Tag: Real Weddings

Intimate Orchid-Inspired Dullstroom Wedding by Jack and Jane {Cindy & Carsten}

by gaby

We always love when a couple use the details of their wedding day to tell their love story, but when it’s a bijoux wedding, those details often become even more unique and special because there’s more focus (and often more budget) to invest in them. Take today’s gorgeous pair of lovebirds – Carsten proposed to Cindy in tropical Singapore, where she fell in love with a specific type of orchid in the botanical gardens. So when planning their small wedding back in SA, it was those very flowers that the couple chose to remind them of that special time, and which formed the basis of their wedding and floral design. Sweet, simple and truly intimate, we’re so excited to share their happy day with you, beautifully captured by SBB faves Jack and Jane Photography.Read More

Musical Pastel Wedding at Kleinevalleij by Nikki Meyer {Alexia & Wimpie}

by gaby

Wimpie and Alexia’s wedding had me at hello, if by “hello” I mean the giant Mumford & Sons quote that dominated one wall of their reception venue. Being a lyric lover myself, I just adore it when couples incorporate quotes and lyrics that mean something to them into their big day – it adds such a special touch, and gives a little insight into their taste and what resonates with them. Of course, that’s not where my wedding crush ends, because with a soft pastel and neutral palette, sparkly bridesmaid dresses, elegant details, fairy lights and even rhino bouts for the boys, there’s a lot to love. I’m also super excited to welcome photographer Nikki Meyer back to SBB – we love Nikki, and we think it’s been far too long since we’ve worked together. Just look at the beautiful pictures below and you’ll see why we missed her.Read More

Misty Bohemian Wedding at Corrie Lynn Farm by Duane Smith {Michane & Nic}

by gaby

Well, it has been a week y’all. (Yes, I know I’m not Southern, but I’m giving into my desire to say y’all because I can.) From tech issues to a very minor foot surgery that had me hobbling about with a cartoon-big bandage on my toe, it hasn’t got off to the best start. But that all changes now, because this wedding is insanely cool. So much so, that it took just one incredible image for me to mail talented photographer Duane Smith with an “OMG I must have that wedding” email.  I LOVE, heart and adore Michane’s bridal style – I’ve seen a lot of flower crowns but hers is just amazing, and I love that her daughter got to wear a mini version too. Then let’s talk about the floral print bridesmaid dresses (from PnP – budget bridesmaids for the win!), the beribboned feet, the red barn… All of that bright and beautiful against a backdrop of Midlands mist and rustic neutrals. It’s amazing. And I’m so excited to share it with you. My good week officially starts here.Read More

Summer Rustic Wedding at Opstal Wine Estate by Dearheart Photos {Helene & Graeme}

by candice

While emailing Helene about this blog post, I got to know a little bit about this bubbly bride. The first fact was that her and her hubby are avid “adventurers”. Their first email came after they had been trekking through the mountains in Nepal. The follow up mail was sent from Istanbul, and the last one was sent from South Africa, just before they were about to head off to Swaziland! The second fact is that Helene is most definitely a people’s person (even over email!) and is one of those humans that you just immediately feel like you have known forever. (Read her story and you will understand why – this girl has a way with words!) Thirdly, Helene & Graeme have serious heart and it comes through in every detail of their wedding day. From the gold cement pots made by a rehabilitation center that focuses on teaching job creation skills, which displayed some of their flowers, to the absolute joy on their faces while celebrating surrounded by friends and family. I loved the vibrant summer flowers and the pops of gold in the decor (credited to Helene “feeling slightly gold crazy!”) the spectacular setting and all the special, intimate moments captured by the talented Lindsay from Dearheart Photos. I hope all you SBB readers enjoy this happy, love-filled day as much as Gaby and I did, and to Helene and Graeme, we wish you many more adventures together!Read More

Lush Floral Wedding at Forest 44 by Justin Davis {Erine & Niel}

by gaby

With greenery and foliage weddings being such a huge trend at the moment, sometimes I forget how much I adore weddings that are awash with blooms. And then something special crosses my desk, like today’s gorgeous wedding from photographer Justin Davis. I swear, it took me all of five seconds to fall in love – the bright colours, the hydrangea-filled bouquets, the garden feeling of the wooden planters, the hanging roses, and can we just talk about how much I adore the ‘Come Away with Me’ box hanging above the main table? It’s all just SO romantic. And I’m also crazy for the way that this sense of (slightly vintage) romance translates to the bride’s beautiful lace gown, and the gorgeous getaway car. But I think my favourite of all is the couple’s how-we-met and proposal stories… I dare you to read them without a huge smile on your face! :)Read More

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

by gaby

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

Tropical Elegance Oyster Box Wedding by Just Judy {Claire & David}

by gaby

Living in Durbs as I have been for the last while, I definitely have my favourite places and The Oyster Box in Umhlanga is right on that list. I think it’s the colonial-style decor (which I am total sucker for) or maybe the nostalgia I have for the area since my grandparents used to live there, but I’m never happier than when I’m sipping a cocktail at one of their elegant bars looking over the beach and the bright red striped lighthouse. So it’s always a pleasure to feature an Oyster Box wedding, and what I love most about Claire and David’s is that they totally embraced the venue’s design aesthetic and built on it, to create the most cohesive and elegant tropical classic. From the lush tropical flower arrangements to preppy touches like grey striped linens and Kelly-green bows, it’s chic and clean, and pairs beautifully with Claire’s super romantic bridal style. I mean, this dress. Be still my Vera Wang-obsessed little heart. One of SBB’s favourite photographers, the ever-lovely Just Judy, was there to capture all of this extreme pretty, and boy has she done herself proud. So get your Pinning fingers at the ready, and take it all in.Read More

Bohemian Glamour Wedding at The Glades by Fiona Clair {Jean & Brett}

by gaby

Hot damn, am I ever excited to share this wedding with you! The first time I saw it, I pretty much mailed photographer Fiona Clair straight away saying: “no seriously, that’s a styled shoot, right?” And she laughed and reassured me that it was, in fact, a real wedding full of real (albeit ridiculously beautiful) people, and that the couple were awesome and head over heels in love, and the whole day was filled with the kind of feeling and joy that you just can’t fake in a photo shoot. Look beyond the incredible wedding dress (OMG that dress!) and the fashion forward forest fairy bridesmaids and the ombre aisle and the forest fairytale decor, and you’ll see that it’s true. This is a wedding that’s beautiful on both the inside and the outside – captured to perfection by Fiona’s breathtaking pictures. A special huge thank you shout-out to the lovely Jean for finding time to answer our questions as a new mum – and congrats on your little one!Read More

Fairy Light Fairytale Wedding at Ashanti Estate by Tiffany B. {Nicole & Kyle}

by gaby

There’s nothing quite like the twinkle of fairy lights is there? Maybe it’s a bit of nostalgia for childhood Christmases, or the way they look like little stars or fireflies, but whenever I see a curtain of lights, it makes me happy. For today’s bride and groom, those twinkles set off their softly glamorous palette of golds, creams, greys and greens, and created a beautiful intimacy at their sparkly reception. But the real sparkle was in Nicole and Kyle’s eyes, as they promised one another their love and lives under a canopy of trees, posed with their bridal party, or danced the night away with their guests. Perfect! The lovely Tiffany B. was on the scene to capture every happy moment.Read More

Rustic Pastel Geometric Wedding at Kalmoesfontein by Natural Light Photography {Zarah & Matt}

by gaby

You’ve heard me say it enough times – I just love it when a couple’s wedding style really reflects who they are! And frankly, I can’t think of a better example than today’s lovely wedding, which is a fusion of the bride and groom’s tastes, styles, loves, lifestyle and venue. Even writing the title really made me smile – pastels + rustic + geometric? And I could have added ‘braai’ and ‘boho’ in there too, since Zarah and Matt’s lovely wedding also incorporated those elements, all in a completely charming and seamless way. The end result is bang on trend, but it’s also a true original, and more than that, it’s heartfelt and meaningful and fun (how much do I LOVE, for example, the maypole-style ceremony area?). Which, in my book, pretty much ticks every box on the ‘awesome wedding’ shortlist. Except, of course, for beautiful images – but with Maree Louw of Natural Light Photography on the job, that was a given anyway!Read More