Author: gaby

Rustic Pastel Geometric Wedding at Kalmoesfontein by Natural Light Photography {Zarah & Matt}

by gaby

You’ve heard me say it enough times – I just love it when a couple’s wedding style really reflects who they are! And frankly, I can’t think of a better example than today’s lovely wedding, which is a fusion of the bride and groom’s tastes, styles, loves, lifestyle and venue. Even writing the title really made me smile – pastels + rustic + geometric? And I could have added ‘braai’ and ‘boho’ in there too, since Zarah and Matt’s lovely wedding also incorporated those elements, all in a completely charming and seamless way. The end result is bang on trend, but it’s also a true original, and more than that, it’s heartfelt and meaningful and fun (how much do I LOVE, for example, the maypole-style ceremony area?). Which, in my book, pretty much ticks every box on the ‘awesome wedding’ shortlist. Except, of course, for beautiful images – but with Maree Louw of Natural Light Photography on the job, that was a given anyway!Read More

High Fashion Bridesmaid Looks for Less

by gaby

As I flip through the many many wedding blogs and Pinterest accounts and Instagrams (and and and) that I see all day, one thing that always catches my eye is a stylish group of bridesmaids. Admittedly, going fashionable does mean you might be giggling over your choices in ten years, but on the day, your ladies will feel like a million bucks. After all, who doesn’t want to look super haute? Here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend an absolute fortune, with a bit of creativity about both where you shop and what you choose. For example, high street fave Topshop is hardly known for its bridesmaid dresses, but today I’ve rounded up eight lovely gowns under £100 that would work beautifully for a stylish bridal party, along with real wedding, bouquet and beautiful stationery inspiration. High street, high fashion, not-so-high-price. Win.

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Inspiration Board: Sequins & Succulents

by gaby

Happy Monday, lovely friends! And what better way to start a Monday than with a bit of glitter? One of my favourite things in wedding design (okay, design in general) is the pairing of two unexpected elements – a chandelier in a tree, black tie in the bushveld, or – as we have here – sequins and sparkle with the classic of rustic flower design, the humble succulent. In fact, succulents have come a long way since they were associated exclusively with rustic weddings, and now you’ll find them prettying up just about any style of celebration. So whether you’re a rustic bride looking for a bit of sparkle, or a formal one looking for a softer natural touch, this is the perfect combination. *Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Colours: Green, white, taupe, shades of gold

Top row (l-r): Sequin bridesmaids (George Rivera/Nature’s Design); succulent mini cakes (Christa Elyce Photography/Ellanesque Weddings/Sugary + Chic Boutique); succulent centrepiece (Jillian Mitchell Photography)
Row 2: Succulent invitation (Cotton and Ink Wedding); sequin dress; succulent & anemone in mercury glass (Mi Belle Photography/Artisan Events); sequin tablecloth (Esther Sun Photography/At Your Door Events/Flower Allie)
Row 3: Gold succulent (Brandon Kidd/The Little Branch/Lady Liberty Events); succulent bouquet (Maggie Harkov/Meg Savage/Melarosa); boutonniere (Braedon Flynn/XOXO BRIDE/Modern Day Design)

Row 1: Succulent Wedding Invitation Template by Cotton and Ink Wedding | Row 2: Succulent Favors by Mint Studios SD (t0p left); Dusty Mint Succulent Necklace by Morning Heirloom (bottom left); Just Artifacts Speckled Mercury Glass Votive Candle Holders (top right); Grow It Succulents Kit (centre right); Succulent Plants Blank Card Invitation Pack (bottom right) | Row 3: Succulent Sculpture Faux Plant by Waterstone Succulents | Row 4: Sparkly Glitz Sequin Tablecloths Overlay by Prestige Linens (left); Badgley Mischka Draped Sequined Tulle Gown (right)

 

Durban Beachfront Engagement Shoot

by gaby

Next up today, we have a sweet little engagement shoot from Kate van Onselen, which takes place close to my current little ‘hood, on the Durban beachfront. Chelsea (who hails from North Carolina in the US) and local boy James make such an adorable couple, and I especially love the way that Chelsea is rocking a beautiful boho headpiece, but the love and happiness between the couple are rightfully at the centre of these sweet pics. I always say this, but that’s what it’s really all about!Read More

Spanish-inspired Styled Boudoir by Angie Capri

by gaby

There’s nothing I like more than opening up my inbox to find some amazing inspiration, and when I saw this styled session by the fabulous Angie Capri, there was a lot of oohing going on. Angie always shoots beautiful boudoir, but she really takes it up to a whole ‘nother level here, with an absolutely gorgeous palette, original concept, and spectacular images which serve to inspire not just visually, but in bringing confidence to brides to be. I also love how it’s sexy, but very tasteful – if the idea of posing in your undies isn’t for you, it just shows that a boudoir session can be as covered up as you want it to be without losing any of the spark! That’s why, alongside a bath lined with sequins (which let’s be honest, I want to basically live in now), my favourite detail is the mirror calligraphed with the words: ‘Confidence is the most beautiful accessory’. Spot on. That’s exactly true!Read More

20 Wedding Bouquets with Feather Details

by gaby

Oh I do love a good bouquet roundup! I swear, I could browse through pictures of flowers all day. For a boho wedding, there are lots of options – think loose, unstructured bouquets or little posies, wildflowers, proteas, or greenery. But one look I really love because of the extra texture it has to it is the bouquet with feather accents. I’m particularly fond of pheasant feathers (as you’ll see by this roundup, are many floral designers!) but guinea feathers, ostrich, wild turkey… you name it. As always though, I’d urge you to try to ensure that the feathers you use are ethically sourced. That said, here are 20 absolutely beautiful arrangements in an amazing range of colours and styles – pick your favourites to inspire!Read More

Intimate Open Air Wedding at Groot Constantia by Marli Koen {Sarah & Kyle}

by gaby

You know, some of my favourite stories about weddings are about the way that a community (even in our modern age) responds to a bride and groom – for example, the way all the neighbours came out to wave my friend Lee off to her ceremony, for example, or the spontaneous applause that can greet a couple during a city photo shoot. It reminds me of the way that in a European village wedding, the bride and groom might walk from church to reception with their guests following behind and strangers cheering them on – a happy and triumphant parade. Today’s wedding reminds me of that spirit a lot – you can almost feel the sense of community at Sarah and Kyle’s wedding in these lovely pictures by Marli Koen, as well as the couple’s togetherness as they see each other for the first look and couple shoot, greet their guests, collect their waiting retinue, and walk down the aisle together. Their friends and family surround them, leaning in to hear their words of love, and afterwards, under the leafy shade on South Africa’s oldest wine estate, there’s the fluttering of fans, the drinking of wine, and the joy of a love story long in the making come to fruition. I also have to mention how much I love the lasercut pincushion proteas in coloured bottles on each table – such a sweet and fun South African detail!Read More

Boho Bridal Accessories from Bo & Luca

by gaby

I don’t know about you, but whenever I see a bride in a gorgeous chain or jewel headpiece, it stops me in my tracks. They’re so… goddessy. Which should totally be a word, Oxford. But where to find these boho beauties? I was thrilled to discover that one of my favourite labels, Bo & Luca, is just such a place, and with a Cape Town store, I’m sure we’ll be seeing lots more of these lovelies making their way down the aisle in SA this season. So of course I had to share some pretty pictures with you all, because pretty pictures and awesome accessories (and alliteration, apparently) are just my THING.Read More

Green & Gold Wedding Inspiration by Mint Photography

by gaby

Here in South Africa, we love our green and gold – for us it isn’t just a pretty colour combo, but the one our sportsmen wear, two of the colours from our flag, colours of the green land we call home and the gold that runs through its veins deep beneath the earth. So I can’t actually think of a better palette for a South African wedding than this one, but just because you pick green and gold doesn’t mean your wedding has to end up looking like game day at Ellis Park. In fact, if you’re lucky, it might look a little like today’s breathtakingly gorgeous editorial, which comes to us all the way from Austin, Texas, and a very talented group of wedding pros there who put it together. It’s the perfect mix of rustic and romantic, and has a cosy glow that makes it an elegant choice for an autumn or winter wedding. From the lush greenery arch to the groupings of gold-dipped candles and gold wax-sealed stationery, from the amazing wood-textured cake to the bride’s oh-so-delicate beaded crown, and most especially the dreamy film photography from Kelly at Mint Photography, this is pure inspiration.Read More

Sandals for Beach & Boho Brides

by gaby

A beach or boho bride may ideally be a barefoot bride, but let’s be honest, even the most down-to-earth bridal style probably calls for soles for at least some of the time (pulling thorns out of your feet on the way down the aisle? not a good look). Fortunately, there’s an easy solution: a pair of pretty sandals which will not only look fabulous under your flowy frock, but can be worn again on honeymoon and countless other occasions after the big day (which isn’t something you can say about all bridal footwear). Flat sandals have come such a long way since I was young, and now even the big designers produce stunning slip-slops as part of their collections. That’s not to say you have to spend a fortune though – as you’ll see below, we’ve rounded up a set of 15 gorgeous shoes in a variety of price ranges. The only tough part is choosing a favourite!

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Top image: Emily Wren/BHLDN via Ruffled 

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