Inspiration - SouthBound Bride

A SouthBound Guide to Diamond Shapes

18 January, 2017 by gaby

Image: Alexis June Weddings /Aisle Society/Susie Saltzman on SouthBound Bride

The French are said to die for love, they delight in fighting duels. But I prefer a man who lives and gives… expensive jewels. So sang Marilyn Monroe, and so I agree (plus, isn’t that a fabulous lyric?) and that’s why year after year, alongside all the pretty dresses and details, I find myself sighing at the sparklers on our brides’ elegant hands. And while I’m a sucker for a classic round solitaire, I love the variety that modern brides have in their choices – different settings, different metals, and for many, non-traditional stones (because diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but I also love hanging with morganite, sapphire, etc.) Another area of choice if you’re on the engagement ring hunt right now is shape (sometimes called cut, but not the cut referred to in the Big 4: Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat, which is rather the reflective quality of a diamond). There are actually a huge range of diamond shapes or cuts that you can choose. And, while the ones best suited for sparkle are the old classics (round, cushion), the fancy cuts, as they’re called, can make up for it in uniqueness (after all, how many of your friends are rocking a trillion?) We’ve rounded up some of the more popular shapes, along with lots of pretty, pretty rings from Etsy to show them off at a range of price points. (Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.)

Rhapsody in Indigo

16 January, 2017 by gaby

When I started SBB (waaay back when, haha), one of my favourite things to do was create moodboards putting together some beautiful and unexpected shades. I still do (although less frequently), but what years of creating those boards gave me was a deep appreciation for colour, and it’s that part of me that stood up and cheered the minute today’s styled shoot hit my inbox. Picture the scene – rustic, woodsy (thanks to the incredible Cabbage & Rose glasshouse venue), a mixture of rough and smooth (the shoot was inspired by the idea of ‘perfect imperfection’). Then infuse all of that with a range of blues and greys, ranging from soft smoke right through to the most beautiful indigo, complemented by soft matte metallics and flecks of gold leaf. Pretty doesn’t even cover it. From the delightfully eclectic table setting to the dresses (Oh! The dresses! What I wouldn’t do to see one of these beauties on a real colour-loving bride!), to the cement-like cake (sounds weird, is actually totally awesome), I just want to wrap myself up in it and sing the blues. In a good way. Dust and Dreams Photography took these dreamy pics.

Spanish Flamenco Wedding Inspiration by Jacoba Clothing

13 January, 2017 by gaby

It’s Fashion Friday, you guys, so not only are we bringing you the best in wedding gowns for 2017, but I have some brilliant local fashion inspiration to share with you today, courtesy of our talented friends at Jacoba Clothing. This shoot was inspired by the bright colours and bold movements of flamenco dancers, and it’s full of the most beautiful bright florals and table decor, which just serve to highlight how pretty Jacoba’s dresses are. A stunning combination of comfort and detail, whether you’re wearing one as a bride or bridesmaid, you’re going to feel like a million pesetas (well, Euro, but whatever) and be ready to click those castanets and dance the night away (flamenco dance moves not guaranteed).

Key Wedding Dress Trends for 2017

13 January, 2017 by gaby

Hello friends! As usual, January has been craaaazy, and I didn’t get to post this yesterday, so we’re going to have a jam packed Friday! Let’s get this party started. Last week we looked at all the top trends in weddings for 2017 and today we’re focusing in on bridal fashion because boy, there’s a lot of pretty stuff going on right now! Ever since these designs made their way down the catwalks at New York Bridal Fashion Week in October, I’ve been sighing over my personal faves, and watching to see where the trends are for this year. And as always, what’s new is often an evolution of what’s already established, so you’ll see some familiar shapes coming to the fore, but there’s also lots of cool new stuff to influence your own wedding dress dreams. As I mentioned in my trend report, this year it is ALL about the shoulders, whether that’s off-shoulder, shoulder detailing, or capes. And I have to say, I’ve never loved this neckline more. Add in details like bows, feathers and every kind of sleeve you can imagine, as well as beautiful textures and fabrics, and you have one pretty season!

Stylish Jewel Tone Engagement Party Inspiration

9 January, 2017 by gaby

Happy Monday, lovelies! It’s time for another week of inspiration on SBB, and we’re starting things off with another gorgeous shoot that’s right in line with January’s theme: Just Engaged. This time, we’re turning an eye to stylish engagement parties and couple shoots, because this jewel toned beauty is a combination of both. Captured by photographer Katie Parra and featuring adorable real life couple Brandon and Tyler, it’s an absolute feast for the eyes, with a touch of suave vintage charm and the most beautiful, lush florals. I love the cozy, understated masculine feel that Clutch Events and En Fleur Event Design have managed to create here, using rich colours, swathes of greenery, and a very chic bar cart for cocktail hour. And let’s not forget the cake, with its swags of icing, and the perfect finishing touch: a vintage Porsche!

Coffee Mugs for the Newly Engaged

6 January, 2017 by gaby

Does This Ring Make Me Look Engaged Coffee Mug by Sweet Water Decor

Does this ring make me look engaged? It’s a question posed dozens of times over the last year on Instagram and Pinterest through those adorable coffee mug engagement announcements. We have to call it, besides the ring itself, a just engaged slogan mug is pretty much the must-have accessory for the bride-to-be! Whether you’re using it as a cute way to let folks know your big news, as a means to drink your tea or coffee while getting down to the business of wedding planning, or as a sweet gift for a newly betrothed buddy, Etsy has a ton of great options, so we’ve rounded up our favourites, just for you!
Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Woodlands Elopement Inspiration

5 January, 2017 by gaby

Can you think of anything more romantic than an elopement in the woods? Nope, neither can I. Which is why I can’t wait to share this absolutely gorgeous styled shoot from Lad & Lass Photography, Bouwer Flowers & Hey Pioneer, and their team. And if you loved the boho forest goodness in our real wedding this morning, then you are going to luuuurve what we have in store. Macrame ceremony arch. Stylishly rustic tablescape. A boho lace dress, a groom in bold Marsala, fresh from the forest florals, a to-die-for chocolate naked cake… I could go on and on. But I think my absolute favourite is the bell tent set up (complete with whimsical floral entrance) for the bride and groom, to give their first night as Mr and Mrs that woodsy glamping feel. So… how much do we all want to have a forest elopement right now?

Pantone Colour of the Year 2017: Greenery

4 January, 2017 by gaby

With a new year comes a fresh colour of the year to play with from the folks over at Pantone and while some years I’m not completely on board with their choice (cough cough Marsala), I am ALL about Greenery, the 2017 COY. It’s fresh, it’s bright, it’s organic, and it feels absolutely right for this brand new year. I can’t WAIT to see what all my favourite wedding pros come up with in styling this shade over the next few months, but in the meantime, I had a play around and came up with five palettes incorporating Greenery, as well as several of Pantone’s other Spring 2017 shades. The great thing about Greenery is that it combines into classic choices, but can also substitute for the greens in less obvious palettes with a really fresh effect. For example, we normally see blues combining with soft sage, but use Greenery and you have something pretty and new. The key thing is to use Greenery as an accent colour – a whole wedding in it might be overwhelming, but in clever touches (especially those using actual greenery), you’re winning. Which is your fave? Links in bold denote affiliate links. SBB may make a commission on any sales made.

Dreamy Blue Wedding Inspiration with a Surprise Proposal

3 January, 2017 by gaby

Time to kick off a new year of inspirational content! And I honestly can’t think of a prettier way to do that than with this styled shoot by the wonderful Courtney Leigh. It’s full of dreamy, dusky blues and touches of elegant gold, gorgeous organic florals and an extraordinarily beautiful two-piece gown by Alexandra Grecco. Jade Magnolia did an amazing job with the table, layering textures and using different shades of blue alongside Blush and Vine‘s lush flowers to really make it pop. Every detail is super swoony (just wait till you see the chocolate strawberries!), but as wonderful as all of it is, what makes this shoot beyond special and memorable is that it ended with a surprise proposal for the sweet models, Chalie and Andrew. The looks of love on their faces, especially during and after Andrew pops the question, just radiate happiness – no wonder capturing these moments is something Courtney describes as a highlight of her photography career. It also makes this the perfect way for us to launch January’s editorial theme: Just Engaged. Enjoy!

Wedding Trends for 2017

3 January, 2017 by gaby

Credit: Nadine Aucamp/Anel Botha on SouthBound Bride

Let’s get this party started, shall we friends? Our editorial theme for January is ‘Just Engaged’ and we’ll be kicking off all of that loveliness later today, but first we just had to do our annual roundup of all the trends that are in store for you in 2017. I always feel like this is the best way to start my year – reflecting on the gorgeous trends from years before (many of which are still with us, happily, or have evolved into some of the ideas you’ll see here), and getting excited about the year of weddings to come. And as always, the best part of that is seeing how couples will make these trends their own, adding personal details, DIYs and twists that will set them apart and make them shine. So here are my Top 10 predictions – pick a fave or two that speak to you, and then make ’em yours.