Fresh Dessert Table Inspiration

by gaby

It’s been a while since I published this post, offering ten gorgeous inspirations for dessert tables and linking them up to SBB colour boards. And in that time, I’ve seen dessert tables evolve, from being highly stylised to maybe just a little bit more relaxed, from being almost entirely cake and candy-based, to having a larger variety of sweet treats, and of course to include dessert table alternatives like pies, cookies or even brunch. But one thing has remained the same – brides love ’em. And it’s no wonder – a candy buffet or dessert table offers a fun, interactive dessert experience for your guests AND it’s a piece of reception decor all on its own, which reinforces your theme or colours and can spark a lot of creativity. What guest doesn’t like seeing a little nook dedicated specifically to sugar, especially when it’s temptingly laid-out. So I thought it was about time I shared some of my new favourite dessert tables, and as before, linked them up with some of our very own inspiration boards to give you a sense of what sort of look and feel each table might suit.

BEAUTIFUL BLUSH

The addition of a floral arch turns a nice feature into a spectacular one – perfect for all you garden wedding and blush-loving brides out there! I’ve paired it with our perennially popular Kraft & Blush inspiration board.

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Inspiration Board: Tropical Blush

by gaby

Pineapples are everywhere at the moment (yay!) and I’ve been wanting to do a pineapple-themed board for a while. Which might sound weird, because wouldn’t a pineapple-themed wedding be all Carmen Miranda? But no, in fact, we’re talking pineapples as a motif rather than a theme, and we’re loving how they add a touch of the tropics while still being an elegant and interesting form. Basically, they’re cool, we love them, and mixed with the softest blush and some proteas (complementary shapes and all), you get a totally romantic wedding design. (Oh and PS, to see a gorgeous real wedding on SBB inlcluding a few pineapples on the tables, see here).

Colours: Blush, white & tropical green

Top row (l-r): Blush wedding dress {Laura Murray Photography/Love This Day Events}; gold pineapple necklace {Stephanie Yonce/Events by Elizabeth Palmer}; pineapple {Joielala Photography/Mr Caballero Creative}
Row 2: Table decor {Connie Dai Photography}; pineapple invitation {Stephanie Yonce/Events by Elizabeth Palmer/Confetti Grey}; protea bouquet {Ale & Kim}
Row 3: Blush cocktails {Ryan Ray/Summer Watkins of Grey Likes Weddings}; bride & groom {Blush Wedding Photography/Delovely Creative}; cake {Blush Wedding Photography/Delovely Creative}

 

Portrait of a Marriage: Kristy & Greg

by gaby

Which of your wedding pictures has remained your favourite?
It’s still the same one I’ve always loved the most- Greg and I running out of the ceremony while our bridal party cover us in confetti! So special and joyful!

What changes have happened since your wedding?
We welcomed our first child, Lucy Grace, last year in March – exactly one year after our wedding, and I am currently 38 weeks pregnant with our second!

Any marriage advice for SBB readers?
Remember to make each other a priority, it’s so easy to get caught up in the “busy-ness” of life after your wedding – be it with your jobs or with starting your family; it’s easy to forget just how much you mean to each other when you have so many other things demanding your time and energy! But trust me… You will be a much happier wife a few years down the line if you really feel like you are a priority for your husband, so make sure he feels the same way from you!

See Kristy & Greg’s full wedding feature here.

 

Ouma Wedding Dresses

by gaby

Happy Friday y’all! Now, when I tell you that today I am showcasing Ouma wedding dresses, I definitely do not mean that I am showcasing the kind of old-school dresses your ouma might wear (mind you, with vintage going strong, your real ouma’s wedding dress is probably a stunner!). When I say Ouma, I’m talking an up and coming indie wedding dress label from the US. In the last couple of years, Etsy has become a fantastic source for not just everything handcrafted in general, but for bride’s looking for a very special dress, often at a more reasonable price. Ouma are definitely one of the frontrunners, and with beautiful, slightly out of the box designs that include dreamy tulle skirts and super feminine extras like sparkle and shine, it’s no wonder. And the big win is that they ship internationally, so this is one label that South African brides can also access. Here’s just a few gowns from the current collection. Enjoy!Read More

Hexagon Wedding Details

by gaby

You all will know by now that geometrics are very much having their day in both wedding and general design at the moment. I feel like I can’t look anywhere without seeing some geometric-inspired design, but as always, it’s a look that’s really grown on me. Of all the shapes, hexagons are emerging as the front runners, and I am loving them! Hexagon cakes aren’t a new thing, but we’re definitely seeing more of them now, along with hexagon (and sometimes heptagon or pentagon)-shaped stationery and design elements, from backdrops to menus to table numbers to cake toppers. What I think works particularly well about hexagons is that when fitted together, they have the honeycomb effect, so they’re a stylish evolution of an earlier wedding design trend. Anyway, I thought it was about time I rounded up some of the hexa-lovely inspiration that has been floating around wedding world.Read More

Coral & Mint Groenrivier Wedding by CB Memories Photography {Vanessa & Andre}

by gaby

I clearly remember the first time that coral and mint entered my colour vocabulary, because not only did I love the cool combo, but every time I used the colours in an inspiration board, I’d get dozens of likes and shares. It’s definitely a happy-making mix, and yet I haven’t seen too many brides and grooms actually using it for their weddings, which allows it to still be fresh and surprising for your guests. Winner winner, chicken dinner. So of course when I came across Vanessa and Andre’s coral and mint wedding, photographed by Chenel of CB Memories Photography, I just had to share it with you all! I loved how V + A used a monochrome background with just soft pops of the statement colours to liven it up, which makes for a very classic but not too formal wintery look.Read More

Rustic Charm Rockhaven Wedding by Natural Light Photography {Joelle & Richard}

by gaby

Hey lovelies, we’re running a bit late today as Auntie Gabs is under the weather, boo. But I can’t help but be cheered up significantly by today’s beautiful, sunshiney wedding – it’s like a summer afternoon all wrapped up into one pretty rustic package. Joelle is a true SouthBound Bride – not only was she a reader leading up to her beautiful country wedding, but we helped her find her exquisite wedding dress, by the talented Elbeth Gillis (yay, we love Elbeth). So it’s no surprise that I’m crazy in love with Joelle’s style – the soft palette, the little natural details, and of course the dreamiest photographs by SBB fave Maree Louw of Natural Light Photography. All just sooooo beautiful!Read More

Urban Romance Styled Shoot by Vizion Photo & Celeste Styled Events

by gaby

A lot of the inspiration we share here is countrified or beachy – and after all, there’s a huge chunk of South Africa and beautiful South African venues that are situated beyond city limits or even in pockets of countryside within them. But I think city weddings are on the up – especially with some gorgeous city venues especially in Joburg. And while this style isn’t for everyone, I personally adore urban style – there’s something so elegant and sophisticated about it, and I adore the contrast between industrial textures like steel, glass and brick with soft tulle or verdant blooms. So I’m thrilled to be bringing you today’s styled shoot by a fab team including the dynamic Vizion Photo and Celeste Styled Events. You may have seen it in the previous issue of our fave magazine, Wedding Inspirations, but here is an extended look at all the lovely details, including two swish tablescapes, two variations on the bridal look (LOVE the denim jacket, and that floral neckpiece – wow!), and even a pie ‘cake’, all set against a slick, modern backdrop. Be inspired!Read More

Inspiration Board: Castaway

by gaby

Monday Monday, can’t trust that day… But you can trust that on a Monday morning you’ll have some fresh SBB inspiration to kick off the week! I must say, I am more than a little in love with this one – a combination of rustic beach and watercolour wedding styles, in a gorgeous combination of dark and lighter indigos and soft neutrals. Just add the sea, and you’re good to go.

Colours: Indigo blue, white and beige

Top row (l-r): Bride & groom {Studio 1208/Amy Nichols Special Events}; watercolour invitation {Rad + In Love/Sitting in a Tree/Pitbulls & Posies}; driftwood table plan {Brooke Boling/Maureen Koo}; mussel wedding cake {Alexander James Photography/Pearl & Godiva}
Row 2: Bride {Theresa Furey Photography/Wedding Sparrow}; table setting {Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay}; starfish with rings {Corinna Raznikov}
Row 3: Bridesmaids in grey {Belathee Photography/Matthew Robbins Design}; coral centrepiece {jose villa/joy thigpen}; sand dollar invitations {Concertina Press}; beach tablescape {jose villa/joy thigpen}.