Kate Spade Wedding Inspiration

by gaby

It’s the last day of our fashion-dedicated content on SBB, and it’s been so much fun running this theme that I might just have to make it an annual thing. Before we move on to our next editorial theme though, I’m closing things of with the last of our gorgeous styled shoots for the month, which comes courtesy of photographer Christine Skari Photography and JenEvents. Together with their team, they created this gorgeous shoot inspired by one of my fave designers, Kate Spade, complete with sparkly linens, bold monochrome stripes and dots (including a fabulous cake!), playing card motifs, bows, a preppy chic bride and groom, and the most beautiful florals, in shades of pink and peach and coral (that bouquet!!) – all the things that epitomise the Kate Spade brand. It’s fun, and whimsical and happy and stylish, just like the designer who inspired it, and just happens to be absolutely perfect for a modern bride and groom with a love for colour and chic decor. Let’s fall a bit head over heels, shall we?

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Fabulous Floral Couture

by gaby

It’s been such fun having a month dedicated to ‘couture’ on SBB (and it’s not over yet, because there’s more to come until the end of the week), and this whimsical, fantastical shoot demonstrates why. Fashion should be fun. It should be bold, and a statement, and cool and daring and beautiful, but it should definitely always be fun. A place to try out ideas and challenge boundaries, and excite the senses. That’s why I love today’s feature. Inspired by the work of Susan McLeary of Passionflower in the US, it goes beyond carrying artistic arrangements of flowers or even wearing real flowers in your hair, and turns florals into actual fashion and jewellery – surely the ultimate statement piece for an organic bride. Led by photographer Lauren Pretorius, in collaboration with some of our favourite local creatives, including Green Goddess flower studio and Janita Toerien, it’s a celebration of fresh ideas and gorgeous greens. And if you think this isn’t something that could translate from editorial to real weddings, be sure to read Coral of Green Goddess’ low-down on how usable floral jewellery really is for your big day and beyond.

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Rustic Romantic Wedding at Bell Amour by Clareece Smit

by gaby

Oh my! I just want to wrap myself up in this wedding, with its neutral backdrop, romantic textures and pops of bright colour from the most gorgeous florals. Throw in magical elements like a trio of cakes (one dusted with copper dust), a cathedral length veil, floral runners, sparkling chandeliers and soft flutters of fabric dancing in the breeze, and you have a mix of rustic and elegant wedding style that is equals romance. WJ and Chantelle also just happen to make the most adorable couple, and Clareece Smit‘s beautiful pictures of their big day are such a pleasure to behold!

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20 Super Chic Birdcage Veils

by gaby

Best Birdcage Veils

Mini Birdcage Veil with Pearls by Joy and Felicity (photography by Elizabeth Ngundue Photography)

Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

**Updated for 2020** When I think of the bold, fashion-forward brides we’ve featured over the years, there’s one thing that many of them have in common and that’s the classic birdcage veil. Whether you wear them over the face or super short, close to the face or poufy, and in classic white netting or a variety of other colours and textures, this is one look that never goes out of style. There are loads of ways to wear a birdcage veil, and you can even make your own (as in this gorgeous tutorial we shared last year), but I personally love browsing the Etsy artists’ work for some of the most beautiful and creative examples of the style that you’ll find for sale on the web. Rounding up just twenty of the best birdcage veils was tough, but I’ve narrowed down my faves, and I can’t wait to share them with you!

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Magical Forest Wedding at Die Woud by Fiona Clair

by gaby

Magical Forest Wedding | Image: Fiona Clair

People talk about a fairytale wedding, and they often mean a princess dress or a horse and carriage, or a grand castle-like venue. But for me, today’s wedding has a real fairytale quality. It’s like it takes place in its own magical, intimate little world, deep within a forest. An outdoor ceremony down a path through the trees… a reception in an elegant glass marquee with dapped sunlight falling through the branches, and when night falls, lit by chandeliers and fairy lights long into the night. From first look to last dance, Elizma & Ruan’s big day is the very picture of an enchanted forest wedding, and with gorgeous images by Fiona Clair, the fairytale is complete!
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Bright & Festive Winelands Wedding at Hidden Valley by Claire Thomson

by gaby

It’s time to stop and smell the roses – or rather, the roses, peonies, tulips, orchids, banksia, hydrangea and more! The flowers at this colour-happy wedding fest really had me doing  double take – Leipzig as usual have done an incredible job of creating the most gorgeous array of blooms in shades from deep crimson to soft blush to vibrant yellow and tangerine. Add in some sweet bunnies (which became the couple’s own wedding motif), soft pastels, rustic textures and classic elements including an elegant winelands setting, and you have a wedding lover’s paradise. And to prove it wasn’t all just a beautiful dream, Claire Thomson was on the scene to capture these gorgeous images of Sianne and Shane’s big day!

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Julie Vino Roma Collection

by gaby

Ah, Roma. Have I ever told you guys about the love affair I have with this city? It goes back quite a long way, to the very first moment I stepped off a plane into the early morning Roman sunshine, and it continues every time I get back there. I’ve lived in big cities, but it’s not like any other city. It’s brash and beautiful, primitive and wildly sophisticated, definitely a little mad, but also one of the places on earth where I feel most sane. I love it. So you can imagine how the minute I saw designer Julie Vino‘s SS17 collection, inspired by Rome, I was crazy in love. The lookbook captures some of the magic of that great city, but the dresses… wow. Julie’s latest collection is as sensual and feminine as ever, with sheer detailing and fabrics that will blow you away. So with Paris yesterday and Rome today, let’s enjoy this latest jetset (virtual) stop!

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Chanel L’amour!

by gaby

I’ve been so excited to share today’s inspiration with you, because it really does have everything. Beautiful pictures, a gorgeous dress, an incredible love story, Paris… But let’s start at the beginning. Marlene and Gary met when they stumbled across each other on the cobbled streets of the City of Lights (yes, really!). Gary, an English footballer, was visiting family, while Marlene, a German jewellery designer, was on her way to the famous 31 Rue Cambon for some Chanel inspiration. Cue a Hollywood-style falling in love montage with Paris as a backdrop over the next few days. And here’s the really amazing thing – it turned out that they both lived in Vienna, so a chance meeting turned into a full-blown romance (now that’s Fate!). Fast forward to their engagement and the story has another fortuitous meeting, as the couple came across Claudia Magas of Ladies & Lord at a wedding show in Vienna – next thing you know, they were all heading back to Paris for this Chanel-inspired engagement shoot. From the pretty paper goods and Chanel cake and cake pops (!) to Marlene’s couture gown from Austrian designer Eva Poleschinski, dreamy doesn’t even cover it. I think Coco would have been proud! Huge thank you to Claudia for sharing this stunning shoot with us as part of our couture month.

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20 Statement Back Wedding Dresses

by simoné

Unique Wedding Dress Back Styles

If you’re planning your wedding and have given your wedding dress some thought, you might already have some of the lingo down by now. Illusion necklines, tulle layers and lace details are all the rage, but somehow we often forget to mention the back of the dress. Taking into consideration that your guests will be staring at the bride and groom’s backs for the entire ceremony (and I’m sure we all have attended a ceremony that seemed to last forever!) it is just such a pleasant surprise for them not only to be wowed when you walk down the aisle, but also to be in awe of the breathtaking details that have gone into the back of your wedding gown. Seriously, how gorgeous are these wedding dresses with back detail I have found? Have a cuppa while you take your time to look through all the unique dress back styles, and start planning your wow factor today!

*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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DIY Farm Wedding at De Hoek Country Lodge by DGR Photography

by gaby

Planning a rustic wedding filled to the brim with fynbos and burlap and cute ‘down on the farm’ touches? Well then, this one’s for you, brideys! Christel and Andries, farm lovers at heart, wanted a real ‘plaas troue’, an intimate celebration with family and friends that brought all their favourite things together: proteas, succulents, windmills, hay bales… even some adorable tractor-themed touches! My favourite detail is their escort display using little enamel mugs – so adorable! Everything was DIY, pretty much, which created a much-cherished opportunity for family to share special times creating all the decor. And I can’t not mention Christel’s dress, with its unusual nude lace overlay effect – love! – as well as the groomsmen’s leather braces and bows (definitely the farm wedding must-have in SA this season!). DGR Photography were on the scene to capture every farm-fabulous detail of the event

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