Morning lovely ones! We’re starting off our day today with some boudoir inspiration that really encompasses the idea of natural beauty to me. Our subject looks so comfy, so happy and so beautiful! And she’s surrounded by gorgeous nature, and the most delicious light – spectacularly captured by photographer Angie Capri. The other things about it I adore, are the deep berry/jewel palette that comes through in the flowers, both bouquet and floral crown, which I think makes a drop dead amazing colour scheme for a wedding, as well as the ‘bride’s’ awesome curly hair.Read More
I remember when I was little – every Christmas my mom would go to Woolies and pick out little gifts for her girl friends – sniffing all the different flavours of soap and talcum powder (do they even still make this?) and hand cream. I loved helping her, but I didn’t totally get why she would buy them all something similar when she was such a thoughtful gift giver – it seemed like a token gift. Roll on adulthood, and I totally got it. Because when you give someone you love a little something for bath and body, what you’re really giving them is a moment of personal indulgence, an excuse to pamper themselves, a tiny break from the rigours of daily life. Personally, I really love getting little pamper gifts and for a while I’ve been wanting to try making them (because something homemade is always extra special). As it happens, I think these would also make great budget-friendly bridesmaid gifts, especially if you make up a basket for each of your girls to let them know how much you appreciate all the spoiling they’ve been giving you. Here are 15 fab DIY tutorials that will help you do just that.Read More
I am definitely not what you’d call an early adopter. I’m not the person queuing up to get a new iPhone, and it would scare you to know how long it took me to get a flat screen. It’s a policy that actually works really well for me, because usually I miss out on all the early tech problems and bugs, and by the time I get round to buying something, there’s a shinier version for the first adopters, so I get a better price. (I’m sounding like an old woman now, aren’t I? Oh well.) Sometimes, with wedding trends, it’s the same. There’s something new and hot and awesome, and then over the following couple of years, the trend doesn’t die away, it just stops being hot news on wedding blogs. But the good news is, meanwhile more people get involved in becoming suppliers of that thing, which gives you a lot more choice (and more options for your budget). A couple of years ago, love story infographic invitations were HUGE news – I wrote this post about them, which has remained one of the most popular on SBB (and that shows how many of you all still love this sweet idea). I also still think they’re completely adorable and a very personal way of celebrating your history together (setting a great tone for your wedding day), but I was glad to see when revisiting them recently that now there are loads of options when it comes to designs, designers – and price points, based on how much of the story and design is customised, and whether you buy a printable PDF or fully printed invites. So, why not consider one of these suites for your big day? As Taylor Swift would say: It’s a love story… baby, just say yes.Read More
So, talking of natural beauties (as we are this month), there’s a lovely little trend in weddings at the moment for crystals and geodes and everything semi-precious. From table decor to favours to stationery, I for one am absolutely loving it – such a mixture of elegant glamour and natural, organic beauty. For today’s geology-themed board, I’ve combined soft green and pink with grey, silver and gold. The result manages to be both earthy and ethereal. I love it! *Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.
Oh it’s been a funny old week… I won’t get into it here, but let’s just say that I’d like to end it off with something pretty. The good news is that that’s exactly what I have for you today, in the form of Anna Campbell‘s hot of the press newest collection. I’m a huge fan of this Australian designer – the slinky feminine silhouettes, the floaty skirts, the spectacular embellishments – and can’t wait to see them come to South Africa. For now, let’s pour ourselves a cup of something hot, sit back and fall into a pretty reverie…Read More
Hello lovelies! This month may be about natural beauty, but we all know that sometimes we need a little extra to enhance that beauty on our wedding day (although, hooray, minimal barefaced makeup is totally a trend now too, which will please you natural brides). The catwalks are always a great place to start looking for the next looks in hair and makeup as well as the fashion itself, and some of the most recent fashion week trends also happen to translate beautifully to brides. Some not so much (I can’t see anyone donning coloured leather strips on their lids or Rodarte-style eyebrow piercings, although you never know). Here are 10 key trends for you to consider for your own Big Day look.Read More
Time for something pretty! As you know, this month we’re focusing on natural beauty – getting back to basics, and taking joy in simplicity. Today’s bridal portrait shoot does just that, pairing a naturally neutral beauty spot with an uncomplicated white dress, elegantly simple flowers – and the cutest little donkey! Whoever said you shouldn’t work with children and animals clearly hadn’t seen this guy. Photographer Corette Faux and a small team of pros put this session together to inspire.Read More
So here’s the question: what do you guys really think about garters? Personally, in the past I never really liked them – most of the ones I came across looked a little cheap and nasty, and I kind of hate the whole bouquet/garter toss traditions anyway. But here’s where I love a garter – in a bridal boudoir shoot or in those pretty getting ready shots where you see the garter isn’t just an unnecessary extra, but a really pretty part of the bride’s foundation garments. Something delicate and decadent and spoiley that makes her feel extra pretty. And sexy. And fabulous. Now that I can get behind. So I thought it was high time I rounded up some really gorgeous handmade garters that could easily fit the bill.Read More
Hey lovelies – time for me to reveal our brand new monthly content ‘theme’. This month we’re doing something a teensy bit different, in that we’re focusing on a more loose idea – that of natural beauty. Or rather, as I’ve called this board, natural-slash-beauty. Expect beautiful (natural) neutrals, boudoir and bridal shoots, hair & makeup and beauty advice… you get the picture! The idea behind this board is a simple one: simplicity itself. Because for some brides, less fuss is definitely the way to go. Think calming neutral colours, elegantly basic details, natural textures, simple details like candlelight, blossoms and a whisper of lace. And, most importantly, allowing the beauty of the landscape and your surroundings to take centre stage. As the saying goes: simple may not always be best, but the best is always simple.
Maybe I just watched way too many soap operas in the ’90s, but there’s something particularly romantic about an open fire, isn’t there? (Open fire, bearskin rug, cheesy music in the background – you get the picture.) So while a beachy honeymoon is peachy, I can’t help but think that it would be fun to go the other way completely and enjoy a winter break tucked up in a cosy love nest – maybe in the Alps, or in a little cabin deep in a snowy forest. Lots of hotels have amazing open fireplaces in their sitting or dining rooms, but for an extra special experience, you’ll want your very own in-room fireplace. Staring into the flames over a bottle of red, sharing your hopes and dreams, snuggling up under a single blanket… total romance. I’ve been scouring les internets for a selection of international fireside suites – the perfect way to end off our month of cosy autumn content!
1. Cordee Des Alpes, Switzerland The Swiss Alps are the perfect place to start when it comes to cold-weather honeymoons, and this stylish new luxury hotel in Verbier is the perfect base. If you can drag yourself away from your room, there’s world-class skiing on offer, and after a long day on the slopes there’s a 14m pool, spa, and fine dining to look forward to. And then, of course, that stone fireplace… Read More
