Pantone Spring 2016 Colour Palettes Part 1

by gaby

Happy Monday lovelies! Today, hot off the presses from New York Fashion Week, we have Pantone’s latest collection of colours, all dressed up and ready for their debut in the Spring 2016 season. The Spring colours are always my fave, and this time there’s a mix of punchy brights (the likes of which I’ve been enjoying seeing in weddings already!) and soft pastels (which as you already know, I love). I can’t wait to play around with combining them, but first, I thought I would put together some single colour palettes to introduce you to each shade, and I’ve also scouted out a beautiful bridesmaid dress to go with each one! We’re kicking off with the first four shades/boards today, and will be carrying on with this series for the rest of the month.Read More

SouthBound Guide: DJ-recommended Wedding Songs

by gaby

One of those things that often gets left until last and then causes an inordinate amount of stress is music. I mean, even for music-loving couples, I’ve seen this lead to despair. And it’s understandable, because doesn’t everyone want the perfect soundtrack to those amazing moments… you know, the one where you lock eyes as the bride walks down the aisle, or where you’re announced for the first time as Mr & Mrs and walk in to the thunderous applause of your nearest and dearest, or (perhaps trickiest of all) that moment where all eyes are on you as you take to the dancefloor and it’s like the words of the song that’s playing are meant to sum up your whole relationship. No pressure, hey. Seriously though, choosing music can be tough, and that’s why today I’ve enlisted the help of Shaun of The Wedding DJ’s to give you his expert’s picks for those all-important moments on the Big Day. They’re a mix of classic and contemporary, and at least one of them is sure to be your JAM. Thanks, Shaun! (PS You can find out more about The Wedding DJ’s in the SBB Directory)Read More

20 Mixed Pastel Wedding Bouquets

by gaby

What can I say about pastel bouquets, you guys? I mean, I could use the word ‘pretty’ a bunch of times, or gorgeous or dreamy, or even throw a couple of ‘swoonworthy’s about. I could, but I’m not gonna, because come on, you just KNOW these bouquets are going to be amazing. Ice cream pastels at their most beautiful and natural, all in one perfect bunch, and created by some of the most talented floral artists I could find on the internets. So basically… is there anything better?Read More

Handmade Feminist Wedding at The Nutcracker by GingerAle Photography {Ines & Fergus}

by gaby

When an email landed in my inbox from bride Ines titled ‘DIY Feminist Wedding’, I was intrigued. As you know, I’m a huge fan of making your wedding a reflection of you as a couple, and I’m a feminist myself, so I wondered how Fergus and Ines had incorporated their values into their big day (I’ll admit, there was a part of me imagining bridesmaids dressed as Rosie the Riveter!) What I found was the kind of sweet, handmade celebration where the couple had really thought about the details of how and when and who – especially at the ceremony. Things like wording can often be overlooked, but after all, the vows you make and the words said are the cornerstone of your new marriage, and I loved that this special couple took the time to craft a day that was completely their own in look and philosophy. Hopefully it’ll inspire more of you for your own wedding days. I know you’ll be inspired by the gorgeous pics by GingerAle Photography, who captured every lovely vintagey detail, and every happy moment!Read More

How to Style a Pastel Dessert Display

by gaby

Pastel Candy Buffet

Credit: Jenna Rae Cakes/Tracey Kiansky Photography/One Plus One Design via Weddings in Winnipeg

It’s a couple of years now since candy buffets burst onto the wedding scene, and for a while there, it seemed like everyone HAD to have one. That trend has calmed a little, but I still think that a well-designed dessert display makes for an amazing focal point at a wedding, and one that will definitely put your guests in a happy mood! That’s especially true when we’re talking pastel weddings, because the mix of colours that can be achieved with a few sweet treats is particularly complementary to a mismatched pastel colour scheme. So I thought that we should break down how to go about creating a pastel dessert display, step by pretty step. You can use these same instructions for any colour scheme really – just adapt the dessert buffet display ideas here as needed!

*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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Clinton Lotter 2015 Collection

by gaby

Did you ever take a look around and realise just how many South Africans are taking over the world? It makes me super proud of our little nation. And of course, we have a tradition of innovative fashion designers, which is why I love showcasing the work of homegrown talents. Some have flown our borders, like the phenomenal Clinton Lotter, whose work I first came across a few years ago while browsing through the racks at Blackburn Bridal in London – I was immediately in love, and I’ve showcased every one of his collections ever since. So I thought it was about time we took a peek at what 2015 has to offer, courtesy of an eye-catching lookbook that’s very Game of Thrones chic! Whether you’re winning battles or winning hearts, doing it in one of these gowns is the height of glamour.Read More

Inspiration Board: Airs & Graces

by gaby

What would a month dedicated to spring pastels be without some spring pastels colour board inspiration? I never get tired of multicolour pastels, personally, because they always just look so darn PRETTY lined up together, and so fresh (which of course, is what makes them perfect for spring). The main selection to work with is of course blush, peach, powder blue, mint, lilac & lemon, but sometimes it’s fun to use just some of them and I think three is the magic number. Today I’ve mixed up peach, mint and lilac with a touch of darker purple and a background of bright white, and the combination is modern, airy and oh so sweet.

Colours: Lilac, peach, mint, purple & white

Top row (l-r): Bridesmaids {Mikkel Paige Photography/Roey Mizrahi Events/Donna Morgan}; Peggy Porschen cake; mint shoes {Veronique Photography}
Row 2: Mint bowtie {April LOOK}; lilac watercolour invitation {Minted}; pastel paints
Row 3: Pastel macarons {Melody Gibbs/White Room Events}; mint lemonade; bride with pastel bouquet {Eric Kelley/Easton Events/Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs}

 

Local Colour Styled Shoot from the NEW Wedding Inspirations Magazine

by gaby

We’re kicking off a new week with a punch of colour – and more than a touch of homegrown style, which as you all know, is our FAVE. As it’s Heritage month, our friends at Wedding Inspirations magazine have commissioned a seriously wonderful ‘Local is Lovely’ issue, celebrating everything beautiful and South African, from indigenous florals to beadwork-inspired cakes. There’s so much to inspire you here, so do be sure to go out and grab yourself a copy. Today, we’re delighted to share this seriously gorgeous shoot from the September issue, a modern twist on traditional local motifs (shwe shwe, yay!), against the modern blank canvas of White Light. With decor and styling by Ribbon Creative Studio and photography by SBB Directory members Jack and Jane, you know you’re going to see something completely fresh and lovely, so let’s dive on in! (And PS, you’ll find all the info on how to get the look for yourself in the magazine.)Read More

20 Spring Pastel Wedding Details

by gaby

Spring has officially sprung here on SBB this week, and we’ve been enjoying the first round of the pastel-fest that is our September. Fun! So this afternoon I just had to bring you some fun details and ideas to add that little something special to your pastel wedding, from some of our favourite makers and suppliers. Whether it’s something to wear, something to decorate with, or something to give your gorgeous bridesmaids, you’ll find it here :)Read More

Love Birds Wedding at Cheerio Gardens by Hello Rademan {Zelda & Richard}

by gaby

Let’s be honest, thanks to Tom Fletcher, pretty much every woman on the planet thinks that marrying a musician, who sings to you during his speech, is about the most romantic thing ever. So right there, today’s wedding was already goosebumps, since today’s groom (of SA band ISO) is just such a one. But beyond that, this rustic beauty has such an adorable sweetness to it. Zelda and Richard love birds as much as they love music, so they themed their wedding around that – even taking inspiration from the beautiful lilac-breasted roller for their palette. Throughout their country wedding there were bird-themed touches – little silver birdhouses, bird-themed tables and escort cards, and bird seed confetti (which we love, because it’s so environment friendly too). And the sweetness continued, from the DIY details to the wildflower centrepieces, on into a reception that included a cigar bar, milk & Oreo shots, and lots and lots of dancing. Hello Rademan took these lovely pictures.Read More