Kwazulu Natal - SouthBound Bride

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!

PeppermintPix

ABOUT US
We are Emily and Chris Allan, husband and wife, mom and dad, photographers and adventurers. We get so excited to be a part of a wedding day, from champagne sipping and nervous smiles at the start, to the jiving and jolling on the dance floor. So many stories to tell and awesome pictures to take. As a professional photographic team, we can shoot a sophisticated soiree, an intimate gathering or even a wild party anywhere in South Africa or abroad. We focus on storytelling, creativity and gorgeous images, all without interfering in your day.

CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.peppermintpix.co.za
+27 (0)73 244 8854

MORE ABOUT US
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
We live in Ballito and we love everything the north coast has to offer brides wanting beach, bush or forest weddings. Our other home is the KZN Midlands; it’s where we got married and we still have a home there. As a result, we don’t charge for travel or accommodation for Midlands weddings. Joburg is where we began and we travel there regularly for work and play. Simply put, we love to travel and we love adventure; we will go whereever you choose to say “I do”.

How did you get started in weddings?
We have been photographers for years and what started as friends begging us to shoot their weddings, turned into a passion for telling people’s wedding day stories. So from friends we went on to friends of friends and now we are making new friends one wedding at a time.

What inspires you?
We love original ideas. When a couple are true to who they are you can see it in the way the wedding comes together from the decor to the dress, the flowers and the fun. You can’t plan creativity; it happens when you are open to trying something new, when you are prepared to be brave.

Favourite place in South Africa?
Impossible to choose, but for Emily it’s the mountians and for Chris it’s the bush. This might change next week.

What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
Ask your photographer about how to plan the timing of your day. You have to give yourself the time to enjoy every second and never ever feel rushed! A great photographer will fit into your day as it goes (never delaying the process) and an excellent photographer will help make sure you never look at your watch and never have to worry about where you are meant to be next.

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

MORE ABOUT US
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).

Natural Nostalgia – Flowers, Decor & Styling

ABOUT US
Natural Nostalgia is about everything beautiful, organic, natural, wild and free. What do we do best? Making pretty of course! We work with flowers, decor hire and event concept and styling. Our work really is a labour of love – straight from the heart to the hand. We love (hmmm…maybe are little obsessed with) wild, whimsical and natural floral design but at the same time appreciate the more traditional styling – ensuring we cater for a wide array of tastes. Being creative cats we appreciate clients who ‘push the boat out’ and we are constantly learning, growing and experimenting. Our table decor hiring collection has grown remarkably to include all sorts of unique and gorgeous pieces which reflects current interior trends and fashions. We also help our clients with styling and planning – ensuring the entire theme and concept of their wedding is brought together and implemented within budget, in harmony with concept and without stress or worry.

CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.naturalnostalgia.co.za
+27 (0)72 954 7762

MORE ABOUT US
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
We really are a true reflection of our environment – creating romantic and beautiful events in this place we are lucky enough to call home – the great open spaces of farmland and countryside of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands. We cover all areas of the Midlands from Pietermaritzburg to the Drakensberg. We also can travel to the coast should our client require.

How did you get started in weddings?
The business came about by hiring my personal collection of vintage decor and shabby-chic objects in 2014. I had just returned from running a small intimate bush lodge in a remote part of Tanzania. I moved to the KZN Midlands to satisfy my desire to live and work in a quiet, peaceful and beautiful part of the world again. The business then expanded when I discovered my love of flowers and floral design. Over time we have collected a vast array of table decor which is both beautiful and trendy for our clients to hire.

What inspires you?
I guess I am most inspired by my environment. Being a town girl who moved to the countryside and now lives on a farm with a donkey, a horse and lots of dogs! I’m inspired by the beauty that surrounds me. I love everything beautiful and feel inspired by nature on a daily basis. At the same time I love interiors and decor and my work allows me to appreciate both elements and weave these together seamlessly.

Favourite place in South Africa?
Hmmmm there are so many! I love any open space where there is wildlife, birdlife and trees. I am really fond of the mountains and the beautiful Drakensberg is a favourite for its dramatic landscapes. I also lived and worked in remote parts of Tanzania so the veldt and bush is close to my heart forever and always.

What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
Don’t try to DIY the flowers and set-up of your special day! Floral design really is a skill – and you should hire someone who has a reputable name and portfolio to show for it. Wedding flowers take up a lot of time and you don’t want to spend days before your wedding toiling over this. The same goes for the set-up and breakdown – you don’t want to be climbing up ladders – hanging flower installations the day before your wedding or tying ribbon and rosemary around hundreds of napkins! Similarly the day after your wedding you don’t want to be packing up decor and returning these to vendors. Instead the days before your wedding you want to be sipping on champagne and having your nails done and the day after telling stories with your best friends and family about what a wonderful day you had!

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?)

Liz Bharo Photography

ABOUT ME
As a creative and artist, it has always been a focus of mine to see and express the exquisiteness and story of each moment. Photography is a method of powerful storytelling – either honest or imaginatively created. The lovely pleasure of working in the Photography, Fashion & Art industry, is that my work allows me travel throughout the world to photograph designer couture and bespoke occasions. My extensive travels have included: United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, New Zealand, United States of America, South Africa, Brazil and Argentina. With a background in fine art and human studies, I have found my sweet spot – this has resulted in dynamism and creativity in my work, as I get to experience different cultures and places. To highlight enthused moments and expose the elegance of bespoke occasions has become a photographic approach and artful technique for capturing luxury weddings throughout the world. Whether I capture casual portraits, intentional creative concepts for fashion designers, or bespoke occasions, style and elegant expression is treated holistically. Get in touch as I would be delighted to capture your portrait, project or occasion in timeless luxury storytelling.

CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.lizbharo.com
+27 (0)72 771 7239

MORE ABOUT ME
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
I am based in Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa. I travel nationally and internationally for fashion and wedding photography. My favourite places in South Africa: Kwazulu Natal, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Culinan, Muldersdrift, Garden Route My favourite places in Europe: Amsterdam (Netherlands), Paris & Courchevel (France), all of Italy and the U.K. Other favourite countries: New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina

How did you get started in weddings?
I love fashion, and naturally I transitioned from capturing wedding couture to live weddings.

What inspires you?
Nature is my biggest inspiration – South Africa is bountiful in nature, and I am lucky to call it my home. I go for walks, breathe fresh air, and take fashion into natural spaces all the time. I love Instagram. When I have a creative block, Instagram is the place I visit digitally. It’s great to see other hardworking artists showcasing their beautiful work. It always motivates me to stay true to my creativity, and push onto the next project.

Favourite place in South Africa?
Drakensberg – Cathkin Peak, Kwazulu Natal. Garden Route, Eastern Cape.

What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
Your wedding is a magical day, celebrating the union of your love, friendships and family. It is one day (in most cases). Be sure to enjoy the day! Make proper use of your suppliers – regardless of the type of wedding suppliers, they are there to ensure that your day remains a stunning celebration. The suppliers are the wedding team that will take care of all the behind the scenes processes. So don’t ever worry. Live and enjoy your wondrous day!

Absolute Perfection

ABOUT US
Absolute Perfection is a High End Fine Art Luxury, Wedding Consultancy located in the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa. Absolute Perfection specializes in complete Event Styling, Coordination and Floral Design, predominantly for Luxury South African Safari Destination Weddings. Our unique approach towards our events creates pictures, experiences, made to last for eternity. We assist with not only styling our clients’ wedding receptions, but also provide guidance with entire event production from start to finish. As designers, Absolute Perfection draws inspiration from the past, present and future, from interior design, fine art, fashion, travel, luxurious living; but mostly our passion for life and beautiful things. With attention to quality and detail, we combine colors, shapes, textures, patterns and innovative concepts to create truly memorable occasions. Keeping in mind that event styling is not just about flowers… it is about creating an atmosphere. Absolute Perfection assists with advising on High End industry professionals, event layout, custom lighting, specialty linens, furniture and props that will give your event ambiance and character. Every celebration paints a picture, evokes an emotion and tells a story…we are here to co-create and execute a customized, personal occasion that truly reflects YOU in the heart of African opulence!

CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.absoluteperfection.co.za
+27 (0)72 314 9347

MORE ABOUT US
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
We are based in Johannesburg, South Africa and service nationwide, as well as Mozambique, Kalahari regions.

How did you get started in weddings?
I have an interior design back ground, and started planning events while I was studying Interior. Once I finished I wanted to continue planning events as well as incorporate my interior knowledge, which lead me to open up my own wedding planning business; that was 2009.

What inspires you?
I get inspired by travel, nature, art, music and Interior. I think as a creative we draw inspiration from anything artistic. Just love love and the love for all things beautiful.

Favourite place in South Africa?
Definitely the Dolphin Coast in KZN; I just love being close to anything abundant in green and blue seas.

What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
The most important advice I can give to brides and grooms is never to forget why you decided to get married in the first place. Weddings are a one day event, a marriage is a lifetime achievement, and that is the ultimate goal.

Cathedral Peak Wine Estate

Sposabella Bridal Gowns Durban

ABOUT US
Sposabella believes every bride should look and feel gorgeous on their wedding day. We’ve sourced wedding dresses that will keep that promise to our brides! We import the newest collections from several international bridal houses, enabling our brides to choose from a variety of styles, suiting a wide range of tastes and budgets. Our private and beautiful showroom is located in Morningside, Durban, where our experienced and friendly consultants look forward to helping you find your perfect wedding dress! Our wedding dresses are for sale only; we do not rent gowns, which ensures our brides a perfect fit and quality. We are open Tues–Fri from 9am–4pm and Sat from 9am–2pm. It is necessary to book an appointment to ensure personalised attention.

CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.sposabella.co.za
+27 (0)31 312 0321

MORE ABOUT US
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
We’re based in Morningside, Durban, in The White House, 318 Lilian Ngoyi (Windermere) Road. We cover the Kwazulu Natal area and further for Morilee and Enzoani Beautiful collections.

How did you get started in weddings?
Sposabella’s owner Gayle Erasmus has had a passion for fashion from a young age, especially Bridalwear. She is a qualified fashion designer with many years in the industry and bought Sposabella in 2009 from the previous owner Tarryn who was emigrating and had founded Sposabella in 2003. Gayle loved the vision and relationships Tarryn had with her brides and has kept Sposabella growing from strength to strength to where it is today.

What inspires you?
There is a lot that inspires us at Sposabella, but to see our brides happy is the greatest inspiration we can wish for. We strive to make each and every bride’s experience at Sposabella a joyous and happy occasion; we pride ourselves on quality and this can be seen from every aspect of Sposabella, from our staff to our gowns to our showroom. It is so rewarding for us to see the smiles on brides’ faces and know they’ve found ‘The One’.

Favourite place in South Africa?
Durban of course! Warm seas, friendly people, warm(ish) winters and the relaxed vibe. We’re grateful to live in this beautiful city!

What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
To not get caught up in the formalities and planning of the day and to rather focus on the reason for the day, the love shared and the union to be made. Relax and enjoy every moment, even the little hiccups, that will all be part of the memories to remember for years to come!

Toujours Wedding House

ABOUT US
Toujours Wedding House is a beautiful wedding dress studio situated in Westville, Durban, and is aimed at brides who want something different and who appreciate the finer things in life. ‘Toujours’ means forever. The concept of forever is at the heart of what I believe in when I meet with each bride who visits the studio. That special, one-on-one shopping experience that lasts forever in the memory of a bride’s wedding plans.

CONTACT INFORMATION
[email protected]
www.toujours.co.za
+27 (0)71 509 3223

MORE ABOUT US
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
The studio is based in Westville, Durban, and we cover the whole of Kwa-Zulu Natal.

How did you get started in weddings?
I absolutely fell in love with weddings when I planned my own wedding in 2008 and knew that I just had to find a way to help other brides in some way. I quit my job and got involved in importing wedding gowns and learning the ropes! I now run my own pretty studio and hand pick each gown that makes its way through my doors keeping the bride in mind and always offering something a bit different.

What inspires you?
My absolute favourite part of my own wedding planning experience was that special moment of finding my wedding gown – a moment of pure joy at knowing you will marry the man you love in THIS beautiful gown. I consider myself incredibly lucky to be a part of this special moment for a bride and am inspired by seeing her visualise herself in her gown, at her wedding with her man. The wedding planning becomes very real when a bride can finally picture herself in the dress she will wear on that day. This is inspiring and incredibly special for me.

Favourite place in South Africa?
South Africa has so much to offer, I love it all! If I have to pick I would say the Drakensberg – peaceful and beautiful and absolutely romantic!

What advice would you give to brides and grooms?
Don’t lose sight of who you are as a couple. Your wedding day is about you both and it is easy to become caught up in all the hype. From the people you choose to work with to the napkins on your table – select everything according to who you are, what makes you happy and then – stick to it!