Debbie Lourens - SouthBound Bride

Modern Bohemian Wedding at Altydlig by Debbie Lourens

19 September, 2018 by gaby

There are some weddings I fall in love with more every time I look at them, and Juan and Mari’s is one of them! Which probably has something to do with the fact that Mari is such a creative soul – not only did she design all the stationery for her big day, and come up with some gorgeously unique ideas (like the cork boutonnieres and origami crane invitations), she applied to same creativity to writing a sweet poem that bagged the couple two of our favourite wedding cinematographers, the fab Barefeet Videography, in a competition they ran (be sure to check out the video at the end of the post!). The style was modern meets bohemian, with a divine palette of pomegranate red, leafy green, and rose gold. I love the mix of clean, contemporary geometrics with more rustic elements, as well as the addition of rose gold safari animals as a nod to the couple’s love of the bushveld. And I LOVE the happiness in all Debbie Lourens‘ wonderful photos – not just between the high school sweethearts who became newlyweds, but among their family and friends as well. What a happy, pretty day.

Moody Eco Chic Wedding Inspiration

6 June, 2018 by gaby

Dark and moody weddings are one of the most unexpected trends for me, but I have to say, I am loving the way that these rich palettes add something special and unusual to wedding design. Plus, you know how much I love colour, and even though they’re ‘dark’, that’s just the base of black or grey that forms a backdrop to deep reds and purples and greens, or soft mauves and blues – it’s a truly lovely combination. Today’s styled shoot takes this idea and takes it a step further, combining a moody palette with eco chic wedding ideas – LOVE. With so many couples looking for ways that they can make their wedding more earth friendly or sustainable, this team including photographer Debbie Lourens, as well as stylist Happinest Weddings and floral designer Epanouir Flower Studio, have some fresh ideas and bold inspirations. I’m especially loving the watercolor stationery on seeded paper, as well as the ‘living’ elements to the bride’s attire – such a whimsical alternative to a bouquet! Enjoy.

Minimalist Chic Wedding Inspiration

13 July, 2017 by gaby

In between all the lush extra-ness of weddings these days, one word I keep hearing is ‘minimalist’ (actually, I keep hearing minimalistic – not a word people, look it up). And this less-is-more approach is what today’s inspiration is all about. Clean lines, geometric shapes, bold florals. It may be simple, but WOW does it ever make a statement! Beautifully put together by Coral of Epanouir flower studio and photographed by Debbie Lourens, this pared down style is one of the key looks of the moment, so if you’re the kind of bride who’d rather wear a slip than a ballgown, carry a single bloom instead of a cascade, and rolls your eyes when you see a flower wall, this one’s for you.

Enchanted Frost Winter Wedding Inspiration

31 May, 2016 by gaby

We’ve been loving everything blue on SBB throughout May, but I’ve been holding on to this little blue beauty right until the end and I’m so thrilled to share it with you all! And it’s actually the most perfect way to transition to next month’s theme – winter – because this shoot was inspired by snow and frost and blizzard, by ice queens and snow princesses, to create an enchanting wintery world that Elsa herself would be at home in. A super talented local team, headed by photographer Debbie Lourens, stylist Blank Canvas, and Leipzig Floral Design, created something really special here, with the details that range from practical to whimsical, and from pretty to fantastic. The gowns are incredible, the setup divine, and hello, headpieces!

James Bond Spectre Wedding Inspiration (Video) by Vizion Photo

5 November, 2015 by gaby

It’s been so much fun sharing this James Bond styled shoot, just in time for the release of Spectre (which I am amping to see, aren’t you?) Part I with its colourful Day of the Dead inspiration, sleek and sophisticated Part II. There’s one last little installment to share with you this afternoon, courtesy of Vizion Photo. We’ve generally featured their photographic work before, but today we get to share a video they put together to go along with Debbie Lourens‘ images from this shoot, and it is so worth a watch! Then finally, because we love you, we’re also including one last ‘scene’ from the editorial story put together by the styled shoot team, where James and his Bond girl go shopping for jewels at Uwe Koetter. And why not? After all, diamonds are forever ;)

James Bond Spectre Wedding Inspiration (Part II) by Debbie Lourens & Green Goddess

5 November, 2015 by gaby

James Bond is back in action! Everything he touches turns to excitement! (Or maybe it’s just that I finally got to quote the Goldfinger poster on my wedding blog, woo!) As you can gather, I’m a huge Bond fan (including having rocked a Bond theme for my 21st birthday party), so a new film is always cause for excitement, and even more so when it comes along with some dangerously beautiful, thrillingly gorgeous wedding inspiration. Tomorrow sees the worldwide release of Spectre, and to celebrate, we finally get to share Part II of this 007 editorial from Debbie Lourens and Green Goddess flower studio. These ladies and their talented team have pulled off not just one but three drop dead amazing looks – and you don’t get much more Bond girl than a helicopter flight in a couture dress decked with flowers. Eat your heart out, Ursula Andress. (In fact, all of the Gavin Rajah creations in this shoot are breathtaking!) And while it’s unlikely the real Bond would ever marry again (first wife? shot on wedding day), there’s no harm in dreaming about what it might look like. Glitzy, elegant, and of course a bit cheeky. SO – scroll away… AND there’s more, because we’ll be sharing a seriously cool video this afternoon, along with a bonus ‘scene’ we’re calling Diamonds Are Forever. Yup, you know you want to see it. In the meantime, let’s get shaken and stirred (and don’t forget to check out the Day of the Dead-style Part I).Read More

Aubergine & Vine Wedding Inspiration by Debbie Lourens & Kadou

9 October, 2015 by gaby

When this little gem of a styled shoot from photographer Debbie Lourens and stylist Kadou crossed my desk, I knew it would be just PERFECT for our vineyard wedding month. Not only was it shot at Spier, but the deep shades featured are so reminiscent of wine and the winelands – aubergine, burgundy, plum, fig, a deep vine green… all accented with glorious gold. This is the kind of colour scheme that often gets used for autumn or winter weddings, but with a vineyard wedding, it would be appropriate all year round as a nod to your surroundings. I just love the way these colours work together, creating something cosy but also very elegant. I also love the way that with an eggplant coloured wrap and a berry lip (courtesy of talented SBB Directory member Corlé Barnard), our model’s look perfectly complements the decor. And a seed pod crown? Adore.Read More

Bright Botanical Wedding at Asara by Blank Canvas & Debbie Lourens {Adriana & Ken}

12 May, 2015 by gaby

Some weddings just make me so happy! I find myself grinning as I look at the pictures of the couple and their guests, and as I read the words of the bubbly bride – their joy is infectious. Of course, it also helps when the wedding is infused with colour, packed with bright botanicals in the form of some of the most gorgeous table arrangements (and cake! wow), stationery, and boho floral crown. Not to mention the bride’s incredible (and unusual) lace dress. It’s a colourful celebration that’s not only worthy of Adriana’s Brazilian heritage, but of the Caribbean island where she and Ken first met. Blank Canvas Event Design did an amazing job putting this one together, and I am in love with Debbie Lourens‘ beautiful photos!Read More

Elopement en Vogue by Green Goddess & Debbie Lourens

17 April, 2015 by gaby

When I put out a call for elopements and intimate weddings among our favourite SBB wedding pros, I was absolutely thrilled to receive this stylish gem by Green Goddess flower studio, with beautiful images by Debbie Lourens – one of those submissions I just think of as a ‘hell yes’. With a sort of 1950s Italian Vogue feel, it tells the story of a pair of starry-eyed lovers and a surprise elopement. Totally adorable, and incredibly romantic! I just love everything about it, from the bride’s gorgeous Gavin Rajah dress and coat to the flower-embellished umbrella, and the cake display that’s almost too pretty to eat. And even though it’s an editorial, I love the intimate, fun feeling that the team managed to create – the same feeling I imagine that a real couple would experience if they pulled off this wedding coup. This, friends, is why elopements are awesome.Read More

Rock (‘n Roll) The Frock Styled Bridal Portrait

29 August, 2014 by gaby

Am I ever glad to see Friday – it’s not been my favourite week, and I’m very glad the weekend is finally here. Especially since I’ll be working on the posts for next week’s SUPER exciting reveal of the styled shoot finalists. Wait until you see them! But first, we have a styled shoot of a very different kind. I love the creativity that Debbie Lourens always brings to her styled bridal portraits, and today’s is for a statement modern bride (with a bit of a love for retro). Together with Marnel Toerien on hair and makeup, she channeled her love of the ’80s into a funky rock the frock (literally!) session full of vinyl, glitter and alternative bridal style. Gorge.Read More