Beautiful Bridal Capes & Capelets

by gaby

bridal capes

Palais Crystal Snowflake Cape by Gibson Bespoke

*UPDATED FOR 2020* Hands down my favourite current trend is bridal capes! This trend has been brewing on the catwalks for some time, but this is the season where I feel like the trend for bridal capes and bridal capelets has really come of age, and WOW but there are some gorgeous options for you to buy right now! Whether you want a cover up for church, to add a little bit of drama to a simple gown, or as a veil alternative, this is a look that has plenty of drama but at the same time looks super classic and beautiful! Here are some of our faves from Etsy – the only problem is picking just one!

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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Autumn Bohemian Glow Wedding Inspiration

by gaby

We’re off to Plett today with a gorgeous wedding inspiration that brings together a bright and beautiful autumn palette and pairs it with beautiful bohemian details (and dresses!) and super lush florals. I love the touches of dark and moody and luxe styling – black plates, gold flatware, copper details – a great contrast to the more earthy elements. The finishing touch to the shoot is that beautiful sunset glow that shows up in the images. AND of course let’s not forget the black cake with pops of colour AND donuts! There’s so much here for you free-spirited brides and grooms to love! Congrats to the team led by Jacey Searra Photography, Ecozest & Confeti Events – always such a pleasure to share fresh work from our Garden Route friends!

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Tropical Print Bridesmaid Dresses

by gaby

Tropical Bridesmaids | Credit: Oh Happy Day & Dane Peterson

Let’s get tropical! Yes, I know, it’s winter outside in SA (belieeeeeeve me I know – I spent last weekend huddled round a fire in Dullstroom), but that also makes it the perfect time to start thinking ahead for the next summer season. Tropical prints are SO hot right now, and with brands like Show Me Your Mumu really making this look popular in the last year, I thought it was time to round up some of my favourite tropical bridesmaid lineups. If you’re planning a beach or destination wedding, or just love this summery look, then prepare to be inspired!
*Shopping sources in this post use affiliate links. This means SBB may earn a commission if you make a purchase from our links. 

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Proudly South African Wedding at The Emkhathini by Judith Belle

by gaby

One of my fave things about running SBB is that, even though I love all the beautiful, elegant, ethereal, fine art style weddings and shoots that cross my desk, every now and again, something bright and bold and proudly, uniquely South African lands in my inbox and announces its presence like the happy toot of a vuvuzela. And I LOVE it. Today’s wedding is one of these fabulous, colourful creatures, a celebration of everything Jozi and South Africa, full of fun and romance. Bride and groom Samantha and Richard met in Johannesburg, and since it formed such a vital part of their story, they decided to opt for an urban celebration that was pure modern Joburg, from the rooftop ceremony venue with the city skyline on display to the African print bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen’s accessories, to florals like proteas and strelizias, right on down to the food (from the couple’s favourite Melville restaurant). It’s fierce and fun, and totally awesome. Judith Belle captured these images of the big day.

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Embroidered Wedding Dresses

by gaby

Embroidered Wedding Dresses

Wildflower Gown by Natalie Wynn Bridal

*UPDATED FOR 2020* Embroidered wedding dresses are officially a thing! The runways at NY Bridal Week were full of them, with an especial leaning towards embroidered floral dresses. And I have to say, I personally love this look. It adds a special handmade element to any gown, as well as a touch of colour, and something unique. Perfect for a bold bride who wants something a little different, or a boho bride who loves a bit of a folksy feel. Etsy has also reported a surge in search for the term ‘embroidered bridalwear‘ too, and in researching this trend, I found it was one of the best places to source gorgeous embroidered dresses. So of course I had to round up my faves. And if you love the look but want something more traditional for yourself, I’ve included a roundup for embroidered bridesmaid dresses at the end too!

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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Modern Mansion Bridal Inspiration

by gaby

Minimalist brides get ready, because I’m about to blow your socks off with this gorgeously modern, elegant shoot from Kristen Kay Photography! Showing off a carefully curated collection of gowns from Grey Pearl Bridal Gallery by North American designers against the expansive backdrop of a stunning multi-million dollar mansion, this is all about pushing the boundaries while at the same time maintaining a sense of form and harmony. As Kristen says: “I wanted to push myself with shooting film and pushing the film in harsh lighting.” The result is breathtaking!

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Lively Lilac & Greenery Wedding at White Water Farm by Juliette Bisset

by gaby

Some weddings you just take one look at and you know they were SUPER fun to attend! Talia and Andre’s big day has joy and vibrancy written all over it, from Talia’s gorgeous convertible gown, to an aisle lined with hearts, to a reception that kicked off with Israeli dancing, right down to bottles of Autumn Harvest on the tables as a tribute to the groom’s dubious taste in first date wine and a unique way to toast the newlyweds. It’s no surprise this pair kept the party going long into the night! But beyond the fun, the wedding also has a sense of simple elegance, like the greenery garlands hanging in their clear marquee, or the understated colour scheme of lilac, silver, green and white, or the bride’s silver botanical crown. And with Juliette Bisset‘s beautiful photographs to bring the day to life, this is one you don’t want to miss!

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Introducing Silkmusic: A Specialised Cape Town Wedding DJ Service

by gaby

Image: Jani B. Photography

Not to stress you guys out, but when it comes to your wedding ‘vibe’, there’s one major factor that comes into play… and you have almost no control over it. A great DJ can turn an okay reception into the kind of party your guests will remember and be talking about for years to come. It leaves a lasting impression. So how to get it right? Well, the one thing you DO have control over is who you hire. Someone who ‘gets it’ – who’s passionate about music, can read a crowd, and comes highly recommended by other brides and grooms. Those are all reasons we love Silkmusic, but our favourite reason to work with them is that Silkmusic have such a hands-on approach, and work with each couple to choose the entertainment that speaks to their individual taste, and perfectly enhances their special day. From creating a bespoke playlist to additional services such as a sax percussionist accompanying a house-spinning DJ, a jazz band, bespoke dance floors, and even lighting solutions, working with Ryan and his team is one decision you won’t regret. And with dates booking up well into 2019, it’s one you’ll want to make soon, to avoid disappointment! Let’s find out a little more about these awesome SBB Directory service providers, shall we?

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Cozy Rustic Wedding at Galileo Farm by Claire Thomson

by gaby

Love at first sight. Whether you believe in it or not, that’s what happened to Michelle and Devon. And it was love at first sight for SBB when it came to their gorgeous wedding too! Rich red hues, candlelight, proteas everywhere, a cozy fire crackling in the fireplace at their reception, a gin bar, a drip cake… everything wonderful, basically! And with these gorgeous pictures by Claire Thompson to bring the couple’s big day to life for us, the dream is complete.

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Autumn Sunlight Wedding Inspiration

by gaby

Time for some beautiful inspiration! I’m currently loving the whole fine art look, and today’s styled shoot from SBB faves Kate Bell for Bells & Whistles Event Styling and Stella Uys, as well as a talented  back up team of vendors, is a beautiful marriage of that dreamy fine art wedding aesthetic and autumn styling. It has that gorgeous sort of glow too- like early evening, or late summer sunlight, or as Kate so poetically titled it: “the  first leaves of fall”. From the triumph of a cake to the beautiful table to the on-trend dry flower bouquet and bridal separates, this is perfect inspiration for an elegant and romantic autumn soiree! All the swoons happening here right now.

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