We All Have Roots in Africa by Cheryl McEwan & Creation Events

by gaby

Ready, steady, let’s GO! I’m so excited to share a week of proudly South African wedding inspiration here on SBB, starting with this delightful shoot from two long-time supporters of the blog (along with their talented team), stylist Theresa of Creation Events and photographer Cheryl McEwan. Instead of choosing a single South African twist, they were inspired by just how eclectic and diverse our cumulative culture is (one of the things I love most about SA) and created a look for both ceremony and reception that incorporated a mix of the gorgeous textures and colours of our nation. Including a beadwork cake, which I am absolutely DYING over, leather accented stationery (how. cool. is. that.) and lots of beautiful, beautiful proteas. Put simply, these are a few of our favourite things :)Read More

Rock (‘n Roll) The Frock Styled Bridal Portrait

by gaby

Am I ever glad to see Friday – it’s not been my favourite week, and I’m very glad the weekend is finally here. Especially since I’ll be working on the posts for next week’s SUPER exciting reveal of the styled shoot finalists. Wait until you see them! But first, we have a styled shoot of a very different kind. I love the creativity that Debbie Lourens always brings to her styled bridal portraits, and today’s is for a statement modern bride (with a bit of a love for retro). Together with Marnel Toerien on hair and makeup, she channeled her love of the ’80s into a funky rock the frock (literally!) session full of vinyl, glitter and alternative bridal style. Gorge.Read More

Eco Chic Botanical Wedding at Rosemary Hill by Van der Bijl Photography {Leigh & Byron}

by gaby

When Brownwyn of Van der Bijl Photography sent over today’s gorgeous organic-lovely wedding, I had to go back and double check her email after the first few pics that this was a real wedding and not a styled shoot, since the florals and details are that perfectly styled. Of course, once I saw Leigh and Byron’s ceremony pics, the happy tears and the love between the couple (and on the faces of all their guests) there was no doubt this was as real a wedding as you’ll find, which of course makes me love every pretty botanical detail put together by Carol-Anne of Eco-chic Weddings even more. And eco-chic is the right word – everything right down to Leigh’s gorgeous frothy dress was created with an eye on upcycling and sustainability. It’s a beautiful day with a big heart, and I’m delighted to be sharing it with you all!Read More

Black Natural Wedding Hair Inspiration

by gaby

I thought it was about time we did some hair inspiration, and this one is especially for our beautiful brides of colour! I’ll be honest with you guys, I know next to nothing about black hair care, and what goes into the decision to wear yours straightened or au naturel for your wedding day, but I have to tell you, I absolutely adore this look and I wish I saw it more outside of styled shoots and fashion editorials. Whether it’s a long mass of curls or twists, a stylish fro, or something super-short, Lupita-style, each of these looks is super glam in an unfussy way, but what I like best is that I feel like each of the brides’ best features are really able to shine. Flawless makeup is a must, and as you’ll see, the choice of accessories is wide and wonderful, from chunky statement necklaces to delicate hairpieces and lush flowers. Which is your favourite look?Read More

Dreamy & Romantic Farm Wedding by Vanilla Photography {Sherri & Jacques}

by gaby

I love hearing stories of high school sweethearts who grow up and get married, don’t you? Although, I should add, that I also thank the good lord for not making me personally end up with any of the boys I liked in high school. Let’s just say… well, let’s not just say. But no. Today’s couple, on the other hand, are one of those sweet success stories – and eight years down the line they tied the knot on the same farm where they built a home, the same home where Jacques proposed. Isn’t that so lovely? And even though this was a farm wedding with a touch of rustic, Sherri had the romantic wedding style down to a tee. Amongst many, my favourite detail is the little calligraphed glass cloche table numbers – the sort of special touch that makes my heart happy, and perfectly finishes off a perfectly wonderful day. The always-awesome Vanilla Photography were there to take these super dreamy pics.Read More

Inspiration Board: Oracle

by gaby

Morning lovelies! Time to greet another week, and there’s no better way to do that than with an inspiration board, right? If you’ve been following for any amount of time you’ll probably know by now that I just love olive leaves as wedding decoration. So today I thought I would pair this Mediterranean favourite with glamorous gold – perfect for a bride who wants to feel like a Grecian goddess on her big day. Which leads me to wonder – is there ANYTHING that doesn’t look amazing with gold right now? Because no, I don’t think there is. I especially love the idea of a bride in a soft grey or nude colour dress, and bridesmaids in shimmery glitz, paired with olive leaves and soft white flowers on the tables. Gorgeous.

Colours: Gold, green, white and neutrals

Top row (l-r): Bride {Jose Villa}; table decor {Michael + Anna Costa Photography/Joy De Vivre Event Design Boutique}; gold dress {Feather & Stone}
Row 2: Boutonnieres {Jason & Anna Photography/Engaged & Inspired/Floral Theory}; bouquet {Xavier Navarro}; menu {Rylee Hitchner/Jessica Sloane Event Styling & Design/Molly Jacques Illustration}
Row 3: Gold seal {Sarah Drake Design}; gold and olive cake {Amalie Orrange Photography}; olive leaf crown {Lucia Gill Photography/Joya Rose}.

 

Sarah Houston 2015 Collection

by gaby

Hey HEY. We’re finishing off our week in the prettiest way possible, with some gorgeous wedding dresses! Today I’m spotlighting Sarah Houston, a Canadian designer whose flagship store is based in Toronto. I’m new to Sarah’s label, but when her team sent over a sneak peek at her brand new collection, I immediately became a huge fan. I love the combination of textures, from sparkle and embroidery to feathers and soft ruffles and lace, and the way that Sarah’s designs are so very feminine, but with a stylish fashion forward edge. The end result is glamorous and romantic all at once, and with brides all over the world wearing Sarah’s designs, sure to inspire. Enjoy!Read More

Yarn, String & Macrame Wedding Ideas

by gaby

Yarn, String & Macrame Wedding Ideas

Afternoon, lovelies! It’s time for us to round up another little trend that’s been raising it’s sweet, craft-friendly face in weddings recently. Have you noticed how many variations on knitting yarn, crochet, macrame and string have been making an appearance? It’s got that retro ’70s chic to it, and as I mentioned, it’s super DIY friendly – from macrame hangings and backdrops to string art, to balls of wool or thread-wrapped table numbers, this is a way to bring something new and different to your wedding design that you’ve made yourself. Here are some of my favourite yarn, string and macrame wedding ideas, as well as some gorgeous macrame wedding details I found for sale on Etsy!

*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

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Elegant Waterfront Wedding at the One & Only Cape Town by Lindy Photography {Olivia & Salubona}

by gaby

Today’s wedding is all about modern elegance and simplicity. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, Salubona and Olivia celebrated their wedding with family and friends, taking full advantage of the Mother City’s abundant natural charms. Just looking at the light glinting off the water, at Table Mountain striking a pose in the background, at the range of guests suited up in both fashion-forward and traditional Swazi attire, reminds me what makes Cape Town so special. I love that Olivia and Salubona let this vibrant city speak for itself, accenting it with graceful white flowers, navy suits for the boys, and pretty baby blue for the bridesmaids. Like Olivia’s philosophy on her gorgeous wedding dress – she wanted to wear the dress, not let it wear her – this couple struck the perfect balance with their nuptial style, and the fab Lindy Kannemeyer of Lindy Photography was on hand to capture every sun-kissed, romantic moment.Read More

Blush Forest Beloftebos Wedding by Charlene Schreuder {Chloe & Gus}

by gaby

Man alive, I can’t get enough of this wedding you guys! It starts with a TO DIE FOR Kobus Dippenaar dress, blush hydrangea bouquets (mixed in with roses on the tables for maximum pretty), lace bunting, a boho flower crown, a cheese cake, and of course the incredible forest ceremony area for which Beloftebos is rightfully famous. But I have to admit, I keep going back to that dress, because it’s the embodiment of everything I love about Chloe and Gus’ wedding design – and I especially love how the petal detailing reflects those gorgeous hydrangeas. Of course, a wedding is so much more than the design, and that’s where photography talent Charlene Schreuder comes in. She has an incredible eye not just for beautiful images, but for those special moments that make a big day memorable – not just the lovely little details we plan and pin for, but life’s lovely little details too. Today we don’t have info from the bride to share, but I’ve made up for it with a bumper crop of images!Read More