Category: Inspiration

20 Watercolour Wedding Invitations

by gaby

I suck at art in general, but if there was one technique I wish I could just magically wake up having mastered, it would probably be watercolour. I just love it, and it’s been so lovely to see watercolour make its way into wedding design the last couple of years. One area where I think it’s particularly adaptable (as in, you don’t have to be having a watercolour or ombre wedding in general to incorporate it) is through stationery – a watercolour wash never fails to look lovely and romantic. It also happens to go brilliantly with pastel colour schemes, so I thought it was the perfect time for us to round up 20 gorgeous options from those clever folks at Etsy. Pick your invitation, choose your shade, and you’re good to go. Just click on any of the links or images below to see more :)Read More

Flowers in Season: Spring

by gaby

Hello lovelies! It might not look like spring outside my window today, but TECHNICALLY we’re supposed to be all about this fresh new season, so I thought it was the perfect time to take a squizz at some seriously gorgeous spring bouquets. Seasonal flowers are a big thing with me – I really think that whatever time of year you choose to get married in, you’ll get the most beautiful, vibrant blooms when you go seasonal. And spring… well, when it comes to flowers, spring is king. We’ve already covered autumn and winter in this series, matching up some drop-dead amazing bouquets with invitations, and highlighting seasonal blooms, and today we get to play with some of my all-time favourite flowers. Hello, peonies! Let’s have a look, shall we… Read More

Pastel Wedding DIY Roundup

by gaby

I thought it was high time for another DIY roundup, and of course with spring pastels on the brain, I just had to go a-looking for some pastelly loveliness for you all to add to your wedding To Do list. From table decor to bridesmaids gifts, I’ve found 15 seriously cute ideas in sorbet shades that would really brighten up any celebration, or add that extra little somethin-somethin to a pastel themed Big Day. My absolute fave is those candyfloss sodas (above) – anyone serving those at cocktail hour would immediately have me over the moon as a guest. So fun! Which is your favourite? Remember – even if pastels aren’t your thing, you can totally adapt any of these to suit a different colour scheme, so go ahead and be inspired!Read More

Macaron Tower Wedding Cakes

by gaby

So this month we’re all about spring pastels and you KNOW I couldn’t do that without mentioning macarons, because to me there’s no prettier or classier inspiration for mixed pastels than that kingdom of the macaron, Laduree. We’ve chatted about macaron favours before, but another option for including these blogger faves is as an alternative to a cake – a macaron wedding tower. These always invite oohs of delight, and they’re a great way to mix and match colours, as you’ll see below – you can even go metallic (is there anything more covetable than a gold macaron? Not in my book). So let’s sit back and be inspired (and try not to get too hungry) with some of my top picks from around the web.

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Moroccan Magic Wedding Inspiration by Illuminate Photography

by gaby

Boy do I ever have a gorgeous editorial for you all today! Thanks to Tabitha Mee at Illuminate Photography and her talented team, we’re transporting you to the sands of Morocco for a styled shoot that’s as beautiful as it is inspiring. In fact, it’s almost easy to forget that it was shot in Cape Town, and not high in the Atlas mountains, amid citrus and walnut groves, and flat-roofed hamlets.  I absolutely love a touch of Moroccan style (which also happens to be perfect for a boho wedding theme), and with a mix of shiny brass, warm earthy tones and pops of orange from pincushion proteas, berries and kumquats (as well as a dreamy Robyn Roberts dress), I’m in heaven. This would be such a gorgeous colour scheme for a wedding – the florals created by our faves at Green Goddess flower studio would translate beautifully to a reception table, not to mention the sheer romance of a little desert breakout area beneath the stars. Sigh. And pass the mint tea.Read More

Truvelle 2016 Collection

by gaby

Last year, I was super excited to share the collection of dresses from Canadian label Truvelle, who burst on the scene with their rose gold dipped sequin dresses that had us all sighing our little hearts out. I was even more excited to announce then that Truvelle were (and still are, yay!) available at LOCA Vintage Bridal Lounge in PE, and that they also ship around South Africa. Knowing that my local brides can get their hands on the loveliness always makes it that much sweeter! So of course I am super thrilled to share Truvelle’s brand new collection, eight lovely new dresses that are a step away from the warm hues of the previous gowns, but even more romantic. There’s also the same effortless feel, the same elegant mismatch of fabrics (including a hint of silvery sparkle), and more dreamy images from Blush Wedding Photography. Get ready to fall in love all over again. Read More

20 Gorgeous Off-the-shoulder Wedding Dresses

by gaby

Off The Shoulder Wedding Dresses from Etsy

Fauna Bohemian Wedding Dress by Flora and Lane (Image: Marissa Kay Photography)

Earlier this year, I published a roundup of off-the-shoulder wedding gowns that has had you all pinning like crazy – it’s certainly one trend that is back in a big way, and I love the inventive and romantic ways that designers have interpreted the style, from boho to ballgown. So I thought it was high time I rounded up some spectacular Etsy finds. If you’re looking for something a little different from the lace sleeves and portrait backs that are so beloved by brides at the moment, this is the perfect, classic, dare I say timeless choice? Let’s see what those clever Etsy designers have to inspire us…
*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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Pantone Spring 2016 Colour Palettes Part 1

by gaby

Happy Monday lovelies! Today, hot off the presses from New York Fashion Week, we have Pantone’s latest collection of colours, all dressed up and ready for their debut in the Spring 2016 season. The Spring colours are always my fave, and this time there’s a mix of punchy brights (the likes of which I’ve been enjoying seeing in weddings already!) and soft pastels (which as you already know, I love). I can’t wait to play around with combining them, but first, I thought I would put together some single colour palettes to introduce you to each shade, and I’ve also scouted out a beautiful bridesmaid dress to go with each one! We’re kicking off with the first four shades/boards today, and will be carrying on with this series for the rest of the month.Read More

SouthBound Guide: DJ-recommended Wedding Songs

by gaby

One of those things that often gets left until last and then causes an inordinate amount of stress is music. I mean, even for music-loving couples, I’ve seen this lead to despair. And it’s understandable, because doesn’t everyone want the perfect soundtrack to those amazing moments… you know, the one where you lock eyes as the bride walks down the aisle, or where you’re announced for the first time as Mr & Mrs and walk in to the thunderous applause of your nearest and dearest, or (perhaps trickiest of all) that moment where all eyes are on you as you take to the dancefloor and it’s like the words of the song that’s playing are meant to sum up your whole relationship. No pressure, hey. Seriously though, choosing music can be tough, and that’s why today I’ve enlisted the help of Shaun of The Wedding DJ’s to give you his expert’s picks for those all-important moments on the Big Day. They’re a mix of classic and contemporary, and at least one of them is sure to be your JAM. Thanks, Shaun! (PS You can find out more about The Wedding DJ’s in the SBB Directory)Read More