Author: gaby

Vineyard Glamour Wedding at Lanzerac by Fiona Clair {Nita & Noël}

by gaby

We adore every wedding we feature here on SBB, but some of them really lodge themselves in the heart and memory, and I have a feeling that today’s is going to be one of those. Especially if the heart palpitations I had when photographer Fiona Clair sent it over for the first time are any indication. Let’s start with the obvious: Nita’s incredible, whimsical, champagne-coloured, sparkle-encrusted, floor-length-sequined wedding gown by Stefania Morland. Because it. is. breathtaking. And I especially love that she’s paired it with an over-the-top rustic ceremony headdress, and a more subtle (but just as pretty) version for the rest of the day. For me, everything else kind of flows from there – soft candlelight, elegant table arrangements (including low topiaries and high statement towers of tulips, all in modern black glass and crystal), a composite bouquet, the palette (black, white and gold with a touch of purple), calligraphed place names, a gold and white cake. And all looking like a Vogue spread thanks to the gorgeous photos of SBB fave Fiona Clair. Take a deep breath, and dive on in.Read More

For Love & Lemons Bridal Lingerie Collection 2015

by gaby

Afternoon, lovelies! As part of our month of natural beauty, we’ll be looking at all the little bits and pieces that go into making a bride look her best on that all-important wedding day – and night. That includes lingerie, so today we’re showcasing the new bridal collection from trendy LA label For Love & Lemons, a favourite of stars such as Ellie Goulding. This series of dreamy lookbook shots is so pretty that they also serve as beautiful boudoir inspiration, for those of you considering a shoot. Whether you’re after something fun like the ‘I do’ or ‘Wifey’ knickers, or something super sexy like the Honeymoon thong, garter and bra set, you’ll be inspired – my fave is the lacey little ‘Yours Truly’ lace robe – and I’ll bet your man will love it too, wink wink.Read More

Inspiration Board: Rose Gold & Greenery

by gaby

Good morning lovely ones! I am back (and rested, after passing out for ten hours last night) from the loveliest hen weekend for my beautiful friend Michelle in Clarens – so fun! I just love a good hen – it’s such an awesome chance to catch up with old friends, meet new ones, and spoil the bride before her big day. And if budget permits, a weekend away is the best. Especially in such a gorgeous place – now I see why so many of y’all have chosen it for your weddings. ANYWAY, I’m kicking off the week with another inspiration board, this time combining stark white and rich greenery with the elegant warmth of rose gold. Delightful.

Colours: Emerald green, white & rose gold

Top row (l-r): Laser cut chair sign {Host and Toast Studio}; dress with dipped sequin effect {Truvelle}; porcelain envelopes {Red Raven Studios}
Row 2: Table setting {Ben Q. Photography/Lindsey Zamora Wedding Styling + Design/The Southern Table}; rose gold engagement ring {Suzanne Kalan}; flower girls {Jose Villa}; leaf sash {Something Ivory}Row 3: Candles {Kae & Ales}; bride & groom {Jose Villa/Laurie Arons/Sarah Winward}; shoes {Sarah Postma Photography/J Crew}; candles & greenery {Jose Villa Photography/Brooke Keegan Weddings And Events/Holly Flora}

Let’s just take another look at that amazing wedding dress, shall we? It’s called Sierra, and is from the Truvelle collection (see our feature on it here), which just happens to be available in South Africa at the LOCA Vintage Bridal Lounge in PE. Sierra has a dreamy chiffon overlay that melts into rose gold sequins, creating the most gorgeous ‘dipped in glitter’ effect. Swoonage.

 

Boho Berry Boudoir

by gaby

Morning lovely ones! We’re starting off our day today with some boudoir inspiration that really encompasses the idea of natural beauty to me. Our subject looks so comfy, so happy and so beautiful! And she’s surrounded by gorgeous nature, and the most delicious light – spectacularly captured by photographer Angie Capri. The other things about it I adore, are the deep berry/jewel palette that comes through in the flowers, both bouquet and floral crown, which I think makes a drop dead amazing colour scheme for a wedding, as well as the ‘bride’s’ awesome curly hair.Read More

DIY Beauty Gifts for Bridesmaids

by gaby

I remember when I was little – every Christmas my mom would go to Woolies and pick out little gifts for her girl friends – sniffing all the different flavours of soap and talcum powder (do they even still make this?) and hand cream. I loved helping her, but I didn’t totally get why she would buy them all something similar when she was such a thoughtful gift giver – it seemed like a token gift. Roll on adulthood, and I totally got it. Because when you give someone you love a little something for bath and body, what you’re really giving them is a moment of personal indulgence, an excuse to pamper themselves, a tiny break from the rigours of daily life. Personally, I really love getting little pamper gifts and for a while I’ve been wanting to try making them (because something homemade is always extra special). As it happens, I think these would also make great budget-friendly bridesmaid gifts, especially if you make up a basket for each of your girls to let them know how much you appreciate all the spoiling they’ve been giving you. Here are 15 fab DIY tutorials that will help you do just that.Read More

Sweetly Sophisticated Wedding at Waverly Hills by Christine le Roux {Lozaan & Jurgens}

by gaby

Since we’re spending the month talking about natural beauty, is there anything lovelier than a tulip? I think it must be one of the most elegant creatures in the garden – clean lines, pure colour, and the feel of summer coming. Definitely one of my personal favourites, and I always take notice when I see tulips in a wedding – often it denotes a couple with a simple but elegant sense of style. Chic, contemporary, but unfussy. That’s just what we have today, in this beautiful wedding by Christine le Roux. A palette of pure white, green and navy, spectacular vineyard setting – oh, and a silver Porsche (the perfect sophisticated touch, and I’m sure a favourite detail of the groom’s!) Let’s take a little peek, shall we?Read More

20 Adorable Love Story Wedding Invitations

by gaby

I am definitely not what you’d call an early adopter. I’m not the person queuing up to get a new iPhone, and it would scare you to know how long it took me to get a flat screen. It’s a policy that actually works really well for me, because usually I miss out on all the early tech problems and bugs, and by the time I get round to buying something, there’s a shinier version for the first adopters, so I get a better price. (I’m sounding like an old woman now, aren’t I? Oh well.) Sometimes, with wedding trends, it’s the same. There’s something new and hot and awesome, and then over the following couple of years, the trend doesn’t die away, it just stops being hot news on wedding blogs. But the good news is, meanwhile more people get involved in becoming suppliers of that thing, which gives you a lot more choice (and more options for your budget). A couple of years ago, love story infographic invitations were HUGE news – I wrote this post about them, which has remained one of the most popular on SBB (and that shows how many of you all still love this sweet idea). I also still think they’re completely adorable and a very personal way of celebrating your history together (setting a great tone for your wedding day), but I was glad to see when revisiting them recently that now there are loads of options when it comes to designs, designers – and price points, based on how much of the story and design is customised, and whether you buy a printable PDF or fully printed invites. So, why not consider one of these suites for your big day? As Taylor Swift would say: It’s a love story… baby, just say yes.Read More

Inspiration Board: Love Rocks

by gaby

So, talking of natural beauties (as we are this month), there’s a lovely little trend in weddings at the moment for crystals and geodes and everything semi-precious. From table decor to favours to stationery, I for one am absolutely loving it – such a mixture of elegant glamour and natural, organic beauty. For today’s geology-themed board, I’ve combined soft green and pink with grey, silver and gold. The result manages to be both earthy and ethereal. I love it!
*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Colours: Mint, blush, grey, silver & gold

Top row (l-r): Engagement ring in geode (Blush Wedding Photography/Delovely Creative); protea and succulents (Apryl Ann Photography/Stefanie Miles Events/Bows & Arrows); crystal escort cards (Laura Gordon Photography)
Row 2: Geode invitation suite (Minted); agate table number (Leo Patrone/Honey of Thousand Flowers/Print in Cursive); ring; centrepiece with crystals (Apryl Ann Photography/Stefanie Miles Events/Bows & Arrows)
Row 3: Cake with crystal topper (Taylor Lord/Lindsey Zamora); bride in mint dress (Morgan Lamkin/Elizabeth Dye); marquee reception (Adam Barnes Fine Art Photography/Just A Little Ditty)

Let’s take a closer look at that invitation suite (by Kaydi Bishop on Minted) shall we? So pretty. And it comes in a bunch of lovely colours.

Row 1, 2 & 3: Geode invitation suite from Minted | Row 4: Raw Geode Crystal Earrings by Gemologies (left); Rose Quartz Crystals by Throwin Stones (right) | Row 5: Natural Agate Bookends (for Table Numbers) by The Hollow Geode (left); Natural Sugar Rock Candy by The Sweet Party Shop (right) | Row 6: Light Grey Agate Escort Cards by Hello Posh | Row 7: Florence Skirt in Mint by Sweet Caroline Styles (left); Herkimer Diamond Engagement Ring by Camila Estrela (right)

 

Anna Campbell Spirit Collection

by gaby

Oh it’s been a funny old week… I won’t get into it here, but let’s just say that I’d like to end it off with something pretty. The good news is that that’s exactly what I have for you today, in the form of Anna Campbell‘s hot of the press newest collection. I’m a huge fan of this Australian designer – the slinky feminine silhouettes, the floaty skirts, the spectacular embellishments – and can’t wait to see them come to South Africa. For now, let’s pour ourselves a cup of something hot, sit back and fall into a pretty reverie…Read More

From Catwalk to Aisle: 10 Key Beauty Trends for 2015

by gaby

Hello lovelies! This month may be about natural beauty, but we all know that sometimes we need a little extra to enhance that beauty on our wedding day (although, hooray, minimal barefaced makeup is totally a trend now too, which will please you natural brides). The catwalks are always a great place to start looking for the next looks in hair and makeup as well as the fashion itself, and some of the most recent fashion week trends also happen to translate beautifully to brides. Some not so much (I can’t see anyone donning coloured leather strips on their lids or Rodarte-style eyebrow piercings, although you never know). Here are 10 key trends for you to consider for your own Big Day look.Read More