Tag: Italian

Bella Sorella

by gaby

Italian Garden Wedding Inspiration | Credit: Magnolia & Magpie Photography

Outside of South Africa, if there’s one location in the world that’s my happy place, it has to be Italy. Hands down. Which isn’t really a surprise, since I’m half Italian, and I’ve lived there and travelled extensively. But it never gets tired or old or been there done that. And when it’s been a while (which it has for me right now), I get this palpable longing to visit again and breathe it in. Happily, that longing just got a little bit satisfied for me with today’s bridal inspiration, which is like a slice of Italian wedding heaven. First off, it’s shot on the most gorgeous Italian estate you can imagine. Add in exquisite Claire Pettibone gowns on the models (who look like mythological sisters), headpieces from Enchanted Atelier, and lush, elegant florals in classic shades of white and green. A touch of romantic calligraphy? Check. Susie Saltzman rings? That too. And with beautiful images by Magnolia & Magpie Photography to round things out, it’s pretty much the most perfect way to start a week I can imagine. Sigh…

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Inspiration Board: Traveller’s Journal

by gaby

I have to say, I’m having fun with the inspiration boards this month, reinventing the travel theme for current trends and styles. Today’s is no exception. For this one, I was inspired by the idea of a watercolour travel journal, which immediately made me think of this amazing stationery suite, and that made me think of sunny days in the beautiful Italian countryside. I love the way that neutrals as a colour scheme can look so romantic – it’s all about textures. Soft tulle, honey brickwork, soft leather, ribbon, lace… This is one travel-styled wedding that will never date.

Colours: Shades of neutral & white

Top row (l-r): Travel journal invitation suite {Ceci New York}; stone building {Jose Villa Photography}; place setting {Jose Villa/Easton Events}
Row 2: Bride in veil {Jose Villa Photography}; getaway car {Jose Villa Photography}; leather luggage tags {HarLex}
Row 3: Cake {KT Merry/Moda e Arte Workshop/Joy Proctor Design/Hotel Caruso}; bride & groom {Jose Villa Photography/Joy de Vivre Design Boutique}; bridesmaids & bouquets {Kate Preftakes Photography/Events by Sorrell/Apotheca Flowers}

 

Italian Inspired Rockhaven Wedding by The Picturess & Bright and Beautiful {Debra & Chris}

by gaby

How is it already a year since I was in Italy? Those weeks on a vineyard in southern Tuscany were absolute bliss, and I’ve been missing Italy soooo much recently  (especially since every Instagram account I follow seemed to have an Italian trip this year, jealous is not the word!) But today I get to flirt with my love of Italy again, with this lovely little Rockhaven wedding sent over by the talented bunch at Bright and Beautiful, which was inspired by the groom’s Italian heritage. I just love the way that a fresh white and green palette was used – especially the ferns, so pretty! – and all the fun little activities that the couple set up for their guests (including a vespa ‘photo booth’), not to mention Cinzano and Prosecco cocktail hour! Leanne Evans, the Picturess, was there to capture every lovely moment of la bella vita.Read More

Inspiration Board: Under the Tuscan Sun

by gaby

Okay, this is about to be a jealous-making post. Because tomorrow, bright and early, I’ll be jetting off to Bella Toscana for three weeks in some of the most heartbreakingly beautiful scenery on earth. Picture every Tuscan vineyard you’ve ever seen in a film? Yup, exactly like that. I can’t wait! I’ll be working hard under the summer sun, but I’m actually looking forward to it – and to my ‘farmer tan’! ;) As promised, the blog will continue as if nothing has changed, but please be patient if emailing me, because I am officially off the grid. In fact, that’s something I’m almost as excited about, since for the last few years I’ve been constantly connected to some kind of electronic or social media, and it’s time to switch off and just be in the moment. So to celebrate my trip (YAY!), I’ve created a Tuscan-style inspiration board. There were a lot of ways I could have gone with this – understated olive leaf and grey, lavender and green… But one of the things I love about Tuscany is its warmth and abundance, and the fields of sunflowers I saw for the first time from a train window many years ago. These flowers are gorgeous, but they can be overpowering, so I’d just use single blooms for the bridesmaids and then in sporadic arrangements in the reception venue. Include materials such as terracotta and linen, and the straw covered bottles that traditionally hold chianti (called a fiasco, how fun is that?). Fabrics are floaty, and an open sided marquee with long tables is a must (or just set up under the trees). Tuscan olive oil is the best (believe me, I plan to eat lots of it!) and makes the perfect favour. So there you go. And here I go! See you in a month!

Colours: Sunflower yellow, olive green & Tuscan terracotta

Top row (l-r): Dress {Jose Villa Photography/Joy de Vivre Design Boutique}; wire candelabra {Leo Patrone}; floaty bridesmaid dresses {Mint Photography}; tables {Collin Hughes/Shannon Leahy Events}
Row 2: Invitation; place setting with bread {Joy Thigpen/Toast Events and Design/Jose Villa}; stamped envelope {Ruby & Willow}; olive oil favours; sunflower single bloom bouquet {Buffy Dekmar}
Row 3: Bride & groom {Josselyn Peterson/Leonora Moss}; sunflower arrangement {Olivia Griffin Photography/Walton Event Design}; wicker Chianti bottles; Tuscan landscape.

 

Real Wedding at Netherwood {Joanna & Marco}

by gaby

Who’s ready for some wedding gorgeousness? Now now, don’t all yell at once. There’s plenty of lovely to go around. Today’s real wedding comes from the lens of KZN photographer Alexis Diack and, like so much of her portfolio, it is chock-full of elegance and romance. Looking at it, I feel a little like I’m thumbing through the pages of Martha Stewart Weddings: the elegant purple and white colour scheme, Joanna’s fairytale dress, an Italian country touch to the decor and a curtain of twinkle lights looking down on the couple as they take their first dance. It’s all so very PRETTY. And I love how it shows that, even on a rainy day (and maybe especially on a rainy day!) you can still get the most amazing, lush, atmospheric pictures. My favourite is the one of Joanna and Marco alone in the church after the ceremony, with bunches of country blooms along the aisle and looking like there’s nobody else in the world beside them. Sigh. Aint love grand?Read More

Inspiration Board: Dolce Vita

by gaby

Good morning friends! Today we have something a little different for our inspiration board. It’s no news to you that I’m a fan of Cape Town photographer Cheryl McEwan‘s work as we’ve been working together for some time, but I’m delighted to feature her as one of our Days of December sponsors. Since an image is worth a thousand words, I’ve trawled through Cheryl’s archive (the happiest of tasks, with her dreamy style and attention to detail) to come up with a brand new SBB inspiration board. Cheryl’s a keen traveller (in fact, her husband Sven proposed to her in the middle of their world travel adventure!) so although she is based in South Africa for much of the year, I wanted to pay tribute to that love of travel in my choice of theme. And I personally find nothing more inspiring than a little trip to Italy. I took the palette for this board from Cheryl’s pic from the Cinque Terre, the muted mishmash of Mediterranean colour, sun bleached walls and intricate detailing that immediately sets a warm, summery tone for a wedding. Use heavy urns and candelabras, with platters of fruit instead of flowers on the tables, and of course plenty of wine! This makes me think of long Sunday afternoons and long tables, family, friends, laughter. All those things that make an Italian feast, a sweet life, and a beautiful wedding. Head over to Cheryl’s blog to see more of her gorgeous photography, including weddings, couple shoots and some personal travel gems.

Contact Cheryl McEwan:
 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cherylmcewan.co.za
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherylmcewanphotography
Twitter: @CherylMcEwan_

SBB ♥ Cheryl McEwan Photography, a featured member of our Directory