Category: Inspiration

Inspiration Board: Urban Alice

by gaby

Hello lovelies! I am rushing around backstage, getting the last bits ready for our Editorial Wedding workshop… tomorrow! Eek! Anyway, I had just enough time to put together an inspiration board – and this was such a cool reader request! Kayla wrote to tell me about her summer wedding at The Cheney Place, which is an absolutely stunning venue with face brick walls and an elegantly urban loft sort of vibe. She and her fiance want candles and string lights everywhere, a wedding that is casual, romantic and fun. They also want a bit of an Alice in Wonderland theme going on. I have to say, I absolutely LOVED this whole idea (using a palette of navy, cerulean blue and white, although you could add in a rose or blush shade for extra colour). Candles and hanging lights (love the bulbs!) are so magical, and work beautifully against brick. Keep bridesmaids chic in navy and flowers soft, but with a bit of an unexpected edge like the spiky accents to the bouquet below. Alice is a great theme, but can be completely overdone – you can keep the motif fun and classy with stationery details (love these character card place settings with the original artwork so much!), a few clocks and keys and then some slightly mad touches, like the hanging teacup installation or the teacup glasses (how cute are these?). You just need enough mad hatter to give your guests the idea that this is a fun, slightly avant-garde celebration, and then let them take it from there! Have a great wedding Kayla – can’t wait to see it and hope you like your board!

Colours: Navy, cerulean, white

Top row (l-r): Urban candlelight setting; Alice in Wonderland place card {Carmen and Ingo}; navy bridesmaid dress {Kristin Vining/Weddings in the Bahamas}; blue ruffle cake {Adrienne Page/Tara Guérard Soirée/Val Cakes}
Row 2: Key escort cards; table setting {Carmen and Ingo}; drinks {Liga Photography}; clocks {Braedon Photography/Tricia Fountaine}
Row 3: Table with lights {Krista Mason/Chic Celebrations}; bride with clock {Alyssa Marie Photography}; bouquet {Krista Mason/Chic Celebrations}; Alice in Wonderland place card {Carmen and Ingo}; teacup glasses; hanging teacups.

 

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Urban Johannesburg Bridal Shoot

by gaby

Hello lovelies! Things are all a bit hectic behind the scenes here at SBB, as I put the finishing touches on my course material for The Editorial Wedding, which is happening next week. So excited to show you what we have been up to – and photographers, if you haven’t booked yet, tomorrow’s your last chance! It’s going to be an awesome day, and I’m particularly excited to be co-hosting it with a photographer who I admire not only for her beautiful, colourful, crisp photography and ability to capture the moment, but for her business savvy as well. It’s been such a pleasure getting to know Anneli Marinovich over the last year, and I’m so happy to have her as one of SBB’s sponsors – anyone still looking for a wedding photographer in SA for the end of this year should give her a shout. Anneli is so enthusiastic about her work and the industry, and she makes it very easy for her subjects to relax. She’s also a true creative, and loves taking on new projects and shooting different things. I always love sharing her work here on SBB, and today we have a gorgeous urban bridal shoot that she did in Newtown, Johannesburg. I love the mixture of soft, romantic bridalwear (not to mention gorgeous Jannie Baltzer headpieces) with the industrial urban backdrop, and the way Anneli has her model interacting with the Joburg architecture. It would make for an awesome rock the frock – just sayin’! Anyway, big welcome to Anneli as always, and enjoy!Read More

Ice Cream Pastel Bridesmaid Dresses

by gaby

Image: Skyla Walton/ via Green Wedding Shoes

Hello lovelies, have you recovered from the gorgeousness that was this morning’s wedding? Good-o, because this afternoon we’re continuing our series on the key bridesmaid looks for 2013, with inspiration from real weddings as well as some off-the-rack finds. So far you all have been loving this particular set of posts, and we’ve already covered lace and stripes, with more to come. Today is all about pastels – or more specifically, mix ‘n match ice cream pastels. I absolutely LOVE this look, whether with matching dresses in different colours or a complete mixed vibe. If your girls have quite different looks, this is a fantastic option, and it also goes brilliantly with the Cape country vintage look, as shown off by our Real Life Bride, Cheryl, last year. It’s colourful without being too bold, and just because you go for a mixed bridesmaid palette doesn’t mean that the rest of the wedding needs to be in multiple shades. That makes it really useable while still being pretty and whimsical and fun, which is probably why it’s gained in popularity. So here we go, my favourite sorbet bridesmaids – and some pastel pretties from the high street as well.

Click on any of the dress images below to shop. And for the most recent BM dress finds, check in with our Bridesmaid Boutique Pinterest Board.Read More

Spring Engagement Shoot

by gaby

I can’t think of a more perfect shoot to share with you today, as we head into the Easter weekend. Easter has kind of sneaked up on me this year, but I’ve decided to take tomorrow off (for once) and try to switch off and relax a bit. Before I do, I’m so excited to share this spring styled engagement shoot from awesome photographer Louise Vorster with you. Best of all, the bride-to-be Nicole is a huge fan of SouthBound Bride – which obviously makes us a big fan of hers – especially since she pulled together such an adorable set-up to celebrate her upcoming marriage to fiance Andre. I am especially smitten by the little chicks – aren’t they the cutest? I know that Easter isn’t really spring in SA, but if it gives you an excuse to grab your loved one and set up a super sweet pastelly country style picnic, I say do it. And even better if you can get a photographer like Louise to capture it all perfectly.Read More

Striped Bridesmaid Dresses

by gaby

Image: Jonathan Canlas Photography/Thread Social via Brooklyn Bride

Hello lovelies – how are you enjoying your long weekend so far? Today I’m bringing you the latest in our new series on the top looks for bridesmaids in 2013, and this week we’re looking at a subset of prints – one of 2013’s biggest trends. Stripes are such an accessible print, particularly monochrome stripes, which are very much the look. They work well with a variety of looks – everything from a nautical wedding to a preppy one to those with a bit of a French influence, or just one that looks fresh and fashion forward. It’s no accident that the images I’m sharing today have already been pinned like crazy – every time a set of stripey bridesmaids hits the net we all fall madly in love with it. Just one word of advice – as a bride, you want your girls to feel comfy, and some stripey dresses can be super unflattering for a curvy bridesmaid. Opt for a narrower stripe, a stripey skirt with a block coloured top, or just make sure to let everyone try on your choice before you buy, as you never really know which are going to work until you get them on. Apart from that, stripes away! Here are some of my favourite looks, and some off-the-rack options to recreate them.

Click on any of the dress images below to shop. And for the most recent bridesmaid dress finds, check in with our Bridesmaid Boutique Pinterest Board.Read More

Inspiration Board: Elgin Spring

by gaby

I have an extra special inspiration board today, as it’s for my beautiful cousin Caitlin, who’s currently planning her wedding. Caty grew up on an apple, pear and now wine farm in Elgin – one of the most beautiful places ever – and that’s where she and her fiance will be having their late spring wedding this year. It’s going to be gorgeous, and I love Caty’s idea of using a soft, dreamy palette of whites, creams, grey and pale blush pink with lush blooms and some rustic textures that pay tribute to the farm with wine barrels and apple crates. I think when you go for this sort of look, the best thing is to keep it simple but do the basics well – gorgeous flowers are the biggest building block, along with soft hair, flowy bridesmaids’ dresses (in grey, white or blush will work). I’d mix up the bouquets to include a variety of blooms including silver brunia, but also blushing bride proteas (a big floral crush of mine at the moment!). Use rustic shutters (to hold escort cards?), calligraphed signs and printed calligraphy napkin menus, and apple cocktails for after the ceremony (also love these painted white apples as place or escort cards, or just for fun). I’ve also included a little nod to Caty’s rowing talents with an oar guest book (although another sweet idea is to use paddles as signposts). It all adds up to a classic but contemporary look that is super romantic.

Colours: White, cream, blush and grey

Top row (l-r): Bouquet with blushing brides {Florali}; printed calligraphy napkin {Rylee Hitchner Photography/Jessica Sloane Event Styling & Design}; oar guest book {Alea Lovely}; bride and groom {Marta Locklear Photography/Diamond Events}
Row 2: Bridesmaids {Polly Alexandre Photography}; crate with olive leaf details and table number {Punam Bean Photography}; bride and flowergirl {Hristina Piltz}
Row 3: Ceremony with wine barrel entrance {Jose Villa}; wine barrel and shutter escort cards {Laura Gordon Photography/Tyler Flood}; ceremony sign {Jose Villa/Laurie Arons Special Events}; flowers and silver vase {Gia Canali Photography/Delicate Details}.

Rustic Romantic Inspiration Board

 

Inspiration Board: Botanical Brights

by gaby

Happy Saturday, lovelies! Here’s our last inspiration board for the week, and while the rest have been reader requests, this one’s just for me :) One of my biggest sources of inspiration is the amazing online magazine Magnolia Rouge, and in the last issue, one of my favourites was a gorgeous bouquet recipe photographed by Annabella Charles. I absolutely loved the mix of cool green, soft pinks and purples and a pop of bright fuschia, as well as the botanical feel of the bouquet and the feature. Botanicals are a big design trend in weddings this year (more on that soon) but while most botanical looks feature muted colours, I was inspired to create a board that incorporated both the delicate botanical look and that beautiful dash of bright colour. I love it – hope you do too!

Colours: Green, purple and fuschia

Top (l-r): Flowers and calligraphed envelopes {Annabella Charles/Haute Horticulture/Kristin Wolter}; bridesmaids {Sarah Hasstedt/Pink Champagne Events}; dress {Eric Kelley Photography/Beehive Events}
Row 2: Pie table {Kellan Studios}; leaf place cards {Annabella Charles/Haute Horticulture/Kristin Wolter}
Row 3: Table setting {Odalys Mendez Photography/Virtu Floral and Event Design/The Funky Shack/Southern Flair}; bouquet {Alea Lovely Photo/The Bridal Tree}; Figs in bowl {Annabella Charles/Haute Horticulture/Kristin Wolter}

Title of Recipe Goes Here

 

Modern Pastels Styled Shoot

by gaby

I have such lovely inspiration to share with you all this afternoon! When photographer Veronique Mills got in touch to share this lovely styled shoot she put together with Just Jack at Landtscap, I jumped at the chance to share their take on modern pastels (set beautifully against the clean blank canvas that is Landtscap). I loved the candy colours (how cute are those milkshakes?) and the opaque painted vases, and I especially loved that Veronique explained the table had been DIYed for less than R500 – you can see a full breakdown of her costs at the end. That’s the great thing about a good styled shoot – you can take one or two elements are really make them your own, like DIY vases, or using napkins for pops of colour, or even the pretty pastel nails the models are sporting! And the cherry on top? That CAKE. I think it might be my favourite Nelle Cakes creation yet!Read More

Inspiration Board: Pantone Popsicle

by gaby

It’s been a colourful day on SBB! Here’s the latest in our week of inspiration boards, and this one was requested by bride-to-be Rita. She and her fiance are getting married in May, and are planning a modern eclectic wedding with a touch of elegance. They want white as the base colour, and then with pops of colour everywhere for their garden ceremony and reception. I personally love this look – even though it’s very colourful, the modern white base keeps it clean and stylish (much like the gorgeous styled shoot we featured earlier today). I love the idea of printed napkins (adding an extra layer of texture), coloured straws, ribbons on the chairs and a multitude of coloured lanterns. Just one word of caution – keep one part of every element plain to make those colours pop and not start looking too chaotic. For example, the bridesmaids below in their rainbow dresses with white bouquets (or change that for crisp white dresses and colourful bouquets), the white band against the coloured napkin, or the painted vases full of colourful blooms on a white runner. And how cute is that cake? Hope you like your board Rita!

Colours: Bright multicolour pastels

Top row (l-r): Bride and bridesmaids {onelove photography}; wedding invitation {Gubba Gumma}; chairs with ribbons {Elizabeth Anne Weddings/Laura Ivanova Photography}
Row 2: Colourful cake pops; polka dot napkin {Yvette Gilbert}; rainbow paper straws {Peach Blossom}
Row 3: Colour chips; colour dot cake {Martha Stewart}; painted mason jars {Jeanine Groenewald/Leipzig}.

Pantone Popsicle Inspiration Board | SouthBound Bride

Inspiration Board: Ocean Lavender

by gaby

Time for another inspiration board? How are you guys enjoying having a daily one? Okay, there’s no way I could do this every week, but with so many requests coming in, it’s meant catching up a little, which means I get to make more of you happy. Win. Anyway, so today’s request comes all the way from Holland and I absolutely LOVE the colours bride Annet has chosen – lavender and blue. Because they’re complementary, they work perfectly in synch, but they’re also an unusual choice for a beach wedding (how’s this for romance – Annet and her husband are getting married at a castle they have to reach by boat, and then having dinner and dancing at a restaurant on the beach). I love this idea of bringing the country to the sea, and as well as incorporating natural textures like glass, I’d use fresh potted herbs as much as possible in the table centrepieces and lavender itself for the bouquet. The end result is soft and super stylish. Hope you love your board Annet!

Colours: Lavender and dusky blue

Top row (l-r): Bouquet {Lauren Kinsey Fine Art Photography/Lauren Kinsey Fine Art Photography + Shannon Reeves Events + Angela Haley of Hemstitch Vintage Rentals}; bottle {Krista Fox Photography/Fabulous Occasions}; bridesmaids {Images by Berit, Inc./6 Degrees of Celebration}, envelope with white wax seal
Row 2: Braided hairstyle; lavender confetti {Simply Bloom Photography}; tables {Claudia Rose Carter}; flowergirls {Olivia Leigh/Estera Events}
Row 3: Beach glass {Best Photography/Jenn Aquilia Events}; lavender pot {KT Merry/Sara Jean Events}; cake {Best Photography/Jenn Aquilia Events}; message in a bottle {Mike Larson Photographers, Inc./NLC Productions}; couple dancing {Millie Holloman Photography/Salt Harbor Designs}.