Glamorous Gold Wedding at JC Le Roux by Jana Marnewick {Shannon & Justin}

What’s black, white and glamorous all over? Why, this wedding of course. Think classic black tie elegance with a generous helping of gold, all in the spectacular outdoor scenery of the Cape Winelands. Sigh. Justin and Shannon are a trans-continental couple who’ve endured the ups and downs of a long distance relationship, and I loved that they included so many personal and international touches in their big day, from a globe guest book to his and hers luggage tag favours. I also LOVE Shannon’s bridesmaids’ style – a MOH in pure sequins with a bouquet of gold-sprayed baby’s breath (genius, why haven’t I seen more of this idea?), bridesmaids in chic LBDs carrying wreaths – and of course, Shannon in her very own one-of-a-kind Old Hollywood number. Let the pretty party begin! Jana Marnewick was on the scene to take these lovely pics.Read More

Inspiration Board: Metallic & Blush

Where on earth do we learn the rules of what does and doesn’t ‘go’? Because I very specifically remember being told by someone a couple of decades ago that gold and silver didn’t, and never the twain shall meet, etc. But here we are, and not only are mixed metallics a thing, they’re gorgeous. I love a mix of gold and silver together, and when you add blush into the mix, you have the perfect combination of sophistication and romance.

Colours: Gold, silver, blush & white

Top row (l-r): Dress with embellishment {Robin Lin Photography/A Southern Soiree}; bridesmaid dresses {Jessica Lorren}; centrepiece {Bradley James Photography/Hey Gorgeous Events}
Row 2: Cake with leaf detail {Elizabeth Messina}; pink shoes {Caroline Joy Photography/Badgley Mischka}; blush ruffle clutch {Perez Photography}; silver sequin tablecloth {Yasmin Khajavi Photography/Zest Floral and Event Design}
Row 3: Blush dress {KT Merry/Monique Lhuillier}; mini champagne tower {Sylvie Gil/L’Relyea Events}; marquee decor {OneLove Photography}

 

Inspiration Board: Golden Lace

Hello lovelies – I’m back from my reunion weekend away (which was fab) and holed up in bed with a cold (not so fab), so bear with me as I share today’s board a little later than usual. August is going to be our month of bling – or at least, our theme is ‘Glamour’, so after some weeks of organic, we get to look at the glitzier side of wedding design. And you know my magpie heart loves me some gold, so we had to start with a golden inspiration board! For this one, I’ve combined this glam metallic with the classic vintage element of lace, resulting in something I think is really very pretty. I also love how gold stands out against a palette of white, grey and pewter – mixed metallics really are a fave of mine. But most of all, I’m in LOVE with that amazing gold lace dress – isn’t it amazing? Now that’s a showstopper.

Colours: Gold, greys & white

Top row (l-r): Gold lace gown {Krikor Jabotian}; Luscious Lacing wedding invitation suite {Wedding Paper Divas}; table setting {JoPhoto}
Row 2: Gold lace cake {City Sweets & Confections/Anna Williams}; flower girl {Dolce & Gabbana Junior}; Menbur ‘Strass’ pump
Row 3: Gold filigree cuff; gold lace chair cover {Tonya Peterson Photography/Utah Events by Design}; lace cuffs

Glamorous Navy, Pink & Gold Wedding at Brenaissance by Marsel Roothman {Frances & Cobus}

Oh how do I love thee, today’s wedding? Let me count the ways (settle in, this may take a while). First off, I’m busting to tell you all how off-the-charts gorgeous it is, with its navy, pink and gold palette against a crisp white background, and its thousand tiny clever and original details from co-ordinators, Kraak (golden swallows on the dancefloor! craft beer bar! gold print napkin menus! salt escort card placement! etc. etc. etc.) I’m also about ready to write an essay about how amazing Fleur Le Cordeur‘s florals are – everything from the romantic orchid and wood arch in the ceremony area to the cascading arrangements on the tables to the little pink and gold pots of roses and hydrangea and tulips. Most of all though, I can’t wait for you to see the smiles on Frances and Cobus’ faces. In five years of doing this, I honestly don’t think I’ve seen two people who look happier to be getting married – their joy kind of spills over in every lovely photograph by Marsel Roothman, so that I just want to jump up and down and do a little happy dance with them. Get ready to break out some goofy smiles of your own – this is one cool wedding.Read More

Vineyard Glamour Wedding at Lanzerac by Fiona Clair {Nita & Noël}

We adore every wedding we feature here on SBB, but some of them really lodge themselves in the heart and memory, and I have a feeling that today’s is going to be one of those. Especially if the heart palpitations I had when photographer Fiona Clair sent it over for the first time are any indication. Let’s start with the obvious: Nita’s incredible, whimsical, champagne-coloured, sparkle-encrusted, floor-length-sequined wedding gown by Stefania Morland. Because it. is. breathtaking. And I especially love that she’s paired it with an over-the-top rustic ceremony headdress, and a more subtle (but just as pretty) version for the rest of the day. For me, everything else kind of flows from there – soft candlelight, elegant table arrangements (including low topiaries and high statement towers of tulips, all in modern black glass and crystal), a composite bouquet, the palette (black, white and gold with a touch of purple), calligraphed place names, a gold and white cake. And all looking like a Vogue spread thanks to the gorgeous photos of SBB fave Fiona Clair. Take a deep breath, and dive on in.Read More

Greenery & Glitter Wedding at Lourensford by Hayley Takes Photos {Nicole & Nicolas}

Oh I am in heaven with this wedding! Beautiful greenery, crystal chandeliers, a feeling of bringing the outside inside (awesome florals by Flowers in the Foyer!), and best of all, a generous sprinkling of glitter and glam. Nicole and Nicolas’ wedding is just breathtaking. The combination of creamy white, rich emerald and sparkly gold (with just a touch of dusty pink with the bridesmaids – love this elegantly mismatched touch) – is perfect for the sophisticated but outdoor-loving couple, and I love that they included family and friends in so many ways to make sure that the wedding was an opportunity to bring them all together. This is also the first time we’re featuring a wedding by Hayley Takes Photos – so happy to share her beautiful pictures with you today!Read More

Romantic Mint & Gold Wedding at White Light by Piteira Photography {Steph & Dylan}

Every time I dive into a wedding by Piteria Photography, I feel like I’m stepping into a dream. Their style is so soft, romantic and natural that it feels like a different world. Once a year, they spend some time in South Africa for the summer season, which isn’t just good news for local brides but it’s great news for us, because we get the chance to feature their weddings again. And you guys, this one is a beauty. Set in the elegant ‘blank canvas’ venue, White Light, it’s a celebration that will speak to you no matter your style. It’s a little bit rustic, a little bit contemporary, and a lot romantic. Add in the irresistible combination of mint and gold, wood detailing, and the most delightful beaded cap sleeve dress, and it has me oohing for days.Read More

Inspiration Board: Sequins & Succulents

Happy Monday, lovely friends! And what better way to start a Monday than with a bit of glitter? One of my favourite things in wedding design (okay, design in general) is the pairing of two unexpected elements – a chandelier in a tree, black tie in the bushveld, or – as we have here – sequins and sparkle with the classic of rustic flower design, the humble succulent. In fact, succulents have come a long way since they were associated exclusively with rustic weddings, and now you’ll find them prettying up just about any style of celebration. So whether you’re a rustic bride looking for a bit of sparkle, or a formal one looking for a softer natural touch, this is the perfect combination.

Colours: Green, white, taupe, shades of gold

Top row (l-r): Sequin bridesmaids {George Rivera/Nature’s Design}; succulent mini cakes {Christa Elyce Photography/Ellanesque Weddings/Sugary + Chic Boutique}; succulent centrepiece {Jillian Mitchell Photography}
Row 2: Succulent letterpress invtation suite {Ruby the Fox/Mary Kate McKenna Photography}; succulent & anemone in mercury glass {Mi Belle Photography/Artisan Events}; sequin tablecloth {Esther Sun Photography/At Your Door Events/Flower Allie}
Row 3: Gold succulent {Brandon Kidd/The Little Branch/Lady Liberty Events}; succulent bouquet {Maggie Harkov/Meg Savage/Melarosa}; boutonniere {Braedon Flynn/XOXO BRIDE/Modern Day Design}

 

Spanish-inspired Styled Boudoir by Angie Capri

There’s nothing I like more than opening up my inbox to find some amazing inspiration, and when I saw this styled session by the fabulous Angie Capri, there was a lot of oohing going on. Angie always shoots beautiful boudoir, but she really takes it up to a whole ‘nother level here, with an absolutely gorgeous palette, original concept, and spectacular images which serve to inspire not just visually, but in bringing confidence to brides to be. I also love how it’s sexy, but very tasteful – if the idea of posing in your undies isn’t for you, it just shows that a boudoir session can be as covered up as you want it to be without losing any of the spark! That’s why, alongside a bath lined with sequins (which let’s be honest, I want to basically live in now), my favourite detail is the mirror calligraphed with the words: ‘Confidence is the most beautiful accessory’. Spot on. That’s exactly true!Read More

Green & Gold Wedding Inspiration by Mint Photography

Here in South Africa, we love our green and gold – for us it isn’t just a pretty colour combo, but the one our sportsmen wear, two of the colours from our flag, colours of the green land we call home and the gold that runs through its veins deep beneath the earth. So I can’t actually think of a better palette for a South African wedding than this one, but just because you pick green and gold doesn’t mean your wedding has to end up looking like game day at Ellis Park. In fact, if you’re lucky, it might look a little like today’s breathtakingly gorgeous editorial, which comes to us all the way from Austin, Texas, and a very talented group of wedding pros there who put it together. It’s the perfect mix of rustic and romantic, and has a cosy glow that makes it an elegant choice for an autumn or winter wedding. From the lush greenery arch to the groupings of gold-dipped candles and gold wax-sealed stationery, from the amazing wood-textured cake to the bride’s oh-so-delicate beaded crown, and most especially the dreamy film photography from Kelly at Mint Photography, this is pure inspiration.Read More