Inspiration board: Aqua & watermelon

by gaby

I had so much fun putting this one together! These shades of blue and pink really play off one another beautifully, and they have such a fresh, clean and fun feel about them. (They remind me of when I was a child, and my mother used to give me watermelon to eat in the pool since I used to get it all over the place. Yum!) They play off a simple white base perfectly, so use these pops of colour sparingly for maximum effect. I also like how the typewriter-style font for details like the confetti cones and the origami heart really ties this look together.

Colours: aqua blue, watermelon pink, white

Top row (l-r): Meringues; confetti; shoes; bride in car
Row 2: ‘I do!’ sticks; key necklace; origami heart; pom poms
Row 3: Bride; watermelon cocktail; bridesmaid; typewriter guest book.

Vintage Forest Wedding at Beloftebos by Gavin Casey

by gaby

When I saw today’s wedding on photographer Gavin Casey’s blog, I was so excited that I emailed him straight away to ask if I could feature it. There’s a real cinematic quality to these pictures – I just love looking at them. I was even more excited to discover that it was co-ordinated by the Aleit team, as they always manage to bring something unique to their weddings. And this one has just that – starting with the venue. Ceremonies at Beloftebos are held under beautiful oak trees that form a roof so dense that you can legally sign the register! Other favourite details: the baby’s breath bouquets, mismatched bridesmaids’ dresses, succulents under glass, the vintage car and the broderie anglaise-style cake (with such a cute cake topper). I also loved that the couple played Pétanque (a form of boules) with their guests!

Read More

Plum Festival Themed Wedding at Rhebokskloof by Monica Dart

by gaby

I love it when I come across a couple that chooses to do their wedding differently. I love it even more when they don’t just do it to be cool or unique, but to reflect the things that mean something to them or share a part of their history with their friends and family. Rebecca and Jacques are one of those couples – they met at a music festival a couple of years ago, so for their wedding day decided to recreate that carefree summer vibe complete with a lakeside picnic and an awesome live band that had their guests dancing on the grass late into the night. In fact, I am totally jealous of anyone who got to go to this wedding, since it looks like so much FUN! Fortunately, the super lovely Monica Dart was there to capture the day through her photos, and she’s done an amazing job of bringing it to life. Enjoy!

Read More

Elegant Garden Marquee Wedding by Ryan Graham & Wedding Concepts

by gaby

Sometimes I just can’t believe the talent I come across in this industry. Last week’s bride was an amazing designer, and today’s is an incredible baker – her cakes are totally swoonworthy. More about that later this week, because today it’s all about her beautiful wedding (okay, it’s a little about her cake). Roxy and Craig were married in Constantia before moving on to a lush garden reception at her family home nearby. There’s something special about having a wedding at home, isn’t there? I love the idea of being reminded of that moment every time you visit, and being surrounded by your nearest and dearest in a familiar place.

Read More

Inspiration Board: Rustic Peach & Apricot

by gaby

Don’t you just adore farm weddings? Rustic details are always so charming, and give your celebration such a relaxed vibe. If you’re not lucky enough to have use of a private farm, today’s inspiration board would also be perfect for a venue like Rockhaven Farm or Beloftebos. The warm autumny colour palette, ranging from peach through apricot, pinks and purple was inspired by this beautiful wedding, but I think combines beautifully with rustic touches like the lamp, birdhouse and wooden ceremony sign. You could use burlap for the table cloths or runners, and I just love the ‘spread the love’ konfyt favours!

Colours: peach, apricot, pink, purple, white

Top row (l-r): Photo of lantern by The Nichols via Style Me Pretty; photo of birdhouse by Caroline Ghetes via Style Me Pretty; photo of ceremony sign via Green Wedding Shoes; photo of flowers by Caroline Ghetes via Style Me Pretty
Row 2: Photo of burlap ring pillow via Southern Weddings; peach tree photo by David Tsay via Snippet & Ink; photo of dresses via Style Me Pretty; photo of couple by Kristin Banta via Style Me Pretty
Row 3: Photo of signature cocktail by The Nichols via Style Me Pretty; photo of jam favours via Once Wed; photo of family picture wall via Style Me Pretty.

Handmade Rooftop Picnic Wedding at Azure by Annemari Ruthven

by gaby

Ok, I admit, I love all the weddings on this blog, and almost every day I fall in love with a new one. But the wedding I have to show you today is just… wow. As in, jump up and down and make little squealy noises-kinda amazing. As in, I’m still speechless at some of these details-kinda amazing. It is so beautiful, so creative, so personal and so joyful, that I have no doubt you will be truly inspired. You may remember Louise and Riaan from their bookshop-themed engagement shoot (in which case you’ll certainly remember their very talented photographer, Annemari Ruthven). Both are designers, and they took on their wedding like it was a high spec design project, from hand-staining the lanterns with tea to designing and making all the stationery and the exciting little goodies for the picnic baskets, to personalised parking vouchers (seriously!). Every little detail was considered to make the day special for their guests. And you’ll be able to see even more of those details on Thursday, when I’ll also be telling you how you can get a little bit of Louise magic for your own wedding (yay!). In the meantime, congrats to Louise and Riaan, who as well as being super talented are just two of the nicest people. Thank you both for sharing your incredible day!

Read More

Inspiration Board: Vintage birds

by gaby

I’ve been wanting to do a green board for a little while, as I think it makes such an elegant wedding colour. I combined it with the vintage and bird trends that are so popular at the moment and I think it works beautifully – just the right mix of classic and rustic. There are little touches of grey and powder blue here, which you could play up, or you could combine the green with woody brown for a slightly more rustic effect.

Colours: green and white, with touches of grey, blue and gold

Top row (l-r): Birdcage with favours by Merci New York via Green Wedding Shoes; photo of shoes by Lynne Brubaker Photography; photo of nest by  Kristi Wright Photography via Style Me Pretty; photo of dress by Heidi Ryder via Love & Lavender
Row 2: Bridesmaid dresses from Martha Stewart Weddings; chocolate favours by Merci New York via Green Wedding Shoes; photo of typewriter guestbook by  Dana Grant via Green Wedding Shoes
Row 3: Photo of boutonniere by Simple Photo in Ontario via Style Me Pretty; wine lables via The Bride’s Guide; photo of bird escort cards by Henry Shoots via Style Me Pretty; photo of blankets by MIND|Castle Studios via Style Me Pretty; photo of cake by Amy & Stuart via Snippet & Ink.

How to Plan a Beach Wedding in Cape Town

by gaby

Beach Weddings in Cape Town

Today’s guest post comes from the lovely Kate Diaz over at Wedding Concepts, one of Cape Town (and South Africa’s!) top event designers. She and the rest of the Wedding Concepts team go out of their way to create distinctive celebrations, and I always love featuring their work here on SBB. Today, Kate’s here to offer some top tips for hosting a beach ceremony or reception in the area – including where to get a Cape Town beach wedding permit – essential advice for anyone who’s planning a seaside celebration!

Read More

Elegant Beach Wedding at PURE, Hout Bay by Aleit Weddings & Joe Dreyer

by gaby

There’s so much to love about today’s wedding, which comes from photographer Joe Dreyer (whose work I have been dying to showcase!). The totally unique beachy ceremony location, for one (which just shows how a little creative thinking goes a long way). The proteas, of course. A couple so obviously in love. Ashley’s glorious dress. The infusion of different cultures into the day. But for me, the best thing is the way that the wedding is so very personal. It’s the perfect example of two people who are really celebrating their journey as individuals and as a couple, and sharing that with those who mean the most to them. To me, that’s what weddings are all about. Ashley and Malan – thank you for sharing your story with us, and congratulations again!

Read More