Category: Inspiration

We All Have Roots in Africa by Cheryl McEwan & Creation Events

by gaby

Ready, steady, let’s GO! I’m so excited to share a week of proudly South African wedding inspiration here on SBB, starting with this delightful shoot from two long-time supporters of the blog (along with their talented team), stylist Theresa of Creation Events and photographer Cheryl McEwan. Instead of choosing a single South African twist, they were inspired by just how eclectic and diverse our cumulative culture is (one of the things I love most about SA) and created a look for both ceremony and reception that incorporated a mix of the gorgeous textures and colours of our nation. Including a beadwork cake, which I am absolutely DYING over, leather accented stationery (how. cool. is. that.) and lots of beautiful, beautiful proteas. Put simply, these are a few of our favourite things :)Read More

Rock (‘n Roll) The Frock Styled Bridal Portrait

by gaby

Am I ever glad to see Friday – it’s not been my favourite week, and I’m very glad the weekend is finally here. Especially since I’ll be working on the posts for next week’s SUPER exciting reveal of the styled shoot finalists. Wait until you see them! But first, we have a styled shoot of a very different kind. I love the creativity that Debbie Lourens always brings to her styled bridal portraits, and today’s is for a statement modern bride (with a bit of a love for retro). Together with Marnel Toerien on hair and makeup, she channeled her love of the ’80s into a funky rock the frock (literally!) session full of vinyl, glitter and alternative bridal style. Gorge.Read More

Black Natural Wedding Hair Inspiration

by gaby

I thought it was about time we did some hair inspiration, and this one is especially for our beautiful brides of colour! I’ll be honest with you guys, I know next to nothing about black hair care, and what goes into the decision to wear yours straightened or au naturel for your wedding day, but I have to tell you, I absolutely adore this look and I wish I saw it more outside of styled shoots and fashion editorials. Whether it’s a long mass of curls or twists, a stylish fro, or something super-short, Lupita-style, each of these looks is super glam in an unfussy way, but what I like best is that I feel like each of the brides’ best features are really able to shine. Flawless makeup is a must, and as you’ll see, the choice of accessories is wide and wonderful, from chunky statement necklaces to delicate hairpieces and lush flowers. Which is your favourite look?Read More

Inspiration Board: Oracle

by gaby

Morning lovelies! Time to greet another week, and there’s no better way to do that than with an inspiration board, right? If you’ve been following for any amount of time you’ll probably know by now that I just love olive leaves as wedding decoration. So today I thought I would pair this Mediterranean favourite with glamorous gold – perfect for a bride who wants to feel like a Grecian goddess on her big day. Which leads me to wonder – is there ANYTHING that doesn’t look amazing with gold right now? Because no, I don’t think there is. I especially love the idea of a bride in a soft grey or nude colour dress, and bridesmaids in shimmery glitz, paired with olive leaves and soft white flowers on the tables. Gorgeous.

Colours: Gold, green, white and neutrals

Top row (l-r): Bride {Jose Villa}; table decor {Michael + Anna Costa Photography/Joy De Vivre Event Design Boutique}; gold dress {Feather & Stone}
Row 2: Boutonnieres {Jason & Anna Photography/Engaged & Inspired/Floral Theory}; bouquet {Xavier Navarro}; menu {Rylee Hitchner/Jessica Sloane Event Styling & Design/Molly Jacques Illustration}
Row 3: Gold seal {Sarah Drake Design}; gold and olive cake {Amalie Orrange Photography}; olive leaf crown {Lucia Gill Photography/Joya Rose}.

 

Sarah Houston 2015 Collection

by gaby

Hey HEY. We’re finishing off our week in the prettiest way possible, with some gorgeous wedding dresses! Today I’m spotlighting Sarah Houston, a Canadian designer whose flagship store is based in Toronto. I’m new to Sarah’s label, but when her team sent over a sneak peek at her brand new collection, I immediately became a huge fan. I love the combination of textures, from sparkle and embroidery to feathers and soft ruffles and lace, and the way that Sarah’s designs are so very feminine, but with a stylish fashion forward edge. The end result is glamorous and romantic all at once, and with brides all over the world wearing Sarah’s designs, sure to inspire. Enjoy!Read More

Yarn, String & Macrame Wedding Ideas

by gaby

Yarn, String & Macrame Wedding Ideas

Afternoon, lovelies! It’s time for us to round up another little trend that’s been raising it’s sweet, craft-friendly face in weddings recently. Have you noticed how many variations on knitting yarn, crochet, macrame and string have been making an appearance? It’s got that retro ’70s chic to it, and as I mentioned, it’s super DIY friendly – from macrame hangings and backdrops to string art, to balls of wool or thread-wrapped table numbers, this is a way to bring something new and different to your wedding design that you’ve made yourself. Here are some of my favourite yarn, string and macrame wedding ideas, as well as some gorgeous macrame wedding details I found for sale on Etsy!

*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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A Touch of Provence Engagement Shoot by Andre Sonnekus Photography & Eco-Chic Weddings

by gaby

Afternoon lovelies! I have such a pretty lil’ engagement shoot to share with you this arvie! Matt and Belinda love everything French, so for their engagement shoot with Andre Sonnekus, they asked Eco-Chic Weddings to help out with some gorgeous French-inspired styling. So adorable, and I love the outfits too. And be sure to read about Matt’s proposal – this guy could teach classes in how to organise the perfect romantic weekend!Read More

Inspiration Board: Wineland Pastels

by gaby

Hello lovelies! We started our Monday with winter whites, but now it’s time to add some colour to your afternoon. Specifically, pastels, because we LOVE pastels, don’t we? I’ve done quite a few pastel boards before (and I’m especially fond of mixed ice cream pastels, let’s be honest), but today I wanted to do a little more of a grown-up pastel board, combining the soft rainbow of shades with elegantly rustic vineyard style. I am absolutely loving how it’s turned out, aren’t you? Here’s hoping this is one board I see brought to life by a real bride soon. (PS Find more pastel inspiration here!)

Colours: Ice cream pastels

Top row (l-r): Name tags {Em The Gem/Kathryn Murray }; flowers on wine barrel {Jessica Burke Photography/FleurEssence Floral Design}; pastel bridesmaids {Sweet Little Photographs}
Row 2: Flowers in wine crate {Nikki Meyer}; cork escort cards {Braedon Photography}; pastel yellow cake {Matthew Land Studios/Petal And Pie}
Row 3: Pastel cupcakes {Lindsey A. Miller Photography/MOD Events/D’lish Dessert}; ruffled wedding dress {KT Merry}; wine barrel breakout area {Caroline Tran Photographer/Malibu Family Wines}

 

Contemporary Winter Styled Shoot by Topshelf Weddings & Events

by gaby

Brrr! We’re starting off our Monday with some frosty wintery inspiration – a decor scheme that has every bit of the magic of winter, Narnia-style, but with a minimalist contemporary twist. Which makes it pretty much perfect for a modern winter bride. With a palette of bright white and neutrals, clean florals (tulips and lilies) mixed with the texture of a ‘snow covered’ tree centrepiece, and a mix of Tiffany chairs and soft fluffy faux furs draped over others, it’s the kind of look that’s easy to carry off but will make a great impression on your guests.Read More

10 Reasons to Get Married in South Africa

by gaby

Today’s post is partly aimed at the overseas brides and grooms, who are considering whether South Africa is the right place to celebrate their weddings (hint: it SO is). But let’s be honest, for those of us blessed to be born or live here, it’s nice to remind ourselves why this is one of the best destinations on earth. A little smugness never hurts, right? ;) To make the deal even sweeter, we’re featuring images from a styled wedding shoot put together by photographer Tania Timkova and Michele Steyn of Passionately Weddings. Tania, a destination photographer, was a visitor to our shores herself and fell in love with SA, especially Cape Town! She wanted to show off the potential to those back home, so worked together with real-life-couple Chantelle & Retief to capture the beautiful scenery, the tenderness, and of course, the love!Read More