Rustic Forest Elegance Styled Engagement

by gaby

No rest for the wicked, right? Well, that’s me apparently, because while it’s supposed to be a public holiday, I just couldn’t wait one more moment to get started on this month’s editorial theme, Rustic Elegance, or on the treasure trove of inspiration I have waiting for you all! This couple shoot comes courtesy of Charl van der Merwe and Evoque Events, and although it’s technically an engagement shoot, it is actually so. much. more. A gorgeous palette of dusty blue, white and gold, a spectacular bouquet (and lush table runner to match), so many pretty little table details to inspire your own elegant rustic wedding style – and all this before you even count in sweet-as-can-be lovebirds Mareli and Christo! It’s the contrast between rough and smooth, forest and fancy, that makes this style so compelling visually, but the love between the couple that really makes it so very special.

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20 Gorgeous Beach & Destination Wedding Dresses

by gaby

Amy Corset Wedding Dress by Angellure Bridal

*UPDATED FOR 2021* Well folks, it’s the last day of the last week of our extended beach-themed content, and it’s also Fashion Friday, so there’s really only one thing for it – beach dress bonanza! A beach wedding dress is such a special garment – it should have a mix of casual and elegant, an ease of wear but also a beautiful fit, and ideally some kind of movement, so that it photographs well against the wind and the waves. Whether your style is boho, modern or classic, you’ll find at least one dress in this roundup that makes you go ‘oooh!’. You’ll find all of them over on Etsy.

*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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Colin Cowie’s As Good As Gold, JHB 3 May 2017

by gaby

I always say that South Africans are secretly running the world because you always find South Africans in the most awesome (and sometimes unexpected) places, doing awesome things. When I first started in the wedding industry and came across celeb planner Colin Cowie, I had one of those moments, discovering that he was actually one of our own. But it’s only now that local industry folks are having the opportunity to really engage with our boy-done-good, celebrate him on our own soil and learn from his experiences. On 3 May, the SA School of Weddings is hosting a fabulous day event (followed by an even more fabulous cocktail party) so they can do just that. And with just a few more days to grab your tickets, it’s definitely a can’t-miss opportunity. (Except for me, since I’m missing it, so that’s the sound of me sobbing in the corner you’re hearing in the background.) Head to the website for tickets and more details!

20 Barefoot Sandals for Beach & Boho Brides

by gaby

Barefoot Sandals for Beach & Boho Brides

Autumn Flowers Barefoot Sandal by FULYAK

*UPDATED FOR 2020* The other day we brought you a whole range of beachy accessories from Etsy, but there was one I left out because I like this lil’ trend so much I thought it deserved its own roundup. Barefoot sandals are something we’ve featured in some of our real weddings, and I can’t get enough of this barely there footwear (or really, more like jewellery for feet!) trend that’s being embraced by both boho and beach brides. It’s barefoot… but prettier. All the freedom and earth childiness, but with an extra something special. From crochet to beading to bling, I found loads of lovely options – these are just 20 of my favourite boho barefoot sandals.

*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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Beach Romance Engagement

by gaby

We’re heading back to the beach today (if only that were true, but it’s rainy and mis in Durbs) with a sweet little engagement shoot from SBB fave Nadine Aucamp, featuring a gorgeous gown by Silver Swallow. We don’t feature a lot of engagement shoots on SBB, but this one is so perfectly styled and photographed (and pups!), and Andrea and Christopher have such a unique love story (spoiler: they met on Instagram!) that I couldn’t resist! Enjoy…

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10 Beach Wedding Colour Palettes

by gaby

It’s been such fun highlighting beach weddings these last weeks, and looking back through the archives, I was reminded how many fun beach inspiration boards I’ve created over the years. And while, yes, many are a play on various shades of blue (because come on, SO lovely!), there are also less traditional combinations, with brights and neutrals and sparkle and texture all playing their part. So I’ve rounded up (and in some cases, spruced up!) ten of my all-time faves. Click on to discover your new favourite palette for a beach wedding!
*Links in bold denote affiliate links. SouthBound Bride may make a commission if a sale is made.

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Washed Up Beach Wedding Inspiration

by gaby

We have the Monday blues today, but in the best way possible – courtesy of the dreeeeeeeeeamiest of dreamy beach wedding styled shoots. So in love with this one, which comes to us from SBB Directory members Blooming Wonderful, Wildflower Photography and a talented team of local pros. The colour scheme is straight out of coastal wedding heaven, with a range of soft blues and greys and neutrals, and just a tiny touch of gold, and unexpected textures mixed with ocean elements that give a gorgeous shipwrecked effect. The details are magnificent (mussel shell escorts, mermaid-style wire crown for the bride, copper geometric elements, and lush blue and white blooms), and OMG the dresses! Not to mention Blooming Wonderful‘s absolutely gorgeous stationery suite! It’s positively the finest way to kick off a new week I can imagine.

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Elegant Beach Wedding Accessories for the Bride

by gaby

Beach Wedding Accessories

I do love my little trawls around Etsy – it feels a little like I’m in search of buried treasure, and whenever I turn up something truly lovely, something I know you all will love, it really is like I found the pirate’s gold. That’s particularly appropriate for today’s roundup, which includes all kinds of lovely little trinkets with a touch of the sea for brides, grooms, and bridesmaids. And while too many themey things could be a little cheesy, each one of these beach wedding accessories for a bride stands alone as an elegant addition to your wedding attire. So peek inside the treasure chest and see which is your favourite!

*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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20 Elegant Beach Wedding Cakes

by gaby

When it comes to beach weddings, I’ve got to tell you, I have seen a LOT of cheesy cakes. Which is a pity, because a beach wedding definitely doesn’t have to be ‘themey’, and a cake is always such a lovely way to get creative with your setting or wedding style. I knew that over the years I had seen many gorgeous beach wedding cakes as well, so I went on the hunt, and tracked down 20 of them, to inspire. Whether you’re getting married by the coast, or just want to pay tribute to your love for the beach, each of these creations is a little ocean-themed work of art – and I bet they’re delicious too!

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Pincushion Protea Wedding Feast at Cheerio Gardens by Charl Van Der Merwe

by gaby

At one stage when I was creating SouthBound Bride I considered giving it a name with ‘protea’ in the title. Not that I ever came up with a good one, but it would have been pretty darn appropriate since as you know, we loooove proteas around these here parts. Today we’re talking pincushions, with a wedding that uses these beautifully unusual blooms against lush greenery and soft charcoal for their bright pops of orange colour, and boy does it ever work! Add in elegant rustic style elements – slate boards, wooden tables, chalkboard signage – and you have yourself a real pretty party! And then with Charl Van Der Merwe‘s lovely pics… well, see Derek and Jana’s big day for yourself – and enjoy!

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