Elegant ShweShwe Mountain Shadows Wedding by welovepictures {Anita & Ulrich}

Today’s bride is really, truly a SouthBound Bride, in so many senses of the word. Anita may not be from SA, but she has a deep bond with our country, and when she and her South African-bord husband tied the knot, they went above and beyond to include dozens of gorgeous South African elements in the mix, including loads of beautiful shweshwe. As a regular reader, Anita found all of her suppliers via SouthBound Bride, and having been in touch with her during the planning process, I loved her enthusiasm for every little detail. It’s worth reading her story and advice below to get a sense of just how much thought went into each aspect – right up to a stargazing lounge so guests could see the Southern Cross, sigh. The day was beautifully captured by the wonderful welovepictures.Read More

Ruffles & Romance Môreson Wedding by Lauren Kriedemann {Claire & James}

There are a lot of reasons I love today’s wedding, but can we just start by talking about THAT DRESS? Holy moly, it’s a showstopper. I have no idea if bride, Claire, started with the gown or matched it into her vision, but for me, it’s the centrepiece of the whole understated, feminine but also very modern elegance of the whole day. Everything from lush white blooms in ornate vases on the tables to the whimsical floral chandelier, to the clean, calming neutral palette (with just a touch of lavender from the bridesmaids) complements Claire’s look (a gorgeous job by Just Jack, by the way). She dances through her big day like a ballerina, through the vows exchanged with her fabulous kilt-sporting Scottish groom, to the cocktail hour with tables piled high with cheese and antipasti and guests full of love and well-wishes, and right on to the cafe light-lit dancefloor. An all-lily bouquet is the perfect, structured accessory for the ruffled rosette skirt. If I ever saw a bride ‘wear’ her whole wedding, it’s this one. And if I ever knew a photographer who would do this lovely celebration justice, it’s Lauren Kriedemann. Enjoy every one of these lovely pics!Read More

Elegant Waterfront Wedding at the One & Only Cape Town by Lindy Photography {Olivia & Salubona}

Today’s wedding is all about modern elegance and simplicity. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, Salubona and Olivia celebrated their wedding with family and friends, taking full advantage of the Mother City’s abundant natural charms. Just looking at the light glinting off the water, at Table Mountain striking a pose in the background, at the range of guests suited up in both fashion-forward and traditional Swazi attire, reminds me what makes Cape Town so special. I love that Olivia and Salubona let this vibrant city speak for itself, accenting it with graceful white flowers, navy suits for the boys, and pretty baby blue for the bridesmaids. Like Olivia’s philosophy on her gorgeous wedding dress – she wanted to wear the dress, not let it wear her – this couple struck the perfect balance with their nuptial style, and the fab Lindy Kannemeyer of Lindy Photography was on hand to capture every sun-kissed, romantic moment.Read More

Intimate Boho Bright Garden Wedding by Riekert Cloete {Lise & Gary}

Back in the day when my mom and dad got married, there was none of this whole weekend, hundreds of people at your wedding thing going on. They had a morning wedding and a brunch in my grandparents’ garden. Me, I was a little girl when Princess Diana got married, and from then on, big weddings were the THING. So when I heard about my folks’ wedding, at first I just thought shame*. But I’ve got to tell you, as I’ve done this wedding blogging thing over the years, I’ve found a certain appeal in those intimate backyard/garden weddings. Something incredibly charming about celebrating this huge, momentous thing and then sitting down around a table small enough to talk to everyone there. How wonderful must that feel? Today’s couple opted for just this kind of wedding – in fact, it might be the most intimate wedding I’ve ever featured at just fourteen people including the bride and groom. But it is full of heart, and colour, and family and love. Not to mention all things bright and boho, and the most incredible vintagey dress. I adore every one of Riekert Cloete’s gorgeous photos, which really bring Lise and Gary’s big day to life. Oh, and their how-they-met story? Total Hollywood!Read More

French Copper Café Felix Wedding by Moira West {Liezel & Christo}

Do I ever have a treat for you all  today. This is the kind of wedding that makes my little heart leap for joy – it’s beautiful, it’s original and it has tons of personality. It might just be my favourite winter wedding yet. Bride Liezel (who totally reminds me of the gorgeous Hayden Panettiere, no?) is a lover of everything French, and together with her sister (who is one of the ladies behind Dear Idea flowers, decor and styling), she combined this provincial country flare with a warm winter palette that included copper and antique gold, together with white, green, tiny pops of yellow and cool navy for the bridesmaids. I am crazy in love with the aloes on the tables, the wreaths carried by the girls, and Liezel’s dress and gold fern hair embellishment. Everywhere you look there’s something else to love, and especially with the incredible Moira West‘s atmospheric photos. Man, I love my job.Read More

Olive & Navy Tokara Wedding by Aglow Photography {Tamsyn & Gerrit}

Maybe it’s the Italian in me, but I just LOVE olive leaves used as an accent on wedding tables, and today’s vineyard wedding does it beautifully. Add to that classic olive green a palette of navy and white, as well as the smell of fresh herbs and sunshine in the air, and you have an incredible, elegant wedding with a soft Mediterranean touch. Adore it, simple as that. But let’s not forget to mention some of the other fabulous details. The DRESS, wow. Sparkly shoes, letterpress stationery with a navy wax seal, a gorgeous cheese cake, a blue Mustang… It’s wedding perfection, and photographed to perfection too, by the talented Celeste of Aglow Photography.Read More

Protea Pink Neethlingshof Estate Wedding by Nadine Aucamp {Larize & Jacques}

You KNOW how much we love proteas here on SBB. Just when I think I may have seen enough of them, I buy a bunch and fall in love all over again. They’re like the mafia that way… just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in… ;) And today’s wedding shows you just why – not only do they make for lovely bouquets, they were the colour inspiration for the sweet mint and pink palette. I love the way these shades were brought in at the reception, against a cool backdrop of white on white, with lovely mint wood board runners, iced cookie favours, and even a ruffled pink cake topped with blushing brides (making another appearance in the bride’s hair, love!). Nadine Aucamp has captured the big day beautifully, adding a sprinkle of magic and romance to her images that perfectly reflects the love Larize and Jacques share.Read More

Sweet as Sugar Morgenhof Wedding by Leani Holmes {Storm & Daryn}

I’ve seen a lot of pretty dessert tables over the years but today’s – if you’ll pardon the pun – takes the cake! I just loved Storm & Daryn’s ‘share a cake’ concept (not to mention how delish said cakes actually look), but it’s also just one detail that I think encapsulates the simple sweetness of this pastel pink wedding that was cute as cupcakes and a true labour of DIY love. Every aspect, from a beautiful heirloom dress to lace-decked vases collected by the couple’s circle to for months ahead of time speaks of family and friendship and the true sweetness of love. The wonderful Leani Holmes, who is a member of the SBB family, was on hand to take every dreamy picture.Read More

Gatsby-esque Cocktail Wedding Reception at an Antique Storeroom by Alfred Lor {Lindi & Morgan}

I told you we were on a winning streak with two gorgeous weddings today, and here we are with Part 2! Lindi and Morgan’s celebration was twice as nice – an intimate celebration with elegant Delft-inspired decor (see it here), and then a blowout 1920s influenced cocktail reception for their wider circle in what has to be one of the coolest and most unique venues I’ve seen – a converted antique showroom full of the most incredible mirrors and chandeliers – wow! I love that Lindi used her contacts as a designer to come up with something a bit different, and it’s just perfect for the Gatsby vibe that the couple were trying to create. Add a few tables groaning with treats, guests jazzed up for the Jazz Era theme, and just as much love and joy as in the first wedding, and you have an absolutely incredible sequel. Pics are by the fab Alfred Lor.Read More

Darling Delft Babylonstoren Wedding by Moira West {Lindi & Morgan}

It’s not every day that I get to showcase not just one but TWO beautiful weddings, but then it’s not every couple brave enough to plan two separate celebrations! But for Lindi and Morgan, it was a way of experiencing both the intimacy of a small, private wedding with just their closest family and friends, as well as including their wider circle in a huge party. Both celebrations (held two days apart) are GORGEOUS, and we’re kicking things off with the first, a Delft-themed dinner at the beautiful Babylonstoren. Moira West captured it as gorgeously as only she knows how, and there are so many clever touches that make my detail-loving heart sing! And don’t forget to come back later, because there’s a Gatsby-esque cocktail hour on its way!Read More