Category: Weddings by Location

Dreamy Safari Wedding at Karongwe Game Reserve by Rensche Mari {Lizel & Guy}

by gaby

You don’t need me to tell you again how much I love the South African bushveld – as Ernest Hemingway said: “I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and was not happy.” This wedding has everything I love about the bushveld – the soft, dreamy colour palette, the rustic setting, amazing animal sightings, colour, laughter, joy – and most of all, the sense of serenity that only comes under a great big starry African sky. Of course, a wedding like that needs a photographer to do it justice, and Rensche Mari does just that – these pics are super gorgeous, and show off every pretty detail of Lizel and Guy’s beautiful big day. Grab a G&T and enjoy!Read More

Darling Floral Wedding at Towerbosch by Moira West {Monya & Dawid}

by gaby

I’ve heard of a runaway bride, but instead of turning in her running shoes, today’s happy wife-to-be wore hers down the aisle, the better to run to her waiting groom! So adorable, and indicative of the love and joy that really shines out from this beautiful wedding, captured by one of our fave photographers, Moira West. Add in some lush florals (including our much beloved protea), a super romantic and pretty two-piece peachy wedding dress, and a few sweet surprises along the way, and you have the most gorgeous country wedding on a summer afternoon. Sigh.Read More

Romantic Rose & Blush Wedding at Diamant Estate by Fiona Clair {Simone and Matt}

by gaby

With Valentine’s on its way this weekend, I can’t think of a better time to share this beautiful wedding with you all. I first spotted the gorgeous bridesmaid portraits on Fiona Clair‘s newsfeed, and was blown away (as I always am by her images) by how fashioney and yet how warm the pictures are. The rest of the wedding is just as wonderful – a classic, red rose motif combined with soft blush, the most spectacular illusion lace wedding dress, a very chic groomsmaid alongside all the dapper guys, and a wedding in a stone chapel under a bower of blooms. If romance were a wedding, this would be it.Read More

Bold Monochrome Couture Wedding at Molenvliet by Vivid Blue {Natalie & Johan}

by gaby

When I say I don’t know where to start with this wedding, it isn’t just an expression. Coming up with a title that adequately describes – or even hints – at the amazingness that is this wedding was impossible, but couture comes close, not just because one of the installations (that’s right, there’s more than one installation, and they are all BREATHTAKINGly cool) was inspired by Milan Fashion Week, but because everything, including the dress, is a true original – a work of love and a work of art. Be prepared to be wowed. The always-brilliant Vivid Blue took these gorgeous pictures to share with us today.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

Bushveld Black Tie Farm Wedding by Peartree Photography {Sandra & Murray}

by gaby

Last week, an impressive little envelope landed in my postbox. The kind of paper you want to run your fingers over, with an old-school wax seal on the back. Inside was a thick letterpress invitation, an extra that today’s lovely bride Sandra shared with me ahead of our feature today. The dress code: strictly black tie – full length dresses for the ladies, tuxedos for the men, and white frocks and flower crowns for the little madams. That invitation really set the tone for Sandra and Murray’s chic wedding, introducing their guests to a world of ballroom formal and Out of Africa safari style that took place right on the couple’s farm in the Free State. I just adore everything about this look, from Sandra’s red-lipped mantilla-ed bridal style to the orchid laden tables, all with the most incredible bush backdrop (all captured beautifully by photographer Wil Punt). And today, we’re extending the invitation to you too. The pleasure of your company is requested… PS You can see Sandra and Murray’s awesome safari engagement shoot here.Read More

Safari & Orchids Wedding at Garden Route Game Lodge by Nelis Engelbrecht {Luzanne & Jean}

by candice

Today’s wedding is such a happy mix of some of my favourite trends. There’s a little bit of floral print (love those napkins) and pop of pink colour against a palette of neutrals in the flower choice (orchids, such an elegant bloom, and a personal choice for the bride). There’s a touch of sparkle (amazing bridesmaids dresses alert!), and a whisper of lace (ditto for the wedding dress!). There’s a bit of rustic, a hint of vintage, and of course a safari feel thanks to the Garden Route Game Lodge location. And even though it’s an eclectic mixture in some ways, it totally works. Like the wedding equivalent of ‘these are a few of my favourite things’. (That song’s going to be in your head for the rest of the day now, SORRY.) The lovely Luzanne and her hubby Jean pulled off a fabulous weekend fete, and photographer Nelis Engelbrecht, was there to capture every perfect moment.Read More

Musical Winter Wedding at Festa by Vivid Blue {Esté & Lourens}

by gaby

I’m always talking about how love stories are at the centre of the weddings we love most here on SBB, and today’s wedding just embodies that so perfectly. I dare you to read the story written by today’s bride, Esté, and not get a little choked up! And in fact, it’s that love and joy that are truly at the heart of today’s unusual wedding, which centres around a very special couple’s musical life together. You may recognise Esté and Lourens as the Bottomless Coffee Band – well known in Cape Town and now on their first national tour. For their own wedding day, they decided to book the quirky Festa at Kleinevalleij, and instead of competing with the decor and atmosphere at this fun venue, they went with it, resulting in a lounge-style wedding in cosy wintery colours that’s as beautiful as it is fun. My favourite moment, hands down, is when the two of them take the stage, doing what they do together with their favourite people. Just the looks on everyone’s faces… wow. This is why designing a wedding around who you are is the way to go. One of SBB’s favourite photographers, Andre of Vivid Blue, was on the scene, and he captured these incredible pictures of an incredible day.Read More

Tulips & Twinkle Lights Wedding at Val de Vie by Claire Thomson {Suzanne & Simon}

by gaby

Okay, choosing my favourite flower would be like asking me to pick a favourite book or film. Too many I love. But tulips are definitely right up there. There’s just something about these blooms that’s so… elegant. Crisp, modern. Architectural, almost. But at the same time, they’re soft and romantic. Which basically describes today’s wedding to a tee – so it’s no wonder that tulips played a big role in Suzanne and Simon’s wedding design. I absolutely ADORE their clean, sophisticated wedding style in white and soft neutrals, with twinkle lights and naked bulbs for warmth, and a few raw, rustic elements for charm. I especially love the bower created for their main table, and OMG Suzanne’s dress is amazing! You all are going to looooove this one! Talented photographer Claire Thomson took these gorgeous images.Read More

Rose & Lilac Muslim Wedding by Davene Prinsloo {Zaakiyah and Tauriq}

by gaby

A PE wedding! Not many people know this about me since I haven’t lived there since I finished school, but I actually grew up in Port Elizabeth, so it’s always fun to see a Friendly City wedding on the SBB pages. Add to that a palette of deep purple and dusky pink, a smitten bride and groom, and a candy buffet, and you have all the ingredients for a really lovely wedding. One thing I absolutely loved about this one was the way that not only did bride Zaakiyah get to show off two gorgeous looks between her Muslim ceremony and reception (including a particularly spectacular lace dress), but her bridesmaids cleverly wore their convertible dresses in different styles to reflect the change in formality between the two occasions. It’s clever touches like that which are not just budget-friendly, but chic to boot. As for these sweet as honey images, they come courtesy of Davene Prinsloo, who was on-scene to capture every special moment.Read More