gaby | SouthBound Bride

Rustic Riverside Lowveld Wedding by Kim Tracey

28 January, 2016 by gaby

I always ask my brides and grooms if there were any details of their weddings that were proudly South African (after all, SBB is all about bringing you the latest inspiration with an African twist!) but when it came to Brenna & Tom, the feeling of being out in the African bushveld was such an integral part of their big day that it couldn’t be boiled down to a few details (although they had those too, from proteas to enamel mugs and braai canapes, even Amarula ice cream for dessert!) They were married on the banks of a river on a Lowveld farm, with crocs and hippos in close attendance, and their guests enjoyed traditional G&T sundowners before the reception, taking in the glorious scenery before dancing the night away under the stars. It was a fitting celebration for a down to earth couple, and they decorated it simply but beautifully, with pretty rustic touches and the most gorgeous (and delectable-looking) naked cake. Kim Tracey was on the scene, and took these absolutely lovely pics!

Beach Fairytale Wedding at Blue Bay Lodge by Kusjka Du Plessis

27 January, 2016 by gaby

And now, as the Monty Python boys say, for something completely different… ;) As you all already know by now, we love love LOVE a couple whose wedding reflects themselves, and you just have to look at beautiful purple-haired, pink dress bride Amy to know she’s someone who’ll do just that. I absolutely ADORE her candy coloured, flower-embroidered gown by SBB fave Janita Toerien, especially the way it looks in the golden light before sunset, where Amy and Matt shared kisses and smiles and looks of pure love. But the fairytale didn’t end there. The couple, who were married right on the water at the wonderful Blue Bay Lodge, combined their coastal setting with magical Midsummer Night’s Dream-inspired decor, from moss and woodcuts, to paper butterflies perched on every glass, to rose gold apples strewn along the tables. It’s a fete worthy of a real life Disney princess, and beautifully photographed by up-and-coming photographer Kusjka Du Plessis, who we’re delighted to welcome to SBB for the first time.

Sareh Nouri Fall 2016 Collection

25 January, 2016 by gaby

Happy Monday, lovelies! I have an INSANE week ahead (but oh, what a week to follow – more on that soon!) and I can’t think of a better way to start than with some calmingly beautiful fashion. That’s what you can always rely on Sareh Nouri to deliver, both when it comes to dresses and lookbooks, and the new Fall 2016 Collection is certainly no exception. These dresses are fit for a queen, and so is the gorgeous estate the team used as a backdrop. I’m especially loving the soft layering and texturing in the skirts of these gowns, not to mention that one of them comes in the dreamiest, most sophisticate shade of icy grey-blue – the perfect subtle take on the pastel wedding gown trend. Brides will also find much to inspire in the hair and makeup, and especially in the fantastic headpieces by Jennifer Behr. So let’s get this pretty party started, shall we?

Dusty Blue Bridesmaid Dresses

22 January, 2016 by gaby

To finish off our fashionable Friday, we’re taking some time to gawk at some gorgeous dusty blue bridesmaid dresses. I just love dusty blue weddings – this periwinkle/cornflower hybrid is super pretty and super flattering thanks to its cool tone, which makes it perfect for bridesmaids whatever your wedding theme or style. Yesterday, in fact, we featured a lovely wedding with Serenity bridesmaids, and they looked amazing, so I thought it was the perfect time to pull out some inspiration and shopping ideas.
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BHLDN Spring 2016 Heart/Soul Collection

22 January, 2016 by gaby

It’s going to be a fashionable Friday, if today’s bridal feature is anything to go by! BHLDN have just released their Spring 2016 collection and lookbook, and my goodness, it is full of couture detailing and dreamy fabrics and sequinned lace. This is the largest collection launched by the brand to date, and the first in which they’ve collaborated with high profile label Marchesa, who have contributed five incredible gowns to the line-up. My absolute favourite is Estella, with her lace illusion boatneck, flouncy sleeves, and cowl back – easily the most beautiful boho-ey dress I’ve seen yet. Whether it’s more classic pieces like long lace or illusion neckline dresses, or fresh innovations like a jumpsuit or embroidered sequin crop top and tulle skirt combo, there’s something in this collection for every stylish bride to fall in love with. Even the lookbook has that wonderful couture feeling, and no wonder, since it was shot in none other than Delphine Manivet’s Paris showroom. Le sigh.

Hanging Centrepieces

21 January, 2016 by gaby

So when I mentioned hanging centrepieces as one of the top trends for 2016, I didn’t mean that hanging decor or even hanging florals were a new thing. In fact, their momentum has been building for a while now. But when it comes to choosing hanging centrepieces instead of lush table runners, or in addition to on-table centrepieces, this is their moment. I’ve been watching more brides requesting this over the last year, and some of our most talented florists (not to mention those overseas) creating new and wonderful creations that push the boundaries of this trend. There’s never been a better moment to look up.

Rustic Serenity Blue Wedding at Grin Court by Charl van der Merwe

21 January, 2016 by gaby

I like to think that SouthBound Brides are fashion forward, and you always prove me right, so it’s no surprise that even though she was married a few months ago, today’s bride, Alicia, just happened to choose one of Pantone’s 2016 colours of the year for her marriage to sweetheart Pieter. Instead of combining it with Rose Quartz as the Pantone folks have done though, she instinctively mixed the hue of the moment with soft shades of peach and blush, and pops of hot pink for good measure – a gorgeous pastel palette for a rustic, country vintage style wedding. That Serenity though… We especially love the way that Alicia’s bridesmaids rocked it with their Gelique gowns, and matched the bride’s pretty satin sash. Take a moment this Thursday morning to swoon through the pastel loveliness courtesy of photographer Charl van der Merwe.

Contemporary Green & White Wedding at Kleinevalleij by Fiona Clair

20 January, 2016 by gaby

Much as we love a wedding with a crazy beautiful colour scheme or a unique theme or venue, it’s also a regular pleasure to fall in love with a classic white wedding. It’s like hearing a favourite song, if that song were sung by Sinatra or Ella Fitzgerald (as all my favourite songs are, actually), because a white wedding is all class. And when it has a clean, contemporary feeling like Pedro & Chelsea’s does, it’s all classic too. Long white bridesmaid dresses, tulip bouquets, tailored suits, and of course a bride in a beautiful dress. And that’s just the bridal party. I think what I love most about this one, photographed to perfection by Fiona Clair, is that it mixes this high society elegance with a very relaxed ambience, serving guests from canape and braai stations out on the Kleinevalleij lawns. Lovely to look at and fun to be at. And that’s the perfect wedding equation!

Rustic Jewel Tone Wedding at Roodezand by Wrensch Lombard

19 January, 2016 by gaby

A while back, I created an autumn inspiration board in beautiful jewel tones, and our friends at Green Goddess flower studio got in touch to say that they loved it, and that they just happened to be working on a wedding using a similar palette. Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to see it! And when Tina & Kevin’s relaxed, rustic, navy, olive and russet autumn celebration popped into my inbox a few months later, it was everything I imagined. Rich, jewel-toned decor, a boho lace wedding dress, amazing florals (of course!) and beautiful pics by Wrensch Lombard. But here’s something I only found out when I read Tina’s story – this fabulous fete took its style cue from a suit! Which just goes to show, inspiration is everywhere, and when you find an element for your wedding that you love, you can totally build on that element to create a colour scheme and design that you adore.

15 Romantic Morganite Engagement Rings

18 January, 2016 by gaby

Pink Morganite Engagement Ring by Carat Ring

I can’t think of a better way to end off a crazy Monday than with some jewellery, can you? One of the trends I mentioned last week was alternative engagement rings, which we’re seeing more and more couples choosing for reasons of budget, taste or because of the ethical issues around diamond mining. Etsy is a great place to source artisan jewellery, and while there are many stones to choose from, the ones that really catch my eye are morganite. This rose gold stone is trending big time, and I must admit to being more than a little jealous of anyone who gets to sport its peachy loveliness on their ring finger! There’s one question I do hear from brides from time to time though: ‘Is a morganite ring tacky?’ The short (and the long answer) is no. As with diamonds, you’ll get what you pay for with a morganite engagement ring, so while they tend to be more affordable, you still want to make sure you pay for a good cut. And yes, beryl stones (morganite being one of them) can get cloudy more easily than a diamond, but they clean up super easily with a little TLC so you can easily keep them at their sparkling best. Also yes, there is a morganite engagement ring trend going on right now, but does that mean they won’t stand the test of time? In my opinion no. Their soft colour co-ordinates beautifully with any number of outfits – in fact, I think morganite is just getting started. Bottom line, if you love it, and it suits your personal style, you can’t go wrong. So let’s round up a few of our favourite morganite rings from Etsy, shall we?

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