city wedding - SouthBound Bride

Love in Maboneng

19 January, 2017 by gaby

Rumour has it that the Maboneng Precinct in Joburg is the place to go for an urban chic city wedding, and if today’s shoot from A Bear Photography is anything to go by, you can sign me up! Leon and Diane’s just married shoot is such a sweet exploration of this vibrant corner of the City of Gold, beautifully captured by A Bear Photography. I love the laid back, intimate feel of these images, even amid the hustle and bustle of the city, and the way that photographers Arno and Annerina included street performers, shop fronts and street signs for some authentic local colour. So fun! And so romantic too.

Freedom of the City Wedding Inspiration

29 April, 2016 by gaby

As we come to the end of our month of industrial chic, I couldn’t resist slipping in one last lovely styled shoot with an urban theme, this time courtesy of fabulous SBB Directory member Blue Olive Events, and their team of Gauteng creatives. I’m fascinated with the Maboneng District as a wedding venue – it’s so achingly COOL, and the images from this shoot and from real weddings I have seen there in the past tell such a story of Johannesburg city romance. It’s no wonder that it was the inspiration for this editorial, which includes so many gorgeous details – a cake display to die for (macaron tower! copper dusted cake!), adorable cut-out cityscape stationery, lush florals, copper and Edison bulbs, a vintage car and OMG not one but two amazing Silver Swallow dresses. The palette is a sophisticated twist on Pantone Serenity and Rose Quartz, with the addition of that rich copper metallic and deep Marsala reds and greens, which really makes it stand out (and would be perfect for an autumn wedding!). And finally, let’s not forget the honeycomb table plan display – we do love an installation! It’s the perfect mix of modern and vintage, soft and hard, glam and industrial, beautifully captured by Christiaan David.

Industrial Chic Ceremony Spaces

14 April, 2016 by gaby

When I started researching ‘Industrial Chic’, which as you all know is our theme for April, one of the things I noticed is how many absolutely gorgeous ceremony spaces had been created and styled in areas that you might not have dreamed would be wedding appropriate. From factory corners to brick walls, staircases to windows and doorways, brides and grooms and stylists have been dreaming up installations and floral decorations and a million other ways to make those unassuming spaces special for the moment you say your ‘I do’s. And I couldn’t wait to round up 20 of my favourites. So here they are!

Formal Vintage Wedding at The Cape Town Club by Lilac Photography

17 March, 2016 by gaby

When I talk about a city wedding, I’m often thinking of chick city slicker style, or an edgier industrial urban look. But there’s another kind of city wedding, and cities like Cape Town are absolutely perfect for them. I’m thinking of those that tap into the historical aspects of our cities, the period architecture and antique decor that are the hallmarks of a bygone era. That’s what today’s couple, Rouxle and Shaun, who were married in beautiful Cape Town, chose to do. They selected a formal dresscode for their guests and then rocked the look themselves (with the groom in top hat and tails and the bride in an exquisite Janita Toerien gown – oh, Janita, we love you so!). And, after a church ceremony, they had their reception in a beautiful historical building, the Cape Town Club, which was the perfect atmosphere for their vintage-loving style. With a touch of Delft and a few (handmade!) nods to the winter weather, as well as a fit-for-royalty palette of rich jewel colours, the picture was complete. Lilac Photography were there to commit that beautiful picture to film.

Fun Pastel V&A Waterfront Wedding by Jana Marnewick

3 March, 2016 by gaby

Earlier this week we showcased a city wedding, and we’re spoilt enough to have another today, although Robyn & Jamaal’s shows off a completely different side to Cape Town. The couple, who met during one of our legendary summers, wanted to bring that feeling into their big day so they decided to not only host it at the iconic V&A Waterfront, but to bring the pastels of the surrounding buildings into their palette. They had a rooftop ceremony overlooking the harbour (love!) and a reception filled with pastel blooms (beautifully put together by awesome SBB Directory members Bright and Beautiful). And like all good Cape Town summer nights, this one ended on the dancefloor, where they partied late into the night. Jana Marnewick took these lovely images.

Graphic Inner City Wedding at HQ Restaurant by Jules Morgan

1 March, 2016 by gaby

It’s a happy day for me when I get the opportunity to share an city wedding for a change, although happily more brides and grooms these days are opting for a bit of urban chic. And why not – after all, if it’s reflective of your style, you can make it absolutely amazing, especially in a city as fabulous as Cape Town. With both of them being architects, perhaps it’s no wonder that Elbé and Ross decided to get married in amongst their favourite buildings and inner city vibe, and they chose a graphic, monochrome style with a touch of metallic and geometric detailing to make it really pop. I just love this look SO much – everything from the incorporation of textures like leather and cement to Elbé’s contemporary pared-down bridal style (complemented beautifully by jewellery from Kirsten Goss). From their church ceremony to their laid-back restaurant reception, all on Heritage Square, it was a collection of their favourite things shared with their favourite people. And speaking of favourites, one of our own, Jules Morgan, was on the scene to deliver these beautifully atmospheric images.

Romantic Rooftop Elopement Inspiration by Black Frame Photography & Runaway Romance

24 April, 2015 by gaby

Holy cannoli, do I have something special to share with you guys today! As you know, it is our month of small weddings, and this fine morning we have a super creative elopement inspiration from a brilliant team. It combines a few of our favourite things – a wedding for two, urban chic, and a city skyline. But what tickled me was the little details – a naked red velvet cake, a table runner made of 5 cent pieces (seriously, I LOVE THIS), and a sparkly birdcage veil (which huzzah, we’ll be sharing a DIY tutorial for later on today). It’s so fun and unique and South African – basically everything we like to celebrate here on the blog. Thank you so much to the awesome Rebecca of Runaway Romance and her team for sharing!Read More

Inspiration Board: My City Valentine

9 February, 2015 by gaby

Happy Valentine’s week, lovelies! I have some fantastic treats coming up for you in the next few days, but we’re kicking things off with an inspiration board that’s a fun urban twist on the traditional Valentine palette of pink and red. I personally love city weddings, especially those with a bit of an industrial twist or loft-style location, so this is right up my street! Think café lighting, elegant minimalist lettering, mini champagne bottle favours, textures like metal and distressed wood, and then add an array of soft, romantic blooms in the signature shades, and you’ve got this look all wrapped up. Of course, there’s no need to limit this inspiration to V-Day weddings either, because it would be chic at any time of the year.

Colours: Scarlet, brick, blush, rose pink & slate

Top row (l-r): LOVE letters {Landon Jacob Photography/Jove Meyer/2H Flowers}; centrepiece with proteas {Bellamint Photography/ Sunflower Creative}; bride & groom {ALLAN ZEPEDA/Lindsey Brunk }
Row 2: Champagne bottle minis {Leslee Mitchell}; hanging bulbs {Belathee Photography/Downey Street Events}; modern save the date {Little Red Press}; groom & groomsmen
Row 3: Bride {BHLDN}; industrial style escort card display {Archetype Studio Inc./Bourbon & Bloom Vintage Rentals}; bouquet {Melanie Bennett Photography/The Flower Farm/Valley House of Flowers}