Best of 2015 - SouthBound Bride

Best of 2015: Moments

2 January, 2016 by gaby

We’ve come to the end of our Best of 2015 series, and as of Monday, we have some super exciting things happening here on SBB. But first, I wanted to look back at some of the moments – the images that made me smile or laugh or just get that feeling of joy you feel when you witness the love and happiness of two people who belong together on the happiest day of their lives. Beyond the details and the dresses and the bouts and the bouquets, this is what really makes my job worthwhile. It’s the moments and the love stories, and sharing them with you every day. So here’s to more of these wonderful moments in 2016, and to all the talented photographers who capture them so beautifully.

Best of 2015: Showcase

31 December, 2015 by gaby

Hello lovelies! Can you believe we’ve hit the last day of 2015? It’s been a funny old year for many people, I know, but as we look back at the year that was and look forward to the days to come (and break out the champers to celebrate both), I thought it was a good time to put together an album of beautiful images – images full of love and laughter and light, and everything that makes a wedding so extra specially beautiful. I put the word out with some of our photographer friends and asked them to pick a few of their own favourite pics, and they sent me such incredible ones, I was really spoilt for choice. But here’s a little collection – be sure to click through and see more of their work, because they’re all talented and wonderful! We’ll be back tomorrow sharing the last of our Best of 2015 posts, and then next week… well, exciting things are happening! But in the meantime, be safe and be happy this new year’s eve, and here’s to 2016 :)

Best of 2015: Details & Ideas

29 December, 2015 by gaby

Hello lovelies! I’ve been so loving sharing our wedding faves from 2015 with you over the last week, and today we’re focusing on one of my favourite things – details! Details for me are one of those places where you can get creative and tell your own story, and for me as a blogger, they’re the things I notice when I’m scrolling through a submission that make me go “OOH!” Whether it’s decor, flowers, a twist on tradition or something else, these are the things that make wedding media so awesome, because maybe one of them will inspire something special for your big day. So as always, in no particular order, let’s take a look at the Top 20!

Best of 2015: Aisle & Ceremony Decor

28 December, 2015 by gaby

Last year was the first time we did a roundup specifically of aisle and ceremony decor, and I couldn’t be happier to include this category! These days it seems like there’s so much extra care and creativity given to the ceremony part of a wedding – which is just as it should be, because let’s be honest, this is THE MOMENT of the day. Whether it’s personalised signage or floral arches (oh, floral arches!!) or simply a stunning setting from church to forest to beach, it’s important to take some time to really think about the atmosphere you want to create for yourself as you walk down (or wait at the top of) the aisle. So let’s take a look at those wedding ceremonies that inspired us the most on SBB in 2015.

Best of 2015: Cakes

23 December, 2015 by gaby

Cakes, you guys. How much do we love them? They’re always one of those little highlights I look out for when scrolling through the images from a wedding – I love seeing what couple has chosen! (Which is also probably why narrowing this down was so hard!) This year we’ve seen more variety than ever – buttercream as been back in a big way, as have classic white cakes, and let’s not forget naked cakes which are still causing waves of pretty both at home and abroad! We have also had some gorgeous sparkly specimens – my favourite being the one pictured above that had actual metallic drippings. Gorgeous, no? Whether the statement is bold and bright or a whisper of beautiful detailing, every one of these 20 cakes really turned our head. The first 15 are from real weddings, and the last from some of the amazing styled shoots we’ve featured this year, that will be inspiring weddings for the years to come!

Best of 2015: Bridesmaids

22 December, 2015 by gaby

I absolutely LOVE bridesmaid fashion – as you may have noticed by the fact that I regularly round up inspiration from the web and from my favourite shops! It’s such a gorgeous way not only to express your colour palette, but to make your favourite girls look absolutely gorgeous as they help to walk you down the aisle! And as always, bridesmaid fashion has evolved throughout 2015 – from ice cream pastels to pastel prints, for example, or cute little cocktail length gowns to long, elegant ones. There are so many wonderful looks to choose from, and this was seriously a bumper category to narrow down, but in the end I’ve nailed it down to yours and my Top 20. We’ll be breaking some of these down into shoppable ideas in the new year, but for now, let’s take a look back.

Best of 2015: Table Decor (Part II)

21 December, 2015 by gaby

We’re continuing with our roundup of the Top 10 tables from SouthBound Bride in 2015, and breaking them down into their components so you can recreate the look for yourself. There’s such a mix here, from formal to casual, and from simple, classic colour schemes to wildly colourful and inventive. Every one of them we loved, and so did you, from the response across Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram. So, in no particular order, let’s take a look shall we? (You can find Part I here.)

Best of 2015: Table Decor (Part I)

21 December, 2015 by gaby

When it came to rounding up our favourite table decor for 2015, we wanted to go further than just including a few pics, because this is the kind of inspiration that can really inspire other brides and grooms on a practical level, to create a similar look for themselves. So we decided we’d do a special roundup in the style of our ‘Ten Tables’ series, breaking down each table into its components, along with shoppable links, so that you can mix and match to create the table for your own wedding (or other event) that’s perfect for you. We’re starting off with the first five this afternoon, and we’ll be back with the second half later today.

Best of 2015: Groomswear

18 December, 2015 by gaby

Afternoon, lovelies! This morning was all about the ladies, as we rounded up our favourite wedding dresses, but now it’s the boys’ turn – and what a stylish lot the boys have been this year! From formal to casual and everything in between, and from matching parties to cleverly mismatched groom & groomsmen, it seems like the guys are really getting into their wedding day look these days. Long may it last! While men’s fashion changes a bit more slowly than its female counterpart, coloured suits continue to be strong, and bowties are definitely (finally!) having their day here in South Africa. I’ve seen a lot fewer tuxes, but beautiful formal suits have taken their place, for the most part, and braces are always a favourite, especially with the groomsmen. And finally, look out for plenty of non-flower boutonniere creativity, where lasercut especially has made it possible to express wedding theme or personality by what’s on your lapel.

Best of 2015: Wedding Dresses

18 December, 2015 by gaby

In some ways, this is one of my favourite posts of the year, but in another, it’s always one of the hardest to narrow down. I swear, ever year the dresses get prettier! 2015 has been no exception, and after last year’s explosion of colour, it has definitely been the year of lace, with gorgeous portrait backs and illusion necklines, long lace sleeves, nude lace underlays, and plenty of soft, sheer contrasting fabrics. SO romantic. Not that colour didn’t get a look in – I think my absolute favourite gown this year was gold and glam and gorgeous all over, and there was also some seriously pretty ombre going on, as well as soft blush, peach and champagne. What will 2016 bring? I can’t wait to find out.