Author: gaby

Clinton Lotter 2015 Collection

by gaby

Did you ever take a look around and realise just how many South Africans are taking over the world? It makes me super proud of our little nation. And of course, we have a tradition of innovative fashion designers, which is why I love showcasing the work of homegrown talents. Some have flown our borders, like the phenomenal Clinton Lotter, whose work I first came across a few years ago while browsing through the racks at Blackburn Bridal in London – I was immediately in love, and I’ve showcased every one of his collections ever since. So I thought it was about time we took a peek at what 2015 has to offer, courtesy of an eye-catching lookbook that’s very Game of Thrones chic! Whether you’re winning battles or winning hearts, doing it in one of these gowns is the height of glamour.Read More

Inspiration Board: Airs & Graces

by gaby

What would a month dedicated to spring pastels be without some spring pastels colour board inspiration? I never get tired of multicolour pastels, personally, because they always just look so darn PRETTY lined up together, and so fresh (which of course, is what makes them perfect for spring). The main selection to work with is of course blush, peach, powder blue, mint, lilac & lemon, but sometimes it’s fun to use just some of them and I think three is the magic number. Today I’ve mixed up peach, mint and lilac with a touch of darker purple and a background of bright white, and the combination is modern, airy and oh so sweet.

Colours: Lilac, peach, mint, purple & white

Top row (l-r): Bridesmaids {Mikkel Paige Photography/Roey Mizrahi Events/Donna Morgan}; Peggy Porschen cake; mint shoes {Veronique Photography}
Row 2: Mint bowtie {April LOOK}; lilac watercolour invitation {Minted}; pastel paints
Row 3: Pastel macarons {Melody Gibbs/White Room Events}; mint lemonade; bride with pastel bouquet {Eric Kelley/Easton Events/Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs}

 

Local Colour Styled Shoot from the NEW Wedding Inspirations Magazine

by gaby

We’re kicking off a new week with a punch of colour – and more than a touch of homegrown style, which as you all know, is our FAVE. As it’s Heritage month, our friends at Wedding Inspirations magazine have commissioned a seriously wonderful ‘Local is Lovely’ issue, celebrating everything beautiful and South African, from indigenous florals to beadwork-inspired cakes. There’s so much to inspire you here, so do be sure to go out and grab yourself a copy. Today, we’re delighted to share this seriously gorgeous shoot from the September issue, a modern twist on traditional local motifs (shwe shwe, yay!), against the modern blank canvas of White Light. With decor and styling by Ribbon Creative Studio and photography by SBB Directory members Jack and Jane, you know you’re going to see something completely fresh and lovely, so let’s dive on in! (And PS, you’ll find all the info on how to get the look for yourself in the magazine.)Read More

20 Spring Pastel Wedding Details

by gaby

Spring has officially sprung here on SBB this week, and we’ve been enjoying the first round of the pastel-fest that is our September. Fun! So this afternoon I just had to bring you some fun details and ideas to add that little something special to your pastel wedding, from some of our favourite makers and suppliers. Whether it’s something to wear, something to decorate with, or something to give your gorgeous bridesmaids, you’ll find it here :)Read More

Love Birds Wedding at Cheerio Gardens by Hello Rademan {Zelda & Richard}

by gaby

Let’s be honest, thanks to Tom Fletcher, pretty much every woman on the planet thinks that marrying a musician, who sings to you during his speech, is about the most romantic thing ever. So right there, today’s wedding was already goosebumps, since today’s groom (of SA band ISO) is just such a one. But beyond that, this rustic beauty has such an adorable sweetness to it. Zelda and Richard love birds as much as they love music, so they themed their wedding around that – even taking inspiration from the beautiful lilac-breasted roller for their palette. Throughout their country wedding there were bird-themed touches – little silver birdhouses, bird-themed tables and escort cards, and bird seed confetti (which we love, because it’s so environment friendly too). And the sweetness continued, from the DIY details to the wildflower centrepieces, on into a reception that included a cigar bar, milk & Oreo shots, and lots and lots of dancing. Hello Rademan took these lovely pictures.Read More

Dreamy Pastel Wedding Dresses

by gaby

Blush Wedding Photography/Diana McGregor Photography/Summer Watkins/Tara La Tour via Style Me Pretty

I don’t know if it’s just that a touch of pastel adds a bit of whimsy to these beauties, but I seriously think pastel wedding dresses are beyond romantic. I also adore the way that, as well as blush (which we’ll always love!), there are amazing options in mint, powder blue, lemon, lilac and peach too. It’s a subtle way to add a unique spin to your bridal style. Not convinced? Have a look at these beautiful pastel dresses, and you’re sure to fall in love!

*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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Contemporary Rustic Wedding at Zakopane Country Lodge by Louise Vorster {Nadea & Riaan}

by gaby

I was reading some forum yesterday (shouldn’t have, but got sucked in) where people were all ‘oh I hate wedding bloggers, they’re forever saying everything is gorgeous and amazing in their sicky sweet intros’. I had to laugh. I mean, if you met me in real life, you would know that I tell it like it is. But at the same time you guys, your weddings ARE all gorgeous and amazing! If the day ever comes where I can’t see the beauty (and I mean the real beauty, beyond the pretty details) in weddings, then I’ll pack up and go home. So… haters begone. Because we have another gorgeous and amazing wedding to share! This one comes from the delightful Louise Vorster, and is full of pastel greys and greens, rustic touches and clean contemporary design (a hard balance to pull off, but Nadea and Riaan did it perfectly!). And let’s not forget a healthy dose of shimmering, sparkly lights. Sigh.Read More

Blue by Enzoani 2016 Collection

by gaby

Time for some fashion inspiration, lovely ones! South African brides are huge fans of luxury European fashion line, Enzoani, and we’ve featured many real brides rocking their beautiful designs over the years. Today I wanted to share one of the latest Enzoani collections – their in-house Blue by Enzoani line – which I am sure we’ll see on many brides in future! From the romantic silhouettes to the gorgeous lace, they’re the kind of gowns that make you go “ooh!”. One thing I really like about these dresses is that, although they have gorgeous and interesting backs, the front detailing is just as lovely, which I sometimes think gets a bit neglected with illusion lace being such a bit thing these days. That said, there’s lots of on-trend sheer panelling and sparkly embellishment to satisfy those portrait back loving brides as well. Basically, it’s lovely, and this lookbook is all about the European princess look, so let’s indulge ourselves, shall we?Read More

Shimmering Pastels Wedding at Waterkloof by Linda Fourie {Sieglinda & Kobus}

by gaby

Today’s couple had one of those proposals that could have come straight out of a Hollywood movie, and one of those weddings that would be quite at home on the pages of a glossy magazine – I just LOVE the sparkle and the glitter mixed with soft pastel blush and some absolutely gorgeous soft florals from Sitting Pretty. In fact (and I swear I didn’t plan it this way) this wedding is kind of the perfect transition between our August and September ‘themes’, since it’s both glamorous and full of beautiful spring pastels! Hooray! I can’t not mention the bride’s absolutely amazing lace dress, which combined perfectly with her groom’s navy suit – don’t they just make the most stylish pair? Linda Fourie was on the scene to capture these lovely pictures of every smile and detail.Read More

Inspiration Board: Enchanted Blue

by gaby

It’s funny with inspiration boards – sometimes I feel like I’ve done loads of a particular colour or combination recently, and then I look back at my archive and realise I actually haven’t. So maybe it’s just all those colour combinations floating around in my head. That’s what happened with today’s board, because it turns out I haven’t done anything with pale blue for ages. That made me really happy, because it gave me an excuse to play with powder blue and gold, which I’m sorry, is just completely dreamy! I adore this romantic but not to feminine combo for a wedding, especially the way that the cool of the blue and the warmth of the gold complement each other perfectly. What more do I need to say?

Colours: Powder blue, sand & gold

Top row (l-r): Ballerina bride {Archetype}; blue & gold table decor {KT Merry/Joy Proctor}; individual cakes {Alicia Pyne Photography/Sugary And Chic Cake Boutique}
Row 2: Cake with coloured candles {Warm Photo/Special Day}; flower girl in lace crown {Whitney Neal Photography}; gold candyflossRow 3: Tent breakout area {Jemma Keech/Cathrin D’Entremont Weddings}; gold shoes {Marissa Lambert Photography/Jimmy Choo}; foiled pear placecard {Weddings By Sasha}; blue bridesmaid dresses {Elizabeth Henson Photos}