gaby | SouthBound Bride

Bold & Stylish Wedding at Bosjes Estate by Koa Photography

18 September, 2018 by gaby

Hooray! Ever since the breathtaking Bosjes chapel opened, I’ve been DYING to feature a wedding there, and I have to say, this is the perfect one. Tania and Willem’s big day is spectacular – impeccably designed, original, stylish, but also with the kind of warmth and intimacy that you can’t manufacture. It’s also the perfect representation of this modern couple. Tania is an architect, making the location super appropriate alongside the bride’s vision of bold black stripes with pops of bright jewel tones. The groom is in farming, so the gorgeous rural location, as well as the bountiful flowers and fruit that decked their chic tables (including pomegranates, which are farmed on his estate) were a reflection of his passion and livelihood. It was basically the perfect coming together of two styles, as well as two lovely people. And with Koa Photography there to capture all the fabulousness from behind the lens, we couldn’t be happier to share it with you today!

Pink Sunset & Ultra Violet Wedding Inspiration

17 September, 2018 by gaby

Happy new week, friends! We’re kicking off this one with a BURST of colour, thanks to a fabulous team that includes photographers Shoots By Design and Katie Mayhew, and A Dream Come True Events. I actually got to know the lovely Simone of A Dream Come True a few months back, and I love that this is a lady who isn’t afraid of a bit of colour! Obviously bold isn’t for every bride, but when you really dive into a palette, it can truly pay off, and that’s exactly what these creatives did. They were inspired by those incredible pink sunsets (“There’s something about the pinkest sunset that that is simply put, breathtaking: it grows over the horizon and as the hue changes it becomes almost purple,” Simone told me) as well as this year’s Pantone fave, Ultra Violet, and using these colours as a starting point, pulled out all the stops to realise their creative vision. Nature even played along with the perfect pink sunset on the day! What I really love about this shoot is that while it’s a little avant garde, it’s still been created with an eye on practicality and budget friendliness. So let’s get inspired!

Simply Elegant Greenery Wedding at Ingaadi by Wynand van der Merwe

14 September, 2018 by gaby

We’re taking things back to the prettiest of basics this Friday afternoon, with this greenery-filled wedding that was all about minimal fuss and maximum heart. Bride and groom Mareli and Klaas-Jan had their priorities in order for their big day, with a focus on the ceremony and on each other. Keeping things simple is a great way to go for your wedding, and if you do, you’ll want to follow this sweet couple’s example, because everything they chose was minimal but elegant. Take Mareli’s gorgeous gown, for example – a stunning, modern, boat-neck creation with clean lines that was the perfect complement to her wedding style. Or the reception filled with crisp white linens, wild greenery, and transparent glass and acrylic details. Or the bridesmaids’ top and floral skirt combo, which again is just the perfect amount of detail! These two vets danced their way into their future surrounded by candlelight, family and friends – all captured beautifully by Wynand van der Merwe!

The Mermaid’s Wedding

13 September, 2018 by gaby

GET READY. You’re about to have your socks blown off by today’s styled shoot, which takes the whole mermaid/iridescent/pearlescent wedding trend to the next level. Or rather I should say, the level below – way below. Under the sea to be precise. And I do mean literally, because the sterling team that put together this incredible shoot not only created a pastel wonderland on dry land, they shot an entire sequence underwater too. Insane. Well, as the song goes: darling it’s better down where it’s wetter, take it from me! From balloon backdrop to holographic flatware to geode cake to florals to… oh my gosh, I seriously am at a loss for words here. So let’s just, um, dive in, shall we? ;) Huge congrats to the talented pros who put this fabulously inspiring piece of work together, including SBB fave Tickled Pink, Ninirichi, Gingerale Photography, and underwater photography genius Ilse Moore.

Gorgeously Colourful Muslim Wedding Festival at Cavalli Estate by Michelle du Toit

12 September, 2018 by gaby

Get ready to be WOWed, because Farah and Adnan’s wedding is incredible. Lavish, luxe, colourful, dripping with the most beautiful flowers (oh Fleur le Cordeur, you’ve done it again!), filled with family and tradition from the couple’s rich mixed heritage, and heartfelt to its very core. Seriously, you just need to see the gorgeous images Michelle du Toit took of this pair during their couple session to see they’re crazy in love (and also, they look like a pair of movie stars!) With a festival of multiple celebrations across five days, a gorgeous location in the winelands, and a jaw dropping reception for 400 coordinated by [kraak] that still manages to be intimate and elegant despite its size, this wedding is a joy from beginning to end, not least thanks to Michelle’s beautiful images. Get ready to pick your jaw up off the floor!

Early Morning Engagement Shoot

31 August, 2018 by gaby

We’re ending off our week with a super sweet engagement session all the way from Nashville USA, courtesy of Sarah Nichole Photography! Kate and Nathan wanted a relaxed, intimate engagement session ahead of their vineyard wedding, so together with Sarah they spent an early morning at rustic Harlinsdale Farm, laughing, enjoying the beautiful landscape, and taking in the sunrise! May your weekends be every bit as romantic, lovelies!

Moody Celestial Wedding Inspiration

31 August, 2018 by gaby

We’re shooting for the stars this morning, with a moody styled shoot inspired by this beautiful quote: “I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night”. Celestial weddings are SUPER on trend right now, and I’m loving all the starstruck details here, from geometric elements on the table, to a gown with a constellation of bling, to the most beautiful celestial wedding invitation suite. And the cake is something else too! So let’s embrace the dark side of the moon and dive into these images by Candice Clarke Photography!
For more ideas on How to Style a Celestial Wedding, see our feature here.

Sage & Charcoal Wedding at Green Leaves Country Lodge by Werner J Photography

30 August, 2018 by gaby

We’re stepping into the leafy shade of today’s wedding, with its cool green and grey hues, classic design, and elegant natural vibe. Roxanne and Jeac are the couple in question, and they were married at the Italian-inspired Green Leaves Country Lodge, surrounded by their nearest and dearest, as well as the beautiful Hartebeespoort mountains. And while the details are lovely, the real focus for this pair was on their ceremony. As photographer Werner J explains it: “the ceremony was one to never forget, as the chapel was filled with Roxanne and Jeac’s loving spirits, and guests witnessing their love could not help but shed a tear or two!” Aww!

Delft Blue Summer Wedding at Nooitgedacht by Coba Photography

29 August, 2018 by gaby

Ah Delft. Just that one little word and my wedding-loving heart goes boom, just like it did when the lovely Coba Photography told me about this sweet, Delft-filled wedding. Not only does it feature gorgeous Delft china pottery on the tables, but the blue and white theme is continued elsewhere too, from the flowers to the floral print bridesmaid dresses to the groomswear to the bride’s shoes (seriously, Delft shoes, I MUST have some immediately!). And beyond those beautiful blues, Stephan and Chantel’s wedding is special in so many other ways too. This beautiful couple really took the time to think intentionally about every detail, from the wedding date to how they did traditions like the bouquet toss, creating wonderful moments and memories along the way. Coba took these lovely images of their special day.

Quirky Countryside Wedding at Crystal Barn by The Shank Tank

28 August, 2018 by gaby

This wedding is just a feast for the eyes in every way. First of all, it features the most gorgeous couple (who, by the way, are also living proof that it is possible to escape the friend zone and fall in love!). Then consider that it takes place at one of our all-time favourite venues, Crystal Barn, with its beautiful forest ceremony area and cool, eclectic reception decor, which Melissa and Pierre complemented perfectly with their opulent marsala, blush and rose gold decor. Not to mention the quirky little details: a draped faux arch for the seating plan, a hanging stand for the chocolate shard cake, geometric shapes, hoop bouquets for the bridesmaids, touches of transparent decor and macrame at the ceremony… I could go on. Or the attire – I’m loving everything about the mismatched bridesmaids, the suited and booted gents, and OMG the wedding dress! It’s all beautifully photographed by the fab Shank Tank team, who we adore. So yep. Pretty much all-round amazing!