Inspiration - SouthBound Bride

Caribbean Dream

14 July, 2016 by gaby

You know those days when everything is so completely perfect and surreal that you just have to pinch yourself and say “how is this my life?” Well, I had one (or rather, several) of those pinch-me moments earlier this year, when I found myself on a beach in the Caribbean alongside some of my favourite wedding bloggers from around the world, as guests at the fabulous Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort. Long flights be damned, it was one hundred percent worth every minute of travel from the moment I touched down in Nassau and (after a personal escort through the airport that made me feel like royalty!) got my first whiff of the warm sea air. It was everything I’d ever imagined this sun-drenched corner of the world would be – if I didn’t have these gorgeous images from our trip taken by Alexis June Weddings to prove it, I might believe it was really just a beautiful dream!

Inspiration Board: Classic Monochrome

11 July, 2016 by gaby

Happy Monday lovelies! When I think of a classic wedding palette, beyond white on white or soft blush, the one that immediately comes to mind for me is monochrome. Crisp and sophisticated, traditional but somehow also entirely modern, you can’t go wrong with this timeless combo that’s the essence of ‘black tie’. Just take a look at today’s inspiration board – it’s pure, timeless glamour, like a Sinatra number or a diamond ring. What more could a classic bride want?

Colours: Black, white & soft gold

Top row (l-r): Bouquet (KT Merry Photography/Urban Poppy) | Tablescape (Watson-Studios/Jennifer Laraia Designs) | Calligraphy menu (Daphne And Michelle/DM Events/Paperfinger)
Row 2: Champagne (Gabe Aceves Photography/Engaging Affairs) | Cake (Marsais/Buttercup Bakery) | Dog attendant (Mi Belle Photography/Bash Please) | Engagement ring (Sundari Gems)
Row 3: Classic car (Jose Villa Photography/Albemarle Limousine) | Bride (KT Merry Photography/Oscar De La Renta/Peter Langner) | Bridesmaids in black (Adrienne Gunde/The Overwhelmed Bride)

We’re crazy in love with the engagement ring featured in this board – isn’t it just so PRETTY? It’s from Sundari Gems on Etsy.

Long black bridesmaid dresses are the perfect complement to this wedding style (and your girls will love you for dressing them in something they can wear again!). Here are some of our current faves:

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20 Romantic Bridal Updos

7 July, 2016 by gaby

We’re ringing in our Thursday with some classic romantic style of the bridal hair variety. Because how much do we love a pretty updo? Tons. It’s the ultimate in sleek sophisticated, but what amazes me is that even after all this time, stylists keep coming up with new and beautiful twists (literally! and braids and curls, etc.) on traditional looks like buns and chignons and tucks. Each of the styles we’ve gathered together has the glamour of an updo, but with the softness and sweetness that a romantic bride craves. But good luck picking a favourite, because they’re all divine!

Millennial Pink Bridesmaid Dresses

4 July, 2016 by gaby

There’s no more classic look for bridesmaids than pink gowns, especially now that long bridesmaid dresses are so en vogue. Millennial pink is the colour of the moment, which makes this the perfect time to choose this classic pink, a few shades up from blush and yet still soft enough to be a pastel, for your girls. As always, we’ve rounded up some real wedding inspiration for you, along with a shopping guide so you can get the dusty rose bridesmaid dress look for yourself.
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Candlelight & Roses Romantic Boudoir Inspiration

4 July, 2016 by gaby

It’s the start of a new month editorially on SBB, and if you’re the kind of bride who’d describe her style as classic and romantic, you’re going to love it! This month we’re focusing on the timeless and the traditional, with a heavy helping of romance. So what better way to kick it off than with lace, candlelight and roses? This styled boudoir session by Nadia of Wildflower Photography and her team of talented creatives pays tribute to those moments of sweet serenity before a wedding day begins, just a bride in her boudoir. I do love a pretty boudoir session and this one has all the most gorgeous ingredients – love letter-style stationery, evergreen wreaths, macarons, beautiful soft light. All wedding mornings should be as lovely as this one!

20 Winter Wedding Invitations

1 July, 2016 by gaby

Before we kick off a brand new editorial theme next week, I wanted to sneak in one last little bit of winter wedding inspiration. As you know by now, I love using stationery as a sophisticated way to get across whatever theme or motif you have chosen for your big day, and in the case of a winter wedding, it’s a great way to pay tribute to the season! Whether you’re planning something frozen and fabulous or cozy and comforting, I’ve found some seriously beautiful invitations from the Etsy makers to get your guests in the mood for a winter wonderland of weddingness. And PS, many of these would be gorgeous for an autumn or rustic/woodland wedding too! (Links in bold denote sponsored affiliate links. SouthBound Bride may earn a commission if a sale is made.)

Cinnamon Blue Wedding Inspiration

30 June, 2016 by gaby

It’s the last day of the month, and since June has been dedicated to all things wintery, we just had to end it with some cozy winter inspiration. When I saw this gorgeous shoot by Jenna Joseph Photography and Kelsey Rae Designs, I was immediately smitten with the gorgeous and unusual colour palette they chose – a warm cinnamon brown with a beautiful stormy blue, which for me reflects both the cool weather and the warm comforts of a winter wedding. Add in some antique lace to match the bride’s stunning dress, a mix of natural elements and copper luxe ones, and a romantic calligraphy runner, and you have something special in the tablescape department. And let’s not forget the cakes, because OMG hello, cinnamon roll cake! Just the sweetest idea ever, perfectly matched with a copper-brushed blue vanilla latte creation – YUM. From the palette to the details, there’s so much fresh inspiration here for your winter soiree, captured to perfection in Jenna’s lovely pics. Pour yourself a cup of something warming, snuggle up and enjoy!

Toujours Wedding House Boutique Tour

29 June, 2016 by gaby

Maybe it’s from watching too many movies, but when I think about wedding dress shopping, I picture a charming little shop full of soft light and plush chairs and flowers and champagne – a place where dreams are made, and where somewhere in amongst the silk, tulle and lace, that perfect wedding dress is just waiting for you to try it on and fall crazy in love, and share that amazing moment with your mum or best friend. Sadly, reality sometimes falls short of the fantasy. So you can imagine how thrilled I was last year to discover the most wonderful little boutique right here in Durban, tucked in amongst the leafy streets of Westville that I know so well. Toujours Wedding House is an absolute gem – a light, bright studio nestled off a sunny courtyard, with just the right amount of chic understated detail to let the gowns, veils and accessories take centre stage. Guiding her brides through their experience is owner Tracey Laubscher, who you immediately warm to like she’s an extra bridesmaid, and who knows and cherishes each dress in her collection like a favourite song. I couldn’t wait to go back to the boutique to do a special little tour, together with the talented Eileen Laubscher of Bright Girl Photography. We spent our morning drinking tea, shooting these beautiful images, and chatting to Tracey about what makes Toujours such a special place…

How to: Hot Chocolate Bar

23 June, 2016 by gaby

Hot Chocolate Bar & Printable Sign by Pen and Paper Flowers

One of the things I love most about winter weddings, whether you’re having them in some snowy cabin in the mountains of Canada, or in our more temperate climate (not that it feels that way at the moment!), is that you can bring in details that are really cosy, to give your guests that comfy, wrapped up feeling. From blanket favours to hot drinks, it’s a great way of pampering them and using the chilly weather to your advantage. And speaking of hot drinks, a hot chocolate bar has to be one of my favourite kinds of details! I mean, who doesn’t love a delicious, warming cup of cocoa, especially when it comes with all the trimmings. So today I thought I would break it down into simple steps, so you can easily create your own (and make it beautiful!) Links in bold denote sponsored affiliate links. SouthBound Bride may earn a commission if a sale is made.

Daalarna Couture Ballet Collection

20 June, 2016 by gaby

I have SUCH a beautiful wedding collection to share with you lovelies today! I honestly struggled to narrow down the images for this one, because each and every dress in the collection is totally pin-worthy! Last year I shared Daalarna, the Hungarian couture bridal label, with you all for the first time, and now I’m delighted to spotlight the label’s new Ballet-inspired collection. I feel like ballet is having a real moment with bridal inspiration this year, probably because of the sleek silhouettes, ethereal fabrics and two-piece elements in the recent collections. I love it, because for me, a ballerina also epitomises so many of the qualities that brides wish to embody on their big day, like grace, passion, and elegance. You’ll find all of that in this collection, which took its cue from the beautiful Sleeping Beauty. In fact, the campaign photos below were shot on the set of the Hungarian National Ballet with the Ballet’s exceptional ballerina, Lili Felmery, bringing the collection to life. Let’s take a peek, shall we?