Category: Other

Marsala Romance by Nyx Photography {Plus Poached Figs in Red Wine Recipe}

by gaby

Happy Thursday, lovely friends! It feels like the long weekend has already begun, but we have lots more inspiration to bring to your pretty faces first. Yay! I’ve been looking forward to sharing this particular shoot for a while – and it’s in this year’s hottest colour, Marsala! Okay, I have mixed feelings about Marsala, but I definitely don’t have mixed feelings about how lovely the Marsala tones look on this particular tablescape and dashing couple. The team behind the shoot, including Natalie Loots of Nyx Photography and Colleen from Lieflingkind Design, used natural berry shades from fruits like pomegranates and grapes, alongside the loveliest watercolour-style stationery – and of course, lush Marsala blooms, and dresses for the ‘bride’. The end result feels a little baroque without being over the top, and has a lovely sense of natural abundance. Plus! Natalie sent over a recipe for the figs – just for you!Read More

5 Ways to Cultivate Real Love this Valentine’s Day (and Every Day!)

by candice

Valentine’s Day. You either love it or hate it.

For the last three years, hubby and I have celebrated our anniversary as a priority (ten days earlier) far from the crowds and general cheesiness of the holiday. (Sorry, die-hard romantics!) It might sound like a cop-out but it works for us. I have also personally learned that true love is more than random, grand romantic gestures It’s about daily sacrifices – dragging myself out of bed to make hubby a morning coffee (as he has done for me on countless occasions) or quietly packing away the 20 pairs of shoes spread out all over our home without moaning or making a fuss! It’s also about being intentional in the way you show love and appreciation to your partner, something that came up in conversation with some of my married girlfriends at our recent monthly dinner (aka free therapy session!).Read More

Rustic Fynbos Wedding at Makinky Manzi by 5 Talents Photography {Jean-Marie & Jaques}

by gaby

I can’t think of a more proudly South African theme for your wedding than fynbos, and that’s exactly what today’s bride and groom chose, basing their entire wedding design on their love for Cape fynbos, right down to protea seed favours. Here’s the twist though – the wedding didn’t take place in the Cape, but rather in the North West, creating a gorgeous fusion of the best of two of our prettiest provinces. This is rustic handmade wedding design at its best, in creamy neutral colours, along with shades of soft pink and a touch of gold. 5 Talents Photography took these golden images, to commemorate Jean-Marie & Jacques special day!Read More

Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations for 2015 {Part 1}

by gaby

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably missing that holiday feeling right about now, which makes this the perfect time to do some honeymoon dreaming. So I’ve scoured the travel blogs and guides to bring you my pick of the ten hottest honeymoon destinations for 2015, and given myself a serious case of wanderlust in the process! A honeymoon is a chance to really get away from it all, to take in beautiful views and fascinating culture and history at a more relaxed pace to contrast with the hectic pace of wedding planning, with an extra dash of once-in-a-lifetime luxury. Each of these destinations fits the bill – but which is your favourite? (We’ll be counting down the second half of our top ten next Friday – don’t miss it!)

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Forest Tea Party Engagement Shoot by YeahYeah Photography

by gaby

My favourite type of engagement shoots are those that say something about the couple, and especially those where they get to just hang out together, doing what they love. That’s a perfect description of today’s shoot, since lovebirds Glen and Kelly share a love for teacups, so for their eshoot with Helena of YeahYeah Photography, they decided to have a tea party in a dusky forest, sharing a cake and reading some of their favourite books. Adorable! Kelly also happens to be a wedding planner, and she’s blogging about planning her own wedding over on her site, so be sure to check it out!Read More

Happy Christmas!

by gaby

Happy holidays, friends! Whatever, or whether, you’re celebrating today, we hope you have a well-deserved rest and quality time with family and friends. We’re sending you huge love from SBB HQ, and so Candice made you this pretty wreath to wish you a lovely day. Be safe, and we’ll see you back tomorrow with more Best of 2014 goodness!

SBB_MerryChristmas_wreath2014

Gaby & Candice xxx

 

#SecretSunday at Old Mac Daddy

by gaby

You know what I love? Press trips. You know how many I get to go on? Actually, very few. Yes, I know, your hearts beat lumpy custard. But I definitely felt a little sorry for myself a few weeks ago when I was offered the chance to go and stay at Old Mac Daddy in Elgin for the night and had to pass it up. Why, because having featured a few weddings at this quirky country venue (it’s an airstream trailer park, if you didn’t already know that piece of awesomeness), I already knew I would love it there. Fortunately, my very lovely friend and Cape Town-based freelance journalist Tracy Melass agreed to step in as SouthBound Bride correspondent (thank you so much, Tracy!), and you can read all about her night at Old Mac Daddy’s (as well as their absolutely brilliant #secretsunday promo) below. Just think, you get to steal away with your Mr for a super fun romantic night away, and still be at work bright and early on Monday. Best way to combat that Sunday feeling EVER.
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Styled Shoot Competition Finalists

by gaby

Yay, you guys! I am super amped to be announcing the finalists for our styled shoot competition today.

Before I do, though, I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to all the talented people who spent time coming up with ideas and putting their entries together. There’s always a little part of you, when you launch something like this, that worries OMG what if nobody even enters? But as the due date arrived, a steady stream of emails landed in my inbox, most from South Africa, but some from the UK and US too. It was soooo exciting. I loved seeing the competition brief through your eyes.

But then came the really hard part. Because the standard of entries was so high, and the ideas were all so awesome, choosing five finalists was almost impossible. I swear, there were times when I almost just said “okay, you’re ALL finalists”. Thank goodness I had two judges to help me (massive thanks to Louise and Sara for this!). Somehow we managed to narrow it down, but saying no to the other entrants was so, so hard. I just want to thank you all again and let you know how in awe I am of your talents!

And speaking of talent, I’d like to introduce you to the five finalists. Each of them came up with a unique spin on South African wedding style, and I absolutely cannot wait to see the end result! I’ve listed them in alphabetical order according to the team member who submitted their entry. Here we go!Read More

Announcing the 2014 SBB Styled Shoot Contest

by gaby

Image from a shoot by Adene Photography & Anli Wahl Flowers & Event Styling, featured on Green Wedding Shoes

Wedding pros, I have SUCH an exciting announcement for you all! Today we’re launching a brand new initiative on SBB, one that is very close to my heart. Ever since I started the blog, it has been my aim not just to feature SA’s talented suppliers & brides, but also to try to share a little of what makes South Africa and South African weddings special with the world, and of course to help create and inspire with fresh ideas. Earlier this year I was inspired myself by the styled shoot contest run by my fellow wedding blogger Sara of Burnett’s Boards (which if you don’t follow yet, you MUST!), and with the winter months meaning a bit of playtime for the industry, I thought now was the perfect time to do something similar. So, here we are – the first ever SouthBound Bride Styled Shoot Contest!

And here’s the really exciting bit – the finalists will not only be published here on the blog, but the top team will win a fab sponsorship package. I’m honoured to announce that these winners will be chosen by me along with my fellow judges, the awesome Sara herself, as well as the talented Louise of b.loved (both of whom have a blogger’s editorial eye, a love for fresh inspiration, and experience as successful stylists to their credit). I’m so thrilled that both of them have agreed to be part of the contest.Read More

Books & Bicycles Old Mac Daddy Wedding by Captured Moments Photography {Irene & Du Toit}

by gaby

I always feel a bit nostalgic when we get to the end of our Real Life Bride season, as it also signals the end of another South African summer wedding season (and summer, boo – although of course, there’s all those cosy winter weddings to look forward to!). But at the same time, it’s such a true pleasure to see the coming together of all the planning and dreaming and excitement that we’ve been a part of. Today, I’m honoured to share the handmade pastel wedding of Irene and Du Toit, whose wedding decor was a labour of love, incorporating both bicycles (for Du Toit’s favourite hobby) and books (representing translator Irene’s passion for books). From the gorgeous ribbon bedecked ceremony arch (we all remember that one from Irene’s posts!) to the pastel bridesmaids, to the swoony dress (how beautiful did the bride look?), to the spectacular view, it’s everything our RLB dreamed of, and I have to give a very special shout out to Captured Moments Photography for the spectacular pics! Thanks so much for taking us on your journey Irene, and here’s wishing you a life of love.

For Irene & Du Toit’s ‘how we met’ story and all her planning posts, check out the Bicycle Bride archive.Read More