Hello lovelies! We’ve come to the end of our travel-themed month, and are looking forward to December – HOW is it the last month of 2015 tomorrow? Before we leave this theme, I’ve rounded up some fun ideas for your own travel wedding from our partners at Not on the High Street – and don’t forget to stop in quick quick, because they also have some awesome Black Friday deals still available for a few hours today.Read More
When I decided on ‘greenhouse’ as our theme for July, there was one supplier I immediately thought of and couldn’t wait to share with you guys, because every time I come across their work on the web it gives me a little thrill. And by little, I mean a huge OMG-I-want-that thrill. Oak & Orchid are an independent studio based out of the US (although they create bespoke designs for couples all over the world), and I’m particularly over the moon about their botanical range because they pretty much encapsulate everything that’s elegant and romantic and contemporary about this look for me. Receiving one would be like receiving a surprise bouquet – and we know how good that feels! Think restored antique botanical prints paired with rustic elements like wood and kraft paper, with special details like botanical envelope liners and calligraphy fonts. They are just SO pretty. And the best part of it is that even couples on a lower budget can access the Oak & Orchid design aesthetic with a range of printables from their Etsy shop. **As always, you can click on any of the images below to shop.**Read More
Ever since I left London to come hang out in South Africa, there are a few things that I miss a lot. Sunny days in the park. Public transport. Yorkshire puddings. Not having to wait in endless bank queues (that’s a side-eye for you, Eugene). But one of the things that always makes me want to teleport (seriously, would someone just invent this already?) is when I get invited to awesome London wedding events, and this year’s Etsy Wedding Fair (which takes place from 16-17 May at Oui 2 Rooms, 89 Tichfield St., London) is definitely one of them. I mean, I LOVE Etsy, so what could be better than being able to browse wedding goods from some of their most talented makers and chat to them in person? Etsy have just announced the list of exhibitors, and oh my word, there are some seriously AMAZING sellers on the list! But good news for you readers living in or near London, because even if I don’t get to be there, you do. On me! Well, on Etsy actually, since they have been lovely enough to give me one pair of tickets to give away. Just leave a comment at the end of this post telling me which of the awesome sellers/exhibitors below you’re most looking forward to meeting, and I’ll announce the winner at the end of April. SO! Let’s get to it – here are some of the gorgeous labels you’ll be able to see up close and personal! (And for those of you shopping at home like me, just click on any image to head over to the Etsy store).Read More
If you loved the look of bridesmaids in flower crowns that we shared last week, but don’t necessarily want to work with fresh flowers, then you’ll love today’s supplier spotlight. Of course, these lil’ beauties are great for brides too, or for festivals, or for parties, or just for sitting around watching Suits and feeling pretty. Whichgoose is a fab Etsy store with all kinds of little treasures, most notably for me the collection of hairpieces and crowns. They ship internationally from the US, which means that South African brides can get orders within about 2-3 weeks, so be sure to build that in to your order time. Let’s take a look, shall we? Just click on any of the images below to be taken to the item listing on Etsy.Read More
Ladies, 2015 is the year for boutique weddings, and if that is what you’re after, we have the most perfect venue for you! On behalf of SBB, I was invited to share in experiencing the magic of the Alphen Boutique Hotel, and was left in awe.
This gem of a hotel is tucked away in the beautiful leafy suburb of Constantia, and you are immediately transported away from the humdrum of daily life as you drive through the entrance. We were greeted by the lovely Nadia, from Greater Than Events, Rosalie Greener, the charming Events Coordinator at the Alphen, and Angela Lorimer, the Sales & Marketing Manager, who were all so warm and welcoming, I felt as if I had known them forever. (Definitely a good sign for people with whom you will be planning one of the most important days of your life!)Read More
South Africa, you are so talented. I’m always amazed and proud at the awesome that keeps coming out of our little nation, and up-and-coming local talent Casey Jeanne is definitely one of those. Based in Durban, Casey’s just started her journey as a designer and she’s already gone from strength to strength. For example, just a few years ago, she was part of the Durban July Young Designer Award, then went on to win the Gateway Young Recycled Designer Award and the Fashion Challenge. This year, she was an Invited Designer. The theme was ‘The Big Screen’ and Casey chose to combine her trademark illusion lace with the glamour of Hollywood with a touch of Game of Thrones – an absolutely bewitching combination. Sequins AND illusion lace? Yes, please! And speaking of local talents, Casey Jeanne paired up with both photographer, Alexis Diack, and videographer Michelle Rabe to capture the showcase on film. Absolute gorgeousness. Be sure to scroll to the end to check out Michelle’s video!Read More
Afternoon lovelies! Today we’re carrying on our showcase of some my favourite local designers with the fantastic Janita Toerien, whose work I have been stalking ever since I first saw it, and whose breathtaking gold bodiced, lavender tulle dream of a gown, Amber, has already made waves here on SBB and around the world. But Amber’s just one jewel in Janita’s crown, and I’m super excited to introduce you to more of her incredible dresses today, as well as sharing an exclusive Q&A with the designer herself (who by the way, is totally lovely – thanks so much Janita!). Get ready to be completely inspired…Read More
If there’s one wedding style that’s really taken off in the last couple of years, it’s forest weddings. A gorgeous combination of the relaxed boho vibe, the rustic farm style and a touch of magical whimsy, it’s no wonder that we all want to go down to the woods today! I don’t know about you, but I was OBSESSED with the Magic Faraway Tree books when I was little, so I’ve always felt like there was something special about a forest setting, and it has the advantage for outdoor ceremonies of creating a sort of cathedral atmosphere, which is the perfect nod to tradition. In South Africa we’re really blessed with some absolutely breathtaking forest venues, so all you need to complete the look is the perfect whimsical woodland decor. That’s where Not On the High Street – one of my favourite indie shopping sites – comes in, because among their curated wedding collections is a fab selection of foresty accessories that add just that extra touch of thought and detail. I just had to share!Read More
I don’t envy you brides sometimes. It seems like every day I see something new and pretty that I love – it must be soooo difficult to make decisions, especially when it comes to your bridal style. So many pretty options for veils, hair accessories, flower crowns. Well, today I’m going to make that decision even harder (in a good way!) by introducing you to an absolutely gorgeous (local!) range that is absolutely PERFECT for a bride (or her maids). Cara, the creative behind Saint Mogue, first came across the art of silk flowers and bespoke millinery when she was searching out the perfect piece for her own big day, and it ultimately evolved into her own line of beautiful headpieces and heirloom florals. What I love about Cara’s work is that even though she’s working in silk, there’s a fresh naturalness to the flowers and leaves she makes, so you get the best of both worlds – a touch of nature, but one that you can keep and hand down. Beautiful! You can visit Saint Mogue Etsy store directly here, or find out more about Cara and her company in our Suppliers Directory.Read More
Four years ago, not long after I started out, I got an email from a brand new, super enthusiastic stationer, the very lovely Anelle of Seven Swans. We immediately clicked, and over the following years she became our first real life bride and the designer of the SBB logo and indentity, while I had the pleasure of regularly featuring her work and watching her business grow. It’s no secret I’m a HUGE fan of the Seven Swans brand, so I was super excited when Anelle told me about a stationery collection they had put together in addition to their continuing work on the bespoke suites I always love to see coming out of the studio. This is the Seven Swans Collection, and it’s already been bringing happy smiles to brides and grooms around the world! The concept is brilliant – a selection of patterned sleeves (customisable by colour scheme) combined deliciously with two kraft paper inserts to make little packages of lovely that are not only beautiful and quirky but budget friendly. I couldn’t wait to show you!Read More