Fern Wedding Details

by gaby

A few years ago, when baby’s breath first became popular again, I remember thinking that this might mean that some other low-cost fillers may also have their day in the sun, but I must admit, that I never would have predicted ferns as the next big thing in weddings. Not to the same degree, of course, but there’s no doubt that these lovely bits of greenery have been enjoying a very stylish turn on the worldwide bridal stage of late. That’s partly to do with how perfectly they fit in with the botanical trend, partly to do with the move towards greenery and garlands (see our roundup of that here), and a lot to do with the fact that they’re really pretty and versatile (and of course, relatively lower cost). I’ve been looking forward to doing this roundup for a while, but I was surprised just how many pretty options you have for incorporating this trend into your wedding design.Read More

Peonies & Lace Wedding at The Cradle by picture me&u {Nadja & Adriaan}

by gaby

There’s a reason why season in, season out, blush pink weddings are always so popular. They’re just so romantic – and let’s be honest, nothing shows off wedding white like the soft glow of a rosy palette. Nadja and Adriaan’s wedding is every bit as lovely as a blush wedding gets, pairing peonies (my favourites!) with lovely little lacy details and mixing up the vintage texture with a sleek modern setting and of course the gorgeous natural bush-style backdrop of the Cradle, perfectly captured by photographers picture me&u. The look is classic with thoughtful personal touches, including Pimm’s cocktails, framed quotes and map table numbers to reflect the couple’s philosophy that their lives together are a journey and an adventure. Here’s to many more exciting stops along the way!Read More

Winter White Waterkloof Wedding by Abri Kruger {Nikki & Gary}

by gaby

It is, as the saying goes, a nice day for a white wedding. And that’s just what I have to share with you all today – a winter wedding at beautiful Cape venue Waterkloof that is based on simple, elegant, and white-on-white decor, a perfect mix of classic and modern. Nikki and Gary were married in a candlelight ceremony (LOVE THIS), and then adjourned for photographer Abri Kruger to take some seriously breathtaking pics of them with their wedding party, followed by a reception where the scenery outside was as much as part of the decor as the white orchids and all-white dessert table within, and where the couple and their friends and family danced their socks off late into the night.Read More

Veluz Reyes RTW 2014 Collection

by gaby

As you probably know by now, I’m a HUGE fan of Veluz Reyes, the powerhouse designer behind some of the most pinned wedding dress images since ever. Based in the Philippines, her fame has spread worldwide, and with her first ever Ready to Wear collection last year, finally international brides were able to get their perfectly manicured paws on her creations (the heart of the business is still custom dress design from the studio, which is wildly in demand among lucky local brides). So of course I just have to share the latest installment in the Ready to Wear line, the 2014 collection. Like Veluz’ previous RTW, it’s awash with silky, billowy skirts, intricate beading and the most spectacual portrait backs, but it also manages to be fresh and modern. And be sure to scroll to the end where there’s a super fun little video (with bridal models who actually SMILE, but then, who wouldn’t smile wearing one of these beauties?).Read More

Handcrafted Picnic Wedding by Howling Moon Photography {Marilet & Leon}

by gaby

When asked to sum her wedding up in three words, today’s beautiful bride said: Oh happy day! Best description ever. And if you look at these lovely pictures by Howling Moon Photography, you’ll see why – Marilet & Leon had such a relaxed, joyful celebration, handmade by friends, family and themselves. A picnic perfectly fit the no-stress-no-fuss vibe, along with tables set with copper milk urns full of fynbos, heaving under the weight of delicious treats, including an absolutely gorgeous succulent-bedecked cake! And to prove that fashion always runs in circles, Marilet’s breathtaking on-trend lace back gown was entirely vintage, handed down by her mother in law and styled for the reception with the prettiest crown of flowers. Sigh. Oh happy day indeed!Read More

Supplier Spotlight: The Demetriou Girls Collection

by gaby

When I was a little girl (just a few years ago, haha) I DREAMED of being a flowergirl in somebody’s wedding. Sadly, I’m an only child and an only grandchild so it never happened, but I still have such a soft spot for dreamy little dresses for the mini members of a bridal party and I think they deserve to look every bit the princess that they feel being part of your day. So I couldn’t help but fall head over heels when I came across the Demetriou Collection on Etsy. Hand made in Cyprus and shipped worldwide, these luxurious little creations are frothy ballerina fantasies, walking that perfect line between innocent sweetness and elegant chic. The range includes accessories like shoes for babies (oh, the shoes!), head pieces and capes, as well as the dresses themselves. Let’s have a little look, shall we?Read More

Inspiration Board: Last of the Summer Wine

by gaby

I hate the end of summer. HATE. IT. Luckily in Durban I mostly get to kid myself that it hasn’t happened yet, but this weekend I’ll be in Joburg and that means finally conceding to the chillier weather and getting my jersey on. Which will be the first time in a year and I object :( ANYWAY, so maybe it’s my nostalgia for all things summer but today’s inspiration for me is somewhere in between the warm and cold weather seasons, a muted autumnal palette that’s perfect for a late summer bride. Dusky pink mixes seamlessly with soft minty green, with a touch of lavender to complete the happy trio. Almost worth giving into autumn for, isn’t it? Oh, and PS? Velvet is SO becoming my new favourite texture! Watch this space…

Colours: Rose, mint & lavender

Top row (l-r): Bride on velvet couch {onelove photography}; bouquet {Simply Bloom Photography}; door
Row 2: Bouquet {Eric Kelley/Easton Events}; champagne with lavender {Gayle Brooker Photography/Easton Events}; lavender macaroons; envelope
Row 3: Bride with bouquet {KT Merry/Dreamy Whites}; centrepiece {Brklyn View Photography/Michelle Edgemont}; cake table {Bryce Covey/Finch & Thistle}; velvet ribbon.

 

A SouthBound Guide to Bouquet Types

by gaby

Happy Friday, loves! What do you have planned for the weekend? Before we head off, I thought it was time for some education, SBB style. As much as I advocate hiring great wedding pros and then trusting them to do their job for you, you’ll want to give them an indication of the kind of styles and ideas you have in mind. Pics are great, but there’s some wedding-speak that will help communicate those ideas (so that you’re not like me at a hairdresser: “short, but not, like, short short”) and that’s what this glossary is all about. So today I’m breaking down the most common bouquet types, with lovely, pinnable examples of each!

Read More

Honeymoon Inspiration: 10 Bathtubs With a View

by gaby

Everyone has a different part of the luxury hotel experience that appeals to them – the restaurant, the thread count, the activities, the spa. For me? It’s the bath. Seriously, I have booked hotel rooms for love of a bath alone. Say the words “claw” and “foot” and you’ll send me into a bit of a luxe lust spiral. Maybe it was all those years of living in London with crappy showers, but soaking in a gorgeous tub filled with bubbles and the scent of exclusive products wafting in the steamy air (with a glass of wine and a good book, obvs) is a great pleasure for me, and a part of what I look forward to in a spoil-ey hotel. Luckily for me (or not, because I haven’t stayed at any of these places yet), the hotel world has cottoned on to the bathtub fetish, and now many honeymoon-worthy properties offer either sumptuous bathrooms or even better, tubs with a view. Here are ten of my worldwide FAVES.

Read More

Country Vintage Delsma Farm Wedding by Nicole Rich {Ilani & Albert}

by gaby

It’s been a while since I featured a ‘country vintage’ style wedding here on SBB, but this has become such a South African classic, that I can’t resist it once in a while! Pastels, lace, old books tied into little packages, succulents and beautiful roses – it’s the perfect fusion of ‘masculine’ rustic and pretty ‘feminine’ style. Which is more than just a style preference with today’s bride and groom (who met on the dance floor and have been dancing ever since!), a farmer and a designer whose combination of these elements also perfectly represented the beautiful balance of their relationship. There are some truly South African touches here – LOVE the groomsmen’s windmill bouts, reflected in the ribbon used to tie up the napkins, and of course in the gorgeous rural surroundings of Delsma Farm. SBB sponsor, the lovely Nicole Rich, was there to capture every glorious moment!Read More