Calegra Bridal House - SouthBound Bride

Dark Botanical Floral Wedding at Florence Farm by Grace Studios

5 April, 2018 by gaby

Take note, SouthBound brideys, because this is what trendsetting is all about! Jewel tone florals are the look of the moment, but Ronel and Bryden’s wedding takes them to a whole new level, setting the colourful botanicals against a moody black backdrop that really makes them pop! Tables overflowing with blooms, a jawdropping bouquet, hanging greenery chandeliers, an INSANELY gorgeous Casey Jeanne dress from the fab Calegra Bridal House, and let’s not forget the stunning rustic backdrop and the forest ceremony! Oh so very chic. You guys are going to love every single detail, and all of it so very beautifully pictured by the super talented Grace Studios, whose work I absolutely love!

Simply Sophisticated Wedding at Bordeaux Game Farm by Page & Holmes

19 January, 2018 by gaby

I love a wedding that speaks to a couple’s personalities, and Pieter and Nanette made sure to do just that when they planned their wedding. The duo, who the bride says “love an adventure” chose to have their big day at a destination that’s an adventure in itself, the incredible Bordeaux Game Farm in Limpopo. Due to the gorgeous bush setting they kept the details relatively simple and natural, like wreaths of greenery on the walls and beautiful foliage runners on the tables. But throughout, there was this touch of drama and sophistication (“to represent my personality a little,” says Nanette!), like bridesmaids in cheeky crop top and flare skirt ensembles, and pops of colour on the tables. But the most dramatic detail of them all was the scenery, like the huge tree under which the couple said their vows, or those vast African skies just before sunset, captured so beautifully by photographers Page & Holmes.

Dreamy Beach Wedding at Palm Dunes by Absolute Perfection & Grace Studios

11 January, 2018 by gaby

This time of year I think we’re all missing the beach a bit, so I seriously can’t think of a better real wedding to kick off our 2018 lineup than Chantelle & Ricky-Jon’s (in fact, I’ve been keeping this beauty up my sleeve for that exact reason) – you guys, this is what beach wedding dreams are made of! Think soft, romantic details, watercolour stationery, a gorgeous tropical setting, fine art ocean-style decor by the supremely talented Absolute Perfection, bridesmaid dresses billowing in the sea breeze… sigh. The tables are simple but perfectly styled, right down to the calligraphed rock place holders and the textures of basket and driftwood – a fine art take on rustic beachy chic that I can’t get enough of. And on top of that, there’s an adorable love story and hilarious account of the proposal from the bride and groom – loved these so much I had to call my mom and read them to her! Aw! And let’s not forget the final cherry on this sundae of amazingness – the most romantic images from Grace Studios. Wow. Way to kick off an amazing year, right?

Elegant Colourful Wedding at The Nutcracker by Genevieve Fundaro

22 November, 2017 by gaby

Cornel & Caronien’s wedding day was filled with colour, love, fun and beauty… and rain. Because that’s how it goes, doesn’t it? The unexpected shows up with the things you planned. But I’ll let you in on a secret: rainy day weddings are some of my favourites. It’s like everyone takes a deep breath, lets go of expectations, and just has fun right there in the moment. And come rain or come shine, that’s just what this sweet couple did, bringing their colourful wedding to life for their guests in a country reception that was bursting with fun touches, from fortune cookie favours to a live caricature artist to late night waffles to fireworks. That was one half of the equation, but the other was sheer elegance and romance, and this element is especially beautifully brought to life by Genevieve Fundaro‘s gorgeous pics. Look out for an extra post-wedding couple shoot reshoot when the sun came out again – an awesome idea if rain does show up to bless your big day!

Refined Rustic Wedding at Landtscap by Stephanie Veldman

23 October, 2017 by gaby

As an Oud Matie I’m more than a little bit biased, but I think that the view over Stellenbosch is the most beautiful view in the world. Those mountains against a summer sky just take my breath away every single time! Which is what makes it the most breathtaking backdrop for a wedding, and one of the reasons why Katherine and Rupert chose Landtscap as their venue. This adorable pair, who met and legally wed in London and headed to South Africa for their wedding celebration, had a simple plan for their big day – classic colours, gorgeous textures, and a light and romantic feel. With the help of some very talented vendors (right down to our fave catering supremos, Two Chefs), they pulled that off. I especially love Okasie‘s beautiful florals – the shelves of greenery and blooms behind the bridal table, the flower arch, the bright bouquet. And with the bride rocking a stunning lace Anna Georgina gown and the groom in Hugo Boss, it was unfussy but glamorous style all the way. The lovely Stephanie Veldman took these happy pics.

Cozy Country Wedding in Kaapsehoop by Disco Road Photography

10 October, 2017 by gaby

I’ve heard of some pretty unusual proposals, but popping the question on a squash court is a new one for me. And yet, today’s groom, Coenraad, managed to make it into the most romantic thing ever (no wonder Anneen said yes!). Their wedding followed suit… A destination celebration in the little town of Kaapsehoop, a cozy country inn for a venue, forest greens and wood textures complemented by amber bottles and striped linens on the tables, white naked cakes, gorgeous winter floral bridesmaid separates and groomsmen in green ties. Oh, and speaking of attire, Anneen’s Anna Georgina gown is an absolute beauty, only a little less radiant that the bride herself and her happy groom, as they prove the newlywed glow is oh-so-real! This is the first time we’ve featured Disco Road Photography with these lovely pics – and hopefully not the last!

Romantic Pastel Wedding at Memoire by Genevieve Fundaro

7 September, 2017 by gaby

Pink and pastels can look impossibly chic, and if you have any doubt, this beautiful, heartfelt wedding at Johannesburg’s Memoire will show you the way. From the bride’s romantic cascade of orchids bouquet to the bridesmaids in dove grey lace, from the pretty watercolour stationery to the tall arrangements of roses and hydrangea at the reception, everything is colour co-ordinated to absolute perfection. And let’s not forget the vision in white that is bride Duané – she wanted to make the kind of first impression on her groom that he’d made on her the night they met (i.e. love at first sight!) and Micah’s emotional reaction was proof that she hit the mark. I love the way these two look at each other – it’s pure love, like there’s nobody else in the room but them. So no wonder they decided to opt for a sweetheart table (dripping in blooms, obvs!) for their reception – every moment of togetherness is clearly treasured. The lovely Genevieve Fundaro captured these light-filled images of their beautiful big day.

Bohemian Safari Wedding Inspiration

3 August, 2017 by gaby

Well, if this shoot isn’t right up our street, then I don’t know what is! Take a beautiful bushveld setting, add in a combination of safari and bohemian styling, some bright colours, native flowers and WOW. Coba Uys sent me these lovely pics from a collaboration with Ramona from Journey Weddings. Ramona is a wedding planner from the Netherlands, who helps couples plan their dream weddings in SA, and she wanted to create something a bit different to the usual safari style. So together with Coba and a team of local talents, that’s just what she did!

Darling Outdoor Wedding at Olive Rock by Claire Thomson

2 June, 2017 by gaby

If you ever find yourself in the middle of the chaos of planning a wedding from afar (as I know many of you lovely readers are!), then heed today’s bride’s oh-so-smart advice. Hire a great planner. Someone you can trust, the way Michelle and her sweetheart Stéfan trusted Niki of The Event Planners, who pulled all the moving parts together into a truly beautiful day, filled with laughter and personal details inspired by the couple’s wanderlust adventures. Of course, it helps when your planner is backed up by a brilliant team, and this wedding has some of our absolute faves on board, including photographer Claire Thomson and stunning venue Olive Rock. I always get such a warm feeling from any Olive Rock wedding – maybe it’s that combination of the spectacular mountain backdrop and the al fresco vibe. Whatever it is, this wedding is no exception, and you’ll be smiling along at every detail (starting with that incredible dress!)

Dreamy Rustic Wedding at Lezar Opstal by Stella Uys

2 May, 2017 by gaby

Oh Stella Uys. You know what makes a blogger’s (and a bride’s!) heart happy. The way that each of your weddings is filled with one perfect, light-filled image after another… oh my. Fanie and Chanté’s dreamy countryside celebration is certainly no exception. The bride’s vision – centred around soft colours, rustic textures, and personal details – came together perfectly. In fact there’s no better expression of this month’s editorial theme: Rustic Elegance. But really, what steals my heart every time I look at it are those golden, romantic portraits. Readers, read on…