Cape - SouthBound Bride

Creation Events

ABOUT US
Creation Events is a boutique luxury wedding planning service based in the Western Cape, South Africa. Founded by one of Cape Town’s most trusted and experienced wedding planners, Theresa Lazarevic, Creation Events prides itself on its transparency, personalized service, and attention to detail.

CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.creationevents.co.za
+27 (0) 765 333884

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Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
Creation Events is based in Somerset West, but we work all over the Western Cape. We have done weddings in the West Coast, Overberg and Boland. We however find ourselves regularly in the Cape Winelands and Elgin regions.

How did you get started in weddings?
The first time the words “wedding planning” were planted with Theresa, the founder and creative director of Creation Events, was with a aptitude test at the age of 17. Sadly the career as wedding planner didn’t exist in South Africa back then, so she studied Consumer Science with the intention to eventually pursue a career in guest house management. Many years later, while traveling in the UK, she spotted an advert in a newspaper advertising a job opportunity for a wedding planner and the little seed germinated. At that point the wedding industry had just started developing and growing in South Africa. Theresa came back to South Africa and gained experience working under one of the local industry’s biggest event planning names. In 2011, after a short break to focus on her new role as a mom, starting her own boutique planning service seemed like the next, most natural step, and Creation Events was launched.

What inspires you?
All the beautiful things that life offers us, like the perfect imperfect blooms, plants, trees, magical gardens. Even the dry, bare, and some times harsh parts of our country contain an essence of beauty in its own form. Most of all, though, we are inspired by family, the closeness and magic that happens when family get together. Oh and then don’t forget glassware, fabrics and stunning cutlery.

Favourite place in South Africa?
To Theresa this is definitely Yzerfontein. This little coastal town is her home away from home and holds a special place in her heart. Her family has been holidaying there since before her birth, so it is no surprise that this is the place where she goes to recharge her batteries, to soak up the sun and to drink long G&Ts with the sun setting over the ocean.

What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
The success of a perfect celebration is not just one thing but the experience your guest takes home of all the collective aspects around an celebration. In order to balance this, careful budgeting is required so that you don’t spend all your moolah on stunning décor or the top end photographer, and then end up not being able to provide the style of entertainment that your guests would expect. As a couple you can also be swept up by all the amazing things that the world of weddings offers, but stay true to yourself and make sure your wedding is an extension of who you are as a couple.

Calegra Bridal House

ABOUT US
Calegra Bridal House offers breathtaking wedding dresses created by some of the best designers in South Africa. Designer collections include Anna Georgina designed by Kobus Dippenaar, Jeannelle l’ Amour created by Casey Jeanne, Robyn Roberts and White Lilly Bridal. Calegra Bridal’s extensive variety of wedding dresses means that no matter what you’re looking for, we will have a number of stunning gowns you’ll fall in love with.

CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.calegra.co.za
+27 (0)73 646 1995

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How would you describe the Calegra bride?
She wants something different, yet bridal. She is modern but has a sense of sentiment.

Which designers do you currently carry?
Jeannelle l’ Amour (Designer: Casey Jeanne)
Anna Georgina (Designer: Kobus Dippenaar)
White Lilly Bridal
Robyn Roberts

What are some of the things you consider when deciding on which designers to work with?
We work with some of the best designers in the country. We proudly support SA designers whose work is of international standard and quality.

Tell us about your boutique. Where is it located? What inspired the interior design?
Think open and spacious with lots of natural light. Our studio is decorated in shades of white, silver and grey. Dresses are displayed so the bride can browse and view all dresses before her fitting. Our fitting rooms are spacious and brides can expect one-on-one attention. Our studio is located at 450 Jacqueline Drive, Pretoria.

What are your favourite current bridal fashion trends?
We love trends but prefer the unique touches every bride creates for her special day!

Do you have any dress shopping advice for brides?
Do not wait too long to start looking for your dress. You need to allow yourself at least six months. Invite two or three guests to your fitting appointment but remember it is your special day; YOU must love the dress.

Blackeyed Susan Bridal & Eventwear Boutique

ABOUT US
Blackeyed Susan® Bridal & Eventwear has always been about the beauty of simplicity and the modern woman. We love creating dresses for unique, free-spirited, free-thinking, contemporary women, brides, bridesmaids, flower girls, and mother of the bride/groom.
“A garment of praise, instead of a spirit of depair.” ISAIAH 61:3

CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
blackeyedsusan.co.za
+27 (0)21 012 5082

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How would you describe your target bride?
The Blackeyed Susan bride is confident and comfortable in her own skin; she is a completely unique soul. The Blackeyed Susan bride is no longer opting for the pomp and tradition of a stereotypical wedding dress. She is pushing the boundaries aesthetically when it comes to what is expected of a wedding and a bride. Modern, simple, unique and comfortable are the new prerequisites for a Blackeyed Susan bride.

Which designers do you currently carry?
We only stock our own collection: Blackeyed Susan. Within Blackeyed Susan, our ranges comprise of Blackeyed Susan Bridal, Mother of the Bride, Bridesmaids, Flower Girls, Wedding Guest Dresses and Flower Crowns, making the Blackeyed Susan Bridal Boutique your one stop bridal retinue shop.

What are some of the things you consider when deciding on which designers to work with?
We stock a few independent designers to complement the Blackeyed Susan Brand. These include WEEF (men’s leather ties, bow ties and pocket squares), Made Of Mettle (jewellery and men’s wedding bands), Julimex and Spanx (discreet, supportive and shaping underwear).

Tell us about your boutique. Where is it located? What inspired the interior design?
The Blackeyed Susan Bridal & Eventwear Boutique is situated in the heart of Durbanville, in the Western Cape, South Africa. Our boutique is a clean slate; we want the dresses to do the talking. When you walk into our boutique you are greeted with the sound of old school jazz, white walls and a showcase of canvas prints of our #realblackeyedsusanbrides and #realblackeyedsusies.

What are your favourite current bridal fashion trends?
We don’t particularly conform to trends – we do however gravitate to designing and producing timelessly classic styles that women feel comfortable and confident in.

Do you have any dress shopping advice for brides?
Congratulations, you’re getting married! It’s time to find your dream dress – the most exciting time ahead, but can also be nerve wracking! Start by jotting down information that you will need when contacting wedding dress designers, boutiques or dressmakers. This should include:

Your budget: You should have an idea of your financial limit, as this will be one of the first questions asked before or during a bridal fitting – remember that your wedding dress budget should also leave room for other accessories you will wear on your day including: shoes, jewellery, suitable undergarments, and hair accessories like a veil, flower crown or a special clip.
Your style: Are there specific styles that you love? Find a wedding dress designer or boutique that resonates with this.
Your timeline: Are you planning a year in advance or are you getting married in just a few months? Designers and dressmakers usually need around 4–6 months to produce a dress. If you are getting married in just a few months, or even weeks, you will likely need to find somewhere that stocks easily accessible, ready to wear bridal pieces, like Blackeyed Susan’s Ready to Wear Bridal, that can be bought directly off the rail in-store or online.
The location of your wedding: This will impact your dress choice and styling. Are you getting married on a beach or in the forest? A long dramatic train will not suit this venue as it can be easily damaged and dirtied. Church and indoor venues allow for more opulent dress styling.

To your first fitting, you should take the shoes you will be wearing on your day, whether heels or flats. If you have not yet purchased your shoes, bring along a pair with the heel height that you intend wearing on the day. Ensure you wear nude underwear, as dark colours can easily be seen through a white dress and distract from the final look.

Remember, once you find your dream dress, stop shopping! Trust your instincts and be confident in your final choice!

Mary Ann Art

ABOUT ME
You’re designing a fairytale wedding. You want your family and friends to have the best time, and you want to keep the newlywed glow alive after your wedding! So why live painting? Your painting will capture the story of your wedding in a unique piece of art, and capture your guests’ imaginations!
Let me paint your wedding live and capture your fairytale forever!
I would love to turn romantic scenes from your wedding into a cherished acrylic painting. I will paint the scene live from the sidelines of your special day, for all your guests to watch.
I have been painting since before I could spell my name, and I especially love painting from life. I would so love to work with you to create a special piece of art that captures all the emotions of your wedding. I also love doing bouquet portraits to preserve all the beauty and creativity of your wedding florals.

CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.maryannart.co.za
+27 (0)074 461 6862

MORE ABOUT ME
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
I am based in Cape Town, and the beautiful landscapes of the Western Cape are a major influence on my art and my general happiness.

How did you get started in weddings?
I have painted my whole life and largely sold my work through private commissions. When I reached the age where all my friends started getting married and engaged, weddings were front of mind. I realised how much I love the creative aspects that go into any wedding, and that I could use my painting skills to make a unique contribution to the industry. I immediately directed my art towards live wedding painting and custom bouquet portraits, and the transition has been very exciting for me.

What inspires you?
I am greatly influenced by the paintings of the Impressionists. I especially love the work of Monet, Degas and Berthe Morisot.

Favourite place in South Africa?
The top of Mariepskop Mountain outside of Hoedspruit. I grew up there and I still think it has some of the most breath-taking landscapes in South Africa. I am definitely planning to do a painting up there soon.

What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
To make your wedding your own. Trust your own taste, so that when you look back you will be able to see how your personality was reflected in your wedding. Also, make sure that you value spending time with the people who are special to you above everything else on the day. No one will remember the small slip ups, they will be remembering how much fun they had with the two of you.
Also, if it was me, I’d definitely take some intensive dance lessons, but that’s because I have two left feet. All my co-ordination obviously went into my hands! :)

Jessica Ellen Photography

ABOUT US
I am Jessica Ellen and I’d love to document your wedding story. My passion is to capture the personality of your unique day by freezing those special split seconds that happen spontaneously throughout the day in pictures that can then be revisited over and over for years to come. After the celebration is over, the party has left and everything has been packed up, what you are left with is a whole lot of love, endless possibilities for the future and a spool full of precious memories from a day that passed by far too quickly. These are your memories, to cherish and remember forever. When I’m working, I like to be as unobtrusive as possible, guiding you in an unassuming way to get the best possible results from your pictures on your wedding day, without over-posing you or making you feel unnatural. Being a documentary photographer, I shoot with as much available light as possible, capturing your love story as it naturally unfolds on your special day. But I do pull out a bit of extra lighting gear when needed, usually during the reception after the sun has set and everyone is ready to party. After my husband and I got married, I realised how incredibly special our wedding video was was to me. It was so amazing to be able to revisit the day and sit and watch the vows and hear all the speeches that had whizzed by too fast to absorb properly at the time. And that is why my husband, a videographer, recently joined the Jessica Ellen portfolio offering documentary-style wedding videography. Together we’re a formidable wedding documentary team, working alongside each other to offer couples a great value package including both photography and video for their wedding day.

CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.jessicaellen.co.za
+27 (0)82 578 0076

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Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
We are based in Cape Town, but it is an absolute dream of ours to be able to travel the world documenting beautiful weddings and experiencing different cultures.

How did you get started in weddings?
I’ve had a passion for documenting moments for as long as I can remember. It was only when my friends starting getting married that I realised that I loved shooting weddings though. A lot of my friends would ask me to come and document extra parts of their weddings when they hadn’t hired more that one photographer to capture their day. The first full wedding I ever shot exclusively was the wedding of family friend. His father was very high up in the South Africa Marine Corps and had organised for their wedding to take place at Admiralty House in Simon’s Town. I was hired as their photographer for the day and my husband was my assistant, lugging what little gear I had at the time around for me. At the time all I had was pure passion for wedding photography, a very keen eye for composition and very basic camera knowledge. I shot the whole wedding with a Canon 600D and a kit lens I had bought in a bundle at Makro a couple of years prior. The bride actually had a better camera than I did at the time! I made countless rookie errors that day, it was a huge learning curve, but I look back at those photos with absolute pride. Some of those images are still in my portfolio today!

What inspires you?
Real love. Those goosebump moments that grip your heart. I hate to admit it but I’m usually a bit teary when those key moments happen throughout the day. When the bride reads the letter from her husband-to-be just before she gets dressed, that moment she walks down the aisle, dad in hand. The unveiling. The vows. That first kiss after the I dos. All these moments are so special and my aim is to capture them in a way that keeps the feeling of them alive when these moments are revisited in your pictures for years after.

Favourite place in South Africa?
We live in such a beautiful country that it makes it so hard to pick a favourite place. I obviously love the Cape and all the beautiful landscapes it has to offer; it’s the part of South Africa we’ve chosen to call home after all. Johannesburg where my husband and I both grew up will always have a special place in our hearts, its dirty citiness has its own kind of beauty that will always just feel familiar. The Transkei has always been a special place for us too, its the first place we went on holiday together, and we go back frequently. We also love the Lowveld and the Karoo. This country just has too much to offer to call one place your favourite!

What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Nobody’s wedding day goes 100% according to plan, but it always ends up absolutely perfect anyway. The day passes in the blink of an eye, so don’t forget to take a step back on the day and just take it all in. You’ve planned these moments for months and all your hard work culminates in this one day; it’s too easy to get caught up in the hecticness of the schedule and running everything according to plan, so don’t forget to stand back and take the time to take a deep breath, appreciate all the special people who have come from all over to celebrate with you, and enjoy and admire the day you’ve created.

Barefeet Videography

ABOUT ME
Barefeet Videography was born out of a desire to see weddings captured with a down-to-earth, authentic approach. Our hearts are to provide brides and grooms with a film that represents their true story and journey for what it is. We focus on the emotional depth and precious moments of this once-in-a-lifetime day and we believe that the atmosphere of peace that we aim to carry with us, is the ideal environment to capture this beautiful day in all it’s natural splendour!

CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.barefeetvideography.com
+27 (0)72 023 7154

MORE ABOUT ME
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
We operate from 5 bases: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Clarens and Pietermaritzburg. We have travelled South Africa shooting weddings and we love it! We will come to wherever the wedding’s at!

What inspires you?
We are inspired by nature, truth, light and emotion. We love South African sunsets, the many beautiful cultures in our country and the way it all comes together at a South African wedding day.

Favourite place in South Africa?
The Midlands and the Eastern Free State

What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
Your wedding day is about your love story and a precious covenant. No matter how stressed the planning may have been up until the day, let go of everything on the morning! Forget all your plans, look over anything that doesn’t go as planned, and enjoy this day with the love of your life! It’s all about them. Also, a video is the truest way to remember your day in the most vivid way possible. You will regret not having one!

Event Affairs

ABOUT US
Event Affairs is currently rated as one of the best wedding planners in South Africa. Why? Because our approach goes beyond the traditional wedding coordinator role. Planning a wedding is no small feat; however, with our team by your side, you can relax knowing that you and your guests will be treated to an experience of a lifetime. Our extensive expertise focuses on creating unique local and destination wedding experiences. Our promise to our bridal couples is simple: We will be by your side throughout the planning process, to ensure your day is everything you’ve dreamed of and more.

CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.eventaffairs.co.za
+27 (0)21 671 4994

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Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
We are based in Cape Town, South Africa, but we work nationally throughout South Africa. We also plan weddings in Dubai and Mauritius.

How did you get started in weddings?
After working for other events companies early in my career and experiencing many a wedding done by many different co-ordinators, when we decided to start Event Affairs, it was natural that we would open a wedding division given our love and absolute passion for the wedding industry.

What inspires you?
People! I love working in a team with my amazing suppliers and working for bridal couples to make their vision for their special day come to life!

Favourite place in South Africa?
It has to be Cape Town, the Mother City.

What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
On the day, stop and take it all in. It goes so fast and it is important to have some time to just stop and observe and feel what is going on around you! It’s really quite magical!

Silkmusic

ABOUT US
Silkmusic is a specialized DJ service. We have the knowledge and expertise to ensure your special day is not only unforgettable but most importantly – we recreate the picture you have painted in your mind so it’s exactly as you imagine it to be. We’ll bring your picture to life by helping you choose the entertainment that complements and enhances your special day. Whatever style and era your taste speaks to, we have the perfect bespoke packages for you including one-on-one service. We’ll go above and beyond to make sure all requirements are met with professionalism and attention to detail – allowing you peace of mind to relax and enjoy.

CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.silkmusic.co.za
+27 (0)73 257 7612

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Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
Silkmusic is a Cape Town based company that covers a 200km radius including the West Coast, Overburg, Swartland and the Breede River Valley.

How did you get started in weddings?
Ryan, the founder of Silkmusic, has been in the music industry for over 12 years. When he was looking for a professional DJ service for his own wedding he realised there was a gap in the market for a youthful and bespoke DJ company. His wedding was the first Silkmusic production and the rest is history.

What inspires you?
Meeting with couples that are so excited and passionate about planning their wedding, and realising how important music is to them at their wedding, inspires me to curate a unique and special atmosphere that is tailored to suit their personalities. Music is also a big inspiration and a big part of our lives at Silkmusic; it is an exciting and energetic industry to be a part of.

Favourite place in South Africa?
There are so many, but it is always a treat to visit the Overburg biosphere with its rich diversity in fynbos, mountain walks and the scenic coastline – the epitome of relaxation.

What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
The biggest thing about planning a wedding is sometimes it can consume you, and the best advice would be to take a step back and remember the point of all of it – don’t sweat the small stuff and go with the flow a bit. We also feel at Silkmusic the best weddings are the ones that show true to the couple; don’t be afraid to show your personality, your guests are there because they love who you are as a couple, so have some fun with it.

Tickled Pink Wedding and Events

ABOUT US
Tickled Pink Weddings and Events is here to help you add that little extraordinary sparkle to your wedding. We are a personal wedding planning service specialising in Johannesburg city, luxury bush lodge, South African and exclusive destination weddings.
We are here to support and enhance your journey by hand selecting and working with the most suitable and professional suppliers in the industry. We delicately weave all aspects of your wedding together to create an amazing experience for you and your guests. Something tangible that you and they will never forget and always cherish. We believe it is about the adventure and memory of a wedding experience, not just a day.

CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.tickledpinkevents.co.za
+27 (0)78 173 2094

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Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
We are based in Parktown North, Johannesburg, South Africa We focus on Johannesburg city and surrounds as well as luxury bush lodge and destination weddings which can take us down the road or around South Africa/internationally – to wherever our client chooses to tie the knot.

How did you get started in weddings?
I worked in London in the corporate events banking industry for five years. I managed events in London, Europe and the Middle East during this time. These events were fast paced, high powered and edgy but often lacked scope for creativity in terms of decor, flowers and personal touch. Weddings, I felt would offer the opportunity to add the personal touch and the softness lacking from the corporate space. And so Tickled Pink Wedding and Events was born four years ago to offer a very personal and specialised wedding planning service to clients for their unique weddings. I often felt that it was hard to turn my vision into reality and I wanted to be able to bridge this gap between clients and suppliers, and be able to offer this service and possibility to my clients. I wanted to be able to go the extra mile for them and make it come true.

What inspires you?
Colour, I LOVE colour! Chic and stylish flowers, decor and design, beautiful venues with wonderful views, the African bush, candlelight, going on safari, Africa, conservation and making the world a better place, gardens, the sea, mountains, travel, Italy, France, history, new and wonderful places, people and adventures.

Favourite place in South Africa?
Tough one – there are many… Johannesburg for its super friendly people and electric vibe. The lowveld – the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve, to name a few. The Eastern Cape – Kenton On Sea and the Transkei. Cape Town – I studied here and always love revisiting the mountains, beaches, penguins, sea and vistas.

What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
Do not sweat the small stuff. Decide what makes you happy and what you both really want for your wedding first. The detail is nice to have but do not let it take over you and your relationship/s. (It really is not worth it.) Couples often do not realise the amount of time and effort it takes to plan a wedding so do yourself a favour and hire a professional wedding planner to ensure you enjoy the wedding build up and actual day. Many couples lose sight as to what is important and actually the ceremony and coming together is the most magical part of your wedding day (surrounded by your family and friends).

Thunder and Love Wedding Photography

ABOUT US
We are Simon & Shan Heale – yup that’s right we are a pair of married professional Cape Town wedding photographers who love destination fine art weddings. We specialise in telling unique love stories and are available worldwide. There isn’t a wedding too far or too near we wouldn’t love to capture. Our style of photography is inspired by mountains, the ocean, adventure, stolen kisses, bonds, emotions and most of all love!

CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.thunderandlove.com
+27 (084) 558 8363

MORE ABOUT US
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
We are based in Cape Town , but shoot all over the country and world.

How did you get started in weddings?
We are both professional photographers who met online; two weeks after meeting we shot our first wedding together as Thunder and Love and it’s been an adventure ever since then. We both have a deep love for all things vintage and film.

What inspires you?
Film, light, romance, family bonds, emotions, whimsical places, Old Masters paintings.

Favourite place in South Africa?
The Natal Midlands: you simply cannot beat the amazing mist, the green rolling hills, the cows and scenery; it is a magical place.

What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
We would tell brides and grooms that this day isn’t about their guests, it is about their love and their story! So stop worrying about making your guests happy and do you! After all, they will be happy if there is food and Champagne (who isn’t?)