Out of Africa Engagement Shoot by Peartree Photography

by gaby

Earlier today we shared Sandra and Murray’s gorgeous bushveld black tie wedding, but we have an one more treat in store before we’re done. The couple, who have a “farm in Ahfrihcah” in the Free State (where their wedding was held), also organised to have a gorgeous safari-style engagement shoot with their photographer, Wil Punt of Peartree Photography. With a few well-chosen props, a gorgeous sunset and a camp fire, they created something really special to reflect their love of Africa and their new home. It’s so fabulously ‘Out of Africa’ that you can almost hear Mozart floating out from a gramophone across the plains. Beautiful.Read More

Bushveld Black Tie Farm Wedding by Peartree Photography {Sandra & Murray}

by gaby

Last week, an impressive little envelope landed in my postbox. The kind of paper you want to run your fingers over, with an old-school wax seal on the back. Inside was a thick letterpress invitation, an extra that today’s lovely bride Sandra shared with me ahead of our feature today. The dress code: strictly black tie – full length dresses for the ladies, tuxedos for the men, and white frocks and flower crowns for the little madams. That invitation really set the tone for Sandra and Murray’s chic wedding, introducing their guests to a world of ballroom formal and Out of Africa safari style that took place right on the couple’s farm in the Free State. I just adore everything about this look, from Sandra’s red-lipped mantilla-ed bridal style to the orchid laden tables, all with the most incredible bush backdrop (all captured beautifully by photographer Wil Punt). And today, we’re extending the invitation to you too. The pleasure of your company is requested… PS You can see Sandra and Murray’s awesome safari engagement shoot here.Read More

Get the Look: Sheer Illusion Bridesmaid Dresses

by gaby

I must tell you guys, I’m loving putting these little bridesmaid dress posts together each week – hey, any excuse for window shopping, right? But I think this is the week I’ve been most tempted to pull out my credit card and fill my wardrobe up with the prettiness I’ve sourced, because I absolutely LOVE the look of an illusion neckline. This is a style that’s taken brides by storm, and now bridesmaids are getting in on the act. Which, as far as I’m concerned, is awesome. In fact, the only downside is picking your favourite! Be sure to find these and other gorgeous dresses on the SBB Bridesmaid Boutique Pinterest board, which we’re keeping updated with current dresses from a variety of shops and shipping destinations. For more illusion bridesmaid dress inspiration, see our special feature. And don’t forget this illusion lace wedding dress roundup for the brides!Read More

Inspiration Board: Moroccan Lemon

by gaby

Happy Monday, lovelies, and welcome aboard SBB Airlines, where we’ll soon be taking off for gorgeous Morocco with today’s North African-inspired board. It’s been a while since I did a Moroccan board, but as destination influences go, it’s still one of my favourites, and this time I’ve pulled together a fresh palette of turquoise and lemon to keep things interesting. Preserved lemon is actually a traditional Moroccan dish, and would make a great favour, but I also really love the way that actual lemons add that punch of colour and life to cool whites and blues. Hire in your favourite Moroccan pieces – lamps, chairs and cushions, tented breakout areas, tea glasses, and then add some intricate detailing inspired by Moroccan doors and tiles to your stationery and linens. It’s a million miles from feeling like a theme party, but still exotic enough to wrap your guests in a jasmine-scented fantasy.

Colours: Turquoise, white, lemon, brass

Top row (l-r): Beach table setup {Stewart Leishman Photography/Intique & Co}; bride in jewelled hairpiece {Stewart Leishman Photography/Intique & Co}; door {Birgit Hart Fotografie}; seats {Samara Leung/The LANE}
Row 2: Lemons {Christine Dovey/Yazy Jo}; bridesmaids’ lamp {Open Vintage Shutters}; Moroccan stationery suite {Laura Goldenberger/Stacy Paige/Wedding Paper Divas}
Row 3: Lemon preserve jar favours {Thoughtful Day/Karen Mordechai}; tea glass candles; dress with belt detail {Jose Villa/Canvas & Canopy/Bona Drag}; spices {Birgit Hart Fotografie}

 

SBB Visits The Alphen Hotel

by candice

Ladies, 2015 is the year for boutique weddings, and if that is what you’re after, we have the most perfect venue for you! On behalf of SBB, I was invited to share in experiencing the magic of the Alphen Boutique Hotel, and was left in awe.

This gem of a hotel is tucked away in the beautiful leafy suburb of Constantia, and you are immediately transported away from the humdrum of daily life as you drive through the entrance. We were greeted by the lovely Nadia, from Greater Than Events, Rosalie Greener, the charming Events Coordinator at the Alphen, and Angela Lorimer, the Sales & Marketing Manager, who were all so warm and welcoming, I felt as if I had known them forever. (Definitely a good sign for people with whom you will be planning one of the most important days of your life!)Read More

Poppies & Pastels Styled Shoot by Davene Prinsloo

by gaby

Happy Friday friends! Can you believe we’re almost at the end of January? I refuse to start looking ahead to autumn though (not quite yet, anyway!), and today’s styled shoot is absolutely perfect for keeping that spring/summer vibe alive. With a mix of watercolour detailing (including a beautiful ombre dress!), sparkly gold and pops of poppy poppiness, it’s absolutely perfect for a romantic beach wedding. Davene Prinsloo and her team were on the scene to capture every detail and make each one count.Read More

Saltwater Sirens Boudoir Shoot by Angie Capri

by gaby

Years ago, my friend Marcelle and I went to see Blue Crush, and when we walked out we basically decided we should give up our jobs and lives in London immediately, move to Hawaii and learn to surf. That obviously didn’t last past the post-movie cocktails, but there is a part of me – the same part that grew up in Port Elizabeth with a bunch of heybrus – that secretly yearns to be a surfer chick. Considering that involves standing on a moving board and my sense of balance is at a negative, that will probably never happen, but today I’m living out the fantasy vicariously with a gorgeous tropical boudoir shoot from US photographer Angie Capri. I just love the sunny, laid-back feeling in these photographs, and the way that Angie’s hands, boudoir is playful and fun rather than lad’s mag trashy. Looking beautiful and enjoying being in your own skin. That’s what good boudoir is all about, folks.Read More

Safari & Orchids Wedding at Garden Route Game Lodge by Nelis Engelbrecht {Luzanne & Jean}

by candice

Today’s wedding is such a happy mix of some of my favourite trends. There’s a little bit of floral print (love those napkins) and pop of pink colour against a palette of neutrals in the flower choice (orchids, such an elegant bloom, and a personal choice for the bride). There’s a touch of sparkle (amazing bridesmaids dresses alert!), and a whisper of lace (ditto for the wedding dress!). There’s a bit of rustic, a hint of vintage, and of course a safari feel thanks to the Garden Route Game Lodge location. And even though it’s an eclectic mixture in some ways, it totally works. Like the wedding equivalent of ‘these are a few of my favourite things’. (That song’s going to be in your head for the rest of the day now, SORRY.) The lovely Luzanne and her hubby Jean pulled off a fabulous weekend fete, and photographer Nelis Engelbrecht, was there to capture every perfect moment.Read More

Stunning Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dresses

by gaby

Off The Shoulder Wedding Dress

*UPDATED FOR 2021* I think I may have mentioned this before, but the first wedding dress I fell totally in love with was off-the-shoulder. It was also bloody hideous. Does anyone remember Jennifer & Jack’s wedding from Days of our Lives? (Don’t blame me, it was the ’90s.) Anyway, then like everyone else, I went off of off-shoulder, because nothing dated a dress more quickly, right? And then, the fashion pendulum swung, as it always does. Princess Charlene rocked a gorgeous off-the-shoulder, then so did Amal Clooney, and hey presto, they’re officially one of bridal fashion’s most trendy and romantic looks. And like every good soap opera character, I’m desperately in love again. This time around, the off the shoulder look is all about the fabric – soft lace sleeves and swishes of tulle, ornate jewelled beading, or boho fringes. Instead of creating weird, giant artificial ‘shoulders’, the sleeves fall softly across the arm, giving brides the best of both sleeved and sleeveless dresses. I’ve rounded up 25 of my absolute favourite off-the-shoulder bridal looks to inspire!

*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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Musical Winter Wedding at Festa by Vivid Blue {Esté & Lourens}

by gaby

I’m always talking about how love stories are at the centre of the weddings we love most here on SBB, and today’s wedding just embodies that so perfectly. I dare you to read the story written by today’s bride, Esté, and not get a little choked up! And in fact, it’s that love and joy that are truly at the heart of today’s unusual wedding, which centres around a very special couple’s musical life together. You may recognise Esté and Lourens as the Bottomless Coffee Band – well known in Cape Town and now on their first national tour. For their own wedding day, they decided to book the quirky Festa at Kleinevalleij, and instead of competing with the decor and atmosphere at this fun venue, they went with it, resulting in a lounge-style wedding in cosy wintery colours that’s as beautiful as it is fun. My favourite moment, hands down, is when the two of them take the stage, doing what they do together with their favourite people. Just the looks on everyone’s faces… wow. This is why designing a wedding around who you are is the way to go. One of SBB’s favourite photographers, Andre of Vivid Blue, was on the scene, and he captured these incredible pictures of an incredible day.Read More