Tropical Wedding Cakes

by gaby

Hello lovelies! Continuing with our tropical theme for the month (and celebrating the fact that I’m actually IN the tropics right now… yes, I’m boasting, sorrynotsorry) we’re looking at tropical themed cakes for your beach or tropsy wedding. These are seriously awesome – and even if you’re not going all out on the theme, they’re a great way to bring a bit of summer to your wedding, especially if you opt for flavours like coconut, fruit, etc. Some are colourful, some are more on the elegant and sophisticated side, but they’re all lovely.

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DIY Beach Wedding at Grootvlei by Ronel Kruger

by gaby

001-J&R DIY beach wedding by Ronel Kruger

Considering how amazing our beaches are in South Africa, we get relatively few beach weddings submitted to SBB so I’m always thrilled to see a lovely one, especially when it’s a down to earth, toes in the sand West Coast affair like Jaynie & Rudi’s was. This wedding goes beyond in the DIY category thanks to a super creative bride and her family – even the wedding dress was a labour of love. All that time spent creating something special and meaningful makes this aspect go far beyond the wedding day, because you also get memories that last a lifetime, long after the fabric has faded and the flowers have died. And that’s really what this wedding business is about isn’t it? The love, first and foremost. Ronel Kruger was on the scene to capture these lovely pics of Jaynie and Rudi’s big day.

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Inspiration Board: Bahama Black Tie

by gaby

Well guys, as you read this, I’ll be arriving in the Bahamas for a SUPER exciting press trip and corporate retreat hosted by Aisle Society and Sandals Royal Bahamian. I’ve always yearned to visit the Caribbean and I can’t quite believe I get to do it this week, and with some of my favourite bloggers and fellow girlbosses too. Dream. Come. True. Needless to say, you’ll be hearing all about it, but do follow along on Insta for some fun behind the scenes. The timing is also pretty perfect blogwise, because today we’re kicking off our latest month of themed content – SBB is going tropical! I have such lovely content lined up for you beach and tropical brides, but I had to start it all off with a beautiful inspiration board. I just love the look of tropical botanics, gold and Kate Spade-style dots and monochrome prints – a sophisticated twist on this fun theme. And of course, the cheeky pineapple is the perfect motif to complement that.

Colours: Green, gold, black and white

Top row (l-r): Bride & groom (Kellie Kano/Paulette Davis Of Amour Affairs) | gold pineapple | groom (Anna Delores Photography/Joelle Charming ) | swiss dot wedding dress (Justin Hankins Photography/Isha Foss Events)
Row 2: Pineapple invitation (Lolo Lincoln) | pineapple wax seal (KT Merry Photography) | chairs (Frame 36 Photography)
Row 3: Bridesmaids (Kellie Kano/Paulette Davis Of Amour Affairs) | table setting (Christina Brosnan/Pearl & Godiva) | Bahamas house with palms (Kellie Kano/Paulette Davis Of Amour Affairs)

 

Oversize Statement Bouquets

by gaby

I like big bouquets. And I cannot lie. Actually, I don’t know why I would lie, since I’m not alone in my love for the bigger the better the more beautiful the bouquet. Oversize statement bouquets are exploding all over Pinterest and wedding blogs around the world, and I can’t get enough of them. And sure, they’re not going to be for every bride. But for those of you who just can’t get enough blooms, or who want to make a statement (or just show off those muscles from months of weight training), big bouquets are the thing. So here are 20 absolutely breathtaking examples to get you and your florist inspired.

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Rustic Riverside Lowveld Wedding by Kim Tracey

by gaby

I always ask my brides and grooms if there were any details of their weddings that were proudly South African (after all, SBB is all about bringing you the latest inspiration with an African twist!) but when it came to Brenna & Tom, the feeling of being out in the African bushveld was such an integral part of their big day that it couldn’t be boiled down to a few details (although they had those too, from proteas to enamel mugs and braai canapes, even Amarula ice cream for dessert!) They were married on the banks of a river on a Lowveld farm, with crocs and hippos in close attendance, and their guests enjoyed traditional G&T sundowners before the reception, taking in the glorious scenery before dancing the night away under the stars. It was a fitting celebration for a down to earth couple, and they decorated it simply but beautifully, with pretty rustic touches and the most gorgeous (and delectable-looking) naked cake. Kim Tracey was on the scene, and took these absolutely lovely pics!

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Beach Fairytale Wedding at Blue Bay Lodge by Kusjka Du Plessis

by gaby

And now, as the Monty Python boys say, for something completely different… ;) As you all already know by now, we love love LOVE a couple whose wedding reflects themselves, and you just have to look at beautiful purple-haired, pink dress bride Amy to know she’s someone who’ll do just that. I absolutely ADORE her candy coloured, flower-embroidered gown by SBB fave Janita Toerien, especially the way it looks in the golden light before sunset, where Amy and Matt shared kisses and smiles and looks of pure love. But the fairytale didn’t end there. The couple, who were married right on the water at the wonderful Blue Bay Lodge, combined their coastal setting with magical Midsummer Night’s Dream-inspired decor, from moss and woodcuts, to paper butterflies perched on every glass, to rose gold apples strewn along the tables. It’s a fete worthy of a real life Disney princess, and beautifully photographed by up-and-coming photographer Kusjka Du Plessis, who we’re delighted to welcome to SBB for the first time.

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Sareh Nouri Fall 2016 Collection

by gaby

Happy Monday, lovelies! I have an INSANE week ahead (but oh, what a week to follow – more on that soon!) and I can’t think of a better way to start than with some calmingly beautiful fashion. That’s what you can always rely on Sareh Nouri to deliver, both when it comes to dresses and lookbooks, and the new Fall 2016 Collection is certainly no exception. These dresses are fit for a queen, and so is the gorgeous estate the team used as a backdrop. I’m especially loving the soft layering and texturing in the skirts of these gowns, not to mention that one of them comes in the dreamiest, most sophisticate shade of icy grey-blue – the perfect subtle take on the pastel wedding gown trend. Brides will also find much to inspire in the hair and makeup, and especially in the fantastic headpieces by Jennifer Behr. So let’s get this pretty party started, shall we?

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Dusty Blue Bridesmaid Dresses

by gaby

To finish off our fashionable Friday, we’re taking some time to gawk at some gorgeous dusty blue bridesmaid dresses. I just love dusty blue weddings – this periwinkle/cornflower hybrid is super pretty and super flattering thanks to its cool tone, which makes it perfect for bridesmaids whatever your wedding theme or style. Yesterday, in fact, we featured a lovely wedding with Serenity bridesmaids, and they looked amazing, so I thought it was the perfect time to pull out some inspiration and shopping ideas.
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BHLDN Spring 2016 Heart/Soul Collection

by gaby

It’s going to be a fashionable Friday, if today’s bridal feature is anything to go by! BHLDN have just released their Spring 2016 collection and lookbook, and my goodness, it is full of couture detailing and dreamy fabrics and sequinned lace. This is the largest collection launched by the brand to date, and the first in which they’ve collaborated with high profile label Marchesa, who have contributed five incredible gowns to the line-up. My absolute favourite is Estella, with her lace illusion boatneck, flouncy sleeves, and cowl back – easily the most beautiful boho-ey dress I’ve seen yet. Whether it’s more classic pieces like long lace or illusion neckline dresses, or fresh innovations like a jumpsuit or embroidered sequin crop top and tulle skirt combo, there’s something in this collection for every stylish bride to fall in love with. Even the lookbook has that wonderful couture feeling, and no wonder, since it was shot in none other than Delphine Manivet’s Paris showroom. Le sigh.

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Hanging Centrepieces

by gaby

So when I mentioned hanging centrepieces as one of the top trends for 2016, I didn’t mean that hanging decor or even hanging florals were a new thing. In fact, their momentum has been building for a while now. But when it comes to choosing hanging centrepieces instead of lush table runners, or in addition to on-table centrepieces, this is their moment. I’ve been watching more brides requesting this over the last year, and some of our most talented florists (not to mention those overseas) creating new and wonderful creations that push the boundaries of this trend. There’s never been a better moment to look up.

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