Inspiration - SouthBound Bride

Black Magic Styled Shoot from the NEW Wedding Inspirations Magazine

24 July, 2015 by gaby

When it comes to wedding design, one of my favourite looks is layering of a single colour, with texture adding the visual interest that a mix of colours often brings. And okay, that colour is usually white, but in creating today’s styled shoot, the talented team at TGC Photography & Sålt+Støne decided to layer black on black instead. The effect is chic, daring and very glamorous, and is definitely a fresh twist that will get your guests talking! From the black painted proteas to dark plums and shiny Coke bottles, there are many clever textural touches used throughout, and sparkling jewels and Venetian masks for that extra bit of mystery and glam. This is the kind of cutting edge inspiration you can expect to find in every issue of Wedding Inspirations, who were kind enough to share this lovely shoot from their brand new issue with us today. Be sure to pick up a copy to find out how to recreate the look, and take a peek at their other gorgeous weddings and styled shoots of the moment. Until then, as Amy Winehouse would say, let’s go back to black…Read More

Flower Dresses for Flowergirls

20 July, 2015 by gaby

Since we’re already head over heels for everything floral print this month, from cakes to wedding dresses to bridesmaid dresses, we certainly couldn’t leave out the little ladies that make up the short end of your bridal party – after all, they’re called flower girls! As it happens, there are so many gorgeous floral mini-bridesmaid dresses, many so gorgeous that I wish they made them in big-people sizes too. Even if you don’t incorporate any other floral or botanical elements in your wedding, I can’t think of a prettier way to dress the little ones for a spring or summer celebration. So let’s get inspired! As always, you can click on any of the product images to shop, and visit our brand new Flower Girl Boutique board on Pinterest for regular finds.

10 Botanical Wedding Inspiration Boards

20 July, 2015 by gaby

Hello lovelies! We’re about half way through our ‘Greenhouse’ month, and I’ve been looking through some of the botanical themed boards we’ve featured in the past and just loving every single one of them so much! I honestly think this is one of my favourite wedding trends/looks of all time. And, while many of these palettes use green as a base, you’ll see there’s no reason to limit yourself, which is great news if you’re loving the look of floral prints or botanical table details, but already have your heart set on a different colour or season. The main point is to get your creative juices flowing – get ready to be inspired!Read More

Elbeth Gillis Opulence Collection

17 July, 2015 by gaby

As much as I love featuring international wedding dress trends and designers, it’s always a happy day for me when I get to showcase some homegrown talent, especially when it’s a designer like Elbeth Gillis, who inspires complete devotion in her brides. If I had money for every time one of them told me what an amazing experience they had working with her! In the years since I started SBB I’ve featured many of Elbeth’s brides and worked with her in person, and at the same time I’ve watched as Elbeth’s star rises internationally. She’s especially making a big name for herself in the UK at the moment, and with dresses as absolutely drop-dead-gorgeous as the new Opulent collection, it’s no wonder. The gowns are a mix of sophisticated and whimsical, romantic and modern, with luxurious fabrics and dreamy details galore. Whether the silhouette you’re craving is slinky or fairytale, you’ll find something to adore here – in fact, I especially love that some of the dresses have a completely different look with the addition of a frothy overlay. Picking my favourite images was hard, you guys, so ENJOY.Read More

Tropical Themed Bridal Shower Invitations & Ideas

14 July, 2015 by gaby

Image credit: Krista A. Jones/Bustle Events on SouthBound Bride

So, are you as crazy in love with this tropical bridal shower inspiration as I am? Yep, of course you are. So fun! We’ve already published our guide on how to throw a tropical themed shower for yourself or your bestie, but I thought I would round up some fun stuff that you can use to make it extra pretty. Starting with invitations, because ALOHA, there are some seriously amazing invites on Etsy for a tropical theme shower! Like, enough to make me want to throw one just so I can buy them. Good luck picking your favourite – I know I couldn’t ;) Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Tropical Heat Bridal Shower by Oh Happy Day, Kelly Daniels & The Shank Tank

14 July, 2015 by gaby

A few months ago, I got to spend my afternoon in the best way possible, with some of the loveliest ladies (and one gent!) in the local wedding industry, as a guest of the delightful Joelene of Oh Happy Day. Joelene has burst onto the scene full of ideas and enthusiasm and sassiness, and on this particular day, she’d pulled together the talents of some seriously amazing people to help her create a tropical themed bridal shower styled shoot. It was so fun to see them at work, and even more fun sifting through the gorgeous results, thanks to the rockstar photographers, Kelly Daniels and The Shank Tank team. I was already a big fan of tropsy showers (see this post on how to plan one of your own) and now I’m even more so – think gold pineapples, floral print dresses, fruity cocktails (and watermelon on a stick, love), and even a little hula girl cake topper (which I somehow managed to resist slipping into my pocket and stealing away). I also have to make a special mention of the adorable stationery by Ruby + Swallow, as well as the fantastic cakes and sweets by Smith’s Bake Shop, with flavours just as delicious as they were pretty. So here we go – let’s head for the tropics! (PS If you love this ideas as much as I do, pop back this afternoon for some fun buys)Read More

Inspiration Board: Blossom & Grow

13 July, 2015 by gaby

Sometimes I go through a phase where I do a bunch of more subtle and sedate inspiration boards, and I absolutely love working gentle or neutral tones and elegant, grown-up combinations. And then some days I just want to go mad and play with some colour. That’s today, and I have to tell you, I am loving the result. That’s the thing about using bold colour in your wedding- it adds a feeling of fun and happiness to the day, and there’s no reason why there has to be a trade-off in sophistication. Take today’s flower-filled inspiration board – big, bold punches of orange and fuschia and peach, with an underlying white to offset all of that colour. Modern, beautiful, and inspiring.

Colours: Peach, orange, fuschia

Top row (l-r): Bride in flower crown {Ali Harper Photography/Amy Osaba}; bouquet {Stylish & Hip Weddings/Shiramisu/The Green Vase}; floral print bridesmaid dress
Row 2: Tablescape {Rebecca Wood Photography/Cynthia Martyn Events Inc./Stemz}; floral invitation {Wedding Paper Divas}; paint dipped cutlery {KT Merry/David Arthur Fittin/Lucia Paul Design}; cake {JoPhoto}
Row 3: Cocktails {Christy Tyler Photography/Reenie Rose}; table with peaches {Justin DeMutiis Photography/Jade Lee Events}; flowers in wire basket {Rebecca Wood Photography/Cynthia Martyn Events Inc./Stemz}

Botanical Wedding DIY Roundup

10 July, 2015 by gaby

Lovelies, let’s close out the week with some DIY goodness, shall we? Since July is all about the ‘greenhouse’, I thought I’d find some fun ideas that fit into a botanical wedding (beyond just the gorgeous florals or greenery obviously!) I have to say, I’m loving these ideas, from invitations to escort cards to table numbers – some that weren’t designed for weddings, but that I think lend themselves to beautiful and unusual centrepieces or focal points. So pick your faves and get making!Read More

Elizabeth Stuart Spring 2015 Collection

10 July, 2015 by gaby

“The most delicate of French laces, sumptuous silks and opulent embellishment… gowns inspired by and named after the many heartfelt emotions felt by a bride on her most magical of days… all the feelings of love, endearment and joy that are experienced when a bride and groom come together as one…” When that’s how a new bridal collection is introduced, you can’t blame me for falling in love a little bit myself, especially since British designer Elizabeth Stuart‘s beautiful gowns are showcased in a series of dreamy lookbook images that I get to share with you today. Everything about this collection is lovely, from the classic-but-modern silhouettes to the fine fabrics (Chantilly lace, soft tulle, gold crepe silks – sigh). But then, why take my word for it? See for yourself…Read More

Floral Print Wedding Cakes

9 July, 2015 by gaby

Everything’s coming up floral at the moment, and that shouldn’t be limited to wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses – your cake can get in on the pretty party as well. In fact, these cakes are so pretty that good luck actually eating them – they look like they should just sit on a shelf and be art! Perfect for a spring or summer wedding, they’ll make a spectacular focal point for your reception or as the centrepiece for your dessert table, and will definitely have guests oohing and aahing. So let’s get inspired! I’ve picked my 20 favourites from the talented bakers and makers around the web. (PS You can find more gorgeous examples of painted wedding cakes here)Read More