Author: gaby

Why Have a Smaller Wedding?

by gaby

You’ve probably gathered by now that our ‘theme’ for April is intimate weddings, and I have to say, I am super excited to be focusing on this wedding style in many of our posts over the next few weeks. Everything from elopements to destination weddings to surprise weddings to smaller soirees of 75 guests or less – there’s a lot of wiggle room under that ‘intimate wedding’ banner, so it really suits all kinds of couples and budgets. But before we get into the nitty gritty, I thought I’d answer the question: what exactly makes small weddings rock? Because they definitely do. So here are my Top 10 reasons why you should consider a bijoux bash for your own Big (little) Day.Read More

Bohemian Glamour Wedding at The Glades by Fiona Clair {Jean & Brett}

by gaby

Hot damn, am I ever excited to share this wedding with you! The first time I saw it, I pretty much mailed photographer Fiona Clair straight away saying: “no seriously, that’s a styled shoot, right?” And she laughed and reassured me that it was, in fact, a real wedding full of real (albeit ridiculously beautiful) people, and that the couple were awesome and head over heels in love, and the whole day was filled with the kind of feeling and joy that you just can’t fake in a photo shoot. Look beyond the incredible wedding dress (OMG that dress!) and the fashion forward forest fairy bridesmaids and the ombre aisle and the forest fairytale decor, and you’ll see that it’s true. This is a wedding that’s beautiful on both the inside and the outside – captured to perfection by Fiona’s breathtaking pictures. A special huge thank you shout-out to the lovely Jean for finding time to answer our questions as a new mum – and congrats on your little one!Read More

Marsala Romance by Nyx Photography {Plus Poached Figs in Red Wine Recipe}

by gaby

Happy Thursday, lovely friends! It feels like the long weekend has already begun, but we have lots more inspiration to bring to your pretty faces first. Yay! I’ve been looking forward to sharing this particular shoot for a while – and it’s in this year’s hottest colour, Marsala! Okay, I have mixed feelings about Marsala, but I definitely don’t have mixed feelings about how lovely the Marsala tones look on this particular tablescape and dashing couple. The team behind the shoot, including Natalie Loots of Nyx Photography and Colleen from Lieflingkind Design, used natural berry shades from fruits like pomegranates and grapes, alongside the loveliest watercolour-style stationery – and of course, lush Marsala blooms, and dresses for the ‘bride’. The end result feels a little baroque without being over the top, and has a lovely sense of natural abundance. Plus! Natalie sent over a recipe for the figs – just for you!Read More

Romantic Boho Wedding at Nooitgedacht by Vanilla Photography {Marisa & Anees}

by gaby

After a month of boho goodness, it seems only appropriate to close March out with a wedding that has a beautiful boho element to it, and Marisa and Anees’ is just that and so much more! From the sparkly table linens to the lush flowers and the gorgeous ceremony arch, it has romance written all over it, and then that little hint of bohemian chill in the form of a teepee breakout area and the bride’s reception style. I LOVE IT. And what makes this one extra special for me is hearing the couple’s incredible love story – talk about happy accidents conspiring to bring two people together! Marisa is actually a wedding photographer herself in the US, so it’s no wonder that beautiful images were an important part of her South African wedding, and she put them in the very capable and talented hands of Vanilla Photography – with perfect results.Read More

Supplier Spotlight: Whichgoose Flower Crowns

by gaby

If you loved the look of bridesmaids in flower crowns that we shared last week, but don’t necessarily want to work with fresh flowers, then you’ll love today’s supplier spotlight. Of course, these lil’ beauties are great for brides too, or for festivals, or for parties, or just for sitting around watching Suits and feeling pretty. Whichgoose is a fab Etsy store with all kinds of little treasures, most notably for me the collection of hairpieces and crowns. They ship internationally from the US, which means that South African brides can get orders within about 2-3 weeks, so be sure to build that in to your order time. Let’s take a look, shall we? Just click on any of the images below to be taken to the item listing on Etsy.Read More

Inspiration Board: Lavender, Peach & Emerald

by gaby

Goodness but I love this colour combo! Seriously, isn’t it beautiful and fresh? The deep cool of emerald green (adding a touch of formality), softly feminine purple and lavender, and sweet peach, along with cool white. Purple-loving brides take note, because this would be absolutely gorgeous for a range of weddings. As always, I love colours brought out through natural elements, so include lots of emerald foliage in your decor – you could even have green garlands only on your tables. Dress your girls in flowing lavender gowns, and serve peachy bellinis with lavender decorations. Then just add a few more whimsical touches – a floral arch or chandelier for your ceremony, illustrated stationery, a lacy cake. Perfect!

Colours: Lavender, purple, peach, white & emerald green

Top row (l-r): Bride {Brett Heidebrecht}; bouquet {Justen Clay Photography}; peach lace cake {Michael & Anna Costa/Joy de Vivre Wedding Design & Coordination/Sweet & Saucy Shop}
Row 2: Bridesmaids {Reverie Supply/For Her and For Him}; tablescape {Rylee Hitchner/Cloth of Gold/Ginny Au/Amy Osaba}; peach cocktails {Simply Bloom Photography, LLC/La Fleur Weddings}
Row 3: Foliage arch {Mint Photography/Pink Parasol Designs and Coordinating/Bristol Lane Florals}; posey bouquet {E. Ribant photography}; menu {Joy Michelle Photography/Anchor Point Press}; bride in juliet cap veil

 

Honeymoon Inspiration: Top 10 Glamping Honeymoons

by gaby

All this month we’ve been showcasing boho wedding content, but this afternoon, we’re turning our attention to boho honeymoons, and I can’t think of a more appropriate answer for nature-loving gypsy types than glamping. In case you’ve not heard the term before, glamping (glamorous camping) is a huge trend in travel at the moment, combining all the best things about camping with a hefty touch of luxury as well as eco-friendly credentials. Think leaving the city behind you, fresh air, exercise, the sun on your face and sleeping under the stars. But without: fighting over how to pitch the tent, rocks in your back, long walks in the dark to find a bathroom, breaking camp in the rain. (Basically, all the reasons I do not camp.) There are some SERIOUSLY cool places to glamp around the world – some close to home, some further away – and today I’m rounding up ten of my favourites, all of which would be perfect for a honeymoon break. Get ready to be inspired! PS: Did you know that if you book your trip via Expedia and become an Expedia+ Rewards member, you’ll save 10% or more just by logging in? WIN.
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Blair Nadeau 2015 Yester-year Collection

by gaby

Happy Friday, lovelies! What do you have in store for the weekend? With the sun out in a big way in Durban, I suspect I am going to spend most of it glued to the side of the pool. But first, it’s time to share some more lovely fashion inspiration, and today it comes to you in the form of Canadian milliner Blair Nadeau‘s latest collection. Which just happens to fit beautifully into our boho month – especially with this styled shoot photographed by Whitney Heard, which is all kinds of boho gorgeous! Be sure to check out the Blair Nadeau Etsy store to order some of these lovelies.Read More

Fairy Light Fairytale Wedding at Ashanti Estate by Tiffany B. {Nicole & Kyle}

by gaby

There’s nothing quite like the twinkle of fairy lights is there? Maybe it’s a bit of nostalgia for childhood Christmases, or the way they look like little stars or fireflies, but whenever I see a curtain of lights, it makes me happy. For today’s bride and groom, those twinkles set off their softly glamorous palette of golds, creams, greys and greens, and created a beautiful intimacy at their sparkly reception. But the real sparkle was in Nicole and Kyle’s eyes, as they promised one another their love and lives under a canopy of trees, posed with their bridal party, or danced the night away with their guests. Perfect! The lovely Tiffany B. was on the scene to capture every happy moment.Read More

Bridesmaids in Flower Crowns

by gaby

Can you believe it was only a few years ago that flower crowns were a bit of a rarity in weddings? Now they’re as much of an option for most brides as any veil. But why should the bride get to have all the fun? Flower crowns for bridesmaids are a growing trend, and boy are they pretty. Whether you go for a subtle spray or a statement ring of roses, it can turn a simple bridesmaid look into something really special. So as usual, I’ve rounded up some of my absolute favourite examples from around the wedding web.Read More