gaby | SouthBound Bride

Real Wedding at Groenrivier {Huibré & Schalk}

6 January, 2011 by gaby

Time to kick off our real weddings for 2011!! And I can’t think of a better one to get us started than Schalk & Huibré’s. It’s the PERFECT balance between laid back, vintagey farm cool and stylish sophistication; I die over the little details every time I look at them. The stationery is, quite simply, amazing. Playful and eclectic and totally covetable. (Of course, it never hurts when the groom’s aunt is the fabulous Elsje of Elsje Designs!) The venue is gorgeous (Groenrivier in Riebeek West, about an hour from Cape Town). And Ian Mitchinson‘s pictures are quite simply… wow. (Wait till you see the couple shoot taken around Riebeek Kasteel) I can’t even pick which is my favourite part – the plum coloured dresses, the antique brooches on the bride’s bouquet, the SHOES, the homely little vintage touches like coffee cans and kitchen scales adorned with roses… and the truly astounding part is that it was organised in THREE MONTHS! Yes, it’s actually possible (although I’m convinced Huibré must be some kind of wedding savant to pull this off). So prepare to be awed!Read More

Hot Wedding Trends for 2011

5 January, 2011 by gaby

I’ve been in two minds about writing this post. On the one hand, it feels a little… presumptious. What do I know, right? But on the other, if I was newly engaged, it’s something I would be asking. What IS happening in weddings these days? And who better to ask than someone who reads hundreds of wedding blogs every day? (That’s me!) So here’s where I think things are going, and what I think South African brides can expect to see more of in the coming year.

1. The Royal Wedding
There’s no getting away from it – this will be a game changer. And that may mean that we haven’t seen the last of the tiara, or that royal touches like monograms and dramatic ballgowns will be big news again. However, indications from the palace are that Kate & Wills will have some modern elements (maybe even a slinkier gown?), and these are likely to be the ones that will be in our collective wedding consciousness for years to come.Read More

DIY: Christmas Crackers

21 December, 2010 by gaby

Now that the wedding craziness of last week is over, it’s time to get the family festive celebrations on the road, so I hope you’ll forgive me if we’re not completely wedding focused this week! My mom asked if I would make us individual crackers for our Christmas dinner, and I thought I would share them as a holiday DIY. They’re a little fiddly and take a couple of hours, but really make things personal and extra fun at the Christmas table. And for South African readers I picked up most of the necessaries at my local CNA, so everything’s easily available locally for a spot of last-minute DIY. These would be great favours for a holiday wedding or even another time of year with different decoration!

Guest Blogger: IndieBerries

13 December, 2010 by gaby

You guys, I am so excited about this guest post! One of my personal daily must-reads is indieBerries – a completely fresh and original (and award-winning!) blog just bursting with fun and creativity, written by the awesome Che. She documents her life in a series of hilarious cartoons, and she also just happens to be a craft goddess with a penchant for pretty stationery. I’m so honoured that she’s agreed to guest post for me today. Thank you so much Che! (I’ll give Durbs a big hello from you today!)

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Hi, I’m Che from the blog indieBerries. I’m South African currently teaching English in South Korea and I write a personal/inspirational/design/cartoon-infused blog.

Free Printable Grey & Yellow Invitation Suite by Brancoprata

9 December, 2010 by gaby

When I started this whole wedding blogging thing, it didn’t take me long to come across two of the rising stars in the industry – Sofia and André from Brancoprata. Talk about a match made in creative heaven! I was (and still am) blown away by their amazing, inspirational ideas and André’s beautiful photography (head over to their blog to be overwhelmed by the prettiness yourself). What I didn’t know then is that they are also incredibly lovely, and I have so enjoyed getting to know them. And I am still pinching myself that they not only agreed to guest blog while I’m in South Africa, but that they’ve also created some AWESOME free downloads to share with all of you! Muito obrigado, you two!

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Hello, you lovely readers from South Africa and beyond!! We are Sofia and André from Brancoprata, a Portuguese wedding company who specializes in design, decor and photography!
When Gaby asked us to guest post here we were delighted and completely honored with this opportunity to show you what we do!
So when we start thinking about what we wanted to post, we thought about something we never done before… a free download!! Something that could easily be printed and assembled at home!
So, without further delay, we give you a lifetime chance (…just kidding) to have a classic chic meets fresh and modern invitation!

Sew in Love Bridal Shower by Luna and Chloe Weddings

7 December, 2010 by gaby

You know how with some blogs you stop in and immediately know you’ve found a second home? Well, Luna and Chloe Weddings was one of those for me – I loved it from the first time I visited. Kristi has an amazing eye for detail, and a talent for seeing the potential for beauty in everyday objects. So I can’t even tell you how excited I am that not only did Kristi agree to do a guest blog for me while I’m away, but she was kind enough to create this incredible bridal shower inspiration shoot, which I am absolutely dying over! I can’t think of a better way to kick off my series of guest blogs – thank you so much, Kristi! Links in bold denote affiliate links. SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Real Wedding at La Petite Dauphine {Diana & Ross}

30 November, 2010 by gaby

There are some weddings that are so totally synchronous that when I’m putting the post together it feels more like an inspiration board than an actual wedding, and that’s what today’s is like for me. Seriously, it is flawless. The decor, the styling, even the weather seem to pull together into a cohesive whole that is just elegant, rustic perfection. Green and brown are two colours that work beautifully and bring so much depth to one another, especially when they reflect the lush spring gorgeousness of the Cape winelands. Details are cleverly chosen – clouds of baby’s breath and roses in copper pots and teacups, twig hearts, fruity water in glass bottles presented in an old wheelbarrow, wicker baskets for the ring bearers. And I love the whimsical little details, like Diana’s long veil and the embroidered bathrobes for her bridal party. In fact, there’s not a single thing I don’t love. Co-ordination of all this swoon-worthiness is down to Absolute Weddings, who are based in Cape Town, and the breathtaking images are from top photographer Christine Meintjes. Christine’s crisp style is perfectly matched to all that is light and bright, and her pictures in the blossoms are just inspired. *sigh* So grab a cup of coffee this Tuesday morning, and dive in!

Real Wedding at Straightway Head Hotel {Kedi & Alex}

26 November, 2010 by gaby

So yesterday was Thanksgiving, and even though I’m not American, I found myself giving a lot of thanks. As in, THANKS to a certain South African broadband network who shall remain nameless, we couldn’t get the pictures through for yesterday’s real wedding. But THANKS to the hard work of the one and only Monica Dart (I am totally the president of her fan club today), it’s all here for you right now. And THANK goodness, because this is just the bestest way to end off your week (or start your week, or continue your week… it’s that sweet). As usual, I am in love with Monica’s photos, which seem to dance off the screen of their own free will. Combine that with a beautiful summery day, a haawt couple (seriously, how beautiful a bride is Kedi? – and she’s a doctor no less!), the prettiest of summer flowers against crisp damask tablecloths and a breezy garden setting, and I am pretty much smitten. So big THANKS to everyone involved for sharing!Read More

Farm-Style Engagement Shoot

23 November, 2010 by gaby

Oh, I just love today’s engagement shoot, don’t you? It’s so dreamy and chilled out, and the couple (Celeste and Nathan) are so beautifully styled (not to mention in lurve). The large silver milk containers also get a bit thumbs up from me. This slice of rustic heaven was sent over by photographer Eileen Laubscher of Bright Girl Photography, who is based in Durban, and who takes the most gorgeous wedding pics as well – check out her blog here.

Inspiration Board: Cherries & Gingham

15 November, 2010 by gaby

It’s miserable weather in London at the moment and summer seems a very long way away, but only 3 weeks until I get to fly back to Cape Town and enjoy some South African sunshine (the best kind!). So I thought it was time for some cheerful, summery inspiration. I’m a great lover of cherries, which have been popping up (like other fruit) in a few weddings recently, and I think they go perfectly with pretty black and white gingham print. Add a bit of hay and burlap, and you have the perfect rustic combination!

Colours: Red, black, white and beige

Top row (l-r): Cherry punnets & white flower; wedding dress; lantern; gingham ribbon; cherry favours
Row 2: Cherry pie; gingham napkin; tulips; vintage truck
Row 3: Table number; cherries with flowers; red barn; wedding cake; wooden sign.