Ten Tables: Beach {Part 1}

by gaby

Our Ten Tables series is back, hooray! For those of you who didn’t catch the rustic tables (Part 1 & Part 2) last year, the idea of the series is to break down different tables along a specific theme into their components so that you can see what EXACTLY goes into creating a look. You can pick your favourite and treat it as a shopping list, or mix and match elements you like and add your own touches. You’ll also be amazed at how many of the details can be DIYed or included on a budget, and I’ve detailed those as well wherever possible. This time, we’re all about beach weddings. Now, let me be clear – I don’t necessarily think that if you are having a beach wedding or a wedding at a beach venue, you need to have a beach themed table. You don’t need to have shells, or driftwood, or boats. You don’t even have to have a nautical colour scheme. So if you don’t like those things, you go ahead and create a table that would work at any venue. But if you want to add a song of the sea to your decor, each of these tables is a classy and pretty way to do it.

UPDATE: You can find Part 2 here.

Table #1: Beach Ombre

FLOWERS: Air plants, succulents, hyacinth, thistle, lisianthus, scabiosa pods, privet berries

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Navy Glam Netherwood Wedding by Studio KOVO {Jacqui & Matthew}

by gaby

It always intrigues me to see weddings of people in the industry. Unlike most brides and grooms, weddings aren’t something they see once in a while from a guest perspective, but something they’re intimately involved in throughout their working life. Which details will they choose to highlight? Which traditions or ways of doing things can they do without, and which trends will they love as much as we all do? It’s a lot of pressure I suppose, but today’s bride, talented KZN-based makeup artist Jacqui of Accentuate Hair & Makeup knocked it out of the park. I absolutely ADORE her navy and mixed metallic colour palette, as well as the super personal detail of including owls in their decor (a tribute to her grandmother). Not to mention stylish topknot bridesmaids and a set of very dapper groom and groomsmen. And the bride? Well, Jacqui was the best advertisement for her own considerable skills (gained both in the UK and on the local MAC events team) – doesn’t she look spectacular? From the lush carnation composite bouquets to the stripey cake to the paper flower backdrop and sparkly copper Mr & Mrs sign, there’s a lot to love here, all captured by Kate van Onselen of Studio KOVO. Let’s begin!Read More

Inspiration Board: Dove Grey & Rose Gold

by gaby

Some colour combinations I just fall completely in love with when I’m working with them, and I have to say, this is one of them! I mentioned rose gold as one of this year’s biggest trends, so I thought I would combine it with a soft bluey-grey, and wow. Don’t you just adore it? I can just imagine this romantic palette being used at a sophisticated wedding with delicate fabrics, elegant florals, and of course, rose gold jewellery. Copper (and of course, normal gold) would also work, but I think the rose gold is especially pretty, and it works beautifully with blousy blush florals and ruffly bridesmaid dresses. (PS We’re debuting a slightly different format for SBB inspiration boards today, one that’s Instagram-friendly. What do you think?)
*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Colours: Rose gold, dove grey & white

Top row (l-r): Feather headpiece (Victoria Millésime); dress (Jessica Burke Photography/Amanda O’Shannessy Creative); individual bundt cakes; blush bouquet (Belathee Photography)
Row 2: Ruffle bridesmaids (Jessica Lorren); rose gold rings and invitation (Jennifer Blair Photography); dress (Jessica Burke Photography/Amanda O’Shannessy Creative)
Row 3: Rose gold boxes (Muhs Home); earrings (Crystal Avenues); ruffled chair backs (Phyllis Lane Photographer/Victoria Canada Weddings & Events)

Row 1: Jazz Age Sparkle & Feather Vintage Bridal Cap by Victoria Millesime (Image: Hannah Mia Photography) | Row 2: Kelsey Invitation Suite by lvandy27 (left); Rose Gold Wedding Stickers by The Foil Stationery Co. (right) | Row 3: Rose Gold Clutch by Davie and Chiyo (left); Lund London Luxe Sovereign Box (right) | Row 4: Rose Gold Gray Wedding Menu Template by Visualising Dreams (left); Lara Quin Rose Quartz & Jasmine Orchard Scented Candle (right) | Row 5: Oval Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring by Dori Ring | Row 6: Rose Gold Bridal Earrings by Crystal Avenues (left); Alexandra by Truvelle (right)

 

SouthBound Sundays {12 Jan 2014}

by gaby

Hello lovelies! Hope this Sunday finds you well. I am in bed, teetering on the brink of a cold, and trying to pull my exhausted self back – too many late nights working on the blog, I think! But our first week of 2014 has been awesome, and I am full of excitement about the rest of the year to come! For those of you who are new, SouthBound Sundays is our weekly roundup (although I won’t lie, it doesn’t happen EVERY week) when I recap our features on SBB, share any exciting news, give a shoutout to fab sponsors, and most importantly, bring you my favourites from around the web.

♥ #SOUTHBOUNDBRIDETOBE

But before I do all of that, this week I want to say a huge CONGRATULATIONS to some of our newly-engaged readers who shared their proposal story on Twitter and Instagram using our brand new #southboundbridetobe hashtag. Clockwise from top left, please join me in sending big SouthBound hugs and yays to: Helé, Angelina, Lindsey, Amy, Maryna & Jaynie. Don’t forget to send us your pic too!

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Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations for 2014 {Part 1}

by gaby

Before we sign off for the week, I thought it was time to indulge ourselves in a little armchair travel. One of the great things about a honeymoon is that it’s often an excuse to spoil yourselves a little – to splurge on a destination or a hotel that you might otherwise consider too extravagant, or to head for a far-flung location that’s been on your bucket list unvisited for several years. There are so many amazing places to enjoy your first trip as a married couple, from chic cities to deserted beaches and everything in between. Today, I’ve scoured the internet for travel trends and predictions, and I’m bringing you my Top 10 honeymoon destination picks for 2014, starting with the first part today. Which is your favourite?

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‘Be My Bridesmaid’ DIY Roundup

by gaby

Once the first excitement of the engagement dies down, and before you get swamped with all the planning, there’s a fun decision to be made and that’s who will be part of your bridal party. Having your best girls beside you to celebrate your big day is such a joy – a special memory that you’ll treasure as well as a source of support and perspective. Some of you will know immediately who to ask, some of you will have a harder decision ahead of you, but either way, asking your girls can be a lovely moment, an affirmation of the past you share and the role you want them to play in the life of your new family going forward. In the last couple of years, I’ve seen some super sweet ideas for ‘proposing’ to your bridesmaids, and I thought it would make a fun DIY roundup. Let’s go!

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Indian Fusion Helderfontein Estate Wedding by Jack and Jane Photography {Manisha & Martin}

by gaby

We’re heading towards the end of our first week back at work, and our first week of 2014 wedding loveliness here on SBB – how has it been for you? I must say, I am full of excitement at what the year has in store (of course, it makes a difference that for the first time in years I’m in the sunshine instead of braving the January cold in London!). And just wait until you see the weddings I am lining up for you in the weeks to come – as my Dad would joke, “you’ll daaah”. But today we’re all about Martin and Manisha’s cross-cultural celebration, and I absolutely adore the rich winter berry colours that they chose. And Manisha’s bridal style – WOW. I especially love how she’s paired all the intricacy of her jewellery and her sari and that insanely gorgeous henna with a simple, elegant bouquet of calla lilies. SBB fave Laura Jane Photography was there to capture every gorgeous image, telling the story of the day from beginning to beautiful end.Read More

Beaded Wedding Gowns

by gaby

I’m not going to give you much of an intro today, except to say that this post is pretty much unadulterated p*rn. Dress p*rn, that is. Beaded gowns have to be some of the most incredibly beautiful ones on the market at the moment (as well as one of 2014’s loveliest trends), from Gatsby-esque art deco sheaths to beaded cap sleeve details to portrait backs to fully beaded fantasy gowns, they take my breath away. Let’s get swoony.Read More

Chic, Unique Glenbrae Studio Wedding by Jules Morgan {Naomi & Willem}

by gaby

Goodness but I’ve been looking forward to sharing this wedding with you all! From the minute I spotted Naomi and Willem’s modern wedding on photographer Jules Morgan‘s blog, I was in love – every little detail is so personal, so fun and so completely unique that I ended up with a bumper crop of pictures. I’m in LOVE with the idea of their escort cards being attached to little paper replicas of houses and buildings that have meant something to their relationship, not to mention the fortune cookies at each place setting, the art they created themselves around favourite quotes (perfect for an art gallery venue) and replicated in the custom calendars that were given to all the ladies as gifts. And Naomi’s dress! In fact, I adore her whole look, from the sash that ties the dress, to her lace gloves, to her tied veil. I could rattle on, but that’s not what you’re here for, is it? So go on, enjoy the lovely :)Read More