I love engagement shoots with a little somethin’ somethin’ extra, especially when it results in sheer romance, as this unique night e-shoot from the fab Riekert Cloete does. With clever lighting, some fun after dark locations, and a loved-up bride and groom-to-be on board, it has that special magic that reminds me of a moonlit night or a sky full of stars.Read More
It’s been a little while since I did an inspiration board with this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year, Radiant Orchid – while this lovely bright lilac-ey purple immediately lends itself to a summer wedding, I wanted to show that it’s just as much at home in the wintery months. In fact, paired with a few other purple tones, grey, white and silver, it’s absolutely perfect for the bride and groom who want to create a winter wonderland with a trendy touch. Add a few pinecones and a smattering of snow (well, we can dream, can’t we?) and you have the makings of a beautiful wedding – a radiant one, in fact!
Colours: Radiant Orchid, plum, lavender, silver, white & grey
Top row (l-r): Bride & groom {Steve Gerrard Photography}; invitation suite {Aneta MAK}; place setting {Greta Kenyon/Leaf & Honey}
Row 2: Silver shoes; purple calligraphy escort cards; pinecone place holders
Row 3: Radiant orchid bouquet {Fleur le Cordeur/Catherine Mac}; purple dress & feather bolero; dried roses; winter landscape {Fiona Conrad}.
Happy Friday, friends! What do you have planned for this weekend? I have one of my besties in town, and we have tip top seats for the rugby on Saturday, so I am amped for that. Love me my Sharks! Anyway, before that happens, we have a day full of pastelly goodness here on the blog, starting with this sweet as candy styled couple shoot from Kaitlyn de Villiers. From pastel cocktails to delicious desserts to the most gorgeous floral crown, it indulges all of my girliest blush and mint/aqua fantasies. Hooray!Read More
You know, there are some wedding dress designers that each year when they release a new collection, I think they’ve outdone themselves – surely reached the tippety top of as pretty as their dresses can be – but lo and behold, the next season I’m dying over their new collection all over again. Mira Zwillinger is one of those designers, and true to form, her 2014/2015 collection is my favourite yet. Holy embroidered and illusion lace amazingness. Combined, as Mira does, with super soft, billowy skirts that combine into the ultimate mix of drama and elegant femininity. Long story short, I’m a huge fan. So let’s schedule some sigh-time to have a look at this latest bevy of beauties from the Israeli designer (not available in SA as far as I know, but can be found at Browns in London).Read More
As Sweet As Images on SouthBound Bride
*UPDATED FOR 2020* So you already know I love bringing you pretty bridesmaid dress inspiration here on SouthBound Bride. But what about BEFORE the dresses, aka the bridesmaids getting ready outfits? Of course, your girls can wear anything they want for the glow up sesh part of the day, but with a professional photographer capturing the moment, it’s always nice to have some kind of coherence. For the last while, the biggest trend has been bridesmaid robes, from terry cloth spa style to monogrammed numbers and printed silk kimono robes. But there are other options too, including the prettiest getting ready rompers and pajamas. And the best part is that they not only look cute in pics but make for fantastic bridesmaid gifts as well. Which bridesmaid getting ready outfits are you considering for your wedding day?
*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.
Okay, I know I am going through a bit of a mint and a pinky phase at the moment, but I think mint and rose gold might be my ultimate right now. I mean, they go together perfectly, like salt and caramel, like Louis and Ella, like Pimms and a summer day. It’s also the ideal mix of a cool and a warm shade, of pastels and metallics, and of classical and modern. Come on, tell me you’re not as over the moon in love with it as I am? ;)
Colours: Mint, white, rose gold
Top row (l-r): Green dress {Elizabeth Messina/Ruche}; table setting {White Spark Photography/Little Sooti}; rose gold stripe cake {Karen Buckle Photography/Ideas In Icing}; marquee reception {White Spark Photography/Little Sooti}
Row 2: Green bridesmaid dress {V.A. Photography}; rose gold wedding rings {Katelyn James Photography/Meant To Be Calligraphy}; mint and rose gold shoes
Row 3: Dress in room {Corbin Gurkin/Love & Lord}; cupcakes {White Spark Photography/Little Sooti}; bride {Amanda K Photography}.
Fun fact: I was so bad at ballet, they held me back a year. Yup, I failed ballet. Which is obviously a HUGE surprise if you know me, since I am totally graceful and never walk into doors or trip up on my own feet or ANYTHING. Fortunately, I’m not holding it against ballet as a whole, which I still love, and which I still think is incredibly beautiful as an art… and as a wedding inspiration. In fact, there was a big trend toward ballet a couple of years ago, but that was all about frothy pinks. Today’s styled shoot is a little different – it’s perfect for the winter bride, with rich berry hues, and just a tiny touch of Christmas (fitting for the ultimate Christmas ballet). But even though it’s seasonal, it’s never themey. Instead, it’s full of beautiful new twists on old themes, and a touch of shimmery gold. I am completely and utterly blown away by every frame shot by Debbie Lourens, and especially by the incredible florals done by SBB directory member Green Goddess flower studio. And red ballet shoes? Yup, I love it ALL. I may have failed at ballet, but this shoot wins on every level.Read More
A few years ago, when baby’s breath first became popular again, I remember thinking that this might mean that some other low-cost fillers may also have their day in the sun, but I must admit, that I never would have predicted ferns as the next big thing in weddings. Not to the same degree, of course, but there’s no doubt that these lovely bits of greenery have been enjoying a very stylish turn on the worldwide bridal stage of late. That’s partly to do with how perfectly they fit in with the botanical trend, partly to do with the move towards greenery and garlands (see our roundup of that here), and a lot to do with the fact that they’re really pretty and versatile (and of course, relatively lower cost). I’ve been looking forward to doing this roundup for a while, but I was surprised just how many pretty options you have for incorporating this trend into your wedding design.Read More
As you probably know by now, I’m a HUGE fan of Veluz Reyes, the powerhouse designer behind some of the most pinned wedding dress images since ever. Based in the Philippines, her fame has spread worldwide, and with her first ever Ready to Wear collection last year, finally international brides were able to get their perfectly manicured paws on her creations (the heart of the business is still custom dress design from the studio, which is wildly in demand among lucky local brides). So of course I just have to share the latest installment in the Ready to Wear line, the 2014 collection. Like Veluz’ previous RTW, it’s awash with silky, billowy skirts, intricate beading and the most spectacual portrait backs, but it also manages to be fresh and modern. And be sure to scroll to the end where there’s a super fun little video (with bridal models who actually SMILE, but then, who wouldn’t smile wearing one of these beauties?).Read More
I hate the end of summer. HATE. IT. Luckily in Durban I mostly get to kid myself that it hasn’t happened yet, but this weekend I’ll be in Joburg and that means finally conceding to the chillier weather and getting my jersey on. Which will be the first time in a year and I object :( ANYWAY, so maybe it’s my nostalgia for all things summer but today’s inspiration for me is somewhere in between the warm and cold weather seasons, a muted autumnal palette that’s perfect for a late summer bride. Dusky pink mixes seamlessly with soft minty green, with a touch of lavender to complete the happy trio. Almost worth giving into autumn for, isn’t it? Oh, and PS? Velvet is SO becoming my new favourite texture! Watch this space…
Colours: Rose, mint & lavender
Top row (l-r): Bride on velvet couch {onelove photography}; bouquet {Simply Bloom Photography}; door
Row 2: Bouquet {Eric Kelley/Easton Events}; champagne with lavender {Gayle Brooker Photography/Easton Events}; lavender macaroons; envelope
Row 3: Bride with bouquet {KT Merry/Dreamy Whites}; centrepiece {Brklyn View Photography/Michelle Edgemont}; cake table {Bryce Covey/Finch & Thistle}; velvet ribbon.
