Toujours Wedding House Boutique Tour

by gaby

Maybe it’s from watching too many movies, but when I think about wedding dress shopping, I picture a charming little shop full of soft light and plush chairs and flowers and champagne – a place where dreams are made, and where somewhere in amongst the silk, tulle and lace, that perfect wedding dress is just waiting for you to try it on and fall crazy in love, and share that amazing moment with your mum or best friend. Sadly, reality sometimes falls short of the fantasy. So you can imagine how thrilled I was last year to discover the most wonderful little boutique right here in Durban, tucked in amongst the leafy streets of Westville that I know so well. Toujours Wedding House is an absolute gem – a light, bright studio nestled off a sunny courtyard, with just the right amount of chic understated detail to let the gowns, veils and accessories take centre stage. Guiding her brides through their experience is owner Tracey Laubscher, who you immediately warm to like she’s an extra bridesmaid, and who knows and cherishes each dress in her collection like a favourite song. I couldn’t wait to go back to the boutique to do a special little tour, together with the talented Eileen Laubscher of Bright Girl Photography. We spent our morning drinking tea, shooting these beautiful images, and chatting to Tracey about what makes Toujours such a special place…

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Intimate Oceanside Wedding at Noetzie Beach by Alfred Lor

by gaby

I could use a little beachiness today, to remind me of summer, and this bijoux Garden Route wedding really fits the bill. Infused with sunshine and salty air, Tarryn and Warwick’s ceremony overlooking Noetzie Beach was the first part of their wedding celebrations (with part 2 being a reception at a local wine estate), and it exemplified everything I love about intimate weddings. There’s an incredible feeling of warmth and family and togetherness, exemplified by the way that, at the dinner that followed, each guest made a heartfelt (and tearful!) speech. Tarryn’s dreamy Silver Swallow gown and gold laurel headpiece and Warwick’s pastel blazer were the perfect complement to their laid back wedding style, and that beautiful simplicity carried through to the dinner decor of hanging bunches of fynbos and greenery garlands interspersed with candles – all at a table with the most incredible view of the sea. Alfred Lor was on hand to capture all the natural beauty of this special day.

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How to: Hot Chocolate Bar

by gaby

Hot Chocolate Bar & Printable Sign by Pen and Paper Flowers

One of the things I love most about winter weddings, whether you’re having them in some snowy cabin in the mountains of Canada, or in our more temperate climate (not that it feels that way at the moment!), is that you can bring in details that are really cosy, to give your guests that comfy, wrapped up feeling. From blanket favours to hot drinks, it’s a great way of pampering them and using the chilly weather to your advantage. And speaking of hot drinks, a hot chocolate bar has to be one of my favourite kinds of details! I mean, who doesn’t love a delicious, warming cup of cocoa, especially when it comes with all the trimmings. So today I thought I would break it down into simple steps, so you can easily create your own (and make it beautiful!) Links in bold denote sponsored affiliate links. SouthBound Bride may earn a commission if a sale is made.

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Modern Romance Wedding at Tokara by Tasha Seccombe

by gaby

Not being funny, but I’m pretty sure I have the best job ever. Howcome? Well, because every day I get to read and tell love stories. And look at pretty details, sure, but I like to think the love stories are at the heart of this blog. Today’s wedding features an epic one of those – a transcontinental connection, a tale of (almost) star-crossed lovers and long distance love, and making big decisions and sacrifices, all because Jenna and Philipp felt like when they met, they KNEW. Because they shared an unshakeable believe that what they felt was real. And what could have so easily been a story of ‘the one that got away’ for both of them, came to fruition in a beautiful Stellenbosch vineyard, at a heartfelt ceremony and a modern chic reception – and happily ever after, of course. The lovely Tasha Seccombe captured this fairytale ending in these beautiful images. Also, a very special shoutout to SBB Directory members Bright and Beautiful for the gorgeous florals, especially the bride’s deliciously South African protea bouquet.

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Ocean Glitz Wedding at The 12 Apostles Hotel by Aglow Photography

by gaby

This wedding had me at hello, and by hello, I definitely mean Michelle’s shut-the-front-door-drop-everything beautiful dress. The images of her and her new husband Bertie floating across the sands of a private beach in that Maggie Sottero gown are the stuff that wedding dreams are made of. And then I got to see the rest of this seriously gorgeous wedding, from the ceremony with a view, to the gently rustic decor to the glittery proteas. GLITTERY PROTEAS, you guys. It’s glamorous and elegant, but so soft and romantic too, and Celeste from Aglow Photography has captured every moment to perfection with her exquisite imagery. LOVE.

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Daalarna Couture Ballet Collection

by gaby

I have SUCH a beautiful wedding collection to share with you lovelies today! I honestly struggled to narrow down the images for this one, because each and every dress in the collection is totally pin-worthy! Last year I shared Daalarna, the Hungarian couture bridal label, with you all for the first time, and now I’m delighted to spotlight the label’s new Ballet-inspired collection. I feel like ballet is having a real moment with bridal inspiration this year, probably because of the sleek silhouettes, ethereal fabrics and two-piece elements in the recent collections. I love it, because for me, a ballerina also epitomises so many of the qualities that brides wish to embody on their big day, like grace, passion, and elegance. You’ll find all of that in this collection, which took its cue from the beautiful Sleeping Beauty. In fact, the campaign photos below were shot on the set of the Hungarian National Ballet with the Ballet’s exceptional ballerina, Lili Felmery, bringing the collection to life. Let’s take a peek, shall we?

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Inspiration Board: Berry & Teal

by gaby

Morning lovely ones! I’m super excited to get started with this week, as we have so much beautiful inspiration to share with you, and lots of ideas for winter weddings, in line with our theme for June. We’re kicking things off, as we usually do, with an inspiration board. This weekend, I found myself pinning a couple of teal images and I suddenly realised it had been AGES since I did a teal inspiration board. It’s one of those colours that can be a little overwhelming, and I’ve been favouring more natural shades. But I do love a teal, especially a deep shade, and I thought it would be perfect combined with plum and burgundy for a rich winter palette. I have to say, I’m loving it!

Colours: Teal, plum, burgundy, grey & white

Top row (l-r): Bride with bouquet (Nadia Meli/The Blue Carrot/Marianna Lanzilli/The Love Affair Workshop) | Vintage style invitations (Laura Gordon Photography/House of Hannah) | Bride at window (Enchanted Atelier by Liv Hart/Laura Gordon)
Row 2: Draped ceremony arch (Brandon Kidd/Be Inspired PR/Chic Celebrations/The Hidden Garden) | Grey tweed suit (Chantal Lachance-Gibson) | Teal ring box (The Mrs Box)
Row 3: Cake (Carmen Santorelli Photography/Beau & Arrow Events/Hey There, Cupcake!) | Flowers in urn (Jo Bradbury/Wild Orchid) | Bridesmaid dress (Jenny Yoo) | Tablescape (Emily Millay Photography/A Charming Fete/Twig Florals)

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Mismatched Pastel Bridesmaid Dresses Done Right

by gaby

Photography: Anneli Marinovich | Make-up Artist: Ana Ospina Ruiz | Hair Stylist: Jo at Lovehair | Florist: Adventures in Flowers

You know how much we love perfectly mismatched bridesmaid dresses here on SBB, especially when they come in a range of the prettiest sorbet shades. A few years back I worked with the brilliant Maids to Measure on a styled shoot and their gowns are absolute perfection, so I was super excited to find out that this breakout label has just launched their collection at UK department store John Lewis. There are seven different styles and eight beautiful colours, so whatever your palette (or season), it makes co-ordinating your girls’ dresses an absolute dream. In fact, I was so excited that I decided to have a little play and put together three colour stories using the new Maids to Measure gowns and matching them up with stationery, flowers, table settings and pretty details. I’m seriously struggling to pick a favourite! (PS You can see the full Maids to Measure at John Lewis collection HERE.)
Shopping images and links in bold denote sponsored affiliate links. SouthBound Bride may earn a commission if a sale is made.

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Whimsical Rustic Wedding at Goedgedacht Farm by Natural Light Photography

by gaby

Candice and Wesley’s big day is the stuff that South African rustic wedding dreams are made of. We’re talking proteas everywhere (including the seriously pretty watercolour stationery), wood cuts at each place setting, gold painted safari animals, heart cookie favours, a menu that included burgers and craft beer on tap, a bride in a gorgeous gown and flower crown, and a cake table positively groaning with treats. Relaxed, whimsical, elegant. And with details like these, plus a sunny day, and the fabulous Maree of Natural Light Photography capturing these images, it’s all kinds of wonderful!

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20 Crazy Gorgeous Winter Wedding Cakes

by gaby

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – a gorgeous cake defnitely gives me a case of the wedding ‘oohs’. Especially when it reflects the feel or theme of the wedding. If you’re planning a winter or autumn bash, you may be looking to go for the always chic rustic feel (and we’ve rounded up some seriously adorable rustic winter cakes and naked cakes in the past), but there are lots of other options too, thanks to the incredibly creative cake designers around the internet. How about a touch of knit or plaid, or icing reminiscent of icicles or snow? Decorations like snowflakes and antlers, pinecones, gingerbread houses or snowy peaks? Simple white cakes glammed up with evergreen, sugar crystals, or berries? Or simply a nod to Scandi style with a traditional Norwegian/Swedish/Danish kransekake? Each one of the cakes below channels a winter wonderland vibe, but with the most stylish of executions. Let’s get cake-spired! ;)

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