The Editorial Wedding Recap (Part 1)

by gaby

The Editorial Wedding Class of 2013, image by Anneli Marinovich

I am SO HOTDAMN EXCITED to be sharing todays posts with all of you, brides-to-be and industry peeps alike. Pictures from my first ever workshop, the debut of The Editorial Wedding (or the EdWed, as it came to be known). You may remember me mentioning this a few months back, but in case you don’t, The Editorial Wedding was a workshop and styled shoot for wedding photographers to learn everything they needed to know about shooting editorially and submitting their work successfully to magazines and blogs. Today I finally get to share it with all of you – and photographers in the UK and SA, please be sure to read all the way to the end for a very special announcement! This morning I’m showcasing the awesome students’ work (click through to their websites to see more of their portfolios) and this afternoon I’ll be sharing the full styled shoot.Read More

Gatsby Glam Bridal Hairstyle Inspiration

by gaby

Great Gatsby Bridal Hairstyle

The Nickersons/ via Style Me Pretty

*UPDATED FOR 2020* I have always been more than a little obsessed with The Great Gatsby. The novel is one of my favourite books, and I have had a huge crush on the 1920s since I read it as a teenager. And I am also a huge, huge Baz Luhrmann fan – despite some bad reviews, I ADORED every second of his film version. Now I won’t go into the many reasons why it’s one of my favourite movies, except for one – Gatsby styling is awesome. The dresses, the hair… wouldn’t we all want to play dress up as Daisy Buchanan for one night? Incredibly flattering. So it’s really no surprise that I love the 1920s trend that has made its way into weddings (and stayed) – what is surprising to me in a way is just how popular it has been with everyone else. Our post on Gatsby bridesmaid dresses is a perennial favourite, and it got me thinking that maybe it would be fun to do a hair feature on 1920s and 1930s-inspired styles. They’re not period replicas, but this series of beautiful (very flattering) styles incorporates some 1920s trademarks – finger waves, bobs, beautiful Art Deco hairpieces, soft buns curled into the nape. I dare you not to fall in love with one, or several, old sport!

*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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Real Wedding at Delsma Farm {Elmarie & Sakkie}

by gaby

Today’s real wedding was a submission from the bride herself, the lovely Elmarie, who worked her pretty socks off to pull off the handmade vintagey country look for her big day. It’s all here: pastel painted faux milk glass vases, bunting, doilies, ribbons, flags and bunting. It’s like a Pinterest board come to life! I ADORE the bridesmaids’ dresses and even more so their bouquets – I just never get tired of these little wooden proteas as a truly South African floral alternative. But I think my favourite touch is the sheepies – the bride and groom come from farming backgrounds and they brought this in in such a cute way through both the boutonnieres and the table plan – such a simple but effective and memorable design! I have a feeling this one is going to have a  very high Pin count – enjoy!Read More

Dairy Farm Engagement Shoot

by gaby

We’re carrying on with our farm theme today with a gorgeous e-shoot from SBB friend and sponsor Dreampix. Helen (one of our lovely readers!) and hubby-to-be Johan decided to do their engagement shoot in the Cape on a dairy farm, and the cows (and even an owl!) looked on happily as the couple shared this special moment. What can I say: so moooooo(i)!Read More

Real Wedding at The Cowshed {Sam & Matt}

by gaby

Love in the hay. That’s how today’s bride and groom nicknamed their wedding, and it’s such an appropriate description. Everything about this wedding is relaxed and joyful and farm-style gorgeous. From the location (the always-fabulous Cowshed in Mpumalanga) to the fearless couple portraits near some Nguni cattle to the rustic-South-African-with-a-touch-of-Brit decor. I also can’t think of a more perfect photography team to have captured this delightful big day than Dylan and Emma-Jane of Lad & Lass, who have such a lovely, unique way of framing their subjects. They even managed to get some exquisite shots of the night sky, as guests danced the night away and the stars came out over Africa. It’s pure wedding happiness – enjoy!Read More

Inspiration Board: Lemon & Peach Sorbet

by gaby

Time for some proper gorgeousness my friends. Peach has been beautiful in many ways this year, but today it is especially beautiful in the company of a soft lemony pastel yellow. It’s sweet and delicious, like a cup of cool sorbet on a summer afternoon. How amazing are the rananculus bouquets? Not to mention a bit of portrait lace back perfection on the bride. When you choose a colour scheme like this one, you don’t need to go overboard – choose a light, bright, white venue and fill it with pastel and gently ombre details and a bit of milk glass (real or imitation), and then just let the colours and the season speak for themselves. Awesomesauce.

Colours: Peach and lemon

Top row (l-r): Bride in Claire Pettibone dress {Annabella Charles/Everbloom Designs}; bouquet {Elizabeth Messina/Flowerwild}; ombre place cards; bride and bridesmaids {Eric Kelly Photography}
Row 2: Flowers in milk glass {Shipra Panosian Photography/Emily Grace Design}; threads; centrepiece {Elizabeth Messina/Flowerwild}; macaroons {KT Merry/Aisle Candy}
Row 3: Ombre ball cake {Emmaline Bride}; bridesmaid {Elizabeth Messina/Flowerwild}; table setting {KT Merry/Aisle Candy}; couple {source unknown}

 

SouthBound Sundays {6 Oct 2013}

by gaby

Hello darlings, how has your weekend been? Mine has ROCKED. I mentioned that one of my besties and her family were out from Australia (SO exciting, haven’t seen each other for five years!) so we went down the coast with her folks, her hubby and her three awesome sons, who all just happen to be my much beloved godsons. I am not much of a kid person, but these little guys are the BOMB. Two days filled with whale sightings, Monopoly games, domino games, fresh crayfish slash mussels slash crab slash oysters feasts, and just hanging out with some of my favourite people in the world. Awesome. I am a very happy lady today! Anyway, with the weather turning bad here in Durbs, we’re back a little early, which means there’s just enough time for me to bring you my fab finds from the week. It’s SouthBound Sunday!!!

♥ WEEKLY FAVES


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Grace Loves Lace

by gaby

As much as I love the more traditional wedding dress designers (oh, Vera!), I’m also a huge fan of the up-and-comers, and a great place to find them is on Etsy. Every now and then I indulge myself with a good long browse through all the beautiful (often more affordable yet completely handmade) options scouting out new names, and Grace Loves Lace is one I have been looking forward to sharing with you for a while. Not only are the dresses absolutely GORGEOUS (Grace Loves Lace could have written the book on boho-luxe) but they ship from Australia all over the world and yes, that totally includes South Africa. Local brides, rejoice! I know it can be nerve-wracking ordering a dress over the internet, but every one is made to order from their studios, and since they only sell online they have built their reputation on satisfied web customers. It’s definitely about time that you knew the name. So today I thought I would bring you some dress swoonage. You’re welcome ;)Read More

Rock Climbing Engagement Shoot

by gaby

Afternoon, friends! I have such a fun e-shoot to share with you this afternoon, courtesy of Kate from The Girl in Gumboots Photography (how adorable is that name? you just know we’ll love her). It’s not every couple that goes for an adrenaline-filled location for their couple shoot, but I absolutely love how this gung-ho couple rocked (literally) their unusual setting.Read More

Real Wedding at Café Felix {Henda & Danie}

by gaby

Zippididoodahzippidi-ay… You guys I am in such a good mood – the sun is out in Durbs and I am BEYOND excited for this weekend which I get to spend with some of my favourite people in the world. I am declaring Sunday my godsons’ un-birthday (which I do once a year or so, by the power invested in me as a fairy godmother, obvs) and I can’t wait to hang out with them on the beach and catch up with their parents. So that’s why I’m a bit hyper, but also because YAY PUNCH THE AIR I have another beautiful wedding to share with you this fine Thursday. Danie and Henda had their big day at Café Felix, an awesome Cape venue that never fails to impress, and they dressed it in the prettiest of pastel florals, soft white fabrics and bunting, wreaths and garlands and ribbons, oh my. It looks like some kind of fairytale garden, with just a touch of boho. The weather wasn’t perfect – in fact, these are some of the windiest photos – but oh my word, Anné Gray of Anné Photography used it to create the most stunning portraits, with Henda’s soft dress and veil floating and billowing out behind her. They look like Cathy and Heathcliffe. (But, you know, not annoying.) This one is pure romance.Read More