It’s been a week of pretty here on SBB, and we’re ending it off the same way – although pretty doesn’t seem enough of a word for this bridal inspiration from Anandi Photography, which just stopped me in my tracks. It’s full of movement and wild beauty, and the way that the incredible Simoné Couture gown interacts with the backdrop of the Strand beach at twilight is something almost… otherworldly. I’ll let these gorgeous pics can speak for themselves!
Tale as old as time… yep, that’s going to be in my head all day now. Possibly all month (sorry!), because today we’re kicking off our June editorial theme, ‘Fairytale’. (After all, every wedding should be a fairytale, right?) And with the live action screen version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast being such a thing right now, this shoot was the perfect way to get started. I absolutely LOVED photographer Jaqui Franco and her team’s take on this fairytale from minute one – it has an organic, natural edge to it as well as a big helping of glam, and with jewel tones a-plenty in the palette, it also happens to be perfect for this time of year. With a real Beauty, a table feast, and gorgeous paper elements, not to mention a cake that’s a fairytale on its own, you’ll find plenty to inspire!
Get ready for some absolutely beautiful images this afternoon, lovely ones, because this boudoir session, styled and photographed by Natalie Shelton, just makes me want to stare at my screen all afternoon. With delicate lace, soft light, and the backdrop of an elegant manor house, she’s captured not just the beauty of her model (which is what boudoir is all about, as far as I’m concerned) but that feeling of anticipation and grace the morning of a wedding and it’s that time before the celebrations kicked off that actually inspired this session. Natalie was originally born in SA but now lives in Germany where this session was shot, and I’m so thrilled to be bringing you this gorgeous feature of her work!
We’re coming to the end of our month of rustic elegance, and it’s been such a pleasure to revisit this style in depth and see how things have moved from a rougher, shabby chic ‘burlap and lace’ look to a more organic, natural style that relies on rustic textures, beautiful flowers and romantic details. Even so, I thought it was time I took a look back through the archives for rustic inspiration as well, and I found ten gorgeous boards that are as pretty now as when I first created them. So pick your palette, because every one of these is a beauty! (Links in bold denote affiliate links. SouthBound Bride may make a commission if a sale is made.)
Earlier today we featured a fabulous real rustic bridal shower (be sure not to miss it!). I loved this, not only because it was super pretty, but because it was a fresh take on the rustic/natural/organic look. And we are all about fresh, pretty inspiration here on SBB! So I thought I would break down the look so that you lovelies could recreate it for yourself (or your bestie). The good news is, this is a relatively simple look to pull off, and the more simple and natural you go with the details, the better. Plus, the other joy of rustic style is that there’s really no such thing as mismatched, so you can add in touches of girly or glam or boho or whatever, depending on the style of the bride herself. Perfect, right? (Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.)
TGIF people! And to celebrate, we have something fresh to share. It’s not often we get real bridal showers in the SBB submissions inbox, but when we do, it’s such a treat, especially when they’re as lovely as this one! Lindie’s bridesmaids organised the most gorgeous day for her you can imagine, with a mix of organic and rustic elements and a touch of glam (and hello, donut tower ‘cake’!). What I love most about this look is that it’s both impressive and easy to pull off, which makes it downright inspiring! The lovely Anike Benade took these pretty pics to share with you all!
Wood & Kraft Wedding Invite Suite by Paper Peach Shop
So you’re planning a rustic wedding (of course you are, they’re gorgeous). And you need that final finishing touch that only a gorgeous set of stationery can provide. Problem is, budget doesn’t cover a bespoke design. Well, we got you, boo. Because here are 20 fabulous rustic invites that are 100% DIY and budget friendly. Buy the file off of Etsy, head for your favourite print shop or on-demand print service, and hey presto. The only problem? Figuring out which one is your favourite! Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.
I love fancy. After all, Baz Luhrmann is my favourite director and that guy does nothing understated. But there’s a special kind of pleasure in diving into a wedding style that’s pared back and elegant and minimalist, a style that lets nature speak for itself through natural textures like wood and foliage, enhancing them ever so slightly with a glimmer of gold here and a swish of tulle there. That’s what today’s inspiration is all about – and when it comes to rustic weddings, it just shows that simple can be the most beautiful of all. (Links in bold denote affiliate links – the cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission on any sales.)
Top row (l-r): Place setting (Steve Steinhardt/Modern Dame) | Painted Leaf Wedding Invitation (Minted) | Bridesmaids bouquet (Kate Preftakes Photography/Events by Sorrell/Apotheca Flowers)
Row 2: Ceremony setting (Virgil Bunao Photography/Easton Events) | Bride with simple floral crown (JoPhoto/MOD Events Charleston) | White tiered cake (Jemma Keech/The Cake & I)
Row 3: Bride on farm (Tom Ravenshear) | Greenery & foliage bouquet (Craig & Eva Sanders) | Chair decor with greenery (Taylor Lord/The Nouveau Romantics)
How fabulous is that watercolour foliage invitation from Minted? Plus it has rose gold foiling, which I adore and comes in two other colours. Perfect for an elegant organic bride!
I have such a jam-packed week for you guys, and we’re starting it off right with this absolute delight of a styled shoot from some of our fave suppliers at one of our fave venues! Take the riverside setting of Mofam River Lodge in Elgin, add in some deep wintery jewel tones and a tablescape that’s equal parts vintage and glam, decked with wild, opulent blooms, and you have the perfect recipe for rustic elegance. And let’s not forget the stylish bride and groom – she in a gorgeous champagne two-piece gown with 3D floral detailing (with hair and makeup done to perfection by SBB Directory member Sketch & M) and he in a suave blue suit. So much pretty, and all beautifully captured by Nerize Raath!
Wedding Directional Sign with Post by Mulberry Market Design
I remember a few years back when I was helping plan my beautiful friend Heidi’s wedding. She was looking for an elegant rustic/garden vibe for her reception and one of the ideas we came up with was having directional signs, which were handmade and lettered for each table. Of course, directional signs like the one above are now nothing new to weddings, but at the time, it was new. Nowadays we could have saved ourselves all that time and trouble and just headed over to Etsy, where I found a treasure trove for rustic brides and grooms of the most gorgeous signs, calligraphed on wood, for every signage need you could possibly have at your wedding. So of course, I had to round up my faves!
Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.
