Author: gaby

Styled Shoot Turned Surprise Elopement by Angie Capri

by gaby

This shoot, you guys. It is so filled with love. In most of the styled shoots that I feature here on the blog, it’s all about the details – the pretty flowers, the table, the stationery, the cake… and of course, the ideas that are meant to inspire all of you brideys for your own, larger-scale weddings. Over the years, I’ve seen a few styled shoots that turned into engagements, because let’s be honest, is there a prettier way to pop the question? But when this same-sex shoot from Angie Capri crossed my desk, I knew it was something extra special. Not only did the lovebirds, Kylie & Andrea, have the moment when Andrea got down on one knee captured on film, but they were married on the spot in the most romantic surprise elopement I can imagine. So today, we get to not only be inspired by the pretty details created by Angie and her team, but by the sheer love as well.Read More

Naturally Vintage Wedding at Volmoed by Kikitography {Angelique & Marnus}

by gaby

I hate when people talk about cookie-cutter weddings, because in my experience, there’s so much thought and love and care that goes into every couple’s wedding, whatever decor and design they choose. But some weddings really manage to go above and beyond in being a perfect expression of the pair involved, and where I feel like I can get a beautiful sense of who they are and what they love just from the choices they make for their Big Day. Today’s wedding is one of those – a heartfelt day in the middle of spectacular natural scenery, surrounded by (and handmade in many cases by) the people that Angelique and Marnus love and admire the most. My absolute favourite element though, is Angelique’s vintage dress – vintage in the true sense of the word, since it belonged to her great grandmother. What an incredibly special thing to be able to share, and what a gorgeous gown, on its second outing. These lovely pics by Kikitography really get across the sense of peace and joy that radiate from bride and groom, and from the wedding they created.Read More

BHLDN Autumn 2015 Collection: Twice Enchanted

by gaby

Time for some fashion inspiration, lovelies. As you know by now, there’s nothing I love more than a beautiful lookbook shot in a beautiful place, chock full of beautiful dresses, so I couldn’t help but share the latest images from BHLDN with you all. I adore the gowns that BHLDN curates every season – handpicked from some of the finest designers, they really are worthy of the ‘swoonworthy’ tag. This lot are super glamorous, with incredible beading and embellishment and detailing, as well as some dreamy top-and-skirt combos that are bang on trend, as well as a host of gorgeous accessories. For the lookbook, photographer du jour Chloe Mallett headed to the Palácio de Monserrate in Sintra, Portugal, and the result is a fairytale collection in a fairytale setting – no wonder it’s called ‘Twice Enchanted‘. So let’s get to it, shall we? (PS Shop the look here)Read More

Glamorous Gold Wedding at JC Le Roux by Jana Marnewick {Shannon & Justin}

by gaby

What’s black, white and glamorous all over? Why, this wedding of course. Think classic black tie elegance with a generous helping of gold, all in the spectacular outdoor scenery of the Cape Winelands. Sigh. Justin and Shannon are a trans-continental couple who’ve endured the ups and downs of a long distance relationship, and I loved that they included so many personal and international touches in their big day, from a globe guest book to his and hers luggage tag favours. I also LOVE Shannon’s bridesmaids’ style – a MOH in pure sequins with a bouquet of gold-sprayed baby’s breath (genius, why haven’t I seen more of this idea?), bridesmaids in chic LBDs carrying wreaths – and of course, Shannon in her very own one-of-a-kind Old Hollywood number. Let the pretty party begin! Jana Marnewick was on the scene to take these lovely pics.Read More

Donna Morgan Serenity Collection

by gaby

Since glamour is the word round SBB this month, I can’t think of a better time to share this particular little collection with you! You’ve probably figured out by now that beautiful, glam, embellished bridesmaid dresses are a big fave for me, so I was absolutely over the moon when I saw Donna Morgan’s latest collection, Serenity. Not only are these dresses GORGEOUS and versatile, and will be a real focal point for any wedding, but they’re that rare and wonderful thing: bridesmaid dresses your girls will want to wear again afterwards. And with this much glitter and sparkle (as well as dreamy chiffons and soft floral prints), in a range of beautiful, ready-to-mismatch colours, who could blame them? I suspect we’ll see a couple of brides turning up in them too!Read More

Inspiration Board: Metallic & Blush

by gaby

Where on earth do we learn the rules of what does and doesn’t ‘go’? Because I very specifically remember being told by someone a couple of decades ago that gold and silver didn’t, and never the twain shall meet, etc. But here we are, and not only are mixed metallics a thing, they’re gorgeous. I love a mix of gold and silver together, and when you add blush into the mix, you have the perfect combination of sophistication and romance.

Colours: Gold, silver, blush & white

Top row (l-r): Dress with embellishment {Robin Lin Photography/A Southern Soiree}; bridesmaid dresses {Jessica Lorren}; centrepiece {Bradley James Photography/Hey Gorgeous Events}
Row 2: Cake with leaf detail {Elizabeth Messina}; pink shoes {Caroline Joy Photography/Badgley Mischka}; blush ruffle clutch {Perez Photography}; silver sequin tablecloth {Yasmin Khajavi Photography/Zest Floral and Event Design}
Row 3: Blush dress {KT Merry/Monique Lhuillier}; mini champagne tower {Sylvie Gil/L’Relyea Events}; marquee decor {OneLove Photography}

 

Magical Midlands Wedding at The Glades Farm by CC Rossler {Faye & Gary}

by gaby

“Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairytale.” I have no idea where that quote comes from, but it pretty perfectly sums up how I feel about today’s wedding. A couple of years ago, I shared this love story, which belongs to my friends Sven and Louise. What I didn’t know was that their wedding wasn’t the end of the bigger picture love story. Because while we were toasting the happy couple with chilled rosé, the wheels of Fate were turning in the background. Who would have known that bringing together Sven, Louise, their planner (Faye of Poetry Weddings) and their photographer CC Rossler (who happened to be a friend of Sven’s friend Gary) would ultimately lead to Faye and Gary finding their very own fairytale? There’s something kind of magical about that. Serendipity. So I’m super excited to be sharing Faye and Gary’s rainy, romantic Midlands wedding (beautifully captured by CC, of course!) with you today.Read More

Glamorous Red Lip Bridal Style

by gaby

Earlier this week, we featured a bride rocking a chic red lip, and it reminded me just what an immediate glam-maker a rouge or berry lipstick is. If your Big Day dream is to look more like a screen siren than a fairy princess, then this is definitely the style for you! Whether you’re wearing a slinky Art Deco style dress, a vintage lace gown, or something bold and modern, a red lip has that touch of Old Hollywood and just happens to stand out perfectly, a pop of colour against the white of a bridal gown. So this afternoon, I’ve rounded up 20 absolutely amazing glamorous bridal looks, each of them rocking not just a bold red lip, but immaculate makeup and hair. Go on, dahling – be inspired!Read More

Country Charm Wedding at The Cowshed by Lad & Lass {Mishka & Tom}

by gaby

I had such fun reading the ‘beind the scenes’ story from today’s couple, who have such a lovely sense of humour and fun as they recount the series of circumstances and happenings that brought them together. So it didn’t put a single bit of a dampener on proceedings when they said their vows at The Cowshed in Mpumalanga on a rainy afternoon. Weddings at this venue always have a great mix of casual and country chic, and with a reception filled with proteas and roses, silverware and chandeliers, candelight and cake, that’s exactly the kind of farm charm that we adore. Look out for the Coke can favours (love this idea!) and some beautiful floral bridesmaid dresses among the pretty pics delivered by Lad & Lass.Read More

Elegant Handmade Wedding at The Oaks Estate by Jules Morgan {Jean & Cormac}

by gaby

Ugh you guys, being sick sucks. But while I’m holed up in bed, feeling more than reasonably sorry for myself, at least I can surround myself with pretty weddings, and today’s is a beauty. Jean and Cormac are one of those ‘meant to be’ couples whose love has crossed a couple of oceans, so to celebrate joining their lives, nothing less than the prettiest of South African weddings surrounded by friends and family would do. ‘Frivolously elegant’ is how Jean describes their style (don’t you love that?), from the olive leaf wreaths and the beaded Nguni cow favours, to the mix of paper flowers and proteas, the illustrated table markers, and the bridesmaids’ floral print dresses. There’s such a lovely relaxed feeling about this big day, you can’t help but love it. And even more so when the uber talented Jules Morgan is behind the lens, capturing every shiny happy moment.Read More