Boho Country Chic Wedding at Talloula by Vanilla Photography {Katy and Shaun}

by gaby

Some weddings are just easy breezy – I just have to look at them to know I want to feature them on SBB! Today’s is one of those – I absolutely adore Katy & Shaun’s mix of boho, rustic and clean, contemporary style with a dash of pastels – it’s just sheer prettiness. The attention to detail in the wedding reception is brilliant – the effect may be relaxed, but I love the little touches like champagne cork menu holders, tiny tin watering cans filled with delicate pink blooms, floral chandeliers, and a LOVE sign shining delicately against the pure white backdrop of the Talloula reception space. And let’s not forget the bride’s gorgeous flower crown and lace sleeve dress combo, bridesmaids in soft blush, and boys in bowties. As I say, easy breezy – and beautifully photographed by the fab Vanilla Photography too.Read More

Introducing… Janita Toerien

by gaby

Afternoon lovelies! Today we’re carrying on our showcase of some my favourite local designers with the fantastic Janita Toerien, whose work I have been stalking ever since I first saw it, and whose breathtaking gold bodiced, lavender tulle dream of a gown, Amber, has already made waves here on SBB and around the world. But Amber’s just one jewel in Janita’s crown, and I’m super excited to introduce you to more of her incredible dresses today, as well as sharing an exclusive Q&A with the designer herself (who by the way, is totally lovely –  thanks so much Janita!). Get ready to be completely inspired…Read More

Inspiration Board: Lace Tattoo

by gaby

I wasn’t even sure you all would have an inspiration board this week, what with Eskom and Telkom conspiring to make my weekend extra frustrating but I have to say, I am loving this board! Lace is no newcomer to weddings, but at the moment I am absolutely loving the way that nude lace has been making an appearance, mimicking the look of intricate lace designs against skin, but also introducing a lovely warm, neutral blush to the equation. In fact, it’s a combination that would be pretty on its own, but to add some extra drama, I’ve added just the tiniest pop of deep purpley red, and I absolutely love the sophisticated mixture. With lace tablecloths and cakes (not to mention wedding dresses) very much on trend, this would be an easy – but very impressive – look to pull off perhaps with the addition of a touch of gold for extra evening glitz. I’m especially loving the nude lace wedding invitation from Wedding Paper Divas – don’t you agree?

Colours: Nude blush, white, scarlet

Top row (l-r): Invitation {Wedding Paper Divas}; blush lace dress {Jose Villa Photography}; table with lace runner {Matthew Moore/Weddings International}
Row 2: Bouquet {Danielle Capito Photography/Davia Lee Weddings & Events/Renae’s Bouquet}; bride with lace dress & headpiece {Twigs & Honey/Elizabeth Messina}; lace manicure
Row 3: Lace cake {Paula at ‘Sweet and Simple Cakes’}; hanging lace embroidery frames {Simply Kissed Photography}; dresses {Naomi Kenton/Katya Shehurina}

 

Leisurely Luncheon Wedding at Sibton Hill by Bright Girl Photography {Lauren & Luke}

by gaby

For our third gorgeous wedding of the week, we’re heading to the KZN countryside for a relaxed luncheon bathed in golden light and awash with proteas. Because in case you haven’t noticed by now, we bloody love proteas around here. And I love that Lauren and Luke used them as the basis for their colour scheme, along with lanterns, mismatched glass jars and vases and custom laurel monogram napkins. Add beautifully rustic wooden tables and lace bunting, blush dresses for the bridesmaids and Lauren’s dreamy lace-back dress, and it’s everything an elegant country wedding should be. Everything and more, since it’s photographed to romantic perfection by the lovely Eileen of Bright Girl Photography. What a way to end the week!Read More

Enamelware Wedding Details

by gaby

Afternoon, brideys! You know how I’m always on the lookout for details that add a uniquely South African twist to your big day, so while today’s roundup isn’t a trend as such, it’s definitely a fun local-is-lekker addition to your decor and one that I’m seeing quite a few South African brides incorporate beautifully. Enamel tin mugs are a relatively inexpensive piece of tableware we’re all familiar with, but did you know you can pretty them up to make a fab wedding detail? Whether it’s as an escort card or favour (with or without the addition of a candle or a little plant inside), an addition to your table decor (at each place setting or as a centrepiece, especially if you include the enamelware kettles and pots in your scheme), or just a sweet way of serving drinks during cocktail hour or a late night coffee or hot chocolate bar, they’re sure to make your guests smile. My favourite place to buy the mugs for your wedding is The Perfect Day, who can custom engrave them with your design and sell at a bulk price for 48 mugs, making them perfect for favours. Here are some of my favourite ideas for using them.Read More

Modern Black Tie Wedding at the Maharani Hotel by Kate Martens {Taryn & Kevin}

by candice

Some weddings have you at Hello, but this one had me at a cat in a bowtie. I mean, it’s a cat. In a bowtie! And the fashionable feline wasn’t where the chic ended – Taryn’s dress is incredible! I just love when a bride decides to do something different, in keeping with her personal style, and this Dior-inspired creation was really something special. Add a groom in sleek black tie, a hotel ballroom full of classic monochrome and delicate roses, and an adorable tiny bridesmaid in the form of Taryn and Kevin’s baby daughter, and you have a beautiful, unique celebration, captured with panache by Kate Martens. AND there’s a cat in a bowtie. ;)Read More

Forest & Woodland Wedding Details

by gaby

If there’s one wedding style that’s really taken off in the last couple of years, it’s forest weddings. A gorgeous combination of the relaxed boho vibe, the rustic farm style and a touch of magical whimsy, it’s no wonder that we all want to go down to the woods today! I don’t know about you, but I was OBSESSED with the Magic Faraway Tree books when I was little, so I’ve always felt like there was something special about a forest setting, and it has the advantage for outdoor ceremonies of creating a sort of cathedral atmosphere, which is the perfect nod to tradition. In South Africa we’re really blessed with some absolutely breathtaking forest venues, so all you need to complete the look is the perfect whimsical woodland decor. That’s where Not On the High Street – one of my favourite indie shopping sites – comes in, because among their curated wedding collections is a fab selection of foresty accessories that add just that extra touch of thought and detail. I just had to share!Read More

Luminous Vineyard Wedding at Avondale Estate by Charlene Schreuder {Julie & Charles}

by gaby

When I was trying to come up with a few words to describe this lovely wedding from SBB fave Charlene Schreuder, the one that immediately came to mind was ‘luminous’, because there’s a special light that seems to shine from the portraits of Julie and Charles’ beautiful day. Maybe it’s the lush peach and mint florals popping against a crisp white reception space, or the soft afternoon light playing against silk and satin and lace. Then again, maybe it’s the bright smiles Julie and Charles share with each other, with their bridal party, and even with their dogs (love that!) as they bask in the glow of having promised their futures to their best friend. Whatever it is, it’s fantastic – what a joy to share it with you today :)Read More

Introducing… Elbeth Gillis Enchanting Collection

by gaby

I’m always super excited to bring you news of beautiful bridal fashion – even more so when I get to show off local designers – but I’m especially thrilled to bring you Elbeth Gillis‘ latest collection because I know how many of you LOVE her designs. Elbeth’s dresses have graced our pages many times over the years, and lots of our real brides have even told me they first heard of her right here. Her studios are like a little haven of refinement in the busy centre of Cape Town, the kind of place where you step in nervous and walk out bursting with excitement to wear the dress of your dreams. It’s a kind of magic, so it seems completely appropriate that Elbeth’s latest collection happens to be called ‘Enchanting’. And is it ever. Lace tattoos, delicate beadwork and hidden detailing characterise the collection, and I was so smitten I just had to know more. I’m so thrilled that Elbeth found time to give us this exclusive interview and share her latest lookbook with us today!Read More

Inspiration Board: Copper, Orchid & Navy

by gaby

It’s hard to believe this year is already winding down (where did you gooooo, 2014?) and that it’s almost time for a new Colour of the Year to steal the Pantone crown. I’ll be sorry to see this year’s favourite, Radiant Orchid go – although of course, it won’t go at all, just take a step back in the colour inspiration stakes. But I really liked how this pinky purple played so well with others – it really made for some unusual and gorgeous combinations. Today I’m mixing a soft orchid with one of my absolute fave metallics, copper, with a bit of grey and slate and a hint of navy thrown in. I think the combination is amazing! I especially love how the copper gleams next to the other shades, and how the navy adds that extra little bit of depth. Somebody choose this for their wedding, pretty please? ;)

Colours: Lilac, light grey, slate grey, copper & navy

Top row (l-r): Centrepiece in copper vase {Catherine Mac Photography/Fleur Le Cordeur}; rock sugar with rings {MLKL Photography}; bouquet {Aaron Delesie/Nisie’s Enchanted Florist}; navy bridesmaid dresses {Miki and Sonja Photography/XOXO BRIDE}
Row 2: Table number {Catherine Mac Photography/Fleur Le Cordeur/Seven Swans}; copper dish; copper & grey thank you cards {cocorrina}
Row 3: Bride in grey dress {Petronella Photography/Ashley Gerrity Photography/Aribella Events}; navy wedding shoes {Erik Maziarz for Carla Ten Eyck}; centrepiece {A Bryan Photo/Gathering Floral + Event Design/Kristin Newman Designs}