Author: gaby

How to Find a Maternity Wedding Dress

by gaby

Nude White Sequin Maternity Wedding Dress by Agneshka Maternity

*UPDATED FOR 2021* We talk wedding dresses a lot here on SBB, but there’s one type that we’ve never really covered before, and that’s maternity wedding dresses, aka gowns for pregnant brides. Now I think a bride never looks more beautiful than when she has that gorgeous mama-t0-be glow, but at the same time, I imagine it’s a bit of a challenge to find the perfect maternity wedding dress when you’re not a hundred percent sure what your body is going to be doing between that first try-on and the big day. You’re dealing with a whole new body shape, basically, and it’s hard enough for us to flatter the one we normally have, right? It’s your wedding day, and you want to look amazing, not like you’ve been swaddled in a big white mumu, or squeezed into something that shows every lump and bump either.  Choosing a maternity wedding dress is definitely a unique challenge, but fortunately help is at hand! Read on as we answer all your questions on finding the gown of your dreams when you’re dressing for two.

*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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Romantic Country-Chic Wedding at Orchards by Crystal Malloy {Julia & Geoff}

by gaby

Don’t you just hate people who tell you that rain on your wedding day is a blessing? Because, come on, everyone’s hoping for a dry day for their nuptials (even if it is lucky). But here’s what I can honestly say from both personal experience and featuring hundreds of weddings on the blog: some of the best weddings happen on the days that the heavens open. I don’t know if it’s the fun photo oppportunities or the feeling of intimacy that develops, or maybe it’s just a bit of devil-may-care attitude that creeps in when the best laid plans have to be abandoned and everyone just relaxes and remembers what really matters. Whatever it is, I’m a fan, and today’s wedding just goes to prove my point. While Julia and Geoff didn’t have a downpour, there was enough of a spatter to get the umbrellas out and create that beautiful cold, clear light that rain brings with it, which streamed in through the windows at their ceremony, and made their country chic decor at their reception in shades of pink, purple, coral and red look even more pretty and inviting. I love the colourful touches that make it all work together, from the stunning bouquet to the berry-shaded bridesmaid dresses, and every lovely moment was captured to perfection by Crystal Malloy. We don’t have the bride’s words to share today, so instead let’s just sit back and let the pictures tell the story themselves.Read More

Bridal Beauty Timeline

by gaby

Hello lovelies! When you’re putting together your plans and timelines ahead of your wedding, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s all about those practical things – the bookings, the logistics, the budgets. Or even the creative ones – the palettes, the pretties, the DIYs. But it’s also about you. Unless you’re a supermodel, you probably don’t fall out of bed looking the way you want to on your wedding day, and some of the beauty regimens and prep work need to be started months or weeks in advance, just as much as any dressmaking or stationery ordering. To make it easy for you, as we love to do, we’ve created a printable, tick-off-able timeline just for you! Now, let me be clear. At SBB we believe that the most beautiful bride is one who is the best version of herself. We’ll never tell you that you need to starve yourself, or change your appearance, or even wear a ton of makeup if that isn’t your style. You want to look like YOU – after all, that’s the person your fiance fell in love with, right? So take all of this with a pinch of self-awareness. You do not need to bleach your teeth or shape your eyebrows or get a self-tan before your wedding day. But if you want to, I’ve included those things on the list, so that you can plan ahead. Let’s get planning, shall we?Read More

Persy Bridal Spring 2016

by gaby

One of my happiest memories as a little girl is going to watch the ballet – I was just swept away by all those beautiful costumes, and the perfect fluidity of bodies in motion. I still love ballet – I just wish I went to see it more often. So when I saw designer Yaniv Persy‘s latest collection had a touch of the ballet about it, it immediately had my attention, and that was even before I fell in love with the ethereal draping, the magically intricate bodices, and the clever little details. Earlier this year we introduced you to the first collection from Persy Bridal, and I’m super excited to share the Spring 2016 collection from this hot couture label – every dress of which will have a bride feeling like the prima ballerina.Read More

Organic Jewel Tone Wedding at Roodezand by Heather Steyn Photography {Yolandi & Benjamin}

by gaby

So unfortunately we’ve had some site downtime the last couple of days (hopefully now all sorted), and as a result, there’s a ton of stuff I’m dying to share with you, so today is going to be a particularly busy day on SBB. And we’re kicking it off with an absolutely beautiful jewel-toned wedding, with flowers that just took my breath away when I saw them (that bouquet!), a gold cake, and a spectacular wedding dress that just happens to be created from the bride’s grandmother’s vintage gown – so special! Benjamin and Yolandi are the most adorable couple, and they incorporated all their favourite colours and textures into their ‘loveleigh’ day – a day that was as cozy and intimate as it was gorgeous – making it not only lovely to look at, but personal and memorable too. Heather Steyn had no shortage of sweet moments to capture.Read More

Ruffled Bridesmaid Dresses

by gaby

We already know that you brideys love a bit of ruffle on their wedding gowns (and their wedding cakes, for that matter) – and why wouldn’t you? Ruffles are awesome. But I also LOVE me some ruffly bridesmaids dresses! Whether it’s just a little bit of a rosette detail on a colour or cuff, a softly ruffled chiffon number, or a full scale ruffly skirt or dress, it always catches the eye. It’s the texture, of course – and I also think that ruffles have a bit of whimsy and romance to them. A bit of Parisian froufrou maybe? I don’t know. Whatever it is, I thought it was high time we got some inspiration, both from real brides, and from our favourite shops.Read More

Inspiration Board: The Oyster & the Pearl

by gaby

Can you seriously handle the fact that we’re heading towards the end of June you guys? Time is running way too fast in my 30s. But before the month comes to an end, I thought I would create a little board inspired by the month’s birthstone, the pearl. The colours of nature are always so inspiring, and the beautifully subtle pastels lights and colours in a pearl are like a reflection of a seaside sunset – plus, they make for a really serene and pretty wedding colour scheme. And along with the sophisticated pearl, why not add in a bit of natural rustic with oyster shells? There are so many creative ways to include them – calligraphed escort ‘cards’, cake topper, place marker, invitation. Add a gorgeous pair of earrings, and I think the combination is just lovely.

Colours: Pastel pink, blue, grey & oyster

Top row: Shoes {Kate Holstein}; invitation {Greer G Photography/Tying the Knot Wedding Coordination/Tupelo Honey}; pearl earrings {Ernest Jones}
Row 2: Oyster shell with pearl; cake with shell topper {Joseba Sandoval/Cake Couture}; oyster shell votives {jose villa/joy thigpen}
Row 3: Oyster shell escort tags {Hunter Ryan Photography/Elleson Events/Laura Hooper Calligraphy}; bridesmaid dresses {June Cochran Photography/Amsale}; place setting {Jessica Lorren/Sarah Tucker Events}

Those pretty earrings come from Ernest Jones, who just happen to have a huge half price sale on at the moment, so be sure to check that out:

Ernest Jones

 

How to Choose a Wedding Hair & Makeup Artist

by gaby

In an alternative life, I think I would have loved to be a makeup artist. You wouldn’t know it from my au naturel look most days (the fact that makeup slides down my face in tropical Durbs makes that a necessity), but I used to absolutely love reading about and trying out new looks and products. So when I get the chance to watch an artist at work on a shoot, or better yet be pampered and have my hair and makeup done for me, I love it. It’s amazing to me how gorgeous these talented pros can make all of us look, using their skills to bring out our natural highlights and make brides look like red carpet starlets on the aisle. But for me, one of the best things I’ve seen hair & makeup pros do for brides is give them a sense of relaxation at the time when they need it most – after all, when the nerves are really starting to kick in, it’s their hands you’re putting yourself in. That’s why it’s so important that the person you pick has to be the right one – someone you feel comfortable with, can communicate easily with, and most of all, who you trust to do a great job. Read More

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Long & Loose

by gaby

We can’t talk beauty this month without talking hair, and since we’re all about the natural beauty in June, I thought it was only appropriate that we looked at some long & loose wedding styles. I’m personally a huge fan of the updo, but in real life, when I talk to my friends, they almost always tell me they’re thinking of a down do, often because their fiance prefers their hair down. And I have to say, after squizzing through many luscious long styles to put this roundup together (as well as having seen many of my friends radiant with natural hair in real life), I’m a bit of a convert – I honestly think brides should look the best version of themselves, and if an updo isn’t ‘you’, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t rock a glammed up version of your favourite style. So here we go – get ready for some top level hairography!Read More

Rustic Drakensberg Wedding at Dalmore Guest Farm by Casey Pratt Photography {Kelly & Duncan}

by gaby

It’s sweet little rustic weddings with a big heart like this one that really make me melt. Kelly and Duncan chose a venue for their wedding that isn’t even an actual function venue (although you wouldn’t know by the fantastic show of hospitality that Dalmore put on for the couple). Rather, it’s a place that’s close to their hearts, a country getaway where they feel relaxed and happy, and where they could bring their guests to experience the same, among the spectacular scenery of the Natal Drakensberg. Add in some DIY rustic detailing, a few Madiba proteas (wow, but they’re gorgeous, aren’t they?) and a glam lace dress for the bride, and you have the perfect lil’ mix for a wonderful day. Casey Pratt captured every lovely moment from behind the lens.Read More