Author: gaby

Macaron Tower Wedding Cakes

by gaby

So this month we’re all about spring pastels and you KNOW I couldn’t do that without mentioning macarons, because to me there’s no prettier or classier inspiration for mixed pastels than that kingdom of the macaron, Laduree. We’ve chatted about macaron favours before, but another option for including these blogger faves is as an alternative to a cake – a macaron wedding tower. These always invite oohs of delight, and they’re a great way to mix and match colours, as you’ll see below – you can even go metallic (is there anything more covetable than a gold macaron? Not in my book). So let’s sit back and be inspired (and try not to get too hungry) with some of my top picks from around the web.

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Moroccan Magic Wedding Inspiration by Illuminate Photography

by gaby

Boy do I ever have a gorgeous editorial for you all today! Thanks to Tabitha Mee at Illuminate Photography and her talented team, we’re transporting you to the sands of Morocco for a styled shoot that’s as beautiful as it is inspiring. In fact, it’s almost easy to forget that it was shot in Cape Town, and not high in the Atlas mountains, amid citrus and walnut groves, and flat-roofed hamlets.  I absolutely love a touch of Moroccan style (which also happens to be perfect for a boho wedding theme), and with a mix of shiny brass, warm earthy tones and pops of orange from pincushion proteas, berries and kumquats (as well as a dreamy Robyn Roberts dress), I’m in heaven. This would be such a gorgeous colour scheme for a wedding – the florals created by our faves at Green Goddess flower studio would translate beautifully to a reception table, not to mention the sheer romance of a little desert breakout area beneath the stars. Sigh. And pass the mint tea.Read More

Truvelle 2016 Collection

by gaby

Last year, I was super excited to share the collection of dresses from Canadian label Truvelle, who burst on the scene with their rose gold dipped sequin dresses that had us all sighing our little hearts out. I was even more excited to announce then that Truvelle were (and still are, yay!) available at LOCA Vintage Bridal Lounge in PE, and that they also ship around South Africa. Knowing that my local brides can get their hands on the loveliness always makes it that much sweeter! So of course I am super thrilled to share Truvelle’s brand new collection, eight lovely new dresses that are a step away from the warm hues of the previous gowns, but even more romantic. There’s also the same effortless feel, the same elegant mismatch of fabrics (including a hint of silvery sparkle), and more dreamy images from Blush Wedding Photography. Get ready to fall in love all over again. Read More

Urban Garden Glam Wedding at Katy’s Palace Bar by Blackframe Photography {Georja & Danny}

by gaby

This wedding has everything that makes my little heart go all fluttery. First off, I LOVE me a city wedding, and Katy’s Palace Bar is quickly becoming one of my favourite venues for its eclectic urban appeal. Then there’s the mix of glam gold, greenery and pale blooms that Georja and Danny chose to decorate their reception – the perfect way to bring a touch of garden romance to their warehouse-style location, and let’s not forget Georja’s pastel bouquet, and feather-detailed dress. Sparkling fairy lights, gold-painted animal favours, tall candelabras – oh, and a glittering gold cake. Not to mention pretty maids all in a row in charcoal infinity dresses by our friends at Gelique. I love it all, so let’s get to oohing over it, shall we? These fab pictures are from the team at Blackframe Photography – always a pleasure to share their work!Read More

20 Gorgeous Off-the-shoulder Wedding Dresses

by gaby

Etsy Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dresses

Carolina Boho Lace Off-The-Shoulder Dress by Stylish Bride Accs

*UPDATED FOR 2021* Earlier this year, I published a roundup of off-the-shoulder wedding gowns that has had you all pinning like crazy – it’s certainly one trend that is back in a big way, and I love the inventive and romantic ways that designers have interpreted the style, from boho to ballgown. So I thought it was high time I rounded up some spectacular Etsy finds. If you’re looking for something a little different from the lace sleeves and portrait backs that are so beloved by brides at the moment, this is the perfect, classic, dare I say timeless choice? Let’s see what those clever Etsy designers have to inspire us…

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

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Pantone Spring 2016 Colour Palettes Part 1

by gaby

Happy Monday lovelies! Today, hot off the presses from New York Fashion Week, we have Pantone’s latest collection of colours, all dressed up and ready for their debut in the Spring 2016 season. The Spring colours are always my fave, and this time there’s a mix of punchy brights (the likes of which I’ve been enjoying seeing in weddings already!) and soft pastels (which as you already know, I love). I can’t wait to play around with combining them, but first, I thought I would put together some single colour palettes to introduce you to each shade, and I’ve also scouted out a beautiful bridesmaid dress to go with each one! We’re kicking off with the first four shades/boards today, and will be carrying on with this series for the rest of the month.Read More

SouthBound Guide: DJ-recommended Wedding Songs

by gaby

One of those things that often gets left until last and then causes an inordinate amount of stress is music. I mean, even for music-loving couples, I’ve seen this lead to despair. And it’s understandable, because doesn’t everyone want the perfect soundtrack to those amazing moments… you know, the one where you lock eyes as the bride walks down the aisle, or where you’re announced for the first time as Mr & Mrs and walk in to the thunderous applause of your nearest and dearest, or (perhaps trickiest of all) that moment where all eyes are on you as you take to the dancefloor and it’s like the words of the song that’s playing are meant to sum up your whole relationship. No pressure, hey. Seriously though, choosing music can be tough, and that’s why today I’ve enlisted the help of Shaun of The Wedding DJ’s to give you his expert’s picks for those all-important moments on the Big Day. They’re a mix of classic and contemporary, and at least one of them is sure to be your JAM. Thanks, Shaun! (PS You can find out more about The Wedding DJ’s in the SBB Directory)Read More

20 Mixed Pastel Wedding Bouquets

by gaby

What can I say about pastel bouquets, you guys? I mean, I could use the word ‘pretty’ a bunch of times, or gorgeous or dreamy, or even throw a couple of ‘swoonworthy’s about. I could, but I’m not gonna, because come on, you just KNOW these bouquets are going to be amazing. Ice cream pastels at their most beautiful and natural, all in one perfect bunch, and created by some of the most talented floral artists I could find on the internets. So basically… is there anything better?Read More

Handmade Feminist Wedding at The Nutcracker by GingerAle Photography {Ines & Fergus}

by gaby

When an email landed in my inbox from bride Ines titled ‘DIY Feminist Wedding’, I was intrigued. As you know, I’m a huge fan of making your wedding a reflection of you as a couple, and I’m a feminist myself, so I wondered how Fergus and Ines had incorporated their values into their big day (I’ll admit, there was a part of me imagining bridesmaids dressed as Rosie the Riveter!) What I found was the kind of sweet, handmade celebration where the couple had really thought about the details of how and when and who – especially at the ceremony. Things like wording can often be overlooked, but after all, the vows you make and the words said are the cornerstone of your new marriage, and I loved that this special couple took the time to craft a day that was completely their own in look and philosophy. Hopefully it’ll inspire more of you for your own wedding days. I know you’ll be inspired by the gorgeous pics by GingerAle Photography, who captured every lovely vintagey detail, and every happy moment!Read More

How to Style a Pastel Dessert Display

by gaby

Pastel Candy Buffet

Credit: Jenna Rae Cakes/Tracey Kiansky Photography/One Plus One Design via Weddings in Winnipeg

It’s a couple of years now since candy buffets burst onto the wedding scene, and for a while there, it seemed like everyone HAD to have one. That trend has calmed a little, but I still think that a well-designed dessert display makes for an amazing focal point at a wedding, and one that will definitely put your guests in a happy mood! That’s especially true when we’re talking pastel weddings, because the mix of colours that can be achieved with a few sweet treats is particularly complementary to a mismatched pastel colour scheme. So I thought that we should break down how to go about creating a pastel dessert display, step by pretty step. You can use these same instructions for any colour scheme really – just adapt the dessert buffet display ideas here as needed!

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

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