Author: gaby

Inspiration Board: Song of the Sea

by gaby

There’s just something about the sea that’s mesmerising, isn’t there? It’s good for the soul. So what better place to join two lives, than with the saltwater air swirling around you, and the sound of the tides at your back? Today’s board was inspired by the truly romantic side of beach weddings, by shipwrecks and mermaids and sirens, by tempests and treasure. And with silvery blues making waves right now (pun intended), it’s also the perfect palette for a contemporary, memorable celebration.

Colours: Cerulean, seafoam, silver & grey

Top row (l-r): Seaglass escort cards (Keith Morrison); vintage tray with calligraphy (Kyle John Photography/Linn P. Wheeler/Jenna Blazevich); sparkly wedding dress
Row 2: Oyster ring box (Samantha Melanson Photography/BHLDN); blue table decor (Melanie Gabrielle/Ever After Floral Design); hydrangea shell bouquet (mdsfloraldesigns.com)
Row 3: De Havilland Wedding Gown by Gibson Bespoke (Image: Tamara Lichtenstein); watercolour invitation suite (Elisa Bricker/Mallory Joyce/Julie Song Ink); silver wedding dress (Elie Saab)

Row 1: De Havilland Wedding Gown by Gibson Bespoke (Image: Tamara Lichtenstein) | Row 2: Euro Ceramica Fez Wine/Water Goblet Glasses (left); Sea Glass Place Cards by Letters from Eden (right) | Row 3: Sea Glass Inspired Table Numbers by Forever Whitney Young (left); Vintage Clam Shell Jewellery Dish from Lacuna Shop (right) | Row 4: Mermaid of Honor Bachelorette Tattoo by Tats4now (left); Grey Pillar Candles (right) | Row 5: Custom Dyed Silk Table Runner by Pompom Blossom | Row 6: Rainbow Angel Aura Raw Crystal Hair Comb by The Fawn & the Sparrow (left); Custom Hand-Painted Wedding Invitation Suite: Ocean by Brush and Nib Studio (right)

 

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15 DIY Table Number Ideas

by gaby

diy wedding table numbers

*UPDATED FOR 2021* Table numbers – most couples need ’em, but how to make them so they’re just as pretty as everything else on your table? Well, DIY brides and grooms, your answer is right here. I’ve rounded up fifteen of the prettiest, most original DIY table numbers here today – all you need to do is click through on the links to find the full tutorials, and get crafting! There’s something here for all kinds of weddings: rustic, woodland, elegant, classic, modern, botanical, vintage. Which is your favourite? (And just in case you don’t have the time to make these yourself, I’ve also included links to some ready-made wedding table numbers from Etsy.)

*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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An English Country Garden Styled Shoot by josie photography

by gaby

It’s time for some Friday prettiness folks, courtesy of the lovely Josie of josie photography. This sweet little styled shoot was inspired by the legend of Camelot, and it really does have an idyllic English country garden feeling – you can just imagine Arthur and Guinevere prancing about in these green and pleasant surroundings. But more than that, there’s some fresh inspiration for rustic brides in the real world too – gorgeous flowers in the perfect spring or summer palette, soft botanical touches, and of course a bride crowned with flowers. And hello, proteas. We just can’t get enough of them this week, it seems! :)Read More

Urban Bohemian Styled Couple Shoot by Page & Holmes

by gaby

Who says you can’t find the peace and serenity of the countryside in the heart of the city? I’m over the moon about the way today’s super romantic couple shoot combines urban – even industrial-style – locations with soft bohemian style, and of course, a healthy dose of love and romance! Jonty and Melissa are an absolutely adorable couple – they’ve been married since 2012 but decided to dress up again for a couple shoot, and drafted in the talented team at Page & Holmes to capture it on film. There’s an element of styled shoot here too, with Melissa wearing a gorgeous gown from White Lilly Bridal, and a spectacular fynbos floral crown on her pretty head. Combined with Jonty’s sharp suit, it’s a great look for their pictures – and for a wedding!Read More

20 Gorgeous Protea Bouquets

by gaby

Ah proteas. The love affair that just keeps on going. Everytime I think I might have seen enough protea bouquets to last a lifetime (and let’s be honest, as the editor of a South African wedding blog, I’ve seen a LOT), I see just one more that melts my heart. Not to mention that everytime I buy myself one of these blooms, I spend hours looking at it. Proteas are just so cool. And that’s how you should feel about your wedding flowers, right? So I thought it was high time I did another roundup of gorgeous protea bouquets. Good luck picking a favourite – they’re all so lovely! And remember, you can find all my latest protea finds on our Protea Bouquet & Centrepieces Pinterest board.

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Dreamy Safari Wedding at Karongwe Game Reserve by Rensche Mari {Lizel & Guy}

by gaby

You don’t need me to tell you again how much I love the South African bushveld – as Ernest Hemingway said: “I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and was not happy.” This wedding has everything I love about the bushveld – the soft, dreamy colour palette, the rustic setting, amazing animal sightings, colour, laughter, joy – and most of all, the sense of serenity that only comes under a great big starry African sky. Of course, a wedding like that needs a photographer to do it justice, and Rensche Mari does just that – these pics are super gorgeous, and show off every pretty detail of Lizel and Guy’s beautiful big day. Grab a G&T and enjoy!Read More

Pillow Fight Engagement Shoot by Kallah Ohr

by gaby

Oh we have a treat of an engagement shoot to share this afternoon! A bed, in a field, and a pillow fight. Need  say more? So ridiculously fun! Add in some thunder clouds, and of course the magnetic connection between Tanya and Johann, and you have all the ingredients for an epic session. The fab Kallah Ohr was on the scene to capture these  beautiful images.Read More

Darling Floral Wedding at Towerbosch by Moira West {Monya & Dawid}

by gaby

I’ve heard of a runaway bride, but instead of turning in her running shoes, today’s happy wife-to-be wore hers down the aisle, the better to run to her waiting groom! So adorable, and indicative of the love and joy that really shines out from this beautiful wedding, captured by one of our fave photographers, Moira West. Add in some lush florals (including our much beloved protea), a super romantic and pretty two-piece peachy wedding dress, and a few sweet surprises along the way, and you have the most gorgeous country wedding on a summer afternoon. Sigh.Read More

Phase Eight Spring/Summer 2015

by gaby

Gorgeous dress alert! Phase Eight havebrought out their 8 Bridal collection of wedding dresses, and I just had to share the brand new lookbook with you today. This sophisticated UK label really has something for everything in their bijou range, whether you’re a classic, vintage or contemporary bride. Short or long, sparkle or lace – I think everyone will find a favourite. Mine is Hope (pictured above), a spectacular beaded and embellished 1920s-inspired gown, with a sheer blouson top and sweet little train (total steal at £595, no?). It’s details like this that raise Phase Eight from high street to high fashion. And the best part is that the gowns are available online from different retailers, so South African brides don’t have to miss out. Winner winner, chicken dinner.Read More

Inspiration Board: Parisian Pastel

by gaby

Happy Monday, lovelies! Valentine’s may be over, but we’re heading to the city of love for our inspiration today. I just love the combination of blush, dove grey and champagne, especially because it’s like the pastel version of mixed metallics. The perfect combination of soft and glamorous. Which is pretty much perfect for a Paris-inspired wedding. Throw in a beautiful croquembouche, a lush bouquet, rosé champagne, a chic topknot and (my favourite detail) bridesmaids carrying clutches instead of flowers, and you have the most romantic take on city glamour imaginable. And the best part? You don’t have to be wed in Paris to pull it off.

Colours: Blush, dove grey, champagne, white

Top row (l-r): Bridesmaids’ clutches {Davie and Chiyo/Desy Cheng}; stationery suite {Jen Fariello/Easton Events/Erika Jack}; bride with top knot {Kali Lu Photo/Cara Aeschliman/Kae + Ales}
Row 2: Croquembouche cake {Rebecca Yale Portraits}; silver heels {Vicki Grafton Photography}; Paris buildings
Row 3: Chanel perfume {Le Secret D’Audrey/Luxe Paris Events}; bouquet {Jose Villa}; grey ring box {The Mrs Box/Jose Villa}; champagne {Meg Smith}