Rustic Brights Wedding at Murasie by Adene Photography {Stephanie & Hennie}

Lots of our brides and grooms plan their wedding in South Africa from abroad, but it isn’t many who have to do it from as far away as China. That was Hennie and Stephanie’s challenge, but as you’ll see from their gorgeously colourful rustic farm celebration, it didn’t end up fazing them in the least (even with a dress scenario that would have been stressful for any bride, but hooray, worked out beautifully in the end!) Through it all, the couple kept a sense of perspective – do be sure to read right to the end, where Stephanie shares some very sensible advice. And they pulled off a day that was relaxed, beautiful and full of joy. I’m especially in love with all the beautiful bright blooms, and the blackboard backdrop that Hennie’s sister created for them – so unique! One of our perpetual faves, Adene of Adene Photography, was on the scene to capture the pics as beautifully as ever.Read More

Vintage Floral Farm Wedding by Cari Photography {Rieke & Jurgens}

While we’re obviously fans of everything soft and subtle here at SBB HQ, I won’t lie – a bright sea of statement botanicals sure sets my heart racing. And wait till you see the florals in this incredible wedding – Heike of Fleur le Cordeur has truly wowed us again! Bride Rieke started off with a palette of duck egg blue and coral, and rustic wood texture, and a passion for peonies so strong that it determined her wedding date to hubby Jurgens (a girl after my own heart!). Heike added in bright pops of purple and orange and yellow and blue, dreamy greenery chandeliers, orchid-strewn flower crowns, and a statement flower-decked wall. Antique botanical prints added an elegant antiquey feel, and even Rieke’s gorgeous gown sported a garden’s worth of tulle blooms. From the groom’s velvet blazer to the foodtruck at cocktail hour, to the sparkly-topped lilac bridesmaid dresses, we’re loving every single detail, and who better to capture it all than the lovely Cari of Cari Photography?Read More

Candlelight Cellar Wedding at Groenrivier by Riekert Cloete {Karli & Divan}

I know photographers are going to hate me for saying this (because to be fair, they are a nightmare to photograph), but candlelight ceremonies like the one in today’s sweet DIY farm-style wedding are just dreamy! And even more so in a wine cellar (after all, what good thing does NOT come out of a wine cellar?). Just imagine it – exposed wooden beams, wrought iron chandeliers, stray leaves crunching underfoot and a cool Cape summer breeze just peeking under the door. It’s rustic romance at its finest. Of course, you don’t actually have to imagine it, because Riekert Cloete (one of our very own SBB Directory members) has captured Karli and Divan’s wedding for you in all its lace and burlap finery, including the most adorable little windmill motif that’s perfectly (and subtly) woven throughout.Read More

Elegant Floral Marquee Wedding by Moira West {Joyle & JP}

Oh, this wedding. I’m pretty sure there’s a picture dictionary somewhere with some of Moira West‘s gorgeous images from Joyle & JP’s big day illustrating ‘chic’, ‘elegant’, and ‘amazing’. First of all, there are flowers – tons of them. Huge swags and wreaths and garlands, so pretty they absolutely blow me away. (To see how the clever bride made these work double time on a budget, see below.) Then there’s Joyle’s dress, which OMG is absolutely breathtaking. As are the sparkly, embellished beauties that her bridesmaids wore. It’s such a beautiful take on classic glamour, and there are so many fab ideas to inspire other brides. So get ready to fall in love…Read More

Bohemian Rustic Wedding at The Glades by Alexis Diack {Taryn and Mike}

Well hot damn. You know it’s going to be an amazing day when we’re kicking it off with a totally unique and beautiful wedding that also happens to feature the talents of not one but two of our most favourite vendors. Casey Jeanne‘s dresses are always exquisite, but along with some deliciously boho accessories, this one makes bride Taryn look (by her own apt description) like a bohemian goddess. In a fashion spread. In Vogue. And the gorgeous (but totally laid-back) details don’t stop there – I promised you a groom in jeans, and here he is, rocking them. There’s a gypsy band of attendants (how much am I loving the MoH’s style?), flowers for the guests’ hair, a hand-tied bridal bouquet, bunches of wildflowers in pastel tin cans on rustic tables – for a bride who decided not to splash out on her floral budget, Taryn was surrounded by blooms. The whole effect is delightfully un-fussy, the kind of atmosphere where guests are ready to kick off their heels and dance with joy – and I’ll bet that’s just what they did. The wonderful Alexis Diack was on the scene to deliver her usual heart-stopping photographic captures.Read More

Natural Winter White Wedding at Netherwood by Carmen Roberts {Lauren & Andrew}

If there’s one motif that has quietly been making it’s way into South African weddings recently, it’s cows. Yep, cows. We love ’em, and considering our African roots, maybe that’s not surprising. What’s very cool is that our brides and grooms have shown how a motif like this can be incorporated in a classy way, and never more so than in today’s ‘organic, white and candlelight’ wedding from the lovely Carmen Roberts. Lauren and Andrew were married at the beautiful Netherwood in the Midlands (so the cows were super appropriate to their farm venue) and created a sweet motif that was branded on to the boards at each place setting – cows also popped up in the cake toppers, in signs and table plans, and even in the table names. The rest of the wedding design was classic, white and natural – clouds of baby’s breath and succulents, dapper bow-tied groomsmen and a bride in a beautiful long-sleeve lace dress. It’s everything a winter bride could dream of.Read More

Field of Dreams Farm Wedding by Laura Jansen Photography {Lisa & Rayno}

I’ve featured some pretty amazing weddings before, and I’ve featured some unique venues – some, even, that have been built on family property by the bride and groom just for their big day. But today’s wedding venue has to be the ultimate. This is the wedding version of Field of Dreams – and it’s just as magical as that makes it sound. I’ll explain. Lisa and Ryno decided on their own farm as the venue for their big day, and then went a step further by planting a cornfield with a secret grass centre for their marquee reception, and a romantic Lovers’ Lane leading their guests through the corn. I mean, SERIOUSLY. As they say in the movie, “if you build it they will come…” – and so they did, a happy band of family and friends (and awesome photographer Laura Jansen), brought into the lovebirds’ world to celebrate the beginning of their lives together. In a corn field. In the middle of a farm in Africa. In a place where dreams come true.Read More

Dreamy & Romantic Farm Wedding by Vanilla Photography {Sherri & Jacques}

I love hearing stories of high school sweethearts who grow up and get married, don’t you? Although, I should add, that I also thank the good lord for not making me personally end up with any of the boys I liked in high school. Let’s just say… well, let’s not just say. But no. Today’s couple, on the other hand, are one of those sweet success stories – and eight years down the line they tied the knot on the same farm where they built a home, the same home where Jacques proposed. Isn’t that so lovely? And even though this was a farm wedding with a touch of rustic, Sherri had the romantic wedding style down to a tee. Amongst many, my favourite detail is the little calligraphed glass cloche table numbers – the sort of special touch that makes my heart happy, and perfectly finishes off a perfectly wonderful day. The always-awesome Vanilla Photography were there to take these super dreamy pics.Read More

Vintage Farm-style Klipskuur Wedding by Hello Love Photography {Nadine & Joe}

Today’s bride and groom were all about the farm wedding – love that. Nadine grew up on a farm and she wanted to bring this treasured part of her childhood into her wedding to the love of her life. With a down-home rustic venue, handmade vintagey details, and fynbos, the couple really brought the sweet simplicity of country life to their big day, along with a happy, relaxed vibe that made everyone warm and welcome. It’s this sort of personal approach to a wedding that makes it a huge, wonderful celebration for a couple and heir nearest and dearest, a part of themselves that they share with those they love. And that’s what this wedding business is all about, right? Hello Love Photography were on the scene to capture every fun and heartfelt moment.Read More

Rustic Charm Rockhaven Wedding by Natural Light Photography {Joelle & Richard}

Hey lovelies, we’re running a bit late today as Auntie Gabs is under the weather, boo. But I can’t help but be cheered up significantly by today’s beautiful, sunshiney wedding – it’s like a summer afternoon all wrapped up into one pretty rustic package. Joelle is a true SouthBound Bride – not only was she a reader leading up to her beautiful country wedding, but we helped her find her exquisite wedding dress, by the talented Elbeth Gillis (yay, we love Elbeth). So it’s no surprise that I’m crazy in love with Joelle’s style – the soft palette, the little natural details, and of course the dreamiest photographs by SBB fave Maree Louw of Natural Light Photography. All just sooooo beautiful!Read More