Inspiration - SouthBound Bride

Inspiration Board: Cupid’s Arrow

10 February, 2014 by gaby

It’s Valentine’s week, lovelies!!! And in honour of the annual festival of Lurve, we have a week packed full of lovey dovey goodness for you (more than usual for a wedding blog, even). You’ll be ah-ing over love stories and proposals, falling in love with some very pretty weddings and of course getting some V-Day style inspiration. Starting with our inspiration board today. Instead of going for the ‘typical’ reds of a Valentine palette, I decided to opt for the softest, sweetest blush and combine it with clean white and a touch of gold and grey. To play on the Cupid theme, I’ve included some cheruby details, as well as an arrow motif (this is actually very trendy in fashion and design, so if you have a Valentine connection in your love story, it’s a great way to bring it in subtly). I must say, I am rather smitten. How about you?

Colours: Blush, rose, white, gold & grey

Top row (l-r): Bride with bridesmaids {Brumley & Wells/A Vintage Affair Events + Rentals}; angel wings {Anita Spero Design}; portrait back dress {Elizabeth Messina/Claire Pettibone}
Row 2: Arrow wedding invitation {Minted}; bouquet {Logan Cole Photography/Beau & Arrow Events}; flower crown {Natalie Spencer Photography/Darling & Daisy};gold feather boutonniere {Michele Ng}
Row 3: Arrow bracelet {Our Labor of Love}; Cupid dessert display {Natalie Spencer Photography/Darling & Daisy}; arrow place setting {MCR PROJECTS}.

Wedding Dresses for Hourglass Shaped Brides

7 February, 2014 by gaby

*UPDATED FOR 2021* You know how on Say Yes to the Dress, there are those moments when a bride comes in and she’s adamant about a specific shape of dress she wants, and when she puts it on it just looks… wrong. And then, if she’s smart, she tries a shape the consultant suggests instead, and is instantly transformed into a goddess? I love those, because I KNOW the feeling of trying something on and it looks nothing like how it did in your head or on the hanger and you feel desperate because omigodnothingisevergoingtofitmeorlookawesome. Trying something on that is right for your shape is the opposite of that feeling, but the truth is that it only happens when you let go of some of the pre-set ideas you have, and work with reality. That’s what this series is about – making our brides feel like a zillion dollars, whichever of the main body shapes they are rocking. Today we are all about hourglass shaped brides, and I’ll be giving you some tips for dressing this curvy shape to perfection, as well as swooning over some incredible hourglass wedding dresses from Etsy.

*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

A Day at the Circus Engagement Shoot by Elandre Montgomery

6 February, 2014 by gaby

Hello lovelies! I am full of a cold today (struck down in the pribe of libe, as Monica from Friends would say), and have spent the morning in bed alternately sleeping and feeling sorry for myself, so no wedding for you today, sorry. Worry not, you’ll be seeing it tomorrow morning instead. For now, the best possible way to cheer myself up is by sharing this super super fun engagement shoot. Not just circus themed, you guys, but shot in a circus. Because the couple (Daniela & Angus) are professional clowns – Daniela is actually part of the Boswell Wilkie dynasty, as the granddaughter of its founder and ringmaster. How INCREDIBLY cool is that? This would put a smile on anyone’s face – and is perfectly captured by Elandre Montgomery!Read More

Sequin Table Runners

5 February, 2014 by gaby

Last month, I identified pretty table runners as a trend we’ll be seeing lots of in the coming season. While many of these will be lace for vintage-loving brides, we’re also seeing some gorgeous sparkly sequin runners coming through (and not just runners, full sequin tablecloths, in all their glittery glory!). You’d think this would all be a bit much, but I have to say, each time I see one of these tables, it makes my magpie heart do a little hop, skip and a jump. And why not? It’s your wedding! Even your tables should get to wear their party dresses, right? So today I’ve rounded up some of my favourite sequin runners, as well as a few suggestions for bringing a bit of sparkle to the table if you don’t want to go the whole hog.

Persephone Bridal Portraits by Debbie Lourens

4 February, 2014 by gaby

Afternoon, my lovelies! Time for some unusual and pretty inspiration, courtesy of Debbie Lourens, a Cape Town-based photographer. Debbie has a fresh approach to bridal portrait sessions for those brides who have approached her wanting to ‘rock the frock’. I am not always a huge fan of the so-called ‘trash the dress’ sessions as they CAN be tacky, but do I love the idea of a bride getting to wear her dress again and create something special and beautiful together with her photographer! In this case, Debbie was inspired by her own love of Greek mythology (which I totally share) to produce a shoot themed around the myth of the goddess Persephone. In case you’re not familiar with the story, it goes that Persephone (the daughter of Zeus and harvest goddess Demeter) was kidnapped as a young maid by Hades, god of the Underworld. Her mother, devastated, went searching for her, and eventually Hades agreed to allow Persephone to return to her mother, but first gave her a pomegranate to eat. When Demeter saw Persephone with the ruby stain on her lips, she knew that her daughter had tasted the fruit of life, and made a new home for herself. So a bargain was made. Each spring, Persephone returns to the world, heralded by flowers. Each autumn, she enters to the underworld, and as her mother grieves, the winter season comes. Lovely, isn’t it? And what a perfect inspiration for boho brides.Read More

Inspiration Board: Coral, Teal & Gold Leaf

3 February, 2014 by gaby

Hello lovelies! Today’s inspiration board is a little reader request via Instagram for bride Angelina, who asked for a board in teal, coral and gold. I haven’t done reader requests in a while, but I was happy to oblige, especially with this gorgeous palette. I should say that a lot of brides who lean towards this sort of palette are thinking of a colour slightly lighter than teal – a turquoise or an aqua, or even a mint – as they go absolutely perfectly with coral (if you love this, check out Tropical Coral & Mint, this coral & aqua inspiration shoot, or our Hawaiian Honeysuckle colour story). But I loved the idea of teal, a slightly deeper shade that adds an extra note of sophistication. And of course, gold is the perfect accent colour. I love me a bit of a motif, and recently I have been noticing with pleasure the textured gilt finish of a gold leaf effect (think we’ll be seeing more of this in weddings this year). It makes an awesome touch here – just the perfect amount of distressed glitter. Oh, and how AMAZING are coral peonies? Sigh. Angelina – hope you like your board!

Colour: Teal, coral, gold

Top row (l-r): Bride with coral peony bouquet {Elizabeth Messina/katflower }; gold leaf ring bowl; coral peony wedding cake {Annabella Charles Photography}
Row 2: Teal and gold leaf macarons {Fiona Kelly Photography/Linen and Silk Weddings}; peony centrepiece; teal invitation suite {Marta Harding}
Row 3: Peach wedding dress {Brklyn View Photography}; boutonniere {José Villa}; coral peony arrangement {Zofia & Co. Photography/Soiree Floral }; teal and gold shoes {Apryl Ann Photography/After Yes Weddings}.

Boy Meets Girl Engagement by Moira West

30 January, 2014 by gaby

You guys, I have been DYING to share this engagement shoot with you! It has been burning up my Dropbox since before Christmas, waiting for the perfect moment to share its massive amounts of romance with the world, and today is the day. Now I know e-shoots aren’t something all of you follow, but this one is just perfection. It’s not only unique and fun, and photographed to perfection by the always-amazing Moira West, but what I love best about it is that it has a little story behind it. Charles & Liné didn’t actually meet in a bar (read on for how they did meet, so cute), but because it was really love at first sight for them, they wanted to recreate that incredible moment when sparks flew. Butterflies! Be sure to read Charles’ hilarious version of how this love story began – it culminated in an amazingly romantic proposal (a scavenger hunt that started where they had their first date, created the perfect day and night complete with spa treatments, a fancy dinner and a red convertible, and ended with a room full of roses, a sparkly ring, and a bride-to-be saying “A thousand times, yes!”). Thank you so much Liné and Charles for sharing!Read More

Wedding Dresses with Sleeves

30 January, 2014 by gaby

*UPDATED FOR 2021* Hello lovelies! The internet was not my friend yesterday, so today we’re jam packing the fabulous content in here on SouthBound Bride, starting with some very lovely bridal fashion. Now, I never thought I would say this, but sleeves are SO my new fashion crush. Of course, there are sleeves and then there are sleeves. And the wedding dresses with sleeves we’re talking here, whether they are little delicate caps perfect for a summer bride or soft sheaths for winter ones, are just as romantic and beautiful as the rest of the dresses they adorn. There’s lace – of course, because lace is a huge trend right now – but not just lace. Dreamy chiffons, sparkly beads, smooth silks. So ridiculously beautiful. The age of the all-triumphant strapless A-line is officially a thing of the past.

*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Vintage High Tea Bridal Shower by Megan van Zyl

28 January, 2014 by gaby

Hello lovelies! I thought today we would finish off with some bridal shower inspiration, courtesy of the lovely Megan van Zyl. This one has all your favourites – a touch of vintage, proteas, and shabby chic decor, as well as a table full of delicious-looking desserts! Megan was contacted by the maid of honour responsible for all this prettiness, Simoné, who was coming out from Australia (along with a suitcase full of decor and handmade floral crowns), for her bestie Eugenie’s kitchen tea at the Magoebaskloof Hotel just outside Haenertsburg. She was delighted to capture the happy day!Read More

Inspiration Board: Moroccan Boho

27 January, 2014 by gaby

Good grief, how is it Monday again? Today we’re bringing some boho sunshine to the blog, courtesy of this pretty inspiration board, which was inspired by a Hideous Kinky Morroccan bohemian-style vibe. Soft peachy orange combines perfectly with 2014’s colour of the year, Radiant Orchid, especially with intricate bronze detailing and our fave flower, the protea. If you love this look, then check out our suggestions for Morroccan wedding decor as well :)

Colours: Radiant orchid, orange, pink & white

Top row (l-r): Boho bride {Ciara Richardson}; bridesmaid with protea bouquet {Sarah Joelle Photography}; boho tent {Jenny Kim Photo/Drew Bennett + Sitting In A Tree}
Row 2: Moroccan lanterns {Sweet Emilia Jane & Sitting in a Tree}; boho dress with lace back detail {Poise by Nadia}; rose wine on brass tray {Mint Photography/Pink Parasol Designs and Coordinating}
Row 3: Bride {Grace Loves Lace}; purple VW camper {Danielle Capito Photography/Taylor Made Events and Design}; protea bouquet {Adam Barnes/Petal}.