SouthBound Bride

The Haunted Garden

31 October, 2016 by gaby

Happy Halloween, folks! Every year round this time, I see a ton of Halloween inspiration, and it always makes me smile, because let’s be honest, the couples who are going to have a Halloween-themed wedding are few and far between (even if it would be fun, right?). But that doesn’t mean that you can’t create something elegantly eerie – something just a little bit creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky (just not altogether ookie, Addams family style!). And that’s what today’s shoot is – just a little bit dark, but super pretty as well. In fact, with soft blooms mixed with just the right amount of contrasting black, it’s the perfect inspiration – no matter what time of year you’re getting married. Carla of Mooi Photography and her team (including SBB florist faves Bright and Beautiful!) created this sweetly spooky shoot, and I’m super excited to share it with you this Hallow’s Eve!

Bijoux Botanical Wedding at Lalapanzi Lodge by Michelle du Toit

27 October, 2016 by gaby

There’s an expression I always remember from one of my favourite films, that goes: Simple may not always be best, but the best is always simple. That’s what I think about when I come across weddings like Carla & Bruce’s, that take an idea (in this case, greenery with a touch of gold) and make it incredibly elegant. Add in a romantic forest ceremony in the most beautiful surroundings, natural elements like glass and wood, and little personal touches like olive oil favours and a tribute to their missing loved ones, and you have something really special. You won’t be surprised to know that I’m in love with Carla’s wild, organic style bouquet, which worked so beautifully with her Robyn Roberts gown, or that I think Michelle du Toit‘s swoony photography is the final, perfect touch! Simple just became extraordinary.

Marble & Copper Bridal Inspiration

26 October, 2016 by gaby

One of my favourite things about this industry is that over the years I have met and worked with some of the loveliest people you can imagine. Most recently, we’ve had a couple of interns around the virtual halls of SBB HQ, and one of them is bridal designer, Simoné Meyer. Under her previous label name, Adore Me, she’s already been part of the SBB sponsor family for some time, but she’s just relaunched under her own name: Simoné Meyer Bridal Design. I’m so thrilled for her! Not only does Simoné make gorgeous, on-trend, whimsical gowns, but she’s recently expanded her talents into the bridal party too, especially bridesmaids of the flowergirl variety. I KNOW how many of you are looking for gorgeous flowergirl dresses – well, look no further! These gowns made quite a splash at the recent bridal expo, and today, along with a couple of Simoné’s beautiful wedding dresses, they’re making their debut here on SBB. That would have made this elegant bridal shoot lovely on its own, but add in some fabulous wedding inspiration in the form of sweetly organic florals, a table decked out in trendy marble and copper, and the warmth of candlelight bringing both come to life in these photographs by Lindy Kriek, and you have something special. Congrats, Simoné – we can’t wait to see your new business go from strength to strength!

Bohemian Lovefest Wedding by Bold As Love

25 October, 2016 by gaby

I love a wedding that tells a story about who the couple are, and Sam and Mike’s wedding is definitely that kind of celebration. Hello, it’s a self titled Bohemian Love Festival! From the bride’s stunningly unique hand crocheted wedding gown, to the all natural vibe of the bride’s family wine farm where they were married (fynbos galore, which I love), to the love parade from ceremony to reception, it’s a boho bride’s dream. But more importantly, it’s Sam and Mike’s dream, and I love how you can feel their personalities coming through in every detail, just like their joy is plain to see. Hewitt Wright captured these lovely images.

Beauty in Ruins Wedding Inspiration

24 October, 2016 by gaby

Good morning, lovelies! How was your weekend? I spent mine nose to the groundstone – I have recently been reinvigorated by some big ideas for where to take SBB next, and have been working hard to get everything in place. So in the spirit of fresh inspiration, let’s take a peek at this styled shoot from Figure of 8, shall we? It takes its cue from the idea of ‘ruined perfection’, and fittingly look place among the ruins at Rosemary Hill, contrasting the abandoned, overgrown walls with lavish blooms and two absolutely beautiful dresses. It reminds me of that Friends episode where Ross is supposed to marry Emily in a church and finds it’s been pulled down, and then they end up using it anyway, filled with candlelight. Of course, that doesn’t end well for Emily, but whatever, the principle is there. And whatever the venue you choose for your big day, think about the elements of contrast that you can bring to your design, because as you can see, it always makes a gorgeous impact!

Copper & Green Wedding at The Red Barn by Those Photos

20 October, 2016 by gaby

There are some couples you can tell had a lot of fun planning their wedding, and Francois & Illana are one of those. These lovebirds opted for a weekend wedding in breathtakingly beautiful Dullstroom, and got their family and friends to help them create the DIY details for their dream day, which gave everyone a feeling of personal involvement in the wedding. With copper elements, including vases made of piping and filled with herbs, fairy lights, wood and candles creating a warm, intimate atmosphere, as well as the loveliest pictures by Those Photos, this is a festive fete to feast on! And when you’re done scrolling through the pics, be sure to check out the video by the wonderful White Motion Films, and then check out their profile and show reel in our directory!

Festival Chic Wedding Inspiration (Wanderlust Forever After)

17 October, 2016 by gaby

This totally wasn’t planned, but there’s a couple of reasons why today’s shoot from the very fabulous Oh Happy Day, Summertown Pictures and their talented team (including the fab Hanrie Lues Bridal) is perfect timing. Why? Well, for one thing, it’s set in the beautiful Natal Midlands, where I happen to be heading for my own mini adventure today. Just me and Mr Darcy the springer spaniel, and the open road. It’s that same spirit of wanderlust and adventure that inspired this Coachella-esque shoot, which has an air of spontaneity borne of the way it was designed as well as its subject. Boho brides will adore all the jewel-toned touches, from the teal, copper and magenta table to the gorgeous feather-decked cake. And let’s not get started on the boho chic dresses or the macrame backdrop (no seriously, or I’ll never get on the road!). It’s the perfect way to kick off another week of wild beauty, so enjoy!

Cozy & Elegant Wedding at 401 Rozendal by Justin Davis

13 October, 2016 by gaby

One look at this cozy winelands wedding and you can see it’s drop dead gorgeous. Understated, yes, with its elegant navy, grey and plenty of white colour palette, but still completely showstopping. Just look at bride Chantelle’s white peony bouquet, or her beautiful lace dress, or the reception hall dripping with chandeliers and hanging glass bulbs. But I think what I like best about Christian and Chantelle’s design is that, even though they used classic elements and a sophisticated vibe, they managed to make their whole day also feel warm and welcoming and cozy – perfect for a winter wedding where you want your guests to feel right at home. And let’s not forget personal, because this pair paid attention to the little details as a way to tell their story, like the surfboard boutonnieres that mirrored the (completely adorable!) story of Christian’s proposal. Justin Davis was on the scene to capture all this winter wedding wonder, and make the fairytale complete.

Floral Luxe Wedding at Netherwood by Knot Just Pics

11 October, 2016 by gaby

Weddings filled with flowers are my absolute weakness, which won’t surprise you if you’ve ever seen my eyes light up in a florist’s shop (seriously, all the heart eyes). Today’s wedding is like a whole garden of blooms, and even though it took place on a chilly winter day, the lush florals brought the outdoors indoors, to incredible effect. Add a heavy helping of luxe – vintage candelabras, dark wood and mercury glass, little copper animal favours and a wall of mirrors – and you have the most gorgeous combination. I’m especially loving the palette of rich burgundy, soft peach and blush, elegant emerald, and glittering gold. From the bride’s jawdropping 3D floral gown to the candle-filled reception, Candice and Byron’s big day was a rare beauty, perfectly captured by the Knot Just Pics team. Sigh.

Inspiration Board: Rise & Fall

10 October, 2016 by gaby

It may be spring here in South Africa, but it’s been autumn all over the blogs of my fellow wedding bloggers in the US and it weirdly has me almost longing for the chillier season again (don’t worry, I’ll get over it). So in honour of that, I’ve put together this ‘fall‘-themed board, a seasonal take on this month’s boho/wild beauty theme. Using traditional copper and red earth tones and adding in soft mocha and ivory, it still looks like a classic autumn palette, but the details enjoy that natural, organic, unbound look that we’re loving so much at the moment. I’m especially loving the ceremony area, including a glorious branch ‘tipi’, as well as the shiny pops of copper against the florals.
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