Ruffled Bridesmaid Dresses

by gaby

We already know that you brideys love a bit of ruffle on their wedding gowns (and their wedding cakes, for that matter) – and why wouldn’t you? Ruffles are awesome. But I also LOVE me some ruffly bridesmaids dresses! Whether it’s just a little bit of a rosette detail on a colour or cuff, a softly ruffled chiffon number, or a full scale ruffly skirt or dress, it always catches the eye. It’s the texture, of course – and I also think that ruffles have a bit of whimsy and romance to them. A bit of Parisian froufrou maybe? I don’t know. Whatever it is, I thought it was high time we got some inspiration, both from real brides, and from our favourite shops.Read More

Inspiration Board: The Oyster & the Pearl

by gaby

Can you seriously handle the fact that we’re heading towards the end of June you guys? Time is running way too fast in my 30s. But before the month comes to an end, I thought I would create a little board inspired by the month’s birthstone, the pearl. The colours of nature are always so inspiring, and the beautifully subtle pastels lights and colours in a pearl are like a reflection of a seaside sunset – plus, they make for a really serene and pretty wedding colour scheme. And along with the sophisticated pearl, why not add in a bit of natural rustic with oyster shells? There are so many creative ways to include them – calligraphed escort ‘cards’, cake topper, place marker, invitation. Add a gorgeous pair of earrings, and I think the combination is just lovely.

Colours: Pastel pink, blue, grey & oyster

Top row: Shoes {Kate Holstein}; invitation {Greer G Photography/Tying the Knot Wedding Coordination/Tupelo Honey}; pearl earrings {Ernest Jones}
Row 2: Oyster shell with pearl; cake with shell topper {Joseba Sandoval/Cake Couture}; oyster shell votives {jose villa/joy thigpen}
Row 3: Oyster shell escort tags {Hunter Ryan Photography/Elleson Events/Laura Hooper Calligraphy}; bridesmaid dresses {June Cochran Photography/Amsale}; place setting {Jessica Lorren/Sarah Tucker Events}

Those pretty earrings come from Ernest Jones, who just happen to have a huge half price sale on at the moment, so be sure to check that out:

Ernest Jones

 

How to Choose a Wedding Hair & Makeup Artist

by gaby

In an alternative life, I think I would have loved to be a makeup artist. You wouldn’t know it from my au naturel look most days (the fact that makeup slides down my face in tropical Durbs makes that a necessity), but I used to absolutely love reading about and trying out new looks and products. So when I get the chance to watch an artist at work on a shoot, or better yet be pampered and have my hair and makeup done for me, I love it. It’s amazing to me how gorgeous these talented pros can make all of us look, using their skills to bring out our natural highlights and make brides look like red carpet starlets on the aisle. But for me, one of the best things I’ve seen hair & makeup pros do for brides is give them a sense of relaxation at the time when they need it most – after all, when the nerves are really starting to kick in, it’s their hands you’re putting yourself in. That’s why it’s so important that the person you pick has to be the right one – someone you feel comfortable with, can communicate easily with, and most of all, who you trust to do a great job. Read More

Wedding Hair Inspiration: Long & Loose

by gaby

We can’t talk beauty this month without talking hair, and since we’re all about the natural beauty in June, I thought it was only appropriate that we looked at some long & loose wedding styles. I’m personally a huge fan of the updo, but in real life, when I talk to my friends, they almost always tell me they’re thinking of a down do, often because their fiance prefers their hair down. And I have to say, after squizzing through many luscious long styles to put this roundup together (as well as having seen many of my friends radiant with natural hair in real life), I’m a bit of a convert – I honestly think brides should look the best version of themselves, and if an updo isn’t ‘you’, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t rock a glammed up version of your favourite style. So here we go – get ready for some top level hairography!Read More

Rustic Drakensberg Wedding at Dalmore Guest Farm by Casey Pratt Photography {Kelly & Duncan}

by gaby

It’s sweet little rustic weddings with a big heart like this one that really make me melt. Kelly and Duncan chose a venue for their wedding that isn’t even an actual function venue (although you wouldn’t know by the fantastic show of hospitality that Dalmore put on for the couple). Rather, it’s a place that’s close to their hearts, a country getaway where they feel relaxed and happy, and where they could bring their guests to experience the same, among the spectacular scenery of the Natal Drakensberg. Add in some DIY rustic detailing, a few Madiba proteas (wow, but they’re gorgeous, aren’t they?) and a glam lace dress for the bride, and you have the perfect lil’ mix for a wonderful day. Casey Pratt captured every lovely moment from behind the lens.Read More

Vineyard Glamour Wedding at Lanzerac by Fiona Clair {Nita & Noël}

by gaby

We adore every wedding we feature here on SBB, but some of them really lodge themselves in the heart and memory, and I have a feeling that today’s is going to be one of those. Especially if the heart palpitations I had when photographer Fiona Clair sent it over for the first time are any indication. Let’s start with the obvious: Nita’s incredible, whimsical, champagne-coloured, sparkle-encrusted, floor-length-sequined wedding gown by Stefania Morland. Because it. is. breathtaking. And I especially love that she’s paired it with an over-the-top rustic ceremony headdress, and a more subtle (but just as pretty) version for the rest of the day. For me, everything else kind of flows from there – soft candlelight, elegant table arrangements (including low topiaries and high statement towers of tulips, all in modern black glass and crystal), a composite bouquet, the palette (black, white and gold with a touch of purple), calligraphed place names, a gold and white cake. And all looking like a Vogue spread thanks to the gorgeous photos of SBB fave Fiona Clair. Take a deep breath, and dive on in.Read More

For Love & Lemons Bridal Lingerie Collection 2015

by gaby

Afternoon, lovelies! As part of our month of natural beauty, we’ll be looking at all the little bits and pieces that go into making a bride look her best on that all-important wedding day – and night. That includes lingerie, so today we’re showcasing the new bridal collection from trendy LA label For Love & Lemons, a favourite of stars such as Ellie Goulding. This series of dreamy lookbook shots is so pretty that they also serve as beautiful boudoir inspiration, for those of you considering a shoot. Whether you’re after something fun like the ‘I do’ or ‘Wifey’ knickers, or something super sexy like the Honeymoon thong, garter and bra set, you’ll be inspired – my fave is the lacey little ‘Yours Truly’ lace robe – and I’ll bet your man will love it too, wink wink.Read More

Inspiration Board: Rose Gold & Greenery

by gaby

Good morning lovely ones! I am back (and rested, after passing out for ten hours last night) from the loveliest hen weekend for my beautiful friend Michelle in Clarens – so fun! I just love a good hen – it’s such an awesome chance to catch up with old friends, meet new ones, and spoil the bride before her big day. And if budget permits, a weekend away is the best. Especially in such a gorgeous place – now I see why so many of y’all have chosen it for your weddings. ANYWAY, I’m kicking off the week with another inspiration board, this time combining stark white and rich greenery with the elegant warmth of rose gold. Delightful.

Colours: Emerald green, white & rose gold

Top row (l-r): Laser cut chair sign {Host and Toast Studio}; dress with dipped sequin effect {Truvelle}; porcelain envelopes {Red Raven Studios}
Row 2: Table setting {Ben Q. Photography/Lindsey Zamora Wedding Styling + Design/The Southern Table}; rose gold engagement ring {Suzanne Kalan}; flower girls {Jose Villa}; leaf sash {Something Ivory}Row 3: Candles {Kae & Ales}; bride & groom {Jose Villa/Laurie Arons/Sarah Winward}; shoes {Sarah Postma Photography/J Crew}; candles & greenery {Jose Villa Photography/Brooke Keegan Weddings And Events/Holly Flora}

Let’s just take another look at that amazing wedding dress, shall we? It’s called Sierra, and is from the Truvelle collection (see our feature on it here), which just happens to be available in South Africa at the LOCA Vintage Bridal Lounge in PE. Sierra has a dreamy chiffon overlay that melts into rose gold sequins, creating the most gorgeous ‘dipped in glitter’ effect. Swoonage.

 

Boho Berry Boudoir

by gaby

Morning lovely ones! We’re starting off our day today with some boudoir inspiration that really encompasses the idea of natural beauty to me. Our subject looks so comfy, so happy and so beautiful! And she’s surrounded by gorgeous nature, and the most delicious light – spectacularly captured by photographer Angie Capri. The other things about it I adore, are the deep berry/jewel palette that comes through in the flowers, both bouquet and floral crown, which I think makes a drop dead amazing colour scheme for a wedding, as well as the ‘bride’s’ awesome curly hair.Read More

DIY Beauty Gifts for Bridesmaids

by gaby

I remember when I was little – every Christmas my mom would go to Woolies and pick out little gifts for her girl friends – sniffing all the different flavours of soap and talcum powder (do they even still make this?) and hand cream. I loved helping her, but I didn’t totally get why she would buy them all something similar when she was such a thoughtful gift giver – it seemed like a token gift. Roll on adulthood, and I totally got it. Because when you give someone you love a little something for bath and body, what you’re really giving them is a moment of personal indulgence, an excuse to pamper themselves, a tiny break from the rigours of daily life. Personally, I really love getting little pamper gifts and for a while I’ve been wanting to try making them (because something homemade is always extra special). As it happens, I think these would also make great budget-friendly bridesmaid gifts, especially if you make up a basket for each of your girls to let them know how much you appreciate all the spoiling they’ve been giving you. Here are 15 fab DIY tutorials that will help you do just that.Read More