Category: Vineyard Weddings

Sweet Summer Pastel South Hill Wedding by Kathryn van Eck {Elena & John}

by gaby

You know what I’m loving right now? Pineapples. Seriously, it’s a thing. Which might have something to do with my coastal Caribbean-style decor obsession, but it turns out I’m not the only one, because these tropical treats have been turning up on some of the prettiest wedding tables this year. I wouldn’t call it a trend as such, but let’s just say in the world of fruit and veg wedding decor, this is the year of the pineapple. And if you have any doubts, I’m about to put them to rest with this GORGEOUS and totally charming wedding from the talented Kathryn van Eck. It has pastels. It has pretty. It has the perfect smattering of sparkle. It has a champagne tower (!). It has so much love. And yes, it has pineapples. And I officially ADORE it. Yay!Read More

A Floral Romance Abingdon Estate Wedding by Derryn Semple {Bridget & Matt}

by gaby

It’s always such a pleasure to feature weddings of people I know, and when KZN photographer Derryn Semple sent over this wedding I immediately recognised the lovely Bridget from our shared varsity years, looking even more gorgeous on her wedding day than she was then (which is saying something). Straight away I could see that the whole wedding reflected Bridge’s simple, pretty, easygoing style – and set against the elegant emerald backdrop of Abingdon wine estate in the Midlands, it was the perfect place for her to start married life with her handsome groom. From the bride’s stunning Lunar gown to the two-tone bridesmaid dresses, to Derryn’s breathtaking photos, there’s a lot to love about this one, but the detail I most adore is that the couple made use of the so-called Language of Flowers. All the blooms used, from bouquets to loose table arrangements to herbs tucked into the napkins, have a meaning that relates to Bridget and Matt, and to their relationship. Beautiful and meaningful. There’s nothing better.Read More

Peonies & Proteas Holden Manz Wedding by Nikki Meyer & Creation Events {Nina & Bernd}

by gaby

I just love when foreign couples decide to spend their big day under our big sky, don’t you? I mean, it’s no surprise – we already know how gorgeous South Africa is – but we love sharing it with others who have fallen for with our beautiful land and want to have it as the backdrop to their big day. Which by the way, is also an awesome way of ensuring you always have to come back for your anniversaries ;) Nina and Bernd are just such a couple – their love of SA runs deep, and they brought all their favourite people here to celebrate with them. I just love their concept of a chilled out high tea after the ceremony, with a civilised little siesta break, and then an elegant dinner. And the sophisticated design reflected these two parts of the reception, from colourful protea and fruit arrangements in rustic crates, to blush and white peonies and ranunculus on creamy tables over candlelight. Let’s just talk about those peonies for a second too, because I can’t help being in total love with Nina’s bouquet, can you? I’m so glad we’re seeing more and more of these very special blooms here in SA now. Two of my favourite wedding ladies were behind the scenes of this lovely wedding – Theresa Lazarevic of Creation Events (one of our long-time friends and sponsors), and the awesome Nikki Meyer, whose photos never fail to delight! And here they certainly do – I’m especially in love with the mountain backdrop, which has me longing for a trip to the Cape.Read More

Radiant Orchid In the Vine Wedding by Cheryl McEwan {Kelly & Michael}

by gaby

It’s funny how quickly some terms become part of your vocabulary in this industry – a few short months ago, radiant orchid was just a dramatic description of a flower for me, but now it’s the shorthand to a gorgeous, glowy purple, Pantone’s colour of the year, and all the lovely shades of pink and purple that complement it. And of course, radiant orchid wasn’t even a thing when today’s bride Kelly picked her colours, but it just shows that her style is equal parts classic and of-the-moment. I love how her basic wedding design is an elegant white on white, with pretty embelishments like candles and pearls. The use of colour is sparing, but it really makes it pop when it shows up! I also love that Kelly is a short-hair bride – I wish we saw more of this, as she looks every bit as gorgeous as her long-haired counterparts, and it’s clear that groom Michael thinks so too – he only has eyes for his lady! One of our favourite photographers, Cheryl McEwan Photography, was the couple’s choice to snap these romantic portraits of their big day.Read More

Stormers Wedding at Brenaissance by Agapé Studio {Stacey & Gio}

by gaby

It’s not every day we get to feature a Springbok rugby player on these pages, so of course as a HUGE rugby fan myself I jumped at the opportunity when Charl Smith of Agapé Studio asked if I’d like to cover Gio Aplon‘s recent wedding! As many of you will know, Gio is a Stormer when he’s not in green and gold, and (whether by coincidence or design) his wedding to long-term sweetheart and fellow athlete Stacey was decorated in the vibrant blue and red of the Stormer’s logo. Stacey rocked not just one but two gorgeous gowns, and together with her handsome groom and seriously adorable daughter, Gia, made a picture perfect family as they celebrated this milestone together with 180 friends and family. You’ll see quite a few familiar faces from the rugby world among the guests, of course! And you can see even more from this happy day on Top Billing, where it will be featuring next month.Read More

Vineyard Chic Hidden Valley Wedding by Lauren Kriedemann {Georgie & Brad}

by gaby

When people ask me how I choose weddings for the blog, I often talk about the ‘ooh factor’ – those little inspiring details that make me go ‘ooh’ (yep, I make the noise and everything). But when I saw today’s gorgeous bride in her Johanna Johnson dress, it was more like a WOW than an ‘ooh’. And everything just got more gorgeous from there – crisp modern whites on the tables, stylish chalkboard details, and an unexpected (but oh so lovely) pop of red on the elegant bridesmaids. I just love everything about Georgie & Brad’s big day, especially that in amongst all of that style, the priority was on a day that was relaxed, happy and romantic, and the talented Lauren Kriedemann was there to capture every bit of it, as only she can!Read More

Midsummer Night’s Dream Nooitgedacht Wedding by Juné Joubert {Michelle & Ben}

by gaby

I promised you the most romantic weddings possible this week, and today’s is no exception! I fell in love with Ben & Michelle’s wedding when I saw it on photographer Juné Joubert‘s website – the garlands of roses and chandeliers filled with hydrangeas looked like a lush, magical garden, so it was no surprise to discover the bride had been inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Which is actually a good way of summing up the whole wedding – a sunny outdoor ceremony in the picturesque lane at Nooitgedacht, a swoony couple shoot (how much do we love a groom in a navy suit?), and then that enchanted flower-filled reception late into the night. Beautiful.Read More

Coral Watercolour Stellenrust Estate Wedding by Moira West {Carla & Jeremy}

by gaby

Morning, lovelies! It’s time for our first real wedding of 2014, huzzah! In the spirit of the new year, regular readers will notice we’ve had a little makeover (the ice cream parlour look, as I like to think of it) – this year we’ll be making some bigger changes to our look, but this is just a little freshen up. What do you think? I’ve also added some new features, and modified others – the biggest change to come will be in our supplier directory, but more on that soon. We’re also trying a new format for the wedding posts to reflect a few changes in the questionnaire I send real brides. SBB is always working to give readers a better experience, and I’d love to hear your feedback. ANYWAY, back to today’s wedding, and I can’t think of any that I’d rather start the year with than this coral watercolour dream from Moira West. Carla and Jeremy make such a gorgeous couple, and their wedding ‘brand’ was sweet and modern and romantic, complementing ombre lace bridesmaid dresses with hanging lanterns, soft and simple white blooms, and an amazing portrait back wedding dress, as well as fun touches like a wedding bingo game for guests to complete. Start as you mean to go on, right? It’s going to be a VERY pretty year :)Read More

Real Wedding at Lourensford {Tessa & Nick}

by gaby

Do I ever have a pretty wedding to share with you today! It had me at hello. Hello breathtaking and unusual bridal gown, hello soft lavender bridesmaids’ pleats, hello muted pastel blooms against grey tablecloths and rustic wooden boards at the reception, hello bang on trend calligraphy details, hello lacy cake. So you won’t be surprised to know that some of South Africa’s finest service providers are involved, including photographer Jani B., Wedding Concepts, Okasie and Roxanne Floquet (who just happened to be one of the bridesmaids!). And of course I was delighted to hear that SBB was one of bride Tessa’s favourite blogs – what can I say, the girl’s got taste ;) Pour yourself a cup of your favourite something hot, settle in and enjoy.Read More

Real Wedding at Waverley Hills {Anneke & Dawie}

by gaby

Time for another beautiful real wedding, folks. And even though the sun has (finally) come out to play in SA, this is a winter wedding through and through. What I love most about it is how the bride and groom tried to make sure that there was a cosy contrast between the chilly outdoors and the warmth inside – kind of a ‘weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful’ vibe. With bright and cheerful shades of pink and protea everywhere, and lots of lovely handmade craft details, the glow doesn’t just come from the Waverley Hills fireside, but from the love of friends and family, as they gathered to craft and then enjoy this happy day. Coba Engelbrecht was there to document every hand-warming heart-melting moment.Read More