Caribbean Dream

by gaby

You know those days when everything is so completely perfect and surreal that you just have to pinch yourself and say “how is this my life?” Well, I had one (or rather, several) of those pinch-me moments earlier this year, when I found myself on a beach in the Caribbean alongside some of my favourite wedding bloggers from around the world, as guests at the fabulous Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort. Long flights be damned, it was one hundred percent worth every minute of travel from the moment I touched down in Nassau and (after a personal escort through the airport that made me feel like royalty!) got my first whiff of the warm sea air. It was everything I’d ever imagined this sun-drenched corner of the world would be – if I didn’t have these gorgeous images from our trip taken by Alexis June Weddings to prove it, I might believe it was really just a beautiful dream!

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Inspiration Board: Classic Monochrome

by gaby

Happy Monday lovelies! When I think of a classic wedding palette, beyond white on white or soft blush, the one that immediately comes to mind for me is monochrome. Crisp and sophisticated, traditional but somehow also entirely modern, you can’t go wrong with this timeless combo that’s the essence of ‘black tie’. Just take a look at today’s inspiration board – it’s pure, timeless glamour, like a Sinatra number or a diamond ring. What more could a classic bride want?

Colours: Black, white & soft gold

Top row (l-r): Bouquet (KT Merry Photography/Urban Poppy) | Tablescape (Watson-Studios/Jennifer Laraia Designs) | Calligraphy menu (Daphne And Michelle/DM Events/Paperfinger)
Row 2: Champagne (Gabe Aceves Photography/Engaging Affairs) | Cake (Marsais/Buttercup Bakery) | Dog attendant (Mi Belle Photography/Bash Please) | Engagement ring (Sundari Gems)
Row 3: Classic car (Jose Villa Photography/Albemarle Limousine) | Bride (KT Merry Photography/Oscar De La Renta/Peter Langner) | Bridesmaids in black (Adrienne Gunde/The Overwhelmed Bride)

Shop the Look

We’re crazy in love with the engagement ring featured in this board – isn’t it just so PRETTY? It’s from Sundari Gems on Etsy.

Long black bridesmaid dresses are the perfect complement to this wedding style (and your girls will love you for dressing them in something they can wear again!). Here are some of our current faves:

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Fynbos in the Forest Wedding at Cabbage and Rose by Mila Photography

by claire

What more do you need for a down-to-earth, farm style wedding in the Lowveld? A glass chapel in a eucalyptus forest, of course! This unexpected treasure imbues the ceremony area with fairytale charm, creating the perfect setting for tying the knot. Steve and Ilse’s ceremony was blessed with a smattering of rain, just enough to fill the air with that heavenly scent of freshly dampened earth. Everything about this wedding was natural and charming, with a gilding of elegance. The raw wood tables were left bare but adorned with a selection of cut glass and ceramic vases filled with pink roses and an assortment of white flowers and greenery. A wedding at Cabbage and Rose isn’t complete without Frieda’s culinary skills. She produces delectable “plaas kombuis” food and the guests feasted on the simple, full-on-flavour dishes with a distinct, South African touch. If you aren’t already dreaming of a farm wedding under the African sun, delve into these dreamy photos taken by the ever so talented Mila Photography and fill your heart with fynbos and forest romance.

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20 Romantic Bridal Updos

by gaby

We’re ringing in our Thursday with some classic romantic style of the bridal hair variety. Because how much do we love a pretty updo? Tons. It’s the ultimate in sleek sophisticated, but what amazes me is that even after all this time, stylists keep coming up with new and beautiful twists (literally! and braids and curls, etc.) on traditional looks like buns and chignons and tucks. Each of the styles we’ve gathered together has the glamour of an updo, but with the softness and sweetness that a romantic bride craves. But good luck picking a favourite, because they’re all divine!

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Glamorous Greenery Wedding at Netherwood by Vanilla Photography

by gaby

Set amid the emerald hills of the Natal Midlands is this wedding, which defines ‘organic elegance’ to a T. My first glimpse of Kyllie & Tom’s big day was a pic of the bride and her maids – I was completely won over by the mix of wild natural and chic formal style, and when the lovely Bron of Vanilla Photography sent over the rest of her incredible images I knew my instincts had been right on the money! With the amazing Carolyn of Adore Weddings decking out Netherwood in swathes of greenery and white blooms, from Delicious Monster centrepieces to green runners and chandeliers (not to mention the bride’s fabulously oversize foliage bouquet), the organic part of the equation was definitely covered, and combined with Kyllie’s amazing feather-embellished Pronovias gown, the suited-and-booted groom’s party, and that classic monochrome palette, it’s beautiful from start to finish. Special mention to the one spot of bright colour – a Smarties wedding cake! This fun, personal detail is what SBB weddings are all about.

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Millennial Pink Bridesmaid Dresses

by gaby

There’s no more classic look for bridesmaids than pink gowns, especially now that long bridesmaid dresses are so en vogue. Millennial pink is the colour of the moment, which makes this the perfect time to choose this classic pink, a few shades up from blush and yet still soft enough to be a pastel, for your girls. As always, we’ve rounded up some real wedding inspiration for you, along with a shopping guide so you can get the dusty rose bridesmaid dress look for yourself.
This post contains affiliate links. SBB may receive a commission on any sales made.

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Candlelight & Roses Romantic Boudoir Inspiration

by gaby

It’s the start of  a new month editorially on SBB, and if you’re the kind of bride who’d describe her style as classic and romantic, you’re going to love it! This month we’re focusing on the timeless and the traditional, with a heavy helping of romance. So what better way to kick it off than with lace, candlelight and roses? This styled boudoir session by Nadia of Wildflower Photography and her team of talented creatives pays tribute to those moments of sweet serenity before a wedding day begins, just a bride in her boudoir. I do love a pretty boudoir session and this one has all the most gorgeous ingredients – love letter-style stationery, evergreen wreaths, macarons, beautiful soft light. All wedding mornings should be as lovely as this one!

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20 Winter Wedding Invitations

by gaby

Printable Winter Wedding Invitations

*UPDATED FOR 2020* As you know by now, I love using wedding stationery as a sophisticated way to get across whatever theme or motif you have chosen for your big day, and in the case of a winter wedding, it’s a great way to pay tribute to the season! Whether you’re planning something frozen and fabulous or cozy and comforting, I’ve found some seriously beautiful invitations from the Etsy makers to get your guests in the mood for a winter wonderland of weddingness. And PS, many of these would be gorgeous for an autumn or rustic/woodland wedding too! The best part? All of these winter wedding invitation templates are printable and affordable!

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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Farm Charm Wedding at Die Klipskuur by Hello Love Photography

by gaby

If you’re wondering what a sweet as pie, down-home farm wedding looks like – well, this would be it. Set in Die Klipskuur’s rustic barn, with a colour palette of blush, sage and cream, and pretty handmade details throughout, Anri and Abri’s wedding has all the charm of the farm and little extra magic besides. Details to love include cushions that did double duty as favours and ceremony seating, diagonal drapes on the chairs, a naked brownie cake (YUM!), eucalyptus wreath bouquets for the bridesmaids and teeny tiny veldskoen bouts for the boys (SO adorable!). The wonderful Hello Love Photography, part of the SBB Directory family, was on the scene to capture these darling pictures of the big day.

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Cinnamon Blue Wedding Inspiration

by gaby

It’s the last day of the month, and since June has been dedicated to all things wintery, we just had to end it with some cozy winter inspiration. When I saw this gorgeous shoot by Jenna Joseph Photography and Kelsey Rae Designs, I was immediately smitten with the gorgeous and unusual colour palette they chose – a warm cinnamon brown with a beautiful stormy blue, which for me reflects both the cool weather and the warm comforts of a winter wedding. Add in some antique lace to match the bride’s stunning dress, a mix of natural elements and copper luxe ones, and a romantic calligraphy runner, and you have something special in the tablescape department. And let’s not forget the cakes, because OMG hello, cinnamon roll cake! Just the sweetest idea ever, perfectly matched with a copper-brushed blue vanilla latte creation – YUM. From the palette to the details, there’s so much fresh inspiration here for your winter soiree, captured to perfection in Jenna’s lovely pics. Pour yourself a cup of something warming, snuggle up and enjoy!

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