Vineyard Weddings - SouthBound Bride

Elegant Travel Themed Wedding at Nooitgedacht by Art Photo

18 January, 2019 by gaby

I think one of the reasons that the travel wedding ‘theme’ has remained such a favourite with my readers year in and year out is that it’s one of the few that isn’t just about being a trend but is really about telling a couple’s story. For Greg and Tina, that story is bound inextricably with travel. Almost as long as they’ve been a couple, they’ve been travelling across oceans to be together, and exploring the world as they grown in love. It’s so romantic! And so when it came to finding a thread to run through their decor and design, it had to be travel. I absolutely love the ideas Tina executed to pull this off – the cake especially, but also the seating plan, the hand painted table names, the little aeroplanes here and there on the stationery. There were other clever ideas that told the couple’s story too though – a G&T bar to honour their monogram, a proudly South African menu to honour the place they met and fell in love, even a cocktail hour pub quiz for their guests (SO fun!). And all of this against the stunning winelands backdrop of Nooitgedacht Estate, which perfectly complemented the bride’s elegant vision. There are so many wonderful stories woven through this day, it’s definitely worth taking the time to read what Tina had to say about all of it, and sharing in these special moments thanks to the images by Art Photo!

Timeless Elegance Springbok Wedding at Webersburg by Lavender Creations & Duane Smith

10 January, 2019 by gaby

I don’t feature a lot of ‘celebrity’ weddings here on SBB – in general, I prefer to tell the stories of real people on the happiest day of their lives. But of course, celebrities are real people too, with their own real, beautiful love stories, and some of their weddings aren’t about the glitz and the glam and the feature on Top Billing, but rather the incredible joy of two people promising their lives to one another. So while you may recognise Cheslin Kolbe from his time at Western Province or as part of our Olympic medal-winning Sevens team, or most recently as a Springbok (yay!), you’ll really fall in love with his wedding to beautiful wife, Layla. I’ve been holding on to this wedding for a while to share with you this week, and I’m so excited to finally let it make its SBB debut! It’s classic, it’s elegant, and most of all it’s heartfelt. I defy anyone to watch the video and not get a little choked up when Cheslin does, as Layla walks down the aisle, or to grin along with them post ceremony – they both look happier than a man raising the William Webb Ellis. Also, I’m not gonna lie, there are some hot groom’s party images in here that you do not want to miss, since Cheslin was joined by (among others), our Springbok captain Siya Kolisi (along with his wife, Rachel, as a bridesmaid). What do you call a bunch of fit, shirtless rugby players in a swimming pool? A good day at work for Gaby, that’s what. Some of the other details we loved include Layla’s incredible Robyn Roberts gown, the timeless winelands setting, the fun cake topper, and of course, Layla and Cheslin’s sweet daughter as the most adorable flower girl ever! Huge congrats to the Kolbes, and to Lavender Creations for pulling off such a gorgeous event, perfectly captured by Duane Smith Photography.

Delft Blue Summer Wedding at Nooitgedacht by Coba Photography

29 August, 2018 by gaby

Ah Delft. Just that one little word and my wedding-loving heart goes boom, just like it did when the lovely Coba Photography told me about this sweet, Delft-filled wedding. Not only does it feature gorgeous Delft china pottery on the tables, but the blue and white theme is continued elsewhere too, from the flowers to the floral print bridesmaid dresses to the groomswear to the bride’s shoes (seriously, Delft shoes, I MUST have some immediately!). And beyond those beautiful blues, Stephan and Chantel’s wedding is special in so many other ways too. This beautiful couple really took the time to think intentionally about every detail, from the wedding date to how they did traditions like the bouquet toss, creating wonderful moments and memories along the way. Coba took these lovely images of their special day.

Romantic Modern Wedding at Lourensford by The Mosaic Wedding Company and Lad & Lass

22 August, 2018 by gaby

When some of our favourite wedding talents join forces (in this case the fabulous Cara of Mosaic Wedding Company, along with Botanica Flowers and photographers Lad & Lass), there’s just no telling how gorgeous a wedding will be. And in the case of Shanta and Gareth, VERY. When I saw this adorable couple’s modern, romantic, heartfelt, and (quite obviously from the pictures) super fun day, there were all the oohs and aahs. The bouquet, the tables, Shanta’s gorgeous dress, the blushing bridesmaids, the floral arch, the portraits, the semi-naked cake… it’s pretty at every turn! And as I mentioned, it looks like a blast. Having read the dynamic couple’s story, another thing I absolutely loved is the way they brought their families and traditions together throughout the day, and really made it all their own. Let’s take a peek!

Charming Cape Point Vineyards Wedding by Bright & Beautiful and Illuminate Photography

2 August, 2018 by gaby

There’s no question that Cape Point is one of the most stunning places in this beautiful country of ours, and that a sunset on what feels like the end of the world is like no other. It also happens to make an incredible setting for a wedding, as Carrie and Gavin knew when they picked Cape Point Vineyards for their celebration. For their darling day, they chose a gorgeous palette of dusty blues and greys and complemented that with pastel blooms of all shapes and sizes (gorgeous work as always by SBB fave, Bright and Beautiful!). The whole look is strong but delicate, which is actually super appropriate since Carrie is a former ballerina (love how they incorporated her slippers in the decor too!). From the outdoor ceremony until long after the sun went down, it was a day filled with love and laughter, beautifully captured by Illuminate Photography!

Unique Cocktail-Style Wedding with a Sunset Ceremony by Nikki van Diermen

5 July, 2018 by gaby

And now, as the Monty Python boys say, for something completely different. Kat and Keith’s wedding danced to its own tune: a sunset ceremony, a cocktail reception punctuated with wild blooms and houndstooth accents, fairy lights and floor-to-ceiling window views. A bride who looked like a modern fairytale princess in the most spectacular Janita Toerien gown with statement sleeves and gold belt detail (this is how minimalist bridal style is done right folks!) carrying a simple bouquet of Odessa calla lilies, bridesmaids in a rainbow of autumn shades, a geode cake. And of course, a love between bride and groom like no other. It was, as their photographer Nikki van Diermen put it: “perfectly unordinary”.

Whimsical Botanical Rustic Wedding at Vondeling by Michelle du Toit

18 April, 2018 by gaby

I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for a botanical print. Love ’em. Love ’em anywhere, any size, on anything. (Especially tropical botanicals, my goodness!) Today’s wedding (of two teenage sweethearts grown into a loving bride and groom) takes botanical art and makes it a focus, right from the invitation through to the table settings and even to the whimsical touch of floral print napkins-turned-installation on the walls. So awesome! Offset with copper and shades of pink and blush, as well as both elegantly rustic and chic transparent elements, Lize-Marié & Rikus’ wedding is a feast of textures for the eye, not least thanks to Michelle du Toit‘s always drop dead gorgeous photography! Let’s dive in!

Romantic Floral Luxe Wedding at The Olive Press by Shanna Jones

5 February, 2018 by gaby

There are so many gorgeous details I could talk about when it comes to this floral-filled wedding by the fabulous Aleit Group at Boschendal, and let’s be honest, we could spend the whole day gawping over the beautiful images by Shanna Jones. But there’s one element that completely, utterly took my breath away: the bride’s bespoke Kobus Dippenaar gown. Holy hauteness. With hand-placed lace floral applique reflecting the floor to ceiling flowers at the reception, a froth of tulle at the bottom, and tiny pearls for good luck, it is everything. And as for the rest, from the coolest custom cocktails, to the decor, to a late night Mickey D’s surprise, I can’t do any better in describing Marilize & Helgard’s wedding than the bride herself, so be sure to read her words, below.

Intimate Italian-style Wedding at Zorgvliet by Tasha Seccombe

25 October, 2017 by gaby

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of all things Italian (I mean, I’m half Italian myself, and proudly so). But in the absence of a plane ticket to Tuscany, if I were to receive an invitation to a beautiful, intimate, Italian-inspired soiree like this one? I’d be there faster than you could say “I do”. Ilna and Neil created something really special for their big day – a sophisticated, jewel-toned celebration that manages to fuse the best of the South African winelands with a touch of La Bella Vita. The flowers, for one, are ridiculously beautiful – peonies and hydreangeas and orchids in shades of mauve and plum and burgundy. And contrasting with that abundance is Ilna’s breathtakingly elegant gown and Neil’s classic black suit. Sleek sophistication meets organic. And talking about sophistication, I love that the couple opened the dancefloor with a tango! These beautiful pics by the lovely Tasha Seccombe capture every bit of their big day, and will stick in your memory for a long time to come!

Refined Rustic Wedding at Landtscap by Stephanie Veldman

23 October, 2017 by gaby

As an Oud Matie I’m more than a little bit biased, but I think that the view over Stellenbosch is the most beautiful view in the world. Those mountains against a summer sky just take my breath away every single time! Which is what makes it the most breathtaking backdrop for a wedding, and one of the reasons why Katherine and Rupert chose Landtscap as their venue. This adorable pair, who met and legally wed in London and headed to South Africa for their wedding celebration, had a simple plan for their big day – classic colours, gorgeous textures, and a light and romantic feel. With the help of some very talented vendors (right down to our fave catering supremos, Two Chefs), they pulled that off. I especially love Okasie‘s beautiful florals – the shelves of greenery and blooms behind the bridal table, the flower arch, the bright bouquet. And with the bride rocking a stunning lace Anna Georgina gown and the groom in Hugo Boss, it was unfussy but glamorous style all the way. The lovely Stephanie Veldman took these happy pics.