Category: Real Weddings

Farm Fête Nutcracker Wedding by Anneli Marinovich {Anna & Piet}

by gaby

Oh happy day! I’m super excited to share this wedding with you, because not only is it full of shabby chic, farm wedding gorgeousness, it actually has a little SBB twist. Back when Anna and Piet first got engaged, the bride found her photographer Anneli Marinovich right here, and I was looking forward to hearing all about the (usually London-based) Anneli’s South African wedding. I’ve worked with Anneli loads myself and love her work, so I knew she would do an amazing job! It was such a pleasure not only to see her gorgeous pics, but to hear about how much fun she had with Anna and Piet and their exuberant families, and after a feature in Wedding Inspirations, it comes full circle with me sharing this farm fête here today. Just some of my favourite details: a custom aisle, a cluster of bridesmaids in pretty pastels, flowers in tins and the cheese cake!Read More

Merry & Bright Garden Wedding by Michelle Photography {Britt & Andre}

by gaby

If you ask anyone who knows me, they would tell you I talk a lot. Like, a LOT. They’d also tell you that they’ve received multiple page emails and letters from me over the years, and listened to long and winding stories (the more wine, the more winding). What can I say, I like words. So would you believe me when I tell you that many’s the day that I struggle to find the right words to describe one of our gorgeous weddings here on SBB? Each of them is so uniquely beautiful that I feel like they deserve their very own praise poem, but I end up saying many of the same things: beautiful, gorgeous, lovely. And yet, those are the right words. They’re certainly the right words for today’s hearfelt garden wedding on the bride’s family farm. Beautiful – a ceremony in a rose garden that reflects the rich, vibrant palette chosen by the couple (and how I love that pop of golden mead against the greys and purples on their tables!) Gorgeous – a bride who looks like she stepped off a vintage film set, with a smile that just lights up Michelle van Staden of Michelle Photography‘s luscious photos. And lovely – what it is to have your wedding in such a personal, love and memory-filled place, honouring old traditions and starting new ones. Read More

A Floral Romance Abingdon Estate Wedding by Derryn Semple {Bridget & Matt}

by gaby

It’s always such a pleasure to feature weddings of people I know, and when KZN photographer Derryn Semple sent over this wedding I immediately recognised the lovely Bridget from our shared varsity years, looking even more gorgeous on her wedding day than she was then (which is saying something). Straight away I could see that the whole wedding reflected Bridge’s simple, pretty, easygoing style – and set against the elegant emerald backdrop of Abingdon wine estate in the Midlands, it was the perfect place for her to start married life with her handsome groom. From the bride’s stunning Lunar gown to the two-tone bridesmaid dresses, to Derryn’s breathtaking photos, there’s a lot to love about this one, but the detail I most adore is that the couple made use of the so-called Language of Flowers. All the blooms used, from bouquets to loose table arrangements to herbs tucked into the napkins, have a meaning that relates to Bridget and Matt, and to their relationship. Beautiful and meaningful. There’s nothing better.Read More

Peonies & Proteas Holden Manz Wedding by Nikki Meyer & Creation Events {Nina & Bernd}

by gaby

I just love when foreign couples decide to spend their big day under our big sky, don’t you? I mean, it’s no surprise – we already know how gorgeous South Africa is – but we love sharing it with others who have fallen for with our beautiful land and want to have it as the backdrop to their big day. Which by the way, is also an awesome way of ensuring you always have to come back for your anniversaries ;) Nina and Bernd are just such a couple – their love of SA runs deep, and they brought all their favourite people here to celebrate with them. I just love their concept of a chilled out high tea after the ceremony, with a civilised little siesta break, and then an elegant dinner. And the sophisticated design reflected these two parts of the reception, from colourful protea and fruit arrangements in rustic crates, to blush and white peonies and ranunculus on creamy tables over candlelight. Let’s just talk about those peonies for a second too, because I can’t help being in total love with Nina’s bouquet, can you? I’m so glad we’re seeing more and more of these very special blooms here in SA now. Two of my favourite wedding ladies were behind the scenes of this lovely wedding – Theresa Lazarevic of Creation Events (one of our long-time friends and sponsors), and the awesome Nikki Meyer, whose photos never fail to delight! And here they certainly do – I’m especially in love with the mountain backdrop, which has me longing for a trip to the Cape.Read More

Elegant Safari Thaba Motswere Wedding by Maryke Harper {Melissa & Christian}

by gaby

If you’ve been reading SBB for any amount of time, you’ll know that I am absolutely crazy for the African bush. Beaches and mountains I love, even cities with their chaotic charm enthrall me, but I never feel quite as at peace and at home with my soul as I do in the bushveld. Today’s couple feel the same way, and the bush has woven into their love story, so it was only natural they would choose a game lodge for their wedding day. So they found themselves exchanging vows under a bower of Marulas, mixing the vintage elegance of lace, lilies and lanterns with a crisp modern palette of navy and white. It works beautifully, a hint of old world safari, as well as a timelessly elegant look that gave centre stage to the magnificent wilderness all around them. I can’t think of a better place to say ‘I do!’. The lovely Maryke Harper captured these gorgeous images of the beautiful Melissa and her dashing groom.Read More

Stylish Intimate Garden Wedding by Lad and Lass Photography {Nandi & Brett}

by gaby

We feature all kinds of weddings here on SBB, but I must admit to having a huge soft spot for those that take place in a garden or backyard. I love the idea of getting married somewhere that literally feels like home, being able to go back there again and again and make new memories, as well as the loving and intimate feel you always get from an at-home celebration. Today’s wedding is just a perfect example of that, and it’s effortlessly chic too – I love that bride Nandi was inspired by her mum, and wanted the decor to look like something that came from her cupboards. And can we just take a minute to salute Nandi’s dress? Absolutely love it, especially paired with a pretty braid and a crown of flowers. As I said, effortlessly chic. I can’t think of a better choice of photographer for this wedding than Lad and Lass Photography, as their style really complements the couple’s – a perfect match. Just like Nandi and Brett. And just like backyards and beautiful receptions. ;)Read More

Misty & Magical Netherwood Wedding by Knot Just Pics {Clea & Dave}

by gaby

GIANT words, proteas, and hydrangeas, handmade wooden crates, bridesmaids with statement necklaces and ballet buns…have I got your attention yet? :) That’s how today’s bride started her email to SBB, and I can’t think of a better way to introduce Clea and Dave’s wedding to you. It has all of these things and more, including a lovely, atmospheric misty day in the Midlands, a custom toast that paid tribute to how the couple met, and the prettiest pastel palette with the country vintage rustic decor I know so many of you just adore. I love the bridesmaids in buns, the groomsmen in shades, and the blending of families and traditions! It’s the perfect way to end off our week (although do stop in later for some dress-related prettiness). Yay! Oh, and how could I forget – the gorgeous, atmospheric pics are courtesy of the fab Knot Just Pics – love them!Read More

Bright & Playful Paternoster Wedding by Justin Davis Photography {Sarah & Gareth}

by gaby

Rain rain go away – it’s a miserable day in Durban, but I’m curled up in bed with a dog at my side, bringing you this wedding that’s full of colour and light and beachy goodness. I absolutely love SBB reader Sarah and Gareth’s chilled out attitude, including their choice of Paternoster as a venue and bright colours and references to children’s books and toys on the tables and throughout. In fact, there are tons of great ideas to be had here, so be sure to read Sarah’s story as well as revel in Justin Davis‘ lovely pics. But be absolutely sure to scroll down to the end, where you’ll also find the AWESOME stop motion animation that they made for their invitation. So creative and fun!Read More

Radiant Orchid In the Vine Wedding by Cheryl McEwan {Kelly & Michael}

by gaby

It’s funny how quickly some terms become part of your vocabulary in this industry – a few short months ago, radiant orchid was just a dramatic description of a flower for me, but now it’s the shorthand to a gorgeous, glowy purple, Pantone’s colour of the year, and all the lovely shades of pink and purple that complement it. And of course, radiant orchid wasn’t even a thing when today’s bride Kelly picked her colours, but it just shows that her style is equal parts classic and of-the-moment. I love how her basic wedding design is an elegant white on white, with pretty embelishments like candles and pearls. The use of colour is sparing, but it really makes it pop when it shows up! I also love that Kelly is a short-hair bride – I wish we saw more of this, as she looks every bit as gorgeous as her long-haired counterparts, and it’s clear that groom Michael thinks so too – he only has eyes for his lady! One of our favourite photographers, Cheryl McEwan Photography, was the couple’s choice to snap these romantic portraits of their big day.Read More

Mozambican Magic Wedding by Alexis Diack & The Love Bucket {Marilize & Keith}

by gaby

Hello lovelies! I am determined to get out in the sun this afternoon (got to pump up the tan before winter hits, right?) so it’s the perfect day to bring you some sunkissed inspiration from another of our beautiful neighbouring countries, Mozambique. I haven’t been yet but I am DYING to go, as the chilled out beach shack vibe is so my holiday style. It’s also the perfect place for a laid-back, toes-in-the-sand wedding, and it was the ideal choice for the lovely Keith and Marilize, since it’s where he proposed to her. Friends and family joined them for a tropical weekend getaway, and a team of talented wedding pros pulled everything together, headed by The Love Bucket, who specialise in Mozambican weddings. It was SO hard to narrow down Alexis Diack‘s beautiful photos, from Marilize’s elegant dress to the dreamy light and stunning scenery that formed a backdrop to this festival of lurve. Today’s couple sailed off into the sunset (literally, as they work on yachts in the world’s far-flung, glamorous places). We don’t have the usual text to go along with our images today, but I have no doubt that you’ll happily sail away with them anyway, enjoying every lovely, beachy moment.Read More