gaby | SouthBound Bride

Timeless Blush Wedding at Kleinevalleij by Lauren Kriedemann

9 March, 2016 by gaby

I don’t know what it is exactly that makes a wedding sing “timeless” and “classic” and “elegant”, but whatever it is, Nikki & Robbie’s has it in spades. Of course, it has a lot to do with the beautiful elements they chose for their big day – a super romantic lace wedding gown for Nikki, groomsmen in tuxes, bridesmaids in blush, and a reception hall decked out in lush white flowers that trailed off the tables in graceful garlands (oh my gosh, not to mention Nikki’s glorious bouquet – masterfully put together by our faves at Green Goddess flower studio!). But this wedding has bags of personality too, from the Portuguese traditions they incorporated, to the vintage cars that delivered the wedding party to the church and reception, to the delicious ice creams and oversized Jenga that entertained guests during cocktail hour. And, my fave, a garter that was made from the bride’s grandmother’s dress. Every detail was thought about so carefully, and while the style is classic, it has Nikki and Robbie all over it. Capturing it in her gorgeously romantic style, is photographer Lauren Kriedemann.

Hanrie Lues Fleur de Ballet Collection

8 March, 2016 by gaby

If you follow us on Instagram (and if you don’t, you totally should!), you may have seen that some exciting mail arrived at SBB HQ the other day, specifically the brand new lookbook from Hanrie Lues Bridal. Durban-based designer Hanrie is part of our sponsor family, and while we’ve always loved her beautiful bespoke gowns, she’s just launched a demi-couture collection which will be available both from her studio and from Calegra Bridal House in Cape Town and Joburg, and I couldn’t wait to see it! Called ‘Fleur de Ballet’, it was inspired by the ballet, which I absolutely love, and it has the same combination of structure and sheer femininity that makes ballerinas’ gowns the stuff that dreams are made of. With the most gorgeous fabrics and an inspiration straight from the ballet, these dresses are perfect for the modern South African bride, employing breathtaking illusion elements and elegant shapes and details that make each gown special and unique, and will make each woman who wears them feel like a prima ballerina on her own opening night.

Enchanting Berry-tone Wedding at The Glades by CC Rossler

8 March, 2016 by gaby

When I asked today’s bride, Nicol, about her wedding, she said something that really tickled me: “Up until the Friday before our wedding it had been pouring with rain and there was even a snow warning, but on the Saturday the weather was perfect. Okay, it was still chilly, but a bride’s superpower is not to feel the cold!” I love that. A bride’s superpower. So true! Although I have to say that this particular bride (and her husband, Roland) had another superpower up their sleeve – namely, gorgeous taste. They filled their reception at the rustic-fabulous Glades farm with incredible flowers in berry hues, including trailing fronds of amaranthus and jewel coloured orchids in Nicol’s bouquet, and paired them with copper vessels, raw wooden tables, embroidery hoop table numbers, and tiny wreaths made of rosemary at each setting. The botanical element was mirrored in the bridesmaids floral print dresses, and there were plenty of personal details, including local coffee (the groom’s fave) and a VW Combi photobooth. It’s that perfect mix of pretty and personal, beautifully captured by the lovely CC Rossler. And despite that chill in the air, it’ll leave you with warm hearts and bruised Pinning fingers ;)

A Farm-to-table Romance

7 March, 2016 by gaby

So as you know, March on SBB is all about farmer’s market and farm-to-table themed weddings, which is great news for all you rustic, farm wedding-loving brides and grooms! But, while the word ‘rustic’ might mean simple and unsophisticated, and real farm life is definitely not glamorous, that doesn’t mean that your rustic wedding can’t be as elegant as you like. And bringing produce – whether that be fruits or vegetables – into your decor doesn’t change that a bit. Exhibit A: this seriously dreamy shoot from talented US photographer Christa-Taylor, which she and her team have been kind enough to share with us today. Christa’s beautiful fine art film images combined with styling by Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Form And Flora‘s gorgeous florals make this farm-to-table inspired shoot the ultimate in rustic romance. From the lush local produce used as both decadent decor and ingredients for delicious dishes, to the pie dessert bar and jam favours, it takes the farm-to-table concept and makes it beautiful. And that’s even before you fall in love with the amazing Stephanie D Couture gowns and the lovely calligraphy and watercolour stationery by Katie Michelle Designs. Let’s feast our little eyes on it a while, shall we?

Farmer’s Market Wedding Details

7 March, 2016 by gaby

Image: Ryan Ray Photography/Lavender Joy Weddings/Bows + Arrows via Style Me Pretty

Happy Monday, lovelies! The theme for this month is farmer’s market, and we’ll be focusing on everything farm-to-table and organic and rustic and generally farm fabulous, alongside our usual real weddings, of course. We’re sharing the most gorgeous styled shoot this afternoon that embodies the elegance that can be achieved with this theme, but first I thought I would kick things off with a little roundup of 20 farmer’s market wedding details that you can include in your big day to create a farmer’s market theme, or just add a little bit of a market vibe to your big day.

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

Rustic High Tea Wedding at Oewerzicht Farm Cottages by Yeah Yeah Photography

4 March, 2016 by gaby

It’s been a bumper week of weddings here on SBB, and we’re finishing off with the most adorable rustic high tea wedding in Greyton. High school sweethearts, Rachel and Peter, wanted to share one of their favourite getaway destinations, Oewerzicht Farms, with an intimate group of family and friends. They had their ceremony on a koppie with the most magnificent views, then adjourned for their reception at long, greenery-bedecked tables, before dancing the night away beneath the stars. And with the boys in traditional kilts, you just know it was a proper knees up! These captures of breathtaking scenery and heartfelt moments were taken by Yeah Yeah Photography.

Fun Pastel V&A Waterfront Wedding by Jana Marnewick

3 March, 2016 by gaby

Earlier this week we showcased a city wedding, and we’re spoilt enough to have another today, although Robyn & Jamaal’s shows off a completely different side to Cape Town. The couple, who met during one of our legendary summers, wanted to bring that feeling into their big day so they decided to not only host it at the iconic V&A Waterfront, but to bring the pastels of the surrounding buildings into their palette. They had a rooftop ceremony overlooking the harbour (love!) and a reception filled with pastel blooms (beautifully put together by awesome SBB Directory members Bright and Beautiful). And like all good Cape Town summer nights, this one ended on the dancefloor, where they partied late into the night. Jana Marnewick took these lovely images.

Black, White & Gold Wedding at Emily Moon by Ruan Redelinghuys

2 March, 2016 by gaby

It’s Kate Spade-esque monochrome prints meets eclectic countryside chic in today’s wedding, which took place at the gorgeous Emily Moon in Plett, a venue I’ve been dying to feature for ages. I love the way that Stefan and Jemma, designers themselves, decided to work with the already-awesome venue aesthetic, but still managed to add their own stamp with their black, white and gold theme, which included whimsical ‘Woohoo’, ‘yay!’ and ‘yes’ banners (how could these fail to make you feel happy?), gold dipped vases, spray painted animals, stripes and spots, and flowers put together by a creative bunch of dear family and friends. And let’s not forget the sequin bridesmaid dresses, which Jemma ties in perfectly to her own romantic gown with a well-placed gold sash. It’s spots and stripes and lovely all over, and Ruan Redelinghuys was there to take these lovely images.

Graphic Inner City Wedding at HQ Restaurant by Jules Morgan

1 March, 2016 by gaby

It’s a happy day for me when I get the opportunity to share an city wedding for a change, although happily more brides and grooms these days are opting for a bit of urban chic. And why not – after all, if it’s reflective of your style, you can make it absolutely amazing, especially in a city as fabulous as Cape Town. With both of them being architects, perhaps it’s no wonder that Elbé and Ross decided to get married in amongst their favourite buildings and inner city vibe, and they chose a graphic, monochrome style with a touch of metallic and geometric detailing to make it really pop. I just love this look SO much – everything from the incorporation of textures like leather and cement to Elbé’s contemporary pared-down bridal style (complemented beautifully by jewellery from Kirsten Goss). From their church ceremony to their laid-back restaurant reception, all on Heritage Square, it was a collection of their favourite things shared with their favourite people. And speaking of favourites, one of our own, Jules Morgan, was on the scene to deliver these beautifully atmospheric images.

Feminine Bridesmaid Inspiration

29 February, 2016 by gaby

I’ve probably said this before, but one of my absolute favourite times in a wedding day is those blissful (and busy!) few hours spent between a bride and her retinue on the morning of the big day, sipping champagne and giggling with excitement as hair and makeup get done and the big moment approaches. It’s such a special time to spend with your girls – the women who have supported you, and loved you, and are there on this day to usher you into this next magical phase of your life. A memory to cherish. So I’m all for making sure that you all feel pretty and comfortable, even before the dresses are on and the shoe straps are tied. That’s one of the reasons I adore Plum Pretty Sugar, whose whisper-soft robes in garden-inspired prints are perfect for a wedding morning. But beyond that, the Plum Pretty Sugar accessories and apparel are part of a feminine, romantic lifestyle brand, and you’ll feel beautiful in their line long after the wedding day… the honeymoon, newlywed life – even on into maternity. So when Aisle Society bloggers Elizabeth Anne Designs & Coastal Bride teamed up with PPS to create a Southern styled shoot, you can imagine how excited I was to share the images! These pics take us right up to those moments before the walk down the aisle, with the girls in their dreamy PPS Couture bridesmaid gowns, and the beautiful, laughing bride, complete with protea bouquet (you know I love that!) And don’t forget that PPS ships to South Africa, and beyond.