Category: Inspiration

Individual Wedding Cakes

by gaby

Something about me: I LOVE things in miniature. Dolls houses, tiny envelopes and parcels, miniature food as canapes… you name it. So it’s not really a surprise that little mini wedding cakes get an excited ‘eeee!’ out of me every time I spot them on Pinterest. Because come on, they’re just SO. DARN. CUTE. And they’re very much a growing trend for 2015, for all kinds of weddings – just imagine the kick your guests will get out of them! But of course, the extra detail and work that goes into these beauties does often mean a hike in cost, and for big weddings it may not be a practical choice. So this is one of those occasions where having a small wedding allows you to really focus on the special little details – and even better, it means you won’t have a whole mess of leftover cake when you’re only feeding a handful of people. One cake per guest, served as dessert or – for slightly larger weddings – a small scale cake per table. Practical and lovely. Now that’s what we like. Here are 20 of my faves – I dare you not to ‘ooh’ at least once!Read More

Why Have a Smaller Wedding?

by gaby

You’ve probably gathered by now that our ‘theme’ for April is intimate weddings, and I have to say, I am super excited to be focusing on this wedding style in many of our posts over the next few weeks. Everything from elopements to destination weddings to surprise weddings to smaller soirees of 75 guests or less – there’s a lot of wiggle room under that ‘intimate wedding’ banner, so it really suits all kinds of couples and budgets. But before we get into the nitty gritty, I thought I’d answer the question: what exactly makes small weddings rock? Because they definitely do. So here are my Top 10 reasons why you should consider a bijoux bash for your own Big (little) Day.Read More

Marsala Romance by Nyx Photography {Plus Poached Figs in Red Wine Recipe}

by gaby

Happy Thursday, lovely friends! It feels like the long weekend has already begun, but we have lots more inspiration to bring to your pretty faces first. Yay! I’ve been looking forward to sharing this particular shoot for a while – and it’s in this year’s hottest colour, Marsala! Okay, I have mixed feelings about Marsala, but I definitely don’t have mixed feelings about how lovely the Marsala tones look on this particular tablescape and dashing couple. The team behind the shoot, including Natalie Loots of Nyx Photography and Colleen from Lieflingkind Design, used natural berry shades from fruits like pomegranates and grapes, alongside the loveliest watercolour-style stationery – and of course, lush Marsala blooms, and dresses for the ‘bride’. The end result feels a little baroque without being over the top, and has a lovely sense of natural abundance. Plus! Natalie sent over a recipe for the figs – just for you!Read More

Inspiration Board: Lavender, Peach & Emerald

by gaby

Goodness but I love this colour combo! Seriously, isn’t it beautiful and fresh? The deep cool of emerald green (adding a touch of formality), softly feminine purple and lavender, and sweet peach, along with cool white. Purple-loving brides take note, because this would be absolutely gorgeous for a range of weddings. As always, I love colours brought out through natural elements, so include lots of emerald foliage in your decor – you could even have green garlands only on your tables. Dress your girls in flowing lavender gowns, and serve peachy bellinis with lavender decorations. Then just add a few more whimsical touches – a floral arch or chandelier for your ceremony, illustrated stationery, a lacy cake. Perfect!

Colours: Lavender, purple, peach, white & emerald green

Top row (l-r): Bride {Brett Heidebrecht}; bouquet {Justen Clay Photography}; peach lace cake {Michael & Anna Costa/Joy de Vivre Wedding Design & Coordination/Sweet & Saucy Shop}
Row 2: Bridesmaids {Reverie Supply/For Her and For Him}; tablescape {Rylee Hitchner/Cloth of Gold/Ginny Au/Amy Osaba}; peach cocktails {Simply Bloom Photography, LLC/La Fleur Weddings}
Row 3: Foliage arch {Mint Photography/Pink Parasol Designs and Coordinating/Bristol Lane Florals}; posey bouquet {E. Ribant photography}; menu {Joy Michelle Photography/Anchor Point Press}; bride in juliet cap veil

 

Honeymoon Inspiration: Top 10 Glamping Honeymoons

by gaby

All this month we’ve been showcasing boho wedding content, but this afternoon, we’re turning our attention to boho honeymoons, and I can’t think of a more appropriate answer for nature-loving gypsy types than glamping. In case you’ve not heard the term before, glamping (glamorous camping) is a huge trend in travel at the moment, combining all the best things about camping with a hefty touch of luxury as well as eco-friendly credentials. Think leaving the city behind you, fresh air, exercise, the sun on your face and sleeping under the stars. But without: fighting over how to pitch the tent, rocks in your back, long walks in the dark to find a bathroom, breaking camp in the rain. (Basically, all the reasons I do not camp.) There are some SERIOUSLY cool places to glamp around the world – some close to home, some further away – and today I’m rounding up ten of my favourites, all of which would be perfect for a honeymoon break. Get ready to be inspired! PS: Did you know that if you book your trip via Expedia and become an Expedia+ Rewards member, you’ll save 10% or more just by logging in? WIN.
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Blair Nadeau 2015 Yester-year Collection

by gaby

Happy Friday, lovelies! What do you have in store for the weekend? With the sun out in a big way in Durban, I suspect I am going to spend most of it glued to the side of the pool. But first, it’s time to share some more lovely fashion inspiration, and today it comes to you in the form of Canadian milliner Blair Nadeau‘s latest collection. Which just happens to fit beautifully into our boho month – especially with this styled shoot photographed by Whitney Heard, which is all kinds of boho gorgeous! Be sure to check out the Blair Nadeau Etsy store to order some of these lovelies.Read More

How to Create a Boho Cocktail Bar for Your Wedding

by candice

Credit: Kimberly Chau Photography/Two Be Wed via Junebug Weddings

How does one justify making loads of herb infused vodka? Create a Boho Cocktail Bar of course! When we came across this clever little alcoholic DIY, it inspired us to come up with five top tips for styling a boho cocktail bar of your own, filled with both natural/organic and bohemian mismatched elements. Perfect for a themed wedding (where it’ll keep your guests entertained while you have your photos taken), bridal shower, or even just a fun get together with your girlfriends. Set up your bar on a vintage table or dresser (or even better, on an antique bar cart) underneath a shady old tree, tie some ribbons and dream catchers onto the branches and lay down an assortment of persian rugs, crochet blankets and pillows to lounge on – your guests won’t want to leave!Read More

Bridesmaids in Flower Crowns

by gaby

Can you believe it was only a few years ago that flower crowns were a bit of a rarity in weddings? Now they’re as much of an option for most brides as any veil. But why should the bride get to have all the fun? Flower crowns for bridesmaids are a growing trend, and boy are they pretty. Whether you go for a subtle spray or a statement ring of roses, it can turn a simple bridesmaid look into something really special. So as usual, I’ve rounded up some of my absolute favourite examples from around the wedding web.Read More

Inspiration Board: Sequins & Succulents

by gaby

Happy Monday, lovely friends! And what better way to start a Monday than with a bit of glitter? One of my favourite things in wedding design (okay, design in general) is the pairing of two unexpected elements – a chandelier in a tree, black tie in the bushveld, or – as we have here – sequins and sparkle with the classic of rustic flower design, the humble succulent. In fact, succulents have come a long way since they were associated exclusively with rustic weddings, and now you’ll find them prettying up just about any style of celebration. So whether you’re a rustic bride looking for a bit of sparkle, or a formal one looking for a softer natural touch, this is the perfect combination. *Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Colours: Green, white, taupe, shades of gold

Top row (l-r): Sequin bridesmaids (George Rivera/Nature’s Design); succulent mini cakes (Christa Elyce Photography/Ellanesque Weddings/Sugary + Chic Boutique); succulent centrepiece (Jillian Mitchell Photography)
Row 2: Succulent invitation (Cotton and Ink Wedding); sequin dress; succulent & anemone in mercury glass (Mi Belle Photography/Artisan Events); sequin tablecloth (Esther Sun Photography/At Your Door Events/Flower Allie)
Row 3: Gold succulent (Brandon Kidd/The Little Branch/Lady Liberty Events); succulent bouquet (Maggie Harkov/Meg Savage/Melarosa); boutonniere (Braedon Flynn/XOXO BRIDE/Modern Day Design)

Row 1: Succulent Wedding Invitation Template by Cotton and Ink Wedding | Row 2: Succulent Favors by Mint Studios SD (t0p left); Dusty Mint Succulent Necklace by Morning Heirloom (bottom left); Just Artifacts Speckled Mercury Glass Votive Candle Holders (top right); Grow It Succulents Kit (centre right); Succulent Plants Blank Card Invitation Pack (bottom right) | Row 3: Succulent Sculpture Faux Plant by Waterstone Succulents | Row 4: Sparkly Glitz Sequin Tablecloths Overlay by Prestige Linens (left); Badgley Mischka Draped Sequined Tulle Gown (right)

 

Durban Beachfront Engagement Shoot

by gaby

Next up today, we have a sweet little engagement shoot from Kate van Onselen, which takes place close to my current little ‘hood, on the Durban beachfront. Chelsea (who hails from North Carolina in the US) and local boy James make such an adorable couple, and I especially love the way that Chelsea is rocking a beautiful boho headpiece, but the love and happiness between the couple are rightfully at the centre of these sweet pics. I always say this, but that’s what it’s really all about!Read More