Category: Gauteng Weddings

Classic & Chic Toadbury Hall Wedding by Louise Vorster {Cristina & Richard}

by gaby

You all know how much I love colour and pattern in wedding design, but there’s no denying the magical power of a classic. A little black dress, Chanel No. 5, Paris in the springtime, Casablanca… and of course, an elegant white wedding. Cristina and Richard’s big day was a modern classic all the way, from the bride’s cathedral length veil and white peony bouquet, to their romantic reception filled with mirrors, candlelight and more white peonies. (Oh, peonies, I love you so!) Louise Vorster‘s pictures from beginning to end are just so gorgeous, they take my breath away – I especially love her portraits of Cristina as she was getting ready, capturing such a beautiful moment in time. Oh, and speaking of beautiful moments, I think Richard’s proposal might be one of my all time favourites. Picnic on a mountaintop, 360 degree views, just the two of them… sigh.Read More

Sunflower-filled River Place Wedding by Genevieve Fundaro {Carin & Darren}

by gaby

Roses are red, violets are blue, and sunflowers… well, sunflowers are the colour of happiness. They always remind me of my days at university, when us girls would often buy a single sunflower stem for a friend, or just to make our own day. They also remind me of the fields of sunflowers I’ve seen from the window of a train rolling through the Tuscan countryside. Such happy memories! Like proteas, I love how a little goes a long way (even a single bloom makes a statement), and of course their relentlessly cheerful bright yellow. It goes perfectly with the gorgeous aqua/mint chosen by Carin and Darren for their rustic chic wedding with a chilled outdoor reception by a gorgeous river landscape, and photographed beautifully by Genevieve Fundaro.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

Elegant Watercolour Oxbow Estate Wedding by Howling Moon Photography {Annine & Pieter}

by gaby

Rush rush rush! I’m off on a MUCH needed mini-holiday today, to spend a weekend with some of my besties in (hopefully) sunny Plett. No laptop for four days :) But first, I wanted to share this lovely little wedding with you all. Taking classic elements and adding a few personal twists and clever touches, like a super cute escort card display and lovely little watercolours on the tables (what a sweet way to add colour and flowers that aren’t flowers, if you know what I mean). Pieter and Annine obviously had a lot of fun putting their personalities and history into the day, so that it was a true celebration of their past, present and future. Howling Moon Photography captured every moment in these lovely, light-filled images.Read More

Woodland Fairytale Garden Wedding by Love Made Visible {Elize & Steyn}

by gaby

Something I never expected when I started this blog was that some of the people I feature would become friends, and yet that’s exactly what’s happened (in fact, I’m meeting one SBB bride for lunch today, yay!). One of my all-time-favourite couples is Louise & Riaan, who are the kind of people who you know that not only will you like, but you’ll like the people THEY like too. So I wasn’t surprised to see their faces pop up in the pics from Elize & Steyn’s wedding – not just because it was the kind of effortlessly creative and detailed wedding that makes my heart sing, but because when I read the couple’s story, I knew they were full of heart. Just like Louise and Riaan, and just like their awesome photographers, Rebecca and Bruce of Love Made Visible, who have once again done an AMAZING job of doing just that – making love visible.  There’s also something about today’s wedding that reminds me of Snow White (in a good way, without the wicked stepmother obvs). Maybe it’s the red apples and the woodland elements (OBSESSED with the wreath escort cards!) or maybe it’s Elize’s gorgeous dark hair and ruby lips, but whatever the reason, it’s appropriate, because this is a modern-day fairytale – the kind that wedding dreams are made of.Read More

Delft Blue Glenshiel Wedding by Laurentia E. Photography {Elena & Liam}

by gaby

Oh be still my Delft-loving heart! From the minute that an email from the lovely Laurentia E. landed in my inbox, I was head over heels in love with Elena and Liam’s stylish blue and white Delft-themed wedding design. This is a theme (or a motif rather) that I have been talking about for a while now, and the couple (together with By Word of Mouth) has pulled it off perfectly – beautiful feature plates on white linen, patterned vases full of white, blue and purple flowers, silver accents, lasercut table names, hanging Delft panels, and a blue and white check dancefloor. It’s all SO GORGEOUS. And on a personal note, I have to say that I have extra love for Elena & Liam’s wedding because they were married at the beautiful Rosebank Catholic Church, which is not only where my own mom and dad were married, but where my dear friends Ros and Jean were too. So here’s wishing Elena and Liam the same longevity and happiness that has blessed both of those marriages :)Read More

Refined Rustic Florence Farm Wedding by Maryke Harper {Lianie & Nicol}

by gaby

I say it all the time – a wedding should be a reflection of who you are as a couple. Just that. Whatever it is. And today’s celebration is such a perfect example, with a bride and groom who are as comfortable in black tie as they are on the farm. As soon as I saw the pics of Lianie hanging with her bridesmaids reading Vogue on the morning of her wedding, I knew she was my kind of gal. Especially when I found out that, even though she was a very chic bride and styled her girls straight out of a Paris soiree with their elegant black dresses, that under the ruffles she was a barefoot bride. Lianie and Nicol’s style is such a unique mix – part laid-back casual, part up-town ritz – and they translated it perfectly to their wedding. It’s a rustic venue on a wintry day, a forest ceremony, a potjie dinner. And it’s also candlelight and pearls, and lacy doilies and calligraphy. The best of both worlds, captured beautifully by Maryke Harper.Read More

Rustic Lace Klipskuur Wedding by GingerAle Photography {Haloise & Jaco}

by gaby

Where do I start with this wedding? Honestly, I don’t know. Is it the whirlwind love story that brought these two lovebirds together? Or maybe the fact that they planned their wedding in just TWO months (not that you could tell – the rustic farm-style details are so beautifully put together!) How about the novelty of a Sunday morning wedding in winter, with all the relaxed warmth of a family luncheon? Or how about Haloise’s incredible lace dress? Or maybe the fact that so much of this wedding was eco-friendly, right down to the gifts. Or the gorgeous atmospheric photographs from GingerAle Photography? It’s impossible to choose, so I’m just going to start at the beginning. Which is after all, to quote Sound of Music (hopefully for the only time ever), a very good place to start. :)Read More

Blush & White Thaba Ya Batswana Wedding by As Sweet As Images {Sasha & Sergio}

by gaby

I love an involved groom, don’t you? In the last few years, it seems to have become the norm rather than the exception, which I think is awesome – after all, your wedding will best tell the story of your relationship if it comes from both of you. Today we not only have an involved groom, but we’re hearing the story of the wedding from his perspective! You can just hear the love Sergio has for his beautiful bride come through in his words. And even though their venue, Thaba Ya Batswana, is situated just outside Johannesburg, it has the lovely feeling of being in the African bushveld. The couple decided to complement this with a classic white wedding, with the prettiest hint of blush in the bridesmaids’ dresses and the rose bouquets. The fabulous As Sweet As Images were on the scene to record every sweet smile and happy moment for eternity.Read More

Nautical Emoyeni Wedding by Lauren Kim {Abigail & Dean}

by gaby

Those of you who have been around here for a while will know that my love of nautical knowns no bounds. Like today’s bride describes herself, I’m a nautical fiend. There’s no bad day that a bit of crisp linen and bateau stripes can’t solve, no view that isn’t made better by having a ship on the horizon, and no end to the shiny nautical bits and bobs that I have to restrain myself from filling my home with. So I think what I really love about Abigail and Dean’s wedding is that, even though it isn’t located even remotely near the coast, that didn’t stop them from pulling off a sea-worthy festival of awesome. From the blue and white striped tablecloths to the nautical cake to the oh-so-adorable bridesmaids with their captain’s hats, photographer Lauren Kim has captured every lovely detail. (Oh and PS, if you love coastal style, come back later for more beach-themed table decor!)Read More