City Weddings - SouthBound Bride

Brooklyn Bohemian Wedding Inspiration

20 August, 2018 by gaby

We’re kicking off our week with some serious urban bohemian fabulousness! This gorgeously indie styled shoot comes all the way from Brooklyn, via a team of talented US pros, including photographer, Kaleigh Rae Photography, and stylist, Enchanted Allure Events. And this isn’t just any styled shoot. It follows a couple from getting ready all through their ceremony to the reception decor, which I love, because it shows how all the ideas could really be used in a real wedding, and not just set up for the cameras. For example, the team incorporated floral hoops throughout – as bridesmaid bouquets, as ceremony decor, and hung on chairs and from the ceiling in the reception space – which shows how decor can be repurposed throughout the day to create consistency in design as well as serve your budget well. Another thing I love is how authentic this shoot is – seriously, it is just a bundle of fun, with genuine laughter all day long, just like a wedding day should be. And let’s take a moment to talk about the colour scheme, which is next level pastel pink and blue – right down to the bride’s hair! Yes, your hair can match your wedding! I’m super excited to share this with you all today :)

Proudly South African Wedding at The Emkhathini by Judith Belle

22 June, 2018 by gaby

One of my fave things about running SBB is that, even though I love all the beautiful, elegant, ethereal, fine art style weddings and shoots that cross my desk, every now and again, something bright and bold and proudly, uniquely South African lands in my inbox and announces its presence like the happy toot of a vuvuzela. And I LOVE it. Today’s wedding is one of these fabulous, colourful creatures, a celebration of everything Jozi and South Africa, full of fun and romance. Bride and groom Samantha and Richard met in Johannesburg, and since it formed such a vital part of their story, they decided to opt for an urban celebration that was pure modern Joburg, from the rooftop ceremony venue with the city skyline on display to the African print bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen’s accessories, to florals like proteas and strelizias, right on down to the food (from the couple’s favourite Melville restaurant). It’s fierce and fun, and totally awesome. Judith Belle captured these images of the big day.

Vintage Chic City Wedding at the Cape Town Club by Duane Smith

22 February, 2018 by gaby

I’ve heard of saying it with flowers, but when it came to his proposal, today’s groom said it with coffee! Which is kind of the perfect city living touch for Henrietta and Ross, who also picked a classic city location for their wedding (the historic Cape Town Club) and took it as their cue for a celebration that was infused with 1920s vintage style. The reception was class all the way – candlelight bouncing off wood-panelled walls from the elegant black tapers, gorgeous arrangements of white flowers from the amazing Neva at Bright & Beautiful (who actually DOES know how to say it with flowers!), and the sweetest menus with a dog motif from our friends at Blooming Wonderful. All captured perfectly by Duane Smith.

Greenery-filled Same Sex City Wedding by Thunder and Love Photography

20 November, 2017 by gaby

When it comes to styled shoots, I’m definitely of the school of making models smile – I mean, who wants to see a moody bride or groom? But even if a model’s skills are Kate Moss-level awesome, there’s just no faking the real thing. And Nathan and Brendan’s big day is full of the real thing – smiles as wide as the sky, true happiness, and love. This adorable couple not only held their nuptials in fabulous Cape Town (LOVE me a city wedding!) but followed the natural ambience of an outdoor ceremony with the fun of a quirky modern reception space, which they filled to the brim with proteas and greenery. The best of both worlds, truly. And speaking of both worlds, I also loved how the couple managed to honour Indian wedding traditions, like mehndi and varmala garlands, making this a truly multicultural celebration. SBB faves Thunder and Love Photography captured all the love (and all the pretty) from this special day!

Elegant Modern Asian Wedding at The Campus by Wynand van der Merwe

23 February, 2017 by gaby

Today is very exciting, because not only do I get to share this chic wedding with you, but we’re also introducing four new venues to the SBB Collection, all members of the renowned Forum Company. Forum venues and elegant modern celebrations go together like James Bond and martinis, and today we’re showcasing Kate and David’s wedding at The Campus in Johannesburg, an incredible city space – all clean lines and clear glass and smooth marble. It goes perfectly with the white on white orchid design that this stylish couple chose for the ceremony portion of their big day, which also perfectly illustrated the traditional meets modern, east meets west style that they were trying to create. And after the formalities were over, they kicked off their heels (Louboutins, in Kate’s case!) and threw a party at one of their favourite Chinese restaurants – so fun! I can’t not mention Kate’s incredible Elie Saab gown – the back of which just leaves me breathless! Or her bridesmaids’ fluttery, silver-grey dresses – they all looked like a bunch of supermodels together. There to capture all that gorgeousness was Wynand van der Merwe.

Opulent Ballroom Wedding at The Bay Hotel by Daryl Glass

26 January, 2017 by gaby

What’s black, white, blush and gold, and glamorous all over? This Cape Town wedding from Daryl Glass, that’s what! From their church ceremony to photographs in Kirstenbosch to a reception at the iconic Rotunda, Busi and Kwabna pulled out all the stops for the glamorous ballroom wedding of their dreams. Think black tie elegance, plenty of bling, and a bride and groom who rocked their photos like they were a pair of Hollywood pros. We’ll let Daryl Glass’ images tell their story for them…

Formal Vintage Wedding at The Cape Town Club by Lilac Photography

17 March, 2016 by gaby

When I talk about a city wedding, I’m often thinking of chick city slicker style, or an edgier industrial urban look. But there’s another kind of city wedding, and cities like Cape Town are absolutely perfect for them. I’m thinking of those that tap into the historical aspects of our cities, the period architecture and antique decor that are the hallmarks of a bygone era. That’s what today’s couple, Rouxle and Shaun, who were married in beautiful Cape Town, chose to do. They selected a formal dresscode for their guests and then rocked the look themselves (with the groom in top hat and tails and the bride in an exquisite Janita Toerien gown – oh, Janita, we love you so!). And, after a church ceremony, they had their reception in a beautiful historical building, the Cape Town Club, which was the perfect atmosphere for their vintage-loving style. With a touch of Delft and a few (handmade!) nods to the winter weather, as well as a fit-for-royalty palette of rich jewel colours, the picture was complete. Lilac Photography were there to commit that beautiful picture to film.

Fun Pastel V&A Waterfront Wedding by Jana Marnewick

3 March, 2016 by gaby

Earlier this week we showcased a city wedding, and we’re spoilt enough to have another today, although Robyn & Jamaal’s shows off a completely different side to Cape Town. The couple, who met during one of our legendary summers, wanted to bring that feeling into their big day so they decided to not only host it at the iconic V&A Waterfront, but to bring the pastels of the surrounding buildings into their palette. They had a rooftop ceremony overlooking the harbour (love!) and a reception filled with pastel blooms (beautifully put together by awesome SBB Directory members Bright and Beautiful). And like all good Cape Town summer nights, this one ended on the dancefloor, where they partied late into the night. Jana Marnewick took these lovely images.

Graphic Inner City Wedding at HQ Restaurant by Jules Morgan

1 March, 2016 by gaby

It’s a happy day for me when I get the opportunity to share an city wedding for a change, although happily more brides and grooms these days are opting for a bit of urban chic. And why not – after all, if it’s reflective of your style, you can make it absolutely amazing, especially in a city as fabulous as Cape Town. With both of them being architects, perhaps it’s no wonder that Elbé and Ross decided to get married in amongst their favourite buildings and inner city vibe, and they chose a graphic, monochrome style with a touch of metallic and geometric detailing to make it really pop. I just love this look SO much – everything from the incorporation of textures like leather and cement to Elbé’s contemporary pared-down bridal style (complemented beautifully by jewellery from Kirsten Goss). From their church ceremony to their laid-back restaurant reception, all on Heritage Square, it was a collection of their favourite things shared with their favourite people. And speaking of favourites, one of our own, Jules Morgan, was on the scene to deliver these beautifully atmospheric images.

Urban Garden Glam Wedding at Katy’s Palace Bar by Blackframe Photography {Georja & Danny}

15 September, 2015 by gaby

This wedding has everything that makes my little heart go all fluttery. First off, I LOVE me a city wedding, and Katy’s Palace Bar is quickly becoming one of my favourite venues for its eclectic urban appeal. Then there’s the mix of glam gold, greenery and pale blooms that Georja and Danny chose to decorate their reception – the perfect way to bring a touch of garden romance to their warehouse-style location, and let’s not forget Georja’s pastel bouquet, and feather-detailed dress. Sparkling fairy lights, gold-painted animal favours, tall candelabras – oh, and a glittering gold cake. Not to mention pretty maids all in a row in charcoal infinity dresses by our friends at Gelique. I love it all, so let’s get to oohing over it, shall we? These fab pictures are from the team at Blackframe Photography – always a pleasure to share their work!Read More