Charming Country Roodezand Wedding by welovepictures {Lee-Ann & Mark}

You could say this wedding had me at hello. Although actually, it was more like, it had me at ‘You & Me Kiddo’ because OMG how adorable is the ceremony signage that Lee-Ann and Mark chose for their charming country fete? This gorgeous wedding (photographed by the insanely talented welovepictures) took place in small-town Western Cape, with just a touch of vintagey French flair. I love the laid back feel of the day, and the way that whimsical elements (paper flowers, yay!) mix seamlessly with soft, romantic elements (how much do I heart those mint bridesmaid dresses?). As I write this, the adventurous couple are on a year-long round the world trip, but they found time (and internet access) amid the jetsetting to send us some of the behind-the-scenes info!Read More

Old West Themed Stone Cellar Wedding by Marinda May Photography {Lana-May & Duke}

You know how everyone has that guilty pleasure movie, that they’ve seen a hundred times but wouldn’t admit to a film buff? For me, that’s Young Guns II. I was pretty much obsessed with it in high school (or was that obsessed with Emilio Estevez, I don’t know?). Even though it’s hardly representative of the Western genre (and let’s be honest, in a cage fight between Clint Eastwood and the Brat Pack, we know who would win), it did give me a love of all things cowboy. Years later, I visited New Mexico and fell head over heels for the scenery, but that’s another story. The fact is, we all love a bit of a high noon, gun-totin’, quick-drawin’, OK corral-showdownin’ Western, even if we’re from the south of Africa rather than the south of America. Today’s couple, Lana-May and Duke (how could you be called Duke and NOT have a cowboy-themed wedding?) pulled on their stetsons and cowboy boots and gave their guests a western wedding to remember, complete with line dancing, moonshine and rustic decor details hotter than a Texas summer. SO FUN. Marinda May was there to capture every fabulous moment.Read More

Natural Rustic Makojalo Op-Stal Wedding by Carolien & Ben Photography {Cristi & Jason}

Get ready for a dose of rustic wedding loveliness that’s sure to set any bride-to-be or lover-of-pretty’s heart a-racing. Cristi and Jason were inspired not by a specific theme or colour, but rather by a love of natural, rustic style and a sense that they wanted their celebration to feel warm and intimate, like a family dinner. Don’t you just love that? They certainly succeeded, with simple, well-chosen details like a gorgeous rustic venue, a touch of burlap and lace, pocketfold napkins, long tables and clouds of dreamy baby’s breath. The mood ranges from cheeky fun (love the bridal party portraits especially!) to pure romance, and SBB faves Carolien & Ben Photography have done an amazing job of capturing all of it. Softie that I am deep down (sshh, don’t tell anyone), my fave has to be the first look – I get goosebumps whenever I see one of these!Read More

Glamorous Gold Lourensford Wedding by Du Wayne Photography {Grethe & Bernard}

Glamorous Gold Lourensford Wedding by Du Wayne Photography {Grethe & Bernard} | SouthBound Bride

Today’s wedding is extra special, not just because it’s gaaaahwjuss (in different shades of glittering gold, I die), but because it features a couple who I feel are part of the SBB family. I’ve been working with photographer Bernard Bravenboer since the early days of SBB, and from his tweets I picked up that he had a sweetheart called Grethe (who assists him often at weddings). Fast forward a few years, and Grethe got in touch to ask my advice on some of her hiring, and when she told me what they had planned for their big day, I knew it would be beautiful! Seeing the breathtaking images by Du Wayne Denton, I wasn’t disappointed – it’s not just the sparkly, shiny loveliness, but the whole day seems bathed in a golden glow that can only be true love. There are some fantastic ideas here to inspire – I loved the dummy cakes, the white flowers against sequin linens, and the way that the couple wove a favourite CS Lewis quote into their day especially. Congrats Grethe & Bernard!Read More

Sweet as Sugar Morgenhof Wedding by Leani Holmes {Storm & Daryn}

I’ve seen a lot of pretty dessert tables over the years but today’s – if you’ll pardon the pun – takes the cake! I just loved Storm & Daryn’s ‘share a cake’ concept (not to mention how delish said cakes actually look), but it’s also just one detail that I think encapsulates the simple sweetness of this pastel pink wedding that was cute as cupcakes and a true labour of DIY love. Every aspect, from a beautiful heirloom dress to lace-decked vases collected by the couple’s circle to for months ahead of time speaks of family and friendship and the true sweetness of love. The wonderful Leani Holmes, who is a member of the SBB family, was on hand to take every dreamy picture.Read More

Gatsby-esque Cocktail Wedding Reception at an Antique Storeroom by Alfred Lor {Lindi & Morgan}

I told you we were on a winning streak with two gorgeous weddings today, and here we are with Part 2! Lindi and Morgan’s celebration was twice as nice – an intimate celebration with elegant Delft-inspired decor (see it here), and then a blowout 1920s influenced cocktail reception for their wider circle in what has to be one of the coolest and most unique venues I’ve seen – a converted antique showroom full of the most incredible mirrors and chandeliers – wow! I love that Lindi used her contacts as a designer to come up with something a bit different, and it’s just perfect for the Gatsby vibe that the couple were trying to create. Add a few tables groaning with treats, guests jazzed up for the Jazz Era theme, and just as much love and joy as in the first wedding, and you have an absolutely incredible sequel. Pics are by the fab Alfred Lor.Read More

Darling Delft Babylonstoren Wedding by Moira West {Lindi & Morgan}

It’s not every day that I get to showcase not just one but TWO beautiful weddings, but then it’s not every couple brave enough to plan two separate celebrations! But for Lindi and Morgan, it was a way of experiencing both the intimacy of a small, private wedding with just their closest family and friends, as well as including their wider circle in a huge party. Both celebrations (held two days apart) are GORGEOUS, and we’re kicking things off with the first, a Delft-themed dinner at the beautiful Babylonstoren. Moira West captured it as gorgeously as only she knows how, and there are so many clever touches that make my detail-loving heart sing! And don’t forget to come back later, because there’s a Gatsby-esque cocktail hour on its way!Read More

Fynbos Forest Beloftebos Wedding by Lar Leslie {Danae & Ryan}

A few years ago, when I started this blog, farm weddings were fast taking over from vineyard weddings and beach weddings as the big new trend. Well, this has definitely been the season of the forest wedding. And I couldn’t be happier – there’s something so intimate and natural about a forest setting, not to mention the mix between fairytale and boho influences. Today’s lovely wedding is all of this and more – an absolutely gorgeous woodland ceremony and a reception full of twinkling lights and fynbos flowers, followed by a huge party (a given, since the groom is the owner of Silk Music, one of Cape Town’s top DJ services). Lar Leslie was there to capture every perfect, golden moment.Read More

Pastel Travel-themed Netherwood Wedding by Rensche Mari {Leanie & Theuns}

I just love when I get to feature weddings that combine the talents of wedding pros who I have come to know and admire through my years as a blogger – it always gives me such pleasure to see brides put themselves in their hands and come out with beautiful results! Today’s wedding features three of my favourite names – Rensche Mari, one of our most talented photographers; Netherwood, an absolutely gorgeous venue that I have visited in person; and the very lovely Ché of indieberries and indielovebooks. So needless to say, Leanie and Theuns have excellent taste! As always, my favourite part is the details that tell their story, and their travel theme does just that – be sure to read all about Theuns’ totally original mile high proposal!Read More

Chic Navy & Gold Saronsberg Wine Estate Wedding by Piteira Photography {Chrizanda & JP}

Chic Navy & Gold Saronsberg Wine Estate Wedding by Piteira Photography | SouthBound Bride

You’ve probably gathered by now that I’m a huge fan of the photographic stylings of my friends Luis and Kerry of Piteira Photography. This dynamic duo, who split their time between Portugal and South Africa, not only take dreamy, work-of-art photos, but they’re also incredibly lovely. So I am always thrilled when South African brides take them up on their summer availability and book them for their wedding, like Chrizanda and JP did late last year. Even more so when the couple’s stylish navy and gold colour scheme was revealed, and there are even some pretty, modern geometric details. It’s all just TOO fabulous!Read More