Inspiration - SouthBound Bride

Winter Elegance Wedding Inspiration

13 September, 2017 by gaby

Time for some pretty! While we may be marching toward summer in SA (come on summer!), today’s inspiration is all about the simple pleasures of the winter months. With an outdoor setting in the beautiful Golden Gate area, a stylish bride and groom (LOVE the bride’s lace tattoo gown especially!), and simple elements that come together in the most beautiful way, it’s almost enough to make me wish the chillier months would last juuuust a little bit longer. I know many of you love the natural, minimal look, and this shoot perfectly combines those simple shapes and textures with a few of the fine art elements that I’ve been on about this month, including silk ribbon and gold cutlery, as well as a loose greenery bouquet and a simple, elegant cake. It’s a stunning combination, created by a team led by stylist Melissa Bredenkamp, and captured to perfection by Ian Odendaal Photography.

Adorable Couple’s Boudoir

12 September, 2017 by gaby

I have to admit you guys, when I heard that ‘couple’s boudoir’ was a thing, my first thought was: ick. I mean, some things should be private, right? But since then, I have to admit my mind has been changed by the classy way that photographers have captured fun, playful, intimate moments between couples. As today’s photographer, Samantha Jackson, says: “There are rules – we don’t want to get too out of hand! But overall the sessions are sexy and fun, and a reminder to couples of the steamy connection that they share.” That’s why I love this Mr and Mrs session – it’s super sweet (and beautifully captured) and, like the best kind of boudoir, is like a peek behind the scenes rather than a dodgy provocative lad’s mag shoot. It’s full of laughter and fun, and of course – love! And just wait until you read the adorable couple’s love story and how they pulled off the perfect, relaxed elopement!

Dearly Beloved

7 September, 2017 by gaby

I like to think all the shoots we feature on SBB are special, but today’s really is something extra. As well as being oh-so-pretty, it’s a personal tribute from stylist Kate Bell of Bells & Whistles Event Styling to her lovely grandmother, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Using flowers that reminded Kate of her grandmother’s garden, where she played as a little girl, and a pair of treasured vintage scissors as a prop, Kate drew inspiration from cherished memories of someone who really was “dearly beloved”. As well as being an utterly beautiful way of honouring someone, I think this is a lesson for brides and grooms too, because as I always say, a wedding should be a reflection of you and your story. So when you’re deciding on your wedding design, be sure to allow your imagination to run wild, dig deep into your most precious memories and keepsakes, and what you create really will be truly you. The wonderful Stella Uys took these gorgeous images!

Inspiration Board: Le Jardin de Monet

5 September, 2017 by gaby

Turning from the jewel tones of today’s real wedding, this board is ALL about the pastels. As I mentioned yesterday, the fine art look in weddings isn’t necessarily consciously ‘artistic’, more like curated of soft fabrics and romantic details, but when I started putting this look together, I couldn’t help but drift towards the Impressionist style of one of my favourite artists, Monet. Taking a loose collection of peaches, blues, greens and greys as a base, it’s like taking a splash from Monet’s paintbrush and turning it into a wedding (if that even makes sense). Lovely, no?

Top (l-r): Couple in boat (Kay English Photography) | Watercolour cake (Michelle Leo Events/Layers Cake) | Calligraphy stationery & silk ribbon (Silk & Willow)
Row 2: Shoes (Jillian Mitchell) | Grey candles (Feather And Stone/Victoria Cameron) | Bouquet (Anna Tereshina Photography/Oh My Love Wedding/Sweet William Wedding)
Row 3: Place setting (Emily March Photography/Rebecca Rose Creative) | Bridesmaids in tulle (Katie Kett) | Bride (Feather & Stone/Pearl & Godiva)

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Whimsical Romance Wedding Inspiration

4 September, 2017 by gaby

It’s a new month (and a new season) and I’m super excited about this month’s editorial theme. In September we’re focusing on fine art weddings – not just in terms of photography, but the fine art style that has emerged as a decor trend in and of itself. Not sure what I mean? Well, you’re about to, since today’s whimsical romance styled shoot is a perfect example! (Been DYING to share this one with you!) Think: soft fabrics, beautifully curated details, juxtapositions in texture, and artisan florals. The combination is breathtaking, and for this gorgeous editorial there’s even a touch of real fine art, since the fabric backdrops used throughout are prints of original artworks by renowned artist Louise Janse Van Vuuren. With a pastel palette and an Old European feel that Marie Antoinette herself would approve of, it’s simply the best way to bring in a new season, thanks to the talented team led by Forever September Photography, Anella Wedding Shoes and The Event Planners!

Modern Gems Wedding Inspiration

31 August, 2017 by gaby

It’s been fun focusing on marble and minerals this month – really one of the most versatile trends I’ve seen in a long while, which works for wedding styles from sophisticated city soiree to organic boho celebration, and everything in between. And as we come to the end of August, I can’t think of a better way to end off than with this utterly gorgeous styled shoot, from some of my bestest local Durban suppliers, including my almost-neighbour, Toujours Wedding House, Planned to Perfection, and photographer Wilma Towell. Incorporating greenery, moody candlelight and sophisticated styling, mixed in with crystals and geodes and the prettiest of marble cakes and stationery, it just sums up everything I love about this look and gives it the perfect amount of industrial-meets-rustic flair. The gorgeous models rock swish suits and swoony gowns (oh, so swoony!), and the flowers… oh my. It’s fabulous, so ready, steady, let’s get inspired!

Geode & Marble Escorts & Place Cards

29 August, 2017 by gaby

Custom Agate, Quartz, or Tile Place Card by Seniman Calligraphy

Haven’t you guys been loving the agate slice place cards and marble escort cards that have been ALL OVER styled shoots for the past year? They are so fabulous. They kind of appeal to my inner kid who wants to go trawling through the semi precious stones in a scratch patch. And the first time I saw these I assumed they were only for the actual richie rich, but it turns out that they are on a par with many other escort options, and they definitely make a statement! Plus, they double as a favour, since guests will love taking them home as a keepsake. Anyway, so they rock. (Ha – see what I did there?) And as always, I’ve done all the research for you and pulled 20 fab options from Etsy. And for those on a budget, I’ve even included a few faux marble paper options which would make a gorgeous addition to any table! Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Natural Elements Boho Luxe Wedding Inspiration

21 August, 2017 by gaby

Happy Monday, lovelies! I have such a beautiful shoot in this month’s series of marble & minerals features to share with you today, which comes all the way from California, USA. I’ve never actually been to the US West Coast, but when I do, Big Sur is high on my list of must-sees, and this shoot really shows why. It’s absolutely breathtaking scenery, in the most humbling and heartfelt sense, which is part of why photographer Carlie Statsky, floral designer Christine Cater, and their team chose it as a location; as Christine says, “to complement this incredible landscape in a meaningful way”. With the backdrop forming such a powerful part of the shoot, they complemented it with on-trend boho luxe style, and elements of geode, marble and crystal. With a stunning ceremony set-up, and inspirational tablescape, and two gorgeous gowns, the look is complete.

20 Geode & Crystal Wedding Cakes

18 August, 2017 by gaby

There’s one wedding cake trend that’s been really waking up the neighbours this year, and that’s geode cakes! Along with all things crystal and mineral, geodes are a HUGE wedding trend right now, and bakers have taken up the challenge, rolled up their sleeves, and enlisted the help of rock candy and gold leaf to produce some fabulous creations that look like they were mined straight from the earth (but are way more delicious, obvs!) So of course, I just HAD to round up my faves!

Inspiration Board: White Agate

14 August, 2017 by gaby

It’s been a while since I did an inspiration board, but I have to say, I am loving this one! The geode and mineral trend is going strong at the moment, and agate slices make for a super pretty table addition, but instead of the bright purple or blue agate geodes that you see most often, I adore the soft taupe and lavender colours of white agate. Mix them with pale blush, rose quartz pink and a bit of gold, and wow! Romantic and modern – done! Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Top row (l-r): Geode cake (Carrie’s Cakes/Emilie Ann Photography) | Geode sash (Abigail Grace Photography) | White agate escorts (inLoft Calligraphy)
Row 2: Pink shoes (KT Merry Photography) | Blush bridesmaids (Vanilla Photography) | Place setting (Lisa Catherine Photography)
Row 3: Blush bouquet (Fallen Photography/Blu Event Design) | Geode invitation suite (Minted) | Champagne with rock crystal decoration (Shannon Skloss Photography/The Novel Planner)

I’ve featured this invitation suite from Kaydi Bishop on Minted before (here), but I swear I love it even more now! It comes in loads of colours and with foiling option, and this pink shade is absolutely perfect for our inspiration board!

I’m also loving the geode belt and white agate escort/place card slices. You can find both on Etsy!