Author: gaby

Monsoon Bridal Collection 2016

by gaby

Here at SBB you know we love beautiful bridal fashion, and that goes from the top of the range designer couture collections right on to the more affordable side of the spectrum – every bride deserves to look AMAZING, whatever her budget. In fact, many of the brides we’ve featured who caused the biggest stir of pinning and liking were rocking off-the-rack dresses, and that’s why I was so excited to hear that Monsoon had launched a new collection of bridalwear. Pretty is the word that comes to mind – truly pretty, in a grown up, European princess at an chic event in Monaco kind of way. Silhouettes are sleek (and there are some lovely options for brides wanting to go for a short hemline), and there’s plenty of lace and metallic embellishment – both classic and on-trend. Best of all – they’re all under £500. Let’s have a peek, shall we?Read More

Colourful Yarnbomb Wedding at Langkloof Roses by Katherine Newman

by gaby

Some weddings land in my inbox and I feel like an elegant symphony should be playing when I open them. For others, it’s more like a carnival band, and those celebrations full of colour and life always make me smile just a little wider! Today’s is one of those – Kelly and Kieran’s big day has that delicious laid-back feeling of a summer afternoon, with one element more common in the colder months: wool. From the most adorable crochet bunting to table numbers, yarn makes its appearance, bringing a sense of brightness and playfulness. This is underscored beautifully by the flowers, which were created by SBB faves Green Goddess flower studio – I just love the magic these ladies create! Kieran and Kelly (who looked particularly gorgeous thanks to another SBB fave, Ida Webster) seem like such a lovely couple – you can sense that special bond in the way they laugh together in all their photos. They also completed the questions together, so you get both groom and bride’s perspective on the big day, which I love. And finally, let’s not forget to mention that these beautiful pics were taken by Katherine Newman, who captured all of that colourful, smiley goodness in her images. Strike up the band!Read More

Monsoon Flowergirl Dress Inspiration

by gaby

With the festive season comes party season and that means party dresses – and not just for adult ladies either. Little ladies also have a chance to get their glam frocks on, and that means there’s great pickin’s when it comes to dresses that would make for adorable flower girl gowns. I’m personally partial to flowergirls rocking tiny versions of dresses I wish I could wear myself, and Monsoon happens to be brilliant at them – this season there’s more tulle and sequin and floral applique going on than ever before and I love it. So I thought I would round up ten of my favourite party gowns and combine them with some of our favourite inspiration boards to show you how party can translate perfectly into wedding where these little dresses are concerned. The only part that sucks? Knowing I am way, waaaaay to old to fit into them.Read More

Inspiration Board: Marsala Christmas

by gaby

Okay okay, I said I’d never do another Marsala inspiration board, but as we bid farewell to 2015’s colour of the year and welcome a seriously exciting new pair (more on that in January), I thought I’d look back on it just one last time, since it does, after all, offer a fresh spin on Christmas red. I haven’t yet decided what my holiday table will look like, but I must admit I’m tempted by this deep shade of berry combined with natural elements like pinecones and cranberries (ridiculous in a South African summer of course, but who cares). And also, I absolutely must move into that snowy Marsala house RIGHT NOW. (Or at least get myself a print of it in all its glory from artist Kristine Patti.) All in all, I think a Marsala Christmas would be a great way to say goodbye to the year (and the colour) that was – don’t you agree?

Colours: Marsala, white, emerald, wood

Top row (l-r): Bride & groom {Margherita Calati/Il Giorno che Vorrei}; table with candles {Ashley Cook Photography/Dream Design}; cranberry cocktail {Sacramento Street}
Row 2: Bridesmaids {Troy Grover Photographers/Michelle McGregor}; earrings {Endora Jewellery/Etsy}; cranberry escort cards {David Stark/Susan Montagna}
Row 3: Christmas house {Kristine Patti}; chocolate berry cake {Rebecca Hollis/Romancing the Stone}; Marsala wreath {Marigold’s Designs/Etsy}; place setting {Chantall Marshall Photography/Kadou}

 

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Chic Rustic Farm Wedding by Lilly-Owl Photography

by gaby

Hello lovelies! I’ve been a bit scarce on the blog this week, but it’s only because I’m working on something HUGE behind the scenes. Actually, not just one huge thing but two – let’s just say I’m excited about January! But I couldn’t let another day go by without sharing this lovely rustic wedding with one of my favourite colour schemes ever (red and shades of blue – so gorgeous!) After all, getting married in a farm-style venue tucked away on the outskirts of rural Zeerust is every bit as romantic as you might imagine – as proven by Anneme and Ruben’s wedding, which included magical details like Moroccan lamps (LOVE THIS), smoky mercury glass and blue goblets on the tables, red berries, string upon string of fairy lights, a ‘bush chapel’ and a customised dancefloor. And with Lilly-Owl Photography there to capture this beautiful day, you won’t have to miss a thing!Read More

10 Fun Travel Theme Wedding Details from NOTHS

by gaby

Hello lovelies! We’ve come to the end of our travel-themed month, and are looking forward to December – HOW is it the last month of 2015 tomorrow? Before we leave this theme, I’ve rounded up some fun ideas for your own travel wedding from our partners at Not on the High Street – and don’t forget to stop in quick quick, because they also have some awesome Black Friday deals still available for a few hours today.Read More

CYBER WEEKEND SPECIAL Gift Guide: His ‘n Hers Timepieces

by gaby

Hello friends! I’m stopping in on a Sunday just to give you some time-sensitive (ha ha) news of the Christmas gift variety. Watches are always a wonderful gift for the man or woman in your life – they’re personal in the sense that they wear them every day, and feel like a real spoil to receive as a gift. But since I know that wedding planning can get expensive, I really sat up when I heard that Ernest Jones were running a 50% sale for Cyber Weekend, which included some gorgeous timepieces from brands like Gucci and Michael Kors. I’ve picked some of my favourites, but you’ll need to get in quick, as they’re selling fast! (PS Don’t forget you can find these and lots more gift ideas in our dedicated 2015 Christmas Gift Guide Pinterest Board)Read More

Phase Eight Bridal Collection 2016

by gaby

Hooray it’s the weekend! Unless you’re American, in which case you’re already enjoying a long Thanksgiving weekend. In the spirit of that holiday, today I’m thankful for many things, and just one of them is the fact that I get to deal with prettiness all day long. So it seems only appropriate that I share some of that prettiness with you today! Phase Eight have just brought out their latest bridal offering, and you guys, it is so good! You won’t actually believe that this is a collection from a high street retailer – with intricate beading, soft illusion lace and delicate draping, you’d expect it to come at a much higher price point. Plus, the exquisite Hope dress (which still prompted plenty of oohs and aahs when I posted it on Instagram the other day) is back, which will make many a budget Daisy Buchanan’s dreams come true for another year. Yay! (PS while you’re over on the site, be sure to check out some of the amazing deals Phase Eight has for Black Friday weekend – bridal’s not included, but it’s the perfect time to pick up a deal on a party dress or something gorgeous for a bridesmaid!)Read More

Forest Fancy by Andywayne Photography and Red in Paris Events

by gaby

If you go down to the woods today, you’re in for a big surprise… in this case, because you’d find a fairytale table set up under the trees instead of a teddy bear’s picnic ;) Today’s mini-editorial comes to you courtesy of SBB Directory members Red in Paris, who set up a Jozi-fabulous table in the middle of a rustic woodland – love a bit of contrast to emphasise the glamour factor, don’t you? And we especially love a sparkly rose gold runner – because sequins! If you’re considering a formal wedding (whether it’s in a ballroom or the wild wood), you might want to consider the kind of opulent raised arrangements showcased here – they give guests the chance to see each other and chat, but you also get the height and visual interest. So let’s go down to the woods today and have a look, shall we…Read More

Elegantly Rustic Paper Flower Wedding by As Sweet As Images

by gaby

When two architects fall in love, it’s only appropriate that their wedding bears tribute to the design aesthetic they live out in daily life. So it won’t surprise you to learn that not only did today’s adorable couple, Riette and Steven (who you might recognise from their railway romance engagement shoot, which we featured last year on SBB), tie the knot in a Herbert Baker chapel in the historic town of Cullinan, but that instead of organic flowers, they chose to fill their tables (and Riette’s bouquet) with the pleasing paper symmetry of Japanese origami Kusudama flowers. It was the perfect modern touch to their rustic affair, which blended old and new as perfectly as any fine restoration. We’re so happy to welcome the delightful As Sweet As Images for their second feature this week – who can resist when you have such prettiness to share!Read More