Colourful Midlands Wedding at Providence by Dear Chloe Photography

I’m lucky enough to live in KZN, close enough for a day trip to the Midlands, but I still stop and stare at its beauty every time I visit. It’s also an idyllic spot for weddings, which of course is why so many couples choose it as a destination location for their nuptials, and Sonia and Preshen did just that when they picked Providence for their own big day. This gorgeous couple had two weddings, and we’re featuring their intimate Catholic ceremony and reception today, complete with the most gorgeous florals in bright shades of coral and peach and pink (such a delicious palette!), as captured by the lovely Dear Chloe. But you guys, I have to make a special mention of Preshen’s proposal because OMG I loved this one – even if you don’t usually read the text be sure you do this time, as it’s utterly adorable, especially if you’re a dog lover like me! I (and Darcy, my own sweet pup) definitely approve!

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Romantic Rose Gold Farm Wedding at Thorner Country Estate by Tanya Jacobs

South African Wedding Landscape | Image: Tanya Jacobs

Gilded with our current colour crush, rose gold, and glowing in the winter light of the Tala Valley, this shimmering soiree photographed by Tanya Jacobs will leave you inspired to say the least. From the gorgeous lace bridesmaid gowns to the candle holders on the tables, this pretty metallic is woven throughout, together with equestrian touches in honour of the groom’s love of horse racing. But the best part of Kirsty and Wes’ big day, in my book, is the fact that it was a true labour of love – every detail was conceived and created (over many cups of tea!) by the couple and their friends and family, right down to Kirsty’s beautiful gown, which was made by her talented mom! So very special, and the perfect way to kick off our week.

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Love in Bloom Country Wedding at Thorner Estate by Vanilla Photography

My first clue that Andrew and Marie are a couple after my own heart? The fact that the Proudly South African pair went about sourcing every detail of their gorgeous KZN Midlands wedding from local businesses – rings, bridesmaid dresses, decor, everything. All in line with their pretty-as-a-picture garden-style wedding vision, and the result is an affair that will have all you country wedding-loving brides jumping straight out of your seats and cheering for joy! I loved the way that the pair chose a cool blue hue to contrast with the mixed colours of all the flowers – such a lovely touch that really stands out. And the blooms really were everywhere – in floral runners along the tables at the reception (thanks to Marie’s mum’s ‘army of ladies’ and their very own gardens!), in beautiful bouquets, in darling little embroidered wreaths on each napkin, on the wine labels and stationery… even right on down to the bridesmaids’ getting-ready robes. And love was in bloom too, of course, overflowing on the faces of the delighted bride and groom, and those of their family and friends. Michigan Behn was on the scene to capture these precious moments for Vanilla Photography and share them with you today.

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North Coast Tropical Chic Wedding at Burndale by Oh Happy Day

Durban North Coast Tropical Chic Wedding | Credit: Oh Happy Day & Dane Peterson

Sometimes I see a wedding and I immediately not only fall in love with everything about it, but with the couple as well. This is one of those. Maybe because I love Durban so, along with everything tropical, maybe because Dominique and Josh managed to not only pull off a totally unique, totally stylish, totally them (AND proudly South African) theme, and maybe because they chose to work with one of my favourite wedding pros ever, Joelene of Oh Happy Day. Whatever it is, I have a great big crush on this wedding and the couple who dreamed it up, and I have been absolutely dying to show it to you ever since I first spotted  it on Jo’s Instagram feed. Basically, if you turned all the best things about the North Coast into a wedding, this would be it. Tropical print bridesmaid separates… strelizia bouquets… plenty of light and white and rustic texture. And the tropical greenery wall is everything. So get your pinning fingers at the ready coastal brides, because this is a special one!

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Romantic Baroque Wedding at Waterwoods by Roxanne Davison

Jewel Tone Bouquets with Ribbon Ties | Credit: Roxanne Davison

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!

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Opulent Blush Wedding at Collisheen Estate by Thunder & Love

Opulent Blush Wedding | Credit: Thunder & Love

You all know how much I love the details at a wedding, but when I’m putting a feature together and curating the images, I have to tell you, it’s the faces that stick with me. The moments of pure elation written all over the faces of brides and grooms and families and friends witnessing the ceremony, and pure love between the couple in those quiet moments out of the storm when they’re having their photos taken… that’s what gets me every time. And there were SO many of those moments in Nonto and Lebo’s wedding! I think the image of the bride as she reaches the top of the aisle, so full of emotion, is one of my all-time favourite pictures. It’s clear what an awesome couple these two are, and their grand romance deserved nothing less than a grand occasion to celebrate it, complete with opulent luxe florals in shades of blush and champagne, rich fabrics, twinkle lights, and a touch of on-trend copper (love this colour combo by the way). But like I say, as fabulous as the wedding is, it’s the expressions of love and joy that will stay with you, beautifully captured on film by Thunder & Love Wedding Photography.

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Protea Pink Country Wedding at Cranford Country Lodge by Kate Martens

I’m so delighted to be sharing today’s wedding with you all, I feel like I might break into song (I won’t, don’t worry). Zoë & Mike’s big day is the quintessential country wedding, filled with bunting and lace and proteas and hundreds of origami cranes. It has the sweetest love story, the prettiest blush palette, and a dreamy Robyn Roberts lace gown. It’s relaxed and rustic, and full of love and laughter. It’s all these wonderful things. But it’s also a chance for me to show off one of my absolute favourite venues, Cranford Country Lodge. Cranford is part of the SBB Collection – our growing collection of the venues we recommend because they each have something truly special. For Cranford, that something special is a feeling of authentic country charm, the warmest of farm welcomes, genuine hospitality. With a mix of spectacular rural scenery and rustic chic ceremony and reception spaces, it’s also gorgeous, which makes it pretty much the perfect Natal Midlands wedding venue. The kind of place that feels like a home. For a couple like Zoë & Mike, who wanted their guests to share in their laid back, intimate vibe, it was perfect. And with Kate Martens there to shoot these lovely images… well. Take a peek for yourself.

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Floral Luxe Wedding at Netherwood by Knot Just Pics

Weddings filled with flowers are my absolute weakness, which won’t surprise you if you’ve ever seen my eyes light up in a florist’s shop (seriously, all the heart eyes). Today’s wedding is like a whole garden of blooms, and even though it took place on a chilly winter day, the lush florals brought the outdoors indoors, to incredible effect. Add a heavy helping of luxe – vintage candelabras, dark wood and mercury glass, little copper animal favours and a wall of mirrors – and you have the most gorgeous combination. I’m especially loving the palette of rich burgundy, soft peach and blush, elegant emerald, and glittering gold. From the bride’s jawdropping 3D floral gown to the candle-filled reception, Candice and Byron’s big day was a rare beauty, perfectly captured by the Knot Just Pics team. Sigh.

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Intimate Surf Lodge Wedding by Long Exposure

Surf’s up! This laid-back, beachy wedding took place at a local surf lodge – the perfect venue for a couple who first started noticing one another during early morning sessions. With this natural coastal setting in place, they set about infusing their ‘I do’s with soft blooms (including the bride’s sweet flower crown!), rustic elements, and nods to their love of sea and sand. With an intimate guest list and long trestles set up under the trees while paper lanterns swung in the breeze, Alice and Joel’s wedding has the feeling of a family dinner in the garden rather than a buttoned up formal do, and it’s no wonder, as all the details (including the customisation of Alice’s dream dress) were a labour of love by the bride’s mum and other dear family and friends. It really makes you smile, and happily, Christie Long was there to capture all of the love!

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Ocean Blue Wedding at Maroupi by Lightburst Photography

Can you smell the salt air? A breezy colour palette of sea blues and greens makes for a soiree guaranteed to evoke the ocean, even if you’re not throwing a toes-in-the-sand beach bash. When you add in elegant florals, a to-die-for lace gown, and bridesmaids in gorgeous Gelique gowns for that extra touch of mismatched blue, and the whole wedding becomes that much more beautiful – a fusion of coastal and chic that we adore. Lightburst Photography was there to snap these dreamy pictures that make Sam and Darryn’s happy day come alive, including the most romantic, windswept beach portraits you can imagine.

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