Styled Shoots - SouthBound Bride

Rhapsody in Indigo

16 January, 2017 by gaby

When I started SBB (waaay back when, haha), one of my favourite things to do was create moodboards putting together some beautiful and unexpected shades. I still do (although less frequently), but what years of creating those boards gave me was a deep appreciation for colour, and it’s that part of me that stood up and cheered the minute today’s styled shoot hit my inbox. Picture the scene – rustic, woodsy (thanks to the incredible Cabbage & Rose glasshouse venue), a mixture of rough and smooth (the shoot was inspired by the idea of ‘perfect imperfection’). Then infuse all of that with a range of blues and greys, ranging from soft smoke right through to the most beautiful indigo, complemented by soft matte metallics and flecks of gold leaf. Pretty doesn’t even cover it. From the delightfully eclectic table setting to the dresses (Oh! The dresses! What I wouldn’t do to see one of these beauties on a real colour-loving bride!), to the cement-like cake (sounds weird, is actually totally awesome), I just want to wrap myself up in it and sing the blues. In a good way. Dust and Dreams Photography took these dreamy pics.

Spanish Flamenco Wedding Inspiration by Jacoba Clothing

13 January, 2017 by gaby

It’s Fashion Friday, you guys, so not only are we bringing you the best in wedding gowns for 2017, but I have some brilliant local fashion inspiration to share with you today, courtesy of our talented friends at Jacoba Clothing. This shoot was inspired by the bright colours and bold movements of flamenco dancers, and it’s full of the most beautiful bright florals and table decor, which just serve to highlight how pretty Jacoba’s dresses are. A stunning combination of comfort and detail, whether you’re wearing one as a bride or bridesmaid, you’re going to feel like a million pesetas (well, Euro, but whatever) and be ready to click those castanets and dance the night away (flamenco dance moves not guaranteed).

Stylish Jewel Tone Engagement Party Inspiration

9 January, 2017 by gaby

Happy Monday, lovelies! It’s time for another week of inspiration on SBB, and we’re starting things off with another gorgeous shoot that’s right in line with January’s theme: Just Engaged. This time, we’re turning an eye to stylish engagement parties and couple shoots, because this jewel toned beauty is a combination of both. Captured by photographer Katie Parra and featuring adorable real life couple Brandon and Tyler, it’s an absolute feast for the eyes, with a touch of suave vintage charm and the most beautiful, lush florals. I love the cozy, understated masculine feel that Clutch Events and En Fleur Event Design have managed to create here, using rich colours, swathes of greenery, and a very chic bar cart for cocktail hour. And let’s not forget the cake, with its swags of icing, and the perfect finishing touch: a vintage Porsche!

Woodlands Elopement Inspiration

5 January, 2017 by gaby

Can you think of anything more romantic than an elopement in the woods? Nope, neither can I. Which is why I can’t wait to share this absolutely gorgeous styled shoot from Lad & Lass Photography, Bouwer Flowers & Hey Pioneer, and their team. And if you loved the boho forest goodness in our real wedding this morning, then you are going to luuuurve what we have in store. Macrame ceremony arch. Stylishly rustic tablescape. A boho lace dress, a groom in bold Marsala, fresh from the forest florals, a to-die-for chocolate naked cake… I could go on and on. But I think my absolute favourite is the bell tent set up (complete with whimsical floral entrance) for the bride and groom, to give their first night as Mr and Mrs that woodsy glamping feel. So… how much do we all want to have a forest elopement right now?

Dreamy Blue Wedding Inspiration with a Surprise Proposal

3 January, 2017 by gaby

Time to kick off a new year of inspirational content! And I honestly can’t think of a prettier way to do that than with this styled shoot by the wonderful Courtney Leigh. It’s full of dreamy, dusky blues and touches of elegant gold, gorgeous organic florals and an extraordinarily beautiful two-piece gown by Alexandra Grecco. Jade Magnolia did an amazing job with the table, layering textures and using different shades of blue alongside Blush and Vine‘s lush flowers to really make it pop. Every detail is super swoony (just wait till you see the chocolate strawberries!), but as wonderful as all of it is, what makes this shoot beyond special and memorable is that it ended with a surprise proposal for the sweet models, Chalie and Andrew. The looks of love on their faces, especially during and after Andrew pops the question, just radiate happiness – no wonder capturing these moments is something Courtney describes as a highlight of her photography career. It also makes this the perfect way for us to launch January’s editorial theme: Just Engaged. Enjoy!

Summer Jewels Wedding Inspiration

19 December, 2016 by gaby

You guys, I can’t believe we’re finally heading into the final stretch of 2016 (surprised, but not sorry). That means that from tomorrow we’ll be starting into our traditional holiday ‘programming’ while I take a few days off, rounding up our best details, dresses, bouquets, cakes, and everything else wonderful from the year that was. I’m so excited to revisit these favourites! But before I do, I just had to end off the year with a bang, by showcasing this gorgeous styled shoot in bright jewel tones from GDG Photography, that’s absolutely perfect for the summer bride! The idea, which was based on a palette of rich, vibrant colours, was a combination of sophisticated and relaxed styles, inspired by the venue, the Hertford Hotel. Add a touch of gold to these bold florals, a boho headpiece, the dreamiest cakes and stationery, and some gorgeous dresses, and you have a winning combination that wows, and wows again. And if this is any indication of what we have for you in 2017, you know it’s going to be a happy new year! See you then, and have a safe and joyous holiday!

The Hunger Games Wedding Inspiration

12 December, 2016 by gaby

Get ready for some knockout wedding inspiration, lovelies! Today’s editorial is so super colourful and creative, it’ll blow you away. It comes to us from photographer Nerize Raath and her team of talents, and was inspired by The Hunger Games – or more specifically by the crazy Capitol styling from the films. Now I know this might not be a traditional place to find wedding inspiration, but not only will this shoot put a smile on your face, whether or not you’re a fan of the books and films, but look beyond the dramatic makeup and whimsical fashion, and you’ll find some absolutely gorgeous styling that would sit pretty with any stylish bride or groom on their big day. With a palette of bright pinks, corals, reds and purples, and soft duck egg blue, combined with luxe gold detailing and fresh fruit, the table is a modern wedding dream. Plus, there’s a Katniss cake. Too adorable!

Emerald, Copper & Burgundy Wedding Inspiration

1 December, 2016 by gaby

Happy December, lovelies! After a few days away working on another project, I’m back, and I have some gorgeous inspiration to share with you this month before we start dipping back into our annual ‘best of’ series. We’re kicking the advent countdown off today with a styled shoot that I have been looking forward to sharing with you for a while, but the colours were so Christmassy that I just had to wait until today. First off, the palette is amazing – rich emerald and burgundy have that beautiful mixture of warmth and depth, but it’s when copper is added to the mix that some modern magic really happens! Add in some beautiful bridesmaid gowns from SBB Directory member Jacoba Clothing. And don’t even get me started on the florals, because OMG they are amazing! Whether you’re planning a Christmas wedding, a holiday table, or just a wedding that makes great use of beautiful colours and flowers (at any time of year, but especially in winter, when jewel tones are particularly appropriate), then this is your palette! Thanks so much to photographer Nadia Basson and her team for bringing us this loveliness today.

Boho Equestrian Wedding Inspiration

17 November, 2016 by gaby

I always wanted to be a horse person, and spend my afternoons galloping through the countryside with the wind in my hair, but sadly, my horse riding experience is limited to just a couple of rides with these gorgeous animals. (To be fair, the last time was on a beach in New Zealand, which was pretty romantic, so don’t feel too sorry for me.) But I love the idea of a touch of equestrian inspiration, especially tied in with a boho feel and gorgeous winter palette that combines soft pastels with a beautiful dark denim blue. That’s what today’s styled shoot incorporates, and it features not just a whimsical picnic-style table and a deliciously ruffled cake, but a beautiful bride and her bridesmaids in their bohemian wedding finery. From the romantic floral crowns to the strings of clear glass bulbs hanging over the table, the details are sweetly casual, and the whole thing has been beautifully captured and created by Anica of MORE Than Just Photography and her styling team!

Pantone Serenity & Rose Quartz Wedding Inspiration

14 November, 2016 by gaby

Can you feel it? It’s getting to that time of year again, where it becomes all about summer and holidays and parties and celebrations and the end of another year and the start of new things and new diaries and new dreams and goals and ideas. I don’t know about you all, but I spend most of my year wishing it would go more slowly and then get to November and wish it would go more quickly (because Christmas!). But one thing I’m always sad to say goodbye to this time of year is the Pantone colour of the year because while yes, I often start out lukewarm about it to begin with, by the end of the year I feel like it’s really come into its own as stylists and real brides have played with it and found a hundred new ways to make it beautiful. Of course, gone doesn’t mean forgotten, because even though the wedding and fashion industry move on to the next COY, that last one is still going to be making real weddings beautiful for months and years to come. That’s maybe never more true than with this year, when we got two colours, and both were wedding ready from Day 1. Serenity and Rose Quartz have been like a spring breeze or a summer sunset. I’ve loved them separately, and I’ve loved them together. So it only seems appropriate to celebrate them one more time with this gorgeous modern meets vintage styled shoot. Even better, it showcases the amazing talents of so many of our favourite service providers, including Blue Olive Events, Jack & Jane Photography, Janita Toerien (dress SWOON!) & Candi Makeup. These folks are not just great at what they do, they’re some of the nicest people in the industry, and together with the rest of their wonderful team, they’ve pulled off something truly inspirational. Enjoy!