Persy Bridal Collection 2014/2015

by gaby

Time for some more gorgeous fashion inspiration, ladies! I must say, I am loving how far bridal has come in the last few years, from cookie cutter meringues to truly amazing, one-of-a-kind creations that often wouldn’t look out of place on the red carpet. Because a bride shouldn’t just feel like a princess, but a  starlet, right? And talking of Hollywood-worthy looks, I’m super excited to be introducing you to the work of another international designer today, Yaniv Persy. This ultra-feminine, beautifully structured and exquisitely made collection is really making waves, and when you see the pics below you’ll know why. Born in Israel and raised in South America, Yaniv has worked with some of fashion’s biggest names, including John Galliano, Roberto Cavalli, and Donna Karan. He’s now established his own label and launched the Persy Bridal Collection.Read More

Tulips & Twinkle Lights Wedding at Val de Vie by Claire Thomson {Suzanne & Simon}

by gaby

Okay, choosing my favourite flower would be like asking me to pick a favourite book or film. Too many I love. But tulips are definitely right up there. There’s just something about these blooms that’s so… elegant. Crisp, modern. Architectural, almost. But at the same time, they’re soft and romantic. Which basically describes today’s wedding to a tee – so it’s no wonder that tulips played a big role in Suzanne and Simon’s wedding design. I absolutely ADORE their clean, sophisticated wedding style in white and soft neutrals, with twinkle lights and naked bulbs for warmth, and a few raw, rustic elements for charm. I especially love the bower created for their main table, and OMG Suzanne’s dress is amazing! You all are going to looooove this one! Talented photographer Claire Thomson took these gorgeous images.Read More

Gatsby Glam Bridesmaid Dresses from Frock and Frill

by gaby

A little while back, I wrote a post on Gatsby-style bridesmaid dresses, thinking it might interest a few people, but holy moly, it went on to be one of our most viewed posts of all time (and still is). Clearly the embellished flapper look is one that brides have fallen in love with, and who could blame you, because wow, these dresses are gorgeous and even better, they’re so much easier to find on the high street (or in the mall!) these days. You don’t even have to be having a 1920s or Art Deco wedding for these to make sense – they’re pretty enough to work with any elegant wedding style. (Although I do love a Gatsby wedding. After all, a little party never hurt nobody, right?) I recently became familiar with a UK brand that is taking this look to the next level, Frock and Frill. This label carries a wide range of flapper style dresses in a range of colours – all knock-me-down gorgeous – that would not only work for a bridal party but actually could work for a laid-back bride as well, or as a reception dress. I’m in love with the beaded embellishments, the flattering cuts, and the range of colours, so I’ve just had to dedicate today’s post to my top wedding-appropriate Frock and Frill dresses. Good luck picking a favourite – they’re all GORGEOUS! (Oh, and PS: You can also find all of them on our Bridesmaid Boutique board over on Pinterest!) Click on any of the dress images below to shop.

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Frock and Frill

 

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Inspiration Board: Hydrangea & Brass

by gaby

Good morning, lovelies! Did you have a fabulous weekend? Today’s inspiration board is very much my kind of wedding – an elegant, slightly rustic style, long tables under the vines, lush hydrangeas everywhere, and the genteel vintage kiss of brass detailing. Oh and let’s not forget an absolutely gorgeous cheese cake! Sometimes a board (and a wedding) theme is as simple as combining two beautiful elements, and I think the mix of white and green hydrangeas with brass makes for an absolutely perfect combination, and one from which to build a beautiful understated scheme.

Colours: White, brass, moss & mushroom

Top row (l-r): Brass candlesticks {Ameris/Smart Events}; calligraphy escort cards {Carmen Santorelli Photography/Private Receptions/TucciCursive}; cheese cake {Ocello}; vineyard table {Shannon Stellmacher/Cole Drake Events}
Row 2: Hydrangea centrepiece {LMarie Photo/Galas By Gerry}; invitation suite {Ashley Kelemen/Smitten On Paper}; brass candlesticks on table {Jose Villa}
Row 3: Mirror, frame & crate display {Sonya Khegay/Latte Decor}; hydrangea bouquet {Dawn E. Roscoe Photography/}; hydrangea arrangement on wine barrel {Marisa Holmes/Ninfa’s Flowers}; bride & groom {Emmie Scott}

 

Romantic ART Life Collection 2015

by gaby

You know that moment in Say Yes to the Dress (go on, we all watch it) when a bride’s all “hmm, I like this dress so much, but I’m not completely…” and a consultant will add a sparkly belt or a hairpiece or a veil and suddenly everyone’s like “OMG that’s IT!”. When it comes to bridal style, accessories matter. The right accent can turn a simple, chic gown into something extra special and completely bespoke. The right hairpiece can add a touch of knee-melting romance. Not just for brides either – this is a perfect way to turn a basic bridesmaid look into a super stylish one. And that’s why I absolutely love this collection of flower accessories from Romantic ART Life. Each piece, from floral hairpieces to sashes, is handcrafted, inspired by the delicate beauty of nature, and created using fine fabrics, soft laces, delicate beadwork and crystals. Swoonage.Read More

15 Free Printable Save the Dates

by gaby

Free Save The Dates

In the world of wedding stationery, Save the Dates serve a really useful purpose. They mean you don’t have to worry about sending invitations too early (a tough call when, for example, you may not yet have nailed down your style or budget) but equally, they mean your guests have plenty of notice to make sure they can attend your wedding. So kind of a win-win. Of course, lots of brides and grooms these days send their STDs (worst wedding acronym ever) via email, which is a great budget and environment saver. But maybe you’d like to send something tangible, to get your guests excited for the celebration to come. Here’s the good news – while of course getting custom wedding Save the Dates created by your stationery designer is awesome, there are also loads of gorgeous (and free!) printable Save the Dates available online, whatever your wedding style. So today I’m rounding up 15 of my favourite free save the dates. Just click the links to make it happen and take your favourite design off to your fave on demand print service (and if you’d like to know more about wedding stationery timelines, see our feature).

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Rose & Lilac Muslim Wedding by Davene Prinsloo {Zaakiyah and Tauriq}

by gaby

A PE wedding! Not many people know this about me since I haven’t lived there since I finished school, but I actually grew up in Port Elizabeth, so it’s always fun to see a Friendly City wedding on the SBB pages. Add to that a palette of deep purple and dusky pink, a smitten bride and groom, and a candy buffet, and you have all the ingredients for a really lovely wedding. One thing I absolutely loved about this one was the way that not only did bride Zaakiyah get to show off two gorgeous looks between her Muslim ceremony and reception (including a particularly spectacular lace dress), but her bridesmaids cleverly wore their convertible dresses in different styles to reflect the change in formality between the two occasions. It’s clever touches like that which are not just budget-friendly, but chic to boot. As for these sweet as honey images, they come courtesy of Davene Prinsloo, who was on-scene to capture every special moment.Read More

The New Classic: 20 White Wedding Cakes

by gaby

A couple of weeks ago, when I rounded up 2015’s wedding trends, I included white wedding cakes. Now of course, white cakes are nothing new, but with innovative techniques and amazingly talented designers around these last few years, as well as an increasing openness to less traditional wedding elements, they’ve taken a bit of a back seat to their colouful, sparkly, and sometimes naked cousins. But this season we’re seeing a swing back to tiered white cakes, and these new classics come with a little twist in the tale. Think white-on-white detailing, from textures and geometric patterns to fondant flowers, leaves, petals, ribbons… your imagination is the limit really. Some cakes even have unique detailing on each tier. They’re impossibly romantic, sweetly traditional, and pretty much perfect for any style of wedding. Get ready for a very welcome comeback.Read More

Summer Garden Party Wedding at Rockhaven by Love Made Visible {Caroline & Luke}

by gaby

It’s a wonderful thing when we get to feature a wedding by Love Made Visible. This power couple not only have an eye for the gorgeous details that I love so much, but more importantly for the emotional details and little moments that really make a wedding day so heartwarming. I always get the feels looking at their documentary-style pics, and that was just the case when I came across Caroline and Luke’s softly rustic, travel-themed wedding. I especially love the way this wedding feels like a 1920s summer garden party, with peach-garbed bridesmaids (with just a touch of Gatsby sparkle), groomsmen in boaters, and the bride in an incredibly elegant Jenny Packham. A happy day for them, and now a happy day for us!Read More

Julie Vino Provence Collection

by gaby

So you know how a couple of weeks ago we were telling you all how sexy wedding dresses were one of 2015’s top trends? And how it was all about the details: slinky silhouettes, deep V-necks, low backs, nude lace, and Angelina-style thigh-high slits? Well, Julie Vino‘s latest collection has IT ALL. Last year, when I first introduced you to this Israeli designer, I mentioned how I loved the way Julie mixed red-hot sexy and delicately feminine styles – which pretty much describes this latest collection to a tee also. Beaded and floaty fabrics combine with lavish laces and a touch of vintage, a fitting tribute to beautiful French Provence, but with contemporary cuts and a glamour that is very much of the 21st century. There’s no doubt these are gowns for a confident, modern bride, but while they’re daring, they’re always romantic. And as if the dresses weren’t inspiring enough, the lookbook was shot in and around a stunning chateau in the middle of vineyards and olive groves – très chic! And très sexy.Read More