Elegant Day Wedding at Molenvliet by ZaraZoo Photography

Stylish Molenvliet Wedding

Real weddings. They’re our bread and butter here on SouthBound Bride, and this year we have plans to share more than ever before. So it’s always a happy moment when I get to kick off a new year of real weddings, and I can’t think of a lovelier one to start with than Kiki & Duma’s. Like all our favourite weddings, it combines beautiful decor and a fantastic South African setting with heartfelt emotion that jumps off the page and gives you that giddy kind of smile that only true love can. Kiki and Duma chose the wonderful Molenvliet for their day wedding, and used a palette of mint and peach brightened up with gold and pops of tangerine to make it extra lovely. My favourite thing about this one – beautifully captured by ZaraZoo – is the exuberant joy shared by the couple with their guests (that moment where Duma’s groomsmen do a victory dance after the wedding? One of my all-time faves). We don’t have full info from the bride and groom to share with you today, but everything you need to know is written all over their glowing faces.

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Inspiration Board: Airs & Graces

What would a month dedicated to spring pastels be without some spring pastels colour board inspiration? I never get tired of multicolour pastels, personally, because they always just look so darn PRETTY lined up together, and so fresh (which of course, is what makes them perfect for spring). The main selection to work with is of course blush, peach, powder blue, mint, lilac & lemon, but sometimes it’s fun to use just some of them and I think three is the magic number. Today I’ve mixed up peach, mint and lilac with a touch of darker purple and a background of bright white, and the combination is modern, airy and oh so sweet.

Colours: Lilac, peach, mint, purple & white

Top row (l-r): Bridesmaids {Mikkel Paige Photography/Roey Mizrahi Events/Donna Morgan}; Peggy Porschen cake; mint shoes {Veronique Photography}
Row 2: Mint bowtie {April LOOK}; lilac watercolour invitation {Minted}; pastel paints
Row 3: Pastel macarons {Melody Gibbs/White Room Events}; mint lemonade; bride with pastel bouquet {Eric Kelley/Easton Events/Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs}

 

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: Golden Leaves

Good lord, how is it Monday again already? And how is it NOVEMBER? There’s only one way to deal with my standard end-of-year panic that time has almost slipped by me today, and that’s with some wedding pretty. I must say, I am loving today’s combination. Partly because I’m a sucker for leaves and garlands, but also because I think that gold, kraft paper and mint make such a sweet mix I’m amazed I haven’t stumbled upon it before. Leaves make an elegant motif in this design, showing up everywhere from stationery to cake to shoes, and it’s a subtle but effective way of tying everything together. Add a mint suit for the groom, and I’m in style heaven.

Colours: Mint, kraft paper beige, gold

Top row (l-r): Wedding invitations {Minted}; leaf hair garland {Aya Jewellery}; dress {Shell de Mar}; cake {Alante Photography/Honey Crumb Cake Studio}
Row 2: Gold shoes; bridesmaids {Bryce Covey Photography/Adrianna Papell}; gold bunting {Toast}
Row 3: Kraft chair sign {Hunter Photographic/Baci Designer}; mint suit; gold stripe straws {Thatch & Thistle Co.}; tablescape with candle {Amanda K Photography}

 

Joyous Garden Wedding at Jex Estate by Lad & Lass {Jessica & Steven}

Crazy beautiful. That’s the only way I can think of to describe today’s wedding – in fact, I’m struggling to find words at all, but who needs words when the pictures are this pretty? Aside from the fact that Jess & Steve are basically one of the most attractive couples south of Hollywood, or that their South African girl meets Australian boy in California story is like something out of a romcom, every little detail of this stylish garden soiree just makes me giddy to look at. From the pink peonies and monochrome stripes to the proteas and bridesmaids in mint, each photograph by the supremely talented Lad & Lass brings a new delight (which is why I couldn’t help myself but include a ton of them in this post). And let’s not forget the aisle lined with scripture calligraphed on wooden boards (swoonage), or Jessica’s insanely gorgeous dress (by SBB fave designer and featured bride, Julia Ferrandi). But as usual, what really, really gets me (once I’ve stopped squealing at how much I love every inspiring idea) is the raw emotion that the Lad & Lass team captured here – Steven’s tears as he sees his bride, her radiant joy, the light that seems to dance around them like a blessing. Crazy beautiful. I told you.Read More

Coral & Mint Groenrivier Wedding by CB Memories Photography {Vanessa & Andre}

I clearly remember the first time that coral and mint entered my colour vocabulary, because not only did I love the cool combo, but every time I used the colours in an inspiration board, I’d get dozens of likes and shares. It’s definitely a happy-making mix, and yet I haven’t seen too many brides and grooms actually using it for their weddings, which allows it to still be fresh and surprising for your guests. Winner winner, chicken dinner. So of course when I came across Vanessa and Andre’s coral and mint wedding, photographed by Chenel of CB Memories Photography, I just had to share it with you all! I loved how V + A used a monochrome background with just soft pops of the statement colours to liven it up, which makes for a very classic but not too formal wintery look.Read More

Protea Pink Neethlingshof Estate Wedding by Nadine Aucamp {Larize & Jacques}

You KNOW how much we love proteas here on SBB. Just when I think I may have seen enough of them, I buy a bunch and fall in love all over again. They’re like the mafia that way… just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in… ;) And today’s wedding shows you just why – not only do they make for lovely bouquets, they were the colour inspiration for the sweet mint and pink palette. I love the way these shades were brought in at the reception, against a cool backdrop of white on white, with lovely mint wood board runners, iced cookie favours, and even a ruffled pink cake topped with blushing brides (making another appearance in the bride’s hair, love!). Nadine Aucamp has captured the big day beautifully, adding a sprinkle of magic and romance to her images that perfectly reflects the love Larize and Jacques share.Read More

Pastel Boho Styled Shoot by Kaitlyn de Villiers Photography

Happy Friday, friends! What do you have planned for this weekend? I have one of my besties in town, and we have tip top seats for the rugby on Saturday, so I am amped for that. Love me my Sharks! Anyway, before that happens, we have a day full of pastelly goodness here on the blog, starting with this sweet as candy styled couple shoot from Kaitlyn de Villiers. From pastel cocktails to delicious desserts to the most gorgeous floral crown, it indulges all of my girliest blush and mint/aqua fantasies. Hooray!Read More

Inspiration Board: Mint & Rose Gold

Okay, I know I am going through a bit of a mint and a pinky phase at the moment, but I think mint and rose gold might be my ultimate right now. I mean, they go together perfectly, like salt and caramel, like Louis and Ella, like Pimms and a summer day. It’s also the ideal mix of a cool and a warm shade, of pastels and metallics, and of classical and modern. Come on, tell me you’re not as over the moon in love with it as I am? ;)

Colours: Mint, white, rose gold

Top row (l-r): Green dress {Elizabeth Messina/Ruche}; table setting {White Spark Photography/Little Sooti}; rose gold stripe cake {Karen Buckle Photography/Ideas In Icing}; marquee reception {White Spark Photography/Little Sooti}
Row 2: Green bridesmaid dress {V.A. Photography}; rose gold wedding rings {Katelyn James Photography/Meant To Be Calligraphy}; mint and rose gold shoes
Row 3: Dress in room {Corbin Gurkin/Love & Lord}; cupcakes {White Spark Photography/Little Sooti}; bride {Amanda K Photography}.

 

Inspiration Board: Last of the Summer Wine

I hate the end of summer. HATE. IT. Luckily in Durban I mostly get to kid myself that it hasn’t happened yet, but this weekend I’ll be in Joburg and that means finally conceding to the chillier weather and getting my jersey on. Which will be the first time in a year and I object :( ANYWAY, so maybe it’s my nostalgia for all things summer but today’s inspiration for me is somewhere in between the warm and cold weather seasons, a muted autumnal palette that’s perfect for a late summer bride. Dusky pink mixes seamlessly with soft minty green, with a touch of lavender to complete the happy trio. Almost worth giving into autumn for, isn’t it? Oh, and PS? Velvet is SO becoming my new favourite texture! Watch this space…

Colours: Rose, mint & lavender

Top row (l-r): Bride on velvet couch {onelove photography}; bouquet {Simply Bloom Photography}; door
Row 2: Bouquet {Eric Kelley/Easton Events}; champagne with lavender {Gayle Brooker Photography/Easton Events}; lavender macaroons; envelope
Row 3: Bride with bouquet {KT Merry/Dreamy Whites}; centrepiece {Brklyn View Photography/Michelle Edgemont}; cake table {Bryce Covey/Finch & Thistle}; velvet ribbon.