Inspiration Board: Toile & Rose

by gaby

I’m feeling a bit of love for French wedding style at the moment so I put together this little inspiration board using one of my favourite patterns, toile, combined with touches of dusky rose and a hint of grey (which just goes with everything, doesn’t it?). I’m imagining a gorgeous French chateau, chandeliers hanging from the trees, wonderful food, fine wine… Sigh. Vive la France.

Colours: Navy, powder blue, rose and grey.

Top row (l-r): Blueberries; statue; book detail; rose button favours; toile fans
Row 2: Chateau; bridesmaid’s dress; gift bags; tablescape
Row 3: Croquembouche; gift tags; table with chandelier; DIY linen satchels.

Mexican Themed Wedding at The Old Biscuit Mill by Hearts in a Shutter

by gaby

I seriously don’t know where to start with this wedding – I’m in love with the whole thing. It just looks like so much FUN! And I kind of have a big crush on Mexico in general, even though I’ve not been there yet, so the Mexican theme really tickles my toes. Not to mention Philippa’s beyond beautiful dress. And her shoes. Oh the shoes! Even the boys have cool shoes in this wedding! And also, the poppies. And the lottery tickets. And the flags. And the kiddies’ rides. And… you know what, I’m just going to shut up and let you look at it yourself, and then you can love it as much as I do. Which you will, because it is awesome. Muchos. (Oh, and PS, in case you’re wondering who took these incredibly vibrant and lovely photographs, it was Brenda Wardall from Hearts in a Shutter. Thanks Brenda! Check out more of her work here.)

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Glam Vintage Beach Wedding at Geelbek by Christine Meintjes

by gaby

I have such a gorgeous wedding for you today! Three words: it has Louboutins. Deliciously perfect, deliciously blue, Louboutins. I’m completely in love with these shoes, and I’m completely in love with the rest of Tamryn and Jeandre’s rustic West Coast setting, not to mention the gorgeous decor, much of which the bride DIYed herself (the seating chart treasure chest is my personal favourite, although the tea cup planters are a close second!) – particularly impressive since the couple planned their wedding from the UK. This is clearly a gal with an eye for detail, so you won’t be surprised that she also picked a fabulous photographer. I’ve been a fan of Christine Meintjes‘ work for so long, that featuring her pictures here makes this kind of a big day for me. Yay!

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Bridesmaid Survival Kit

by gaby

Image: Vanilla Photography on SouthBound Bride

One of the best pieces of advice I picked up ahead of my first stint as a bridesmaid was to make sure I had an emergency kit with me to sort out any little problems that cropped up on the day. For the bride especially, of course, but often I’ve found that guests need to delve into the kit as much as anyone else! On a stressful day, it makes such a difference to have one person who is cool, calm and collected, and comes prepared to nip any minimergencies in the bud. Here’s what I’ll be carrying when one of my best friends ties the knot in December – put them together in a little case and you have your very own DIY bridesmaid survival kit! *Links in bold denote affiliate links – SBB may receive a commission on any sales made.

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Sleek City Wedding by Joe Dreyer & Aleit

by gaby

Today’s wedding comes from co-ordinators The Aleit Group, and I’m so excited to share it with you! Not only is it absolutely gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous (not that I’d expect any less from this team), but it’s also completely unique and contemporary. The location for one thing, is the Lightbox Studio, a minimalist photographic studio and event space in Greenpoint, that has incredible views out over the city, harbour and Table Mountain. I just love venues that show off the urban cool side of Cape Town, and this is definitely one of them. The look is white on white with a dash of silver, which makes tiny bits of colour like the cocktails really pop. Instead of a seated meal, the couple opted for a cocktail party followed by dancing, and it all adds up to a celebration that just oozes sophistication. And the details… wow. My favourites: the cake topper, the bridesmaid’s dresses, the incredible photo wall/guest book, and Andrew’s super cool “(Hus)band” armband. And with this level of awesome, I know you also won’t be surprised to hear that pictures are by the always-brilliant Joe Dreyer.

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Rustic Beach Wedding at Paternoster Lodge by Just Judy Photography

by gaby

It’s back to the beach for today’s wedding, and what a gorgeous wedding it is! So many of my favourite elements – intimate beach setting, gazebo, proteas, CHEESE CAKE. (Oh, how I do love a cheese cake. They just add that something unexpected, and they’re so absolutely perfect for a couple who are not that excited by the idea of a sweet dessert. And this one was 100% DIY! Amazing.) But what’s even more impressive is that all of this coastal rustic goodness was pulled together by a bride and groom who were living in Shanghai, China, with all the challenges that organising a wedding long distance can bring. Kira and Jason, you guys did an amazing job! Thank you for sharing your day with us. And thank you also to the lovely Judy Stofberg of Just Judy Photography, who took these stunning photographs.

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Inspiration Board: Shades of Pink & Grey

by gaby

When I saw this fabulous post by Lana from lanalou style, I knew I would have to do a wedding inspiration board based on her idea of shades of pink and grey. I love the flexibility of using a range of different shades of a colour, and pink and grey look amazing (and very fresh) together. Add a bit of sparkle and hey presto, you have a modern, pretty and sophisticated palette.

Colours: Pink and grey

Top row (l-r): Flowers; bride & groom; groom’s tie and boutonniere; bridesmaid’s dress
Row 2: Macaroons; necklace; fortune cookies
Row 3: Peonies; bride with cupcake; diamonds; cake; shoes.

Apple Green Wedding at Rockhaven Farm by Lauren Kriedemann

by gaby

When the very lovely Lauren Kriedemann offered to send over one of her favourite weddings from last season I was pretty excited. I am, after all, a huge fan of her work. But when I opened up the file I actually gave a little squeal of joy, because this wedding just bursts with pretty, rustic details! In fact, it’s so perfect that if you couldn’t see the very palpable joy and love between Lauren and Riaan in every picture, I might have mistaken it for a magazine shoot. It’s hard to narrow down, but my best bits: the fresh green signature colour (perfect for a wedding in apple country), the venue (how much are we loving Rockhaven right now?), the fun lovebird stationery, Lauren’s pearl bracelet and the clip in her hair, having afternoon tea for dessert and moving it outside, and of course the lawn games. And I’m not always sold on flower girls, but this has to be one of the cutest little girls ever, no? I love how Lauren K has caught her cheeky smile in the photos (especially the one above)! Many thanks to her, and to the happy couple, for sharing this amazing wedding – enjoy!

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Inspiration Board: Pine & Cider

by gaby

Brrr! For all of you South Africans waking up to a chilly winter morning, here’s a little bit of inspiration to warm you up. Summer weddings are glorious, but I adore winter ones too – what an opportunity to make the most of all those lovely cold comforts: open fires, hot cider, butternut soup… I just love this woodsy combination of forest green and brown, and pinecones make a lovely motif for stationery, etc. And isn’t the pinecone bouquet is just gorgeous? I love the garland as well.

Colours: Forest green and chocolate brown, with touches of mocha and yellow

Top row (l-r): Cider; bridesmaid dress; pinecone bouquet; Uggs bride
Row 2: Lemon cookies; pinecone garland; caramel apples; programmes; butternut soup
Row 3: Wood invitations; cheese cake; mason jar candles; sapling favours.

Country Luncheon Wedding at La Petite Dauphine by Wedding Concepts & Adel Ferreira

by gaby

Ah, this wedding… I just want to pack my boxes and live in this wedding. The table settings are exquisite, as is the ‘indoors-outdoors’ ceremony setting. Pops of bright colour, ribbons floating in the breeze, fedoras, beyond adorable flower girls. I am completely in love with the décor and the atmosphere created by co-ordinator Hannes Loubser from Wedding Concepts (a company I wouldn’t expect anything less from than this amount of awesome). But if that’s not enough for you, the other thing that really makes this wedding stand out is that it turned the traditional schedule on its head and focused on what was important to the couple, as well as the season and venue. The day started with a relaxed lunch (which meant a total of two amazing meals for the foodie groom), followed by a sunset ceremony (with speeches immediately after) and then dancing and chilling late into the night. Tom and Marguerite: thank you so much for sharing your super-inspiring day with us – may the rest of your lives together be just as sweet!

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