Category: Inspiration

Inspiration Board: Marsala Christmas

by gaby

Okay okay, I said I’d never do another Marsala inspiration board, but as we bid farewell to 2015’s colour of the year and welcome a seriously exciting new pair (more on that in January), I thought I’d look back on it just one last time, since it does, after all, offer a fresh spin on Christmas red. I haven’t yet decided what my holiday table will look like, but I must admit I’m tempted by this deep shade of berry combined with natural elements like pinecones and cranberries (ridiculous in a South African summer of course, but who cares). And also, I absolutely must move into that snowy Marsala house RIGHT NOW. (Or at least get myself a print of it in all its glory from artist Kristine Patti.) All in all, I think a Marsala Christmas would be a great way to say goodbye to the year (and the colour) that was – don’t you agree?

Colours: Marsala, white, emerald, wood

Top row (l-r): Bride & groom {Margherita Calati/Il Giorno che Vorrei}; table with candles {Ashley Cook Photography/Dream Design}; cranberry cocktail {Sacramento Street}
Row 2: Bridesmaids {Troy Grover Photographers/Michelle McGregor}; earrings {Endora Jewellery/Etsy}; cranberry escort cards {David Stark/Susan Montagna}
Row 3: Christmas house {Kristine Patti}; chocolate berry cake {Rebecca Hollis/Romancing the Stone}; Marsala wreath {Marigold’s Designs/Etsy}; place setting {Chantall Marshall Photography/Kadou}

 

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Phase Eight Bridal Collection 2016

by gaby

Hooray it’s the weekend! Unless you’re American, in which case you’re already enjoying a long Thanksgiving weekend. In the spirit of that holiday, today I’m thankful for many things, and just one of them is the fact that I get to deal with prettiness all day long. So it seems only appropriate that I share some of that prettiness with you today! Phase Eight have just brought out their latest bridal offering, and you guys, it is so good! You won’t actually believe that this is a collection from a high street retailer – with intricate beading, soft illusion lace and delicate draping, you’d expect it to come at a much higher price point. Plus, the exquisite Hope dress (which still prompted plenty of oohs and aahs when I posted it on Instagram the other day) is back, which will make many a budget Daisy Buchanan’s dreams come true for another year. Yay! (PS while you’re over on the site, be sure to check out some of the amazing deals Phase Eight has for Black Friday weekend – bridal’s not included, but it’s the perfect time to pick up a deal on a party dress or something gorgeous for a bridesmaid!)Read More

Forest Fancy by Andywayne Photography and Red in Paris Events

by gaby

If you go down to the woods today, you’re in for a big surprise… in this case, because you’d find a fairytale table set up under the trees instead of a teddy bear’s picnic ;) Today’s mini-editorial comes to you courtesy of SBB Directory members Red in Paris, who set up a Jozi-fabulous table in the middle of a rustic woodland – love a bit of contrast to emphasise the glamour factor, don’t you? And we especially love a sparkly rose gold runner – because sequins! If you’re considering a formal wedding (whether it’s in a ballroom or the wild wood), you might want to consider the kind of opulent raised arrangements showcased here – they give guests the chance to see each other and chat, but you also get the height and visual interest. So let’s go down to the woods today and have a look, shall we…Read More

Daalarna Couture Flower Collection

by gaby

You guys, I think I have a problem. Call it FOMO, or fear of commitment, or just plain wedding dress addiction, but at the moment I feel like I have a new favourite bridal designer every week. But how can I help myself, when the most GORGEOUS gowns keep crossing my desk? And if ever a collection were worthy of obsession it’s today’s, from Hungarian designer Daalarna. The lookbook – set against a wall of bright blooms – is spot on (as is the name of the Flower Collection), because each of the dresses captures the beauty of a garden in a different way. For some, it’s through prints (oh, those prints! My fave being the one that combines ombre with floral), for some it’s through blooms of lace applique, and for others it’s with petal-soft layers of tulle. Chief designer, Anita Benes, was inspired by French impressionist Monet, and his harmonious combintion of natural elements of sky, sun, water and flowers. Like I say, GORGEOUS!Read More

City of Gold Styled Shoot by Tickled Pink, Ninirichi Style Studio & As Sweet As Images

by gaby

I’ve featured a lot of styled shoots on SBB, but I’m not kidding when I say that this might be one of my all-time favourites. It’s so thoroughly South African, from its shweshwe top to its shimmery gold toes. Natalie Elliot of Tickled Pink and her seriously impressive team of suppliers (including Ninirichi Style Studio, who styled it to creative perfection!) have done an amazing job, putting together one idea after another, each reflecting beautiful homegrown wedding style (as well as industrial wedding chic), and giving us a faux wedding that’s as fun and modern as it is glamorous. There are SO MANY clever, stealable details making up this Jozi love story, that you need to look at it over and over again to see them all – from the ‘Ag Sweet’ candy buffet laden with local favourites to the colourful table, but I think the ceremony area with concrete breeze block and wooden protea aisle, as well as textured metal skyline backdrop is my best. Take some time to scroll through the gorgeous pics by As Sweet As Images, and be inspired. (And yes, I included more than usual, but seriously, how could I not?)Read More

Inspiration Board: Traveller’s Journal

by gaby

I have to say, I’m having fun with the inspiration boards this month, reinventing the travel theme for current trends and styles. Today’s is no exception. For this one, I was inspired by the idea of a watercolour travel journal, which immediately made me think of this amazing stationery suite, and that made me think of sunny days in the beautiful Italian countryside. I love the way that neutrals as a colour scheme can look so romantic – it’s all about textures. Soft tulle, honey brickwork, soft leather, ribbon, lace… This is one travel-styled wedding that will never date.

Colours: Shades of neutral & white

Top row (l-r): Travel journal invitation suite {Ceci New York}; stone building {Jose Villa Photography}; place setting {Jose Villa/Easton Events}
Row 2: Bride in veil {Jose Villa Photography}; getaway car {Jose Villa Photography}; leather luggage tags {HarLex}
Row 3: Cake {KT Merry/Moda e Arte Workshop/Joy Proctor Design/Hotel Caruso}; bride & groom {Jose Villa Photography/Joy de Vivre Design Boutique}; bridesmaids & bouquets {Kate Preftakes Photography/Events by Sorrell/Apotheca Flowers}

 

Pronovias 2016 Collection

by gaby

I can’t be absolutely sure, but I’m pretty certain that I’ve been swept of Planet Earth and taken to some kind of heaven for lace lovers. At least, that’s how it feels looking at the latest collection of Pronovias gowns. I mean, seriously. There’s a silhouette here for every bride, a silk or a satin or a lace (oh, those laces!) for every taste. Each one is just as romantic and chic as you’d expect from the brand, but they all have that little something extra – a metallic embellishment perhaps, a flash of skin, a blush of pink. They’re beautiful, but this is only one small part of the collection, so be sure to check out the rest of it on their site or in-store. And then you can be in heaven too! ;)Read More

Travel Theme Wedding Cakes

by gaby

Whether you’re planning a travel themed wedding or simply want to add a nod to your love of travel together or how far you’ve come (literally) to get to your big day, a travel themed wedding cake is a great idea. Even so, when I started browsing around looking for travel themed wedding cakes, I wasn’t sure I’d have enough for a feature, but guess what? Instead of unearthing one badly made fondant suitcase stack after another (okay, truth, I found them too), I came across some really chic, fun and clever ideas! No surprise, the shiny map ones are my faves, but there’s lots of different styles of travel inspired cake here to give you ideas, whether or not you’ll have other travel themed wedding ideas popping up on your big day! And you’ll even find a selection of some of our fave travel themed cake toppers at the end!

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Modern Snow White Wedding Inspiration by Carolien and Ben & Bona-Fide Events

by gaby

Some days, I’ll be honest with you, blogging life can be… hard. Other days? Well, other days I get a shoot like this one in my inbox, or I get to share it with you all and I’m brought back to why I love this job. A collaboration between talented suppliers at one of my favourite venues, incorporating a breathtaking gown, a gorgeous modern table, pops of bright red mixed in with muted pastels and a crisp white backdrop? Heaven. Not to mention a contemporary white dessert display (white macaron tower, love!), soft candlelight, and a bride rocking a red lip to perfection. The cherry on the cake, of course, is that the shoot was put together by some of our favourite people, including SBB Directory members Bona-Fide Events, and photographers Carolien and Ben. All together, it makes my day (pretty) – so let’s go ahead and make yours!Read More

20 Printable Travel Theme Wedding Invitations

by gaby

*UPDATED FOR 2018* One of the benefits of choosing a theme for your wedding like travel is that it can really help out the budget because you don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to things like stationery. And as much as I always love the idea of custom stationery, I know that’s not in the budget for many couples, which is where printable invites can be a great saver. You buy the design and have it customised with your names and details, and then have it printed either through an online print on demand service like PSPrint, or at your local printshop. The best part is that you don’t have to compromise on the design itself, because there are so many great options in places like Etsy. Today I’ve rounded up 20 fab travel and destination invitations, save the dates, and stationery suites with a travel theme – some absolute gems here for wanderlust-worthy weddings!
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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