoon – don’t miss) but I’m slowly seeing that start to change. And being the fan of beautiful photography that I am, as well as everything South African, I’m thrilled. Monica Dart was just the perfect choice for this Eastern Cape bride and groom – she thrives on colour and movement and capturing those little moments that make up your memory of a day, and I’m absolutely in love with these images. Pots full of delicious food bubbling away on the fire, children laughing and playing, families and communities coming together – and of course the unique joy that surrounds two people in love.Read More

Inspiration Board: Pomegranate & Brass

by gaby

Afternoon friends, I hope you’re enjoying a leisurely day off! With Easter being all about spring in the Northern Hemisphere, I can’t help but always be reminded that it’s also officially autumn in South Africa, so I thought it was about time for some pretty cold weather palette inspiration. As you’ve probably noticed by now, unusual metallics are on trend at the moment, including lovely, opulent brass. I thought it would be perfect with a deep pomegranate red, but to keep things multidimensional, I also added in a touch of soft peach. I really like how it all comes together – an updated take on traditional autumn hues.

Colours: Scarlet, peach & brass

Top row (l-r): Pomegranate escort cards {Duet Weddings/Lauren Ross}; brass candlesticks {Lani Elias/Ashley Nicole}; autumn bouquet {Kari Crowe Photography/Kate Foley Designs}; red bridesmaid dresses {Ruddock Photography/Bill Levkoff}
Row 2: Invitations {Lani Elias/Ashley Nicole}; pomegranate cocktails {Vela Images/On My Hand}; pomegranate cake {DianaMcGregor Photography/Timeless Love Events}; pomegranates {Debbie Lourens}
Row 3: Peach wedding dress {Sareh Nouri}; table setting {Catherine Marciniak/Style Perfect Weddings and Events}; roses in brass candleholder {Aralani Photography}

Inspiration Board: Pomegranate & Brass | SouthBound Bride

Sunflower-filled River Place Wedding by Genevieve Fundaro {Carin & Darren}

by gaby

Roses are red, violets are blue, and sunflowers… well, sunflowers are the colour of happiness. They always remind me of my days at university, when us girls would often buy a single sunflower stem for a friend, or just to make our own day. They also remind me of the fields of sunflowers I’ve seen from the window of a train rolling through the Tuscan countryside. Such happy memories! Like proteas, I love how a little goes a long way (even a single bloom makes a statement), and of course their relentlessly cheerful bright yellow. It goes perfectly with the gorgeous aqua/mint chosen by Carin and Darren for their rustic chic wedding with a chilled outdoor reception by a gorgeous river landscape, and photographed beautifully by Genevieve Fundaro.Read More

Easter Engagement by Carolien + Ben

by gaby

Happy Easter long weekend, lovelies! Whatever you have planned for the next few days, I hope you have a relaxed and blessed time (and drive safe on those roads, ‘kay?). But before we head off for the holiday, I just had to share this absolutely adorable engagement shoot of Easter lovebirds Fralene & Pieter from the very fab Carolien + Ben. It stars not just a happy bride and groom to be, but their very own Easter bunny. HOW CUTE IS THAT? It’s the sweetest way to celebrate the season of life and renewal and joy – here’s wishing you all the same and more!Read More

Green Garlands

by gaby

Credit: Esther Gallarday/Fleurishly Inc via Hey Wedding Lady

It’s time to showcase a new trend, folks, and I have to say, I have been looking forward to bringing this one your way for a few months now. Of course, wreaths themselves are nothing new in wedding decor (see our archive post on them here) and hair garlands are a huge and lasting trend among stylish, free-spirited brides. But with the move towards greenery like eucalyptus, fern (HUGE right now) and olive branch, the kind of garlands I am talking about are those made of simple twines of greenery or even herbs, hanging simply from a ceiling or against a wall, or worked into something more intricate like a chandelier or fun like an escort card display. In fact, we’ve already featured a few pretty laurels and wreaths in our own recent weddings and every time I see this detail I admit I love it more. From stationery motifs to full-scale backdrops, there are many ways to make this work for you, and here are some of my favourites!Read More

Rustic Fairytale Lanzerac Wedding by Absolutely Loved Photography {Stella & Robin}

by gaby

Well, this is a very special day indeed, as I finally get to share the STUNNING wedding photos from one of our very own real life brides, Stella – aka the Fairytale Bride (see all Stella’s planning posts here). Aka, one of the most gorgeous brides I have ever featured – my goodness, in her photos she could star in a perfume ad (and I do mean that in a good way!). Of course, she was rocking a classic Vera Wang fit for a princess, but the real beauty is in the sheer joy and love radiating from both Stella and her handsome hubby Robin, as they said their ‘I do’s and then partied late into the night with their loved ones from near and far. As you’ll know from reading Stella’s posts, she dreamed of a rustic fairytale wedding, and that’s exactly how it turned out – every single little detail was beautiful and beautifully thought out. Being part of her journey was a pleasure and a privilege, and being able to share these amazing images from Absolutely Loved Photography (seriously, narrowing down the pics for this post was torture!) just brings it all full circle. Huge congrats to the newest SBB couple! :)Read More

Summer Splendour Meets Opulent Chic by Lorinda Spies

by gaby

Afternoon brideys – time for some styled shoot inspiration from the fab Lorinda Spies and her team of talented SA wedding pros. This is kind of two inspirations in one – the first a colourful, slightly boho look with gorgeous brass detailing, and the second a sophisticated, opulent evening look with a fresh, modern table. The whole thing was shot at Brenaissance, surely one of our loveliest venues. Whether you’re more a bright colours and flower crowns kinds gal, or a monochrome and pastels fan, you’ll find something here to inspire. So let’s start off with the first look, Summer Splendour…Read More