Real Weddings - SouthBound Bride

Cozy Protea-filled Wedding at Old Haliwell by Kristi Smith

21 September, 2017 by gaby

I swear, I am always so discombobulated when it comes to seasons. For one thing, right when I’m curled up in blankets drinking hot chocolate with my dog, my Aisle Society sisters are sipping sweet tea or heading for Martha’s Vineyard, or whatever it is they do over in the States when it’s summer. And right when we start getting summer vibes, there’s tons of autumnal wedding inspiration that hits the net. And then, of course, there’s the fact that we often feature weddings months after they happen, which is why now is the time of so many cold weather weddings and cozy receptions for me, and as much as I’m a summer girl, I LOVE it. Case in point: Anzél and Jaun’s Midlands celebration, which is cold weather wedding style done oh-so-right. Rich colours (including and inspired by beautiful Proteas and complemented by classic black), long sleeves (Anzél’s lace gown is to die for, and her bridesmaids are rocking black lace in a big way!), and cozy homemade touches like rusk favours and a rustic cheese wheel cake. Leaves on the ground, love in the heart – it’s wonderful. And be sure to read the couple’s story, because they have one of the cutest ‘how we met’ stories ever! Kristi Smith took these lovely, moody pics.

Chic Autumn Wedding at Lanzerac by Wedding Concepts & MvR Film

19 September, 2017 by gaby

Show me a Wedding Concepts celebration, and I’ll show you one happy bridal blogger. And when that wedding happens to take a cozy autumn style and setting and turn it into a magical, elegantly lush celebration, I’ll show you one performing the dance of joy. Helande & Christian’s wedding was just that – a seasonal soiree given the WC touch, with opulent florals on the tables, clusters of Edison bulbs and fairy lights hanging from the ceiling, and most romantic of all, a candle-lit cellar ceremony. The palette is classic autumn jewel tones, given a modern twist, and I loved that the tables also included plump grapes and vintage brass platters and candle holders alongside the protea, orchid and hydrangea arrangements, which has the effect of an old masters still life. MvR Film captured these truly lovely images of a very special day!

Casual, Intimate Wedding at Café Felix by Hewitt Wright Photography

8 September, 2017 by gaby

I think it’s safe to say that when it comes to wedding planning, subtlety can be vastly underrated. After all, this is the world of extravagant walls of flowers, and crystal embellished gowns worth thousands of dollars. But sometimes the best weddings focus on the most important things – the setting, the food, the vibe of fun and togetherness and love; and when that’s the case, just the littlest touches can pack the biggest punch. Case in point? Ashleigh & Tim’s sweet-as-pie Riebeek West wedding, which brought together their nearest and dearest for a beautiful, heartfelt garden ceremony and then adjourned to the courtyard at Café Felix for wining, dining and dancing under the stars. Tables overflowing with greenery, and fairy lights everywhere… it’s just magical. And Hewitt Wright‘s photographs bring all of it to life for us again. Who needs a bunch of bling when you have this kind of enchantment?

Romantic Pastel Wedding at Memoire by Genevieve Fundaro

7 September, 2017 by gaby

Pink and pastels can look impossibly chic, and if you have any doubt, this beautiful, heartfelt wedding at Johannesburg’s Memoire will show you the way. From the bride’s romantic cascade of orchids bouquet to the bridesmaids in dove grey lace, from the pretty watercolour stationery to the tall arrangements of roses and hydrangea at the reception, everything is colour co-ordinated to absolute perfection. And let’s not forget the vision in white that is bride Duané – she wanted to make the kind of first impression on her groom that he’d made on her the night they met (i.e. love at first sight!) and Micah’s emotional reaction was proof that she hit the mark. I love the way these two look at each other – it’s pure love, like there’s nobody else in the room but them. So no wonder they decided to opt for a sweetheart table (dripping in blooms, obvs!) for their reception – every moment of togetherness is clearly treasured. The lovely Genevieve Fundaro captured these light-filled images of their beautiful big day.

Ravishing Forest Feast Wedding at Die Woud by Fiona Clair

5 September, 2017 by gaby

If weddings were celebrities, I feel like Kate and Le Roux’s would be Ava Gardner, or another gorgeous, glamorous, and slightly mysterious (and utterly ravishing) Old Hollywood starlet. With a palette of rich berry pinks and reds with lots of classic black, an enchanted forest setting at Die Woud, and super fun details like a G&T bar and decadent cake display (hello, heaven!), it manages to be cozy and sophisticated, magical and modern all at the same time. The divine Fiona Clair was on hand to take these beautiful images, and I just know you’re going to love it as much as I do. Which is a lot, in case there was any doubt. A LOT.

Glitter & Greenery Wedding at Maroupi by Carmen Roberts

1 September, 2017 by gaby

It’s Friday! And while we can’t pop the bubbly until after work, Lauren and Sean’s wedding has just the right amount of fizz and sparkle to keep us more than happy until champagne ‘o clock. This effervescent couple chose the lovely Maroupi as their venue and dressed it up with greenery and a dusting of glitz in the form of shimmery linens and gold sprayed eucalyptus – so pretty! And for an extra touch of festive flair, they placed a cracker at each setting – I love this Christmassy touch which is sure to delight your guests whatever the time of year. (For a cracker making tutorial, see here.) I’m also utterly in love with Lauren’s gown, which comes from chic boutique Toujours Wedding House, and fit the bride like a glove! But my favourite idea? The wine and charcuterie spread for cocktail hour – (clearly this is a couple after my own heart!) Carmen Roberts took these lovely pics – cheers to all the pretty!

Elegant Rustic Farm Wedding by Wildflower Photography

30 August, 2017 by gaby

If there’s one look that’s really standing out for me as THE trend amongst SA brides at the moment, it’s jewel tones. Beautiful rich palettes with dark and moody shades and pops of colour that really make an impact, whatever the season. Today’s elegant farm wedding of Jeanine and Marthinus is a perfect example. Navy, burgundy, deep pinks and green foliage work together so beautifully, making the whites of the lines whiter and the smiles brighter! And speaking of making an impact, Jeanine’s gown is the absolute bomb, a touch of Hollywood glamour against the rural backdrop! Add to that beautiful stationery, lovely tables, and hanging greenery, and you have a super inspirational day, captured exceptionally well by Wildflower Photography. Let’s take a peek, shall we?

Country Classic Wedding at The Glades by Fiona Clair

28 August, 2017 by gaby

Oh joy! We’re kicking off our week with a wedding from SBB fave Fiona Clair, and it’s as romantic and beautiful as you might expect! Brittany and JP opted for a Midlands wedding right out of the country classic playbook, adding their own spin with personal details that reflected their history and personalities. With greenery, fairy lights, Kraft paper stationery and the most breathtaking Casey Jeanne gown, you won’t be able to help yourself from pinning away! I also love that Brittany took to heart a tip from our friend Jo of Oh Happy Day! here in Durbs, to concentrate on the feeling they wanted to create – such great advice, and the result was an atmosphere of celebration, fun and love. And with Fiona’s oh-so-spectacular images, the picture is complete! Sigh.

Whimsical Vintage Wedding at Diamant Estate by Claire Thomson

25 August, 2017 by gaby

When I’m selecting weddings for publication, there’s always one detail that stands up and shouts at me, and I don’t mind saying that for one, it started with the bridesmaid dresses. They’re fabulous! Fun, frothy, Carrie Bradshaw-style tutus, and they are tutu cute! But the inspiration from Marike and Tobias’ beautiful day certainly doesn’t stop there. Combine a classic winelands setting with an eclectic collection of decor that’s vintage and glam and whimsical, with pops of bold, colourful blooms, and you might be getting close to describing what you’re about to see. And the reason I think it all works together is because it’s a true reflection of the bride and groom, so the decor and details are really an expression of their love and happiness. Claire Thomson was the perfect person to capture it all in these absolutely lovely images!

Berry Tone West Coast Wedding at Gelukkie by Kusjka du Plessis

24 August, 2017 by gaby

Pretty as a picture and coming to your screen right now, Altus and Leandri’s wedding is one for the books! This sweet couple decided to combine the relaxed summer ambience of the West Coast sunshine with a bright (bang on trend!) berry palette, and seal the deal with family friends and fun! I love this wedding, not just because of how well all the little details fall together or how fabulous the colours are (those bridesmaid separates, wow!), but because Kusjka du Plessis has captured it in the most gorgeous images – the sunset shoot of bride, groom and bridal party is like something from a magazine! But then again, models never get to have this much fun!