Inspiration - SouthBound Bride

A Touch of Alice

12 June, 2017 by gaby

If there’s one literary inspiration that weddings have embraced again and again, it’s Alice in Wonderland. I have a bit of a weakness for Alice myself, since I played her a million years ago in a school production, and the sense of wonder and whimsy that runs throughout the story has never been forgotten (I mean, croquet with flamingos? Fun!) So I just had to include some Alice-y inspiration in our month of fairytale wedding style, and today I get to share this lovely little shoot by Jaqui Franco and her team, which puts a fresh spin on this old favourite. The tea party element is still there, of course (with some to-die-for cakes and ‘eat me’ macarons!), but glitzed up with sparkly linens and foiled stationery. And there’s plenty of whimsy thanks especially to some oversize paper flowers, which would add a touch of Wonderland to any wedding celebration!

Fairytale Bridal Crowns & Tiaras from Eden Luxe Bridal

9 June, 2017 by gaby

Aurora Rose Gold Tiara

I remember when I was growing up in the ’90s, tiaras were very much a staple of the bridal accessory arsenal, but for a while there, they took a back seat to flower crowns and a multitude of incredible veil and hairpiece options. Perhaps it’s a delayed reaction to the Will & Kate royal wedding a few years ago, or maybe it’s just that we all have a little bit of a princess-wish, but tiaras are slowly making their way back. But you guys, these are not your auntie’s cheap plastic tiaras. These are the real deal – fantasy Disney-esque crowns fit for a bridal queen, heirlooms beautifully made, to be worn with pride. And when it comes to this new generation of crowns and tiaras for real brides, I can’t think of a brand that I love more than Etsy makers Eden Luxe Bridal. This brand has a huge range of gorgeous options, from full crowns to tiaras to headpieces and hairbands, if you’d like to make less of a royal statement. I’m so excited to share some of my favourites with you today! (Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.)

Pastel Princess

5 June, 2017 by gaby

It’s a new week, and a new chance to be inspired, thanks to this gorgeous pastel shoot by Lauren Pretorius Photography and her team! And you just need to look at the pic above to know this one is a little big magical. Pastels are always a good idea, but this shoot takes them to a new level, with a gorgeous watercolour cake, a grown-up pastel table and (swoon of all swoons) two BEYOND gorgeous dresses from Stephen van Eeden. It’s all those little-girl princess bride fantasies brought to life, and I’m super excited to share it with you!

Twilight Ocean Bridal Inspiration

2 June, 2017 by gaby

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!

Beauty & the Beast Organic Wedding Inspiration

1 June, 2017 by gaby

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!

Lady of the Manor Boudoir Inspiration

30 May, 2017 by gaby

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!

10 Rustic Wedding Colour Palettes

29 May, 2017 by gaby

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.)

Get the Look: Rustic Chic Bridal Shower

26 May, 2017 by gaby

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.)

Rustic Glam Bridal Shower

26 May, 2017 by gaby

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!

Printable Rustic Wedding Invitations

24 May, 2017 by gaby

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.