Category: Styled Shoots

Wild Industrial Wedding Inspiration

by gaby

Sometimes a submission crosses my desk that makes me fall in love with wedding design all over again, a submission I literally cannot wait to share with you all, and this exquisite little gem from Jenna Henderson and Cedarwood Weddings is one of those. As you know, I love contrast, and that’s one of the reasons why I picked industrial chic as this month’s theme, but I’ll be honest, when I think of that contrast it’s still more in an indoor setting. Like industrial + glamour or industrial + romantic. This shoot turns that on its head, combining industrial elements with organic, bohemian style and my goodness, it is GORGEOUS. The mix of cool metals and silvery eucalyptus and olive, for example. The industrial-style chairs in an alfresco setting. A signature drink that’s as sophisticated as it is natural. And a Claire Pettibone dress that has me swooning all over my keyboard (that back, though!). This is a look that really resonates with the modern bride, bringing together both her urban and rural sides, and culminating in a design that’s as inspiring as it is do-able. Thrilled to share it with you today!

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Raw Elegance Styled Shoot

by gaby

So, as I mentioned this morning, this month we’re all about industrial wedding inspiration, which for me means mixing soft and romantic with utilitarian, traditionally unromantic textures and objects. Which somehow manages to look whimsical and wonderful instead of just plain wrong – in the same way that chandeliers in a barn are awesome, or black tie weddings in the bushveld. It’s all about the contrast. And that’s what today’s styled shoot is all about too – it’s called ‘Rustic Elegance’ and mixes an offbeat vibe with softer elements like beautiful florals and a frothy gown. The venue is Gauteng’s own Katy’s Palace, which has eclectic vintage industrial decor, and is just the perfect setting for this bridal editorial by Ribbon Creative Studio and Maiden Moose Photography. Enjoy!

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Opulent Monochrome Wedding Inspiration

by gaby

When it comes to colour, you all know by now that I’m a little… fickle. I love bolds. I love pastels. I love pops. I love neutrals. And I love, love, love (with the part of my heart that is all Gucci and Chanel and gold jewellery and little black dresses) monochrome. As Coco herself said: “When I find a colour darker than black, I’ll wear it”! And when it comes to your wedding day, these days there’s no reason why you can’t rock a little black dress – or a lot of one. That’s what the model in today’s bold and beautiful styled shoot does, and what a dress! I absolutely adore this sexy, stylish gown from JVR Couture, and it’s the perfect centrepiece to a set-up that mixes opulence and simplicity. A strong, sophisticated palette of black, white and gold, with luxe touches like ruffles and chandeliers, and lush flowers, and gilded plates and pears. If you’re a glamorous bride, then this is very much going to be your vibe – what an awesome job by SBB Directory member Hello Love Photography!

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A Farm-to-table Romance

by gaby

So as you know, March on SBB is all about farmer’s market and farm-to-table themed weddings, which is great news for all you rustic, farm wedding-loving brides and grooms! But, while the word ‘rustic’ might mean simple and unsophisticated, and real farm life is definitely not glamorous, that doesn’t mean that your rustic wedding can’t be as elegant as you like. And bringing produce – whether that be fruits or vegetables – into your decor doesn’t change that a bit. Exhibit A: this seriously dreamy shoot from talented US photographer Christa-Taylor, which she and her team have been kind enough to share with us today. Christa’s beautiful fine art film images combined with styling by Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination and Form And Flora‘s gorgeous florals make this farm-to-table inspired shoot the ultimate in rustic romance. From the lush local produce used as both decadent decor and ingredients for delicious dishes, to the pie dessert bar and jam favours, it takes the farm-to-table concept and makes it beautiful. And that’s even before you fall in love with the amazing Stephanie D Couture gowns and the lovely calligraphy and watercolour stationery by Katie Michelle Designs. Let’s feast our little eyes on it a while, shall we?

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Feminine Bridesmaid Inspiration

by gaby

I’ve probably said this before, but one of my absolute favourite times in a wedding day is those blissful (and busy!) few hours spent between a bride and her retinue on the morning of the big day, sipping champagne and giggling with excitement as hair and makeup get done and the big moment approaches. It’s such a special time to spend with your girls – the women who have supported you, and loved you, and are there on this day to usher you into this next magical phase of your life. A memory to cherish. So I’m all for making sure that you all feel pretty and comfortable, even before the dresses are on and the shoe straps are tied. That’s one of the reasons I adore Plum Pretty Sugar, whose whisper-soft robes in garden-inspired prints are perfect for a wedding morning. But beyond that, the Plum Pretty Sugar accessories and apparel are part of a feminine, romantic lifestyle brand, and you’ll feel beautiful in their line long after the wedding day… the honeymoon, newlywed life – even on into maternity. So when Aisle Society bloggers Elizabeth Anne Designs & Coastal Bride teamed up with PPS to create a Southern styled shoot, you can imagine how excited I was to share the images! These pics take us right up to those moments before the walk down the aisle, with the girls in their dreamy PPS Couture bridesmaid gowns, and the beautiful, laughing bride, complete with protea bouquet (you know I love that!) And don’t forget that PPS ships to South Africa, and beyond.

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Gauguin Inspired Tropical Wedding Inspiration

by gaby

I’m doing a little happy dance right now, which is actually making it difficult to type, but I can’t help it because oh my WORD but this shoot is AMAZING. I’m so jazzed I get to share it with you guys, because I have been in proper love with it, ever since I spotted it in the December issue of our fave SA wedding magazine, Wedding Inspirations. So when we picked February as Tropical Month, I just had to ask if they’d mind us sharing it here as well. Inspired by Paul Gauguin’s Tahiti paintings, it’s more than just a tropical wedding inspired shoot (although it’s all of that, with a gorgeous tropical table, two insanely lovely tropical cakes, hanging florals, amazing hair and makeup and some oh-so-gorgeous stationery). It’s an editorial in the true sense of the word, like stepping into another world – you can almost imagine Gauguin will emerge grumpily from his cabin and get painting. So you’ll forgive me if I went a bit nuts on the pics, but I seriously couldn’t narrow this down any further. The amazing colours, the attention to detail, and the incredible photography – that’s what wedding bloggers’ dreams are made of. Huge congrats to a brilliant team for pulling this off, led by Ninirichi Style Studio, Tickled Pink Weddings and Events & Gingerale Photography, with some of the gorgeous dresses from our friends at Gelique.

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Oceanside Bohemian Wedding Inspiration

by gaby

The romantic gorgeousness continues today with a breathtaking beach boho styled shoot by the talented Michelle Du Toit and her fabulous team of wedding pros. I love the way that geometrics have been incorporated here alongside bohemian elements, and the dreamy ocean colour scheme of blues and teals and greys with a touch of gold. Not to mention an amazing sheer bodice dress by Elaine Blom – wow! And how cool is this – the stunning model, Rouxmia, also happens to have been the jewellery designer for the shoot. So inspiring, whether your wedding is a tropical boho fantasy, or if you just want to steal some of these pretty details for a landlocked celebration.

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Tropical Brights Wedding Inspiration

by gaby

Afternoon, lovelies! We’re continuing our month of tropical inspiration today with a gorgeous shoot by US-based team (led by photographer Krista A. Jones and stylist Bustle Events), incorporating bright colours and cool cocktails – basically everything a tropical celebration should be. I just loved the incorporation of bougainvillea (as you might have noticed, it’s a favourite of mine!), the sunny popsicles, and the neon colours contrasting with black and white graphic stationery. A breakout area strewn with pretty pillows is the perfect place for guests to chill, and let’s not forget the gorgeous bride with her natural hair and wild sprays of tropical blooms. Whether you’re getting married on Hawaiian shores or planning something local, there’s plenty here to inspire the modern bride.

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Forest Fancy by Andywayne Photography and Red in Paris Events

by gaby

If you go down to the woods today, you’re in for a big surprise… in this case, because you’d find a fairytale table set up under the trees instead of a teddy bear’s picnic ;) Today’s mini-editorial comes to you courtesy of SBB Directory members Red in Paris, who set up a Jozi-fabulous table in the middle of a rustic woodland – love a bit of contrast to emphasise the glamour factor, don’t you? And we especially love a sparkly rose gold runner – because sequins! If you’re considering a formal wedding (whether it’s in a ballroom or the wild wood), you might want to consider the kind of opulent raised arrangements showcased here – they give guests the chance to see each other and chat, but you also get the height and visual interest. So let’s go down to the woods today and have a look, shall we…Read More

City of Gold Styled Shoot by Tickled Pink, Ninirichi Style Studio & As Sweet As Images

by gaby

I’ve featured a lot of styled shoots on SBB, but I’m not kidding when I say that this might be one of my all-time favourites. It’s so thoroughly South African, from its shweshwe top to its shimmery gold toes. Natalie Elliot of Tickled Pink and her seriously impressive team of suppliers (including Ninirichi Style Studio, who styled it to creative perfection!) have done an amazing job, putting together one idea after another, each reflecting beautiful homegrown wedding style (as well as industrial wedding chic), and giving us a faux wedding that’s as fun and modern as it is glamorous. There are SO MANY clever, stealable details making up this Jozi love story, that you need to look at it over and over again to see them all – from the ‘Ag Sweet’ candy buffet laden with local favourites to the colourful table, but I think the ceremony area with concrete breeze block and wooden protea aisle, as well as textured metal skyline backdrop is my best. Take some time to scroll through the gorgeous pics by As Sweet As Images, and be inspired. (And yes, I included more than usual, but seriously, how could I not?)Read More