Inspiration Board: Tropical Blush

Pineapples are everywhere at the moment (yay!) and I’ve been wanting to do a pineapple-themed board for a while. Which might sound weird, because wouldn’t a pineapple-themed wedding be all Carmen Miranda? But no, in fact, we’re talking pineapples as a motif rather than a theme, and we’re loving how they add a touch of the tropics while still being an elegant and interesting form. Basically, they’re cool, we love them, and mixed with the softest blush and some proteas (complementary shapes and all), you get a totally romantic wedding design. (Oh and PS, to see a gorgeous real wedding on SBB inlcluding a few pineapples on the tables, see here).

Colours: Blush, white & tropical green

Top row (l-r): Blush wedding dress {Laura Murray Photography/Love This Day Events}; gold pineapple necklace {Stephanie Yonce/Events by Elizabeth Palmer}; pineapple {Joielala Photography/Mr Caballero Creative}
Row 2: Table decor {Connie Dai Photography}; pineapple invitation {Stephanie Yonce/Events by Elizabeth Palmer/Confetti Grey}; protea bouquet {Ale & Kim}
Row 3: Blush cocktails {Ryan Ray/Summer Watkins of Grey Likes Weddings}; bride & groom {Blush Wedding Photography/Delovely Creative}; cake {Blush Wedding Photography/Delovely Creative}

 

Ouma Wedding Dresses

Happy Friday y’all! Now, when I tell you that today I am showcasing Ouma wedding dresses, I definitely do not mean that I am showcasing the kind of old-school dresses your ouma might wear (mind you, with vintage going strong, your real ouma’s wedding dress is probably a stunner!). When I say Ouma, I’m talking an up and coming indie wedding dress label from the US. In the last couple of years, Etsy has become a fantastic source for not just everything handcrafted in general, but for bride’s looking for a very special dress, often at a more reasonable price. Ouma are definitely one of the frontrunners, and with beautiful, slightly out of the box designs that include dreamy tulle skirts and super feminine extras like sparkle and shine, it’s no wonder. And the big win is that they ship internationally, so this is one label that South African brides can also access. Here’s just a few gowns from the current collection. Enjoy!Read More

Hexagon Wedding Details

You all will know by now that geometrics are very much having their day in both wedding and general design at the moment. I feel like I can’t look anywhere without seeing some geometric-inspired design, but as always, it’s a look that’s really grown on me. Of all the shapes, hexagons are emerging as the front runners, and I am loving them! Hexagon cakes aren’t a new thing, but we’re definitely seeing more of them now, along with hexagon (and sometimes heptagon or pentagon)-shaped stationery and design elements, from backdrops to menus to table numbers to cake toppers. What I think works particularly well about hexagons is that when fitted together, they have the honeycomb effect, so they’re a stylish evolution of an earlier wedding design trend. Anyway, I thought it was about time I rounded up some of the hexa-lovely inspiration that has been floating around wedding world.Read More

Urban Romance Styled Shoot by Vizion Photo & Celeste Styled Events

A lot of the inspiration we share here is countrified or beachy – and after all, there’s a huge chunk of South Africa and beautiful South African venues that are situated beyond city limits or even in pockets of countryside within them. But I think city weddings are on the up – especially with some gorgeous city venues especially in Joburg. And while this style isn’t for everyone, I personally adore urban style – there’s something so elegant and sophisticated about it, and I adore the contrast between industrial textures like steel, glass and brick with soft tulle or verdant blooms. So I’m thrilled to be bringing you today’s styled shoot by a fab team including the dynamic Vizion Photo and Celeste Styled Events. You may have seen it in the previous issue of our fave magazine, Wedding Inspirations, but here is an extended look at all the lovely details, including two swish tablescapes, two variations on the bridal look (LOVE the denim jacket, and that floral neckpiece – wow!), and even a pie ‘cake’, all set against a slick, modern backdrop. Be inspired!Read More

Inspiration Board: Castaway

Monday Monday, can’t trust that day… But you can trust that on a Monday morning you’ll have some fresh SBB inspiration to kick off the week! I must say, I am more than a little in love with this one – a combination of rustic beach and watercolour wedding styles, in a gorgeous combination of dark and lighter indigos and soft neutrals. Just add the sea, and you’re good to go.

Colours: Indigo blue, white and beige

Top row (l-r): Bride & groom {Studio 1208/Amy Nichols Special Events}; watercolour invitation {Rad + In Love/Sitting in a Tree/Pitbulls & Posies}; driftwood table plan {Brooke Boling/Maureen Koo}; mussel wedding cake {Alexander James Photography/Pearl & Godiva}
Row 2: Bride {Theresa Furey Photography/Wedding Sparrow}; table setting {Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay}; starfish with rings {Corinna Raznikov}
Row 3: Bridesmaids in grey {Belathee Photography/Matthew Robbins Design}; coral centrepiece {jose villa/joy thigpen}; sand dollar invitations {Concertina Press}; beach tablescape {jose villa/joy thigpen}.

 

SouthBound Guide: How to Pin a Boutonnière

Happy Friday, friends! You know, in my years as a wedding blogger, many’s the time I’ve come across pictures of a hapless groom waiting for his bride at the altar, boutonnière akimbo. Bless them. By the time we’re at the couple shoot, that lil’ bout has always been rearranged. Now, whether your groom’s buttonhole is up, down or sideways is the absolute least important thing going on during your wedding ceremony. But to help the guys out (and save you having to fix it later), here’s a quick and simple SBB guide to pinning the boutonnière. You’re welcome, gents! PS Did you know that the tradition for pin corsages (aka the ladies’ equivalent of a boutonniere) is to be worn on the opposite (wearer’s right) side and with the stem facing up?Read More

Dip Dye & Ombre Wedding Dresses

blue and white ombre beach wedding dress

Last year I was blown away when I featured this beach wedding, which included the gorgeous ombréd Rosenworth dress pictured above (you SouthBound Brides are such trendsetters!). Again a few months ago, I featured a stunning dip-dyed wedding dress as part of this photoshoot, and it’s since become one of our most pinned images. Clearly, the ombré wedding dress is having its day, and having done a roundup of these breathtaking beauties, I am an even bigger fan than before. It’s just the perfect way to add colour to your look while still retaining the elegant white wedding dress at the top (and in many of your photos) – a stylish compromise between classic and statement looks. Have a look at these pics and tell me you’re not a convert! 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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Julie Vino Orchid Collection

Brides, get ready for some serious dress lust. Julie Vino‘s Orchid collection is AMAZE – a combination of red-hot sexy and extremely feminine and romantic, it really stands out. Based in Tel Aviv, Julie’s a new designer on my radar (although already well established) and I just can’t get enough of her sleek silhouettes and glamorous details. And oh, those details. Hand embroidery, ornate beadwork, shimmer, lace, a shiny gold belt, an Olivia Palermo-style short/skirt combo… This collection has it all. And while it’s currently only available to buy in Israel and the US, I just had to share the inspiration with my South African brides!Read More

Fun Favours: Macarons

Well, you KNOW it’s going to be a good week when it starts with macarons, right? These little bites of sunshine have firmly engrained themselves in the heart of brides and wedding bloggers alike – and not only are they delicious, but there’s something so pleasing about their smooth round shape, delightful flavours, and mix of colours. Which basically makes them the perfect wedding favour, because not only will they look lovely on your tables, but they’re not going to get left behind (in fact, most won’t make it to the end of the night uneaten – at least if I’m your guest!). For the talented bakers among you, it’s possible to do these as a DIY, but be aware that many a brilliant cook has tried and failed at macarons. Personally, I prefer to leave them to the professionals (more on that later this week). But wherever you procure yours from, here are some of my favourite macaron favour packaging ideas to inspire you.Read More

Inspiration Board: National Velvet

You guys, velvet is BACK. The texture that I was in love with when planning my matric dance dress circa 1995 and that did a disappearing act thereafter has come full circle in the cool stakes. So right about now, I’m in love with velvet as a warm fabric that adds that extra touch of luxe to a celebration. We’re not talking full scale velvet, but we are talking velvet ribbons tied around cutlery, menus or bouquets, velvet bowties (how much do we love the bow as a hairpiece below?), even a velvet suit for the daring retro groom. Best of all, I love the colours that velvet comes in, and today I’ve mixed together a gorgeous dusky rose with a soft blue, as well as a navy – all readily available in this texture. Welcome back, old friend.

Colours:  Powder blue, navy & rose

Top row (l-r): Groom’s shoes {Lacie Hansen Photography/Tamara Bolton}: invitation suite {Ceci New York/Elizabeth Messina }; settee {Gabe Aceves}
Row 2: Velvet bowties {Jen Huang Photography/Poppies & Posies}; menu with velvet ribbon {Elisa B Photography/Ribbons and Blue Birds}; navy velvet shoes
Row 3: Bouquet with velvet ribbon {Brosnan Photographic/Ruby and Bloom/The Bridal Lounge}; velvet bow hairpiece {Jose Villa/Boutaugh/Grey Likes Weddings}; escort cards {Jose Villa}; velvet suit {Jen Huang/Magnolia Rouge }

Velvet Wedding Inspiration | SouthBound Bride