Rustic Drakensberg Wedding at Dalmore Guest Farm by Casey Pratt Photography {Kelly & Duncan}

It’s sweet little rustic weddings with a big heart like this one that really make me melt. Kelly and Duncan chose a venue for their wedding that isn’t even an actual function venue (although you wouldn’t know by the fantastic show of hospitality that Dalmore put on for the couple). Rather, it’s a place that’s close to their hearts, a country getaway where they feel relaxed and happy, and where they could bring their guests to experience the same, among the spectacular scenery of the Natal Drakensberg. Add in some DIY rustic detailing, a few Madiba proteas (wow, but they’re gorgeous, aren’t they?) and a glam lace dress for the bride, and you have the perfect lil’ mix for a wonderful day. Casey Pratt captured every lovely moment from behind the lens.Read More

Proteas & Pallets Rustic Wedding at Leeuwrivier by Nikki Meyer {Martine & Bruno}

Protea lovers, rejoice! Today’s wedding not only includes tons of these gorgeous South African blooms, but balances them with modern stripes and cafe lights, as well as strong wooden elements, including the most awesome pallet backdrop and ceremony arch detail. It’s this kind of signature element that really gets my heart racing, and shows that rustic wedding style is always open to fresh ideas and new details. And detail is really where this wedding is at, from the custom protea badges for groomsmen and family members, to the teal Chevrolet, to the lacy bunting hanging above the reception space. Happy smiles all round!  The delightful Nikki Meyer‘s clean photographic style captures it all to perfection.Read More

An English Country Garden Styled Shoot by josie photography

It’s time for some Friday prettiness folks, courtesy of the lovely Josie of josie photography. This sweet little styled shoot was inspired by the legend of Camelot, and it really does have an idyllic English country garden feeling – you can just imagine Arthur and Guinevere prancing about in these green and pleasant surroundings. But more than that, there’s some fresh inspiration for rustic brides in the real world too – gorgeous flowers in the perfect spring or summer palette, soft botanical touches, and of course a bride crowned with flowers. And hello, proteas. We just can’t get enough of them this week, it seems! :)Read More

20 Gorgeous Protea Bouquets

Ah proteas. The love affair that just keeps on going. Everytime I think I might have seen enough protea bouquets to last a lifetime (and let’s be honest, as the editor of a South African wedding blog, I’ve seen a LOT), I see just one more that melts my heart. Not to mention that everytime I buy myself one of these blooms, I spend hours looking at it. Proteas are just so cool. And that’s how you should feel about your wedding flowers, right? So I thought it was high time I did another roundup of gorgeous protea bouquets. Good luck picking a favourite – they’re all so lovely! And remember, you can find all my latest protea finds on our Protea Bouquet & Centrepieces Pinterest board.

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Rustic Fynbos Wedding at Makinky Manzi by 5 Talents Photography {Jean-Marie & Jaques}

I can’t think of a more proudly South African theme for your wedding than fynbos, and that’s exactly what today’s bride and groom chose, basing their entire wedding design on their love for Cape fynbos, right down to protea seed favours. Here’s the twist though – the wedding didn’t take place in the Cape, but rather in the North West, creating a gorgeous fusion of the best of two of our prettiest provinces. This is rustic handmade wedding design at its best, in creamy neutral colours, along with shades of soft pink and a touch of gold. 5 Talents Photography took these golden images, to commemorate Jean-Marie & Jacques special day!Read More

Summer Garden Party Wedding at Rockhaven by Love Made Visible {Caroline & Luke}

It’s a wonderful thing when we get to feature a wedding by Love Made Visible. This power couple not only have an eye for the gorgeous details that I love so much, but more importantly for the emotional details and little moments that really make a wedding day so heartwarming. I always get the feels looking at their documentary-style pics, and that was just the case when I came across Caroline and Luke’s softly rustic, travel-themed wedding. I especially love the way this wedding feels like a 1920s summer garden party, with peach-garbed bridesmaids (with just a touch of Gatsby sparkle), groomsmen in boaters, and the bride in an incredibly elegant Jenny Packham. A happy day for them, and now a happy day for us!Read More

Get the Look: Protea Landscape

The best part of a styled shoot for brides and grooms (apart from basking in the sheer prettiness, of course!) is the wealth of fresh ideas that you can borrow to add an extra special touch to your own celebrations. As part of our Styled Shoot Competition showcase this week, we’re breaking down five of our favourite ideas from each shoot, as well as bringing you tips and advice for recreating the look from the talented team behind each entry. Next up, we’re taking a second look at the Karoo chic of this Protea Landscape shoot by Kadou (who made many of the amazing details by hand, right down to painting the chairs) and Michelle Wiese.Read More

Protea Landscape by Michelle Wiese & Kadou

Day Two of styled shoot inspiration begins! From the beach yesterday, today we’re off to the Karoo, where the arid landscape inspired our latest team of wedding pros to come up with a very special shoot that has so many elements to it. Led by photographer Michelle Wiese and Kadou, they created some dramatic bridal looks and two variations on a homegrown rustic tablescape that include (shut the front door, seriously) a paper protea table garland. I love how some of the starker elements, like concrete and wood textures, geometric elements and an earthy palette contrast with softer touches like a dreamy tulle peplum dress and watercolour washes. And you can’t get a more classic South African motif than our national flower- which turns up in all sorts of fresh ways. Love it!Read More

Get the Look: We All Have Roots in Africa

The best part of a styled shoot for brides and grooms (apart from basking in the sheer prettiness, of course!) is the wealth of fresh ideas that you can borrow to add an extra special touch to your own celebrations. As part of our Styled Shoot Competition showcase this week, we’re breaking down five of our favourite ideas from each shoot, as well as bringing you tips and advice for recreating the look from the talented team behind each entry. Next up, we’re taking a second look at multi-textured We All Have Roots in Africa shoot by lovelies Cheryl McEwan and Creation Events.Read More

We All Have Roots in Africa by Cheryl McEwan & Creation Events

Ready, steady, let’s GO! I’m so excited to share a week of proudly South African wedding inspiration here on SBB, starting with this delightful shoot from two long-time supporters of the blog (along with their talented team), stylist Theresa of Creation Events and photographer Cheryl McEwan. Instead of choosing a single South African twist, they were inspired by just how eclectic and diverse our cumulative culture is (one of the things I love most about SA) and created a look for both ceremony and reception that incorporated a mix of the gorgeous textures and colours of our nation. Including a beadwork cake, which I am absolutely DYING over, leather accented stationery (how. cool. is. that.) and lots of beautiful, beautiful proteas. Put simply, these are a few of our favourite things :)Read More