What’s black, white, blush and gold, and glamorous all over? This Cape Town wedding from Daryl Glass, that’s what! From their church ceremony to photographs in Kirstenbosch to a reception at the iconic Rotunda, Busi and Kwabna pulled out all the stops for the glamorous ballroom wedding of their dreams. Think black tie elegance, plenty of bling, and a bride and groom who rocked their photos like they were a pair of Hollywood pros. We’ll let Daryl Glass’ images tell their story for them…
Over the past few weeks I’ve seen some big differences in opinion when it comes to this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year. Some love it, some hate it. It’s Marmite. But I’m definitely in the ‘love it’ camp, because while it’s a powerful green to be used sparingly and organically, it’s also a trend beyond the colour itself. Greenery has really been having its moment as a statement floral (or not-floral, more accurately!) and I’ve loved seeing it transform from a very simple, rustic choice to one that can look just as elegant as a sea of blooms. Today’s wedding is proof, because Jesse and Teri’s big day is overflowing with gorgeous greenery (and some well chosen white blooms, for good measure!), but it’s also black tie glamorous, from Teri’s goooorgeous dress to the tables, where each menu is tied with a simple black ribbon. Tres chic! Carla Adel captured these lovely images.
Just when I think I’ve seen it all, a superhero themed wedding lands in my inbox! When it comes to fun ideas, this one delivers a real punch (pow!), and was such a playful way for Neill and Alicia to bring in one of the groom’s great loves and a sense of childhood whimsy to their otherwise super classic do. From the cake (business in front, comic book party in the back) to the groomsmen’s accessories, to even the bride’s garter, fun Batman, Superman and Captain America touches were sprinkled throughout the day, and they mixed surprisingly well with the silver and white palette and elegant details. Daniel West was on the scene, putting his own superpowers to work behind the camera.
It’s not every bride who’ll take on the challenge of a two month wedding planning schedule, but for Natasha, as soon as she said “I will”, she discovered that her romantic husband-to-be, Stefan, had already booked her favourite venue for the sweetest of winter weddings! I actually love short engagements, because I feel like styling decisions get made from the heart (with a dash of practicality, of course) and Stefan and Natasha’s wedding is the perfect example, as the end result is just so lovely. Gorgeous blooms in Delft vases adorning long wooden tables (not to mention a very swoony peony bouquet!), both the bride and her bridesmaid in elegant lace, cosy touches like homemade blankets and a rice krispie cake second to none – it all comes together beautifully. Add in these images from Marli Koen, and… well. Let’s just say the pretty-ometer is going crazy.
You know, I’ve spent a lot of the last couple of weeks talking about wedding trends, and although I adore the whole greenery thing that’s going on at the moment (because what’s not to love about foliage?), I just don’t see flowers going anywhere for so many couples this year – or any year. You just have to look at the bright blooms in Stephanie and Tiaan’s spectacular wedding (which also has plenty of pretty greenery, thank you very much) to see why. Bright blooms in vintagey vases, overflowing organic bouquets, even floral print stationery (so pretty!). I love how this wedding comes together in a range of gorgeous shades, but I especially love how over the moon happy the bride and groom are on this special day, and all the smiles on the faces of their wedding party and guests. Now that‘s a trend that never goes out of fashion. Our fave, Nadine Aucamp, took these absolutely beautiful pics!
It’s no secret around here that I’m a huge fan of Wedding Concepts, one of SA’s premier wedding co-ordinators and the creative force behind today’s wedding. Jenni and Roy’s wedding just happens to be a perfect illustration of why. It’s seriously luxe, but also classic and ever so elegant – from that breathtaking three metre high draped floral arch and crystal chandelier combo dominating the ceremony decor, through to the opulent reception overflowing with pink and lilac blooms (no wonder the guests were wowed!). It’s trendsetting without being brash or over the top. But best of all, it’s personal and intimate, and Wedding Concepts exceeded the couple’s expectations with sweet surprise touches like monogram details on the dancefloor and bar. With Johannesburg’s famous Four Seasons The Westcliff making for a five star backdrop, and Tyme Photography behind the camera, this is one celebration that couldn’t help but be spectacular!
One of the things I love about editing SouthBound Bride is that I get to hear the most amazing love stories from couples, many of whom come from completely different places, and it’s like the world conspires to somehow, through a series of events, have them meet and fall in love (what tells you I’m a huge romantic, eh?). Jaydene and David are one of these couples, whose unlikely meeting happened thanks to David’s Mormon mission to South Africa, and progressed in the old fashioned way through heartfelt correspondence while Jaydene was on her mission. Together at last, they celebrated the second day of their wedding weekend with family and friends in the proudly South African surroundings of Harmonie Proteas, where Jaydene and her mother built a boho fantasy forest setting for their vows and reception, using some of the bride’s favourite things. And goodness, but Jaydene made a gorgeous bride in her custom lace sleeve gown, wow! With bridesmaids also in lace and flower crowns, the perfect rustic setting, and these pretty pics by Vicky Bergallo, it was a day to remember!
I always feel like I’m opening a village fete at the start of the year, like I should be standing in front of this feature in a big hat and a Sunday dress, with a comically large pair of scissors. I declare this wedding season OPEN! Well, I do. It’s our first real wedding of the year, and I can’t think of a better way to begin than with this dramatic, drop dead gorgeous celebration from Roxanne Davison. Jessica and Brent were inspired by red roses, and art (specifically still life) and a touch of Baroque opulence in creating the design for their Midlands wedding, and wow, is it a showstopper! I love everything, from the fruit and flower-decked tables, to the bridesmaids in Spanish-style black lace, to the bride’s amazing Casey Jeanne gown. And I spy one of our favourite venues too, with some of the couple shoot taking place at the incredible Crystal Barn, part of the SBB Collection of venues. So much pretty in one place, beautifully captured by Roxanne. Let’s do this!
Before we end our Best of 2016 series, I wanted to look past the details (much as we love them) – the pretty dresses and delicious cakes and fabulous decor and spectacular bouquets – to the heart of what we do here on SBB, the heart of weddings, the moments. Even though we don’t know most of the brides and grooms whose weddings we feature, that’s one of the joys of a great photographer, that they capture these slices of emotion that are real and true, even if you don’t know the story or the person behind them. There have been so many times we’ve smiled or shed a tear over the year through these images and stories, and at the end of the day, that’s what makes this so much more than fashion or decor or style. It’s the love. It’s sharing the love. And it’s always a privilege. Here are twenty of those moments, and they’re also the perfect way to finish off our 2016 content. So here’s wishing you all a very happy new year – and we’ll see you back here in 2017!
Ah, one of my favourite posts of the year! Wedding dresses are one of the elements I adore about the real weddings we feature, and we’ve seen so many absolutely GORGEOUS dresses over the years, each with a story of how they came to be ‘the one’. This year has been no exception, and while we’ve seen a return to more traditional white gowns in general, it’s been all about the details – low backs and plunging necklines, soft tulle skirts, lace sleeves and backs, extraordinary fabrics and elegant silhouettes. It’s so hard to pick just twenty favourites, but in the end, this is the group of beauties we settled on. Dress swoon!