Floral Fairytale Styled Engagement

by gaby

OMG this engagement shoot though! Literally, when I first came across Amber and Morne’s Cinderella-inspired couple session at Memoire on Instagram, I was totally convinced it was an editorial shoot with models instead of a real engagement, but that’s just because it’s so thoroughly romantic and beautiful (and the couple are so gorgeous!). A breezy spring vibe, a spectacular Elli-Nicole gown embellished with flowers that play perfectly against the blossoms and blooms that surround the couple throughout, a gorgeous vintage car… and of course the most breathtaking images from In Abundance Photography. It really is pure romance, so just take a deep breath and dive on in!

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20 Unique Handmade Wedding Gifts from Etsy

by gaby

Samantha Jackson on SouthBound Bride

I absolutely love the summer wedding season – getting dressed up, seeing lovely friends, celebrating gorgeous couples, wedding everything obviously – but one thing that I always find a bit stressful is finding the perfect gift. That’s probably because I usually go off-registry, though. I mean, I get that they’re useful, but I always want people to know I’ve actually taken the time to think about and choose the perfect gift for them, and not just ticked a box on a list. That’s why Etsy is such a brilliant resource for finding the perfect, cool, unique wedding gift. It’s full of beautiful handmade presents you would never have thought of otherwise, lovingly created – many personalised. Whatever your budget, you’re sure to find a creative wedding gift that suits the couple you’re buying for. In fact, you could get lost browsing there for HOURS, so to save you some time, I’ve picked out 20 of my personal favourite Etsy wedding gifts, all sold in the UK.
*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

20 Unique Handmade Wedding Gifts from Etsy | SouthBound Bride

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Romantic Pastel Farm Wedding by Rensche Mari

by gaby

We’re starting out our week with a wedding that is pure, dreamy, pastel romance! Zelmarie and Riaan were married on the bride’s family farm, with a ceremony on the golf course, and a marquee reception that combined lush blooms in lilac and dusty blue with modern transparent elements like acrylic signage, glass chargers, and hanging bulb tealights. SO pretty! The bridesmaids wore floral print gowns and the bride a lace-sleeved beauty of a gown. And with gorgeous stationery, hanging greenery, and a stunning floral arch, every frame of Rensche Mari‘s breathtaking pictures is sheer delight!

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20 Dark & Moody Jewel Tone Bouquets

by gaby

Everything’s coming up dark and moody these days – in a good way of course! The gothic-ey jewel tone palette, incorporating lots of deep reds and purples, pops of fuschia, emerald greens, and glossy black have really been embraced by the modern bride and groom, who want something elegant, grown up, and dramatic all at once. My absolute favourite way to make the dark and moody theme come alive is via lush florals, dripping from the ceilings, covering the tables, and of course, making the biggest statement of all in the bride’s bouquet. I’ve rounded up 20 absolutely breathtaking moody bouquets to inspire you!

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Charming Cape Point Vineyards Wedding by Bright & Beautiful and Illuminate Photography

by gaby

There’s no question that Cape Point is one of the most stunning places in this beautiful country of ours, and that a sunset on what feels like the end of the world is like no other. It also happens to make an incredible setting for a wedding, as Carrie and Gavin knew when they picked Cape Point Vineyards for their celebration. For their darling day, they chose a gorgeous palette of dusty blues and greys and complemented that with pastel blooms of all shapes and sizes (gorgeous work as always by SBB fave, Bright and Beautiful!). The whole look is strong but delicate, which is actually super appropriate since Carrie is a former ballerina (love how they incorporated her slippers in the decor too!). From the outdoor ceremony until long after the sun went down, it was a day filled with love and laughter, beautifully captured by Illuminate Photography!

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Darling Springtime Wedding at Towerbosch by Kusjka du Plessis

by gaby

With the darling buds just showing their spring faces to this side of the world, sweethearts Erin and Julia made their way all the way from Switzerland to tie the knot on South African soil. And what a lovely wedding it was! Combining touches of their Swiss life with local traditions, it paid tribute to their different heritages and sweet personalities. The decor was pastel, rustic, a little vintage, and ever so pretty, and Julia herself was a natural knockout in her simple gown and floral headpiece. The flowers were soft and a little rambling, like they’d just been picked from a Swiss mountainside. I especially loved the little handmade touches – the cake baked by the groom’s mom, the arch crafted by his father, and the couple’s beautiful quilt. And here’s something else I love – the story below is written by the groom, Erin. Always a pleasure to hear a groom’s perspective! Kusjka du Plessis took these absolutely gorgeous pictures of the big day.

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20 Beautiful Keepsake Wedding Vow Books

by gaby

Keepsake Wedding Vow Books

Wedding Vow Books by Rebecca Green Design

*UPDATED FOR 2021* So here’s a darling little wedding stationery trend I personally love: vow books. Personalised vows are for many modern couples a very meaningful part of their ceremony, and definitely something to remember and cherish. Vow booklets or journals serve the dual purpose of being a pretty way to keep your vows handy on the day (better than whipping out a crumpled piece of paper anyway!) and being a beautiful memento to refer back to over the years. I wish they’d existed when one of my closest friends got married – I helped her scribble down her vows on a scrap of paper and after the ceremony she asked for a copy and I had no idea where they were by then (something I felt bad about for a decade until she told me just the other day she’d had them all along, whew!) Some of our talented local South African stationers have caught on to the trend, but you’ll also find some really lovely options on Etsy. I’ve rounded up 20 faves!

*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

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Greenery & Lace Wedding at Imperfect Perfection by Aline Photography

by gaby

This wedding is all about the pairing of beautiful elements – each lovely on their own, but even better together. Greenery and lace. Rustic and vintage. Bride and groom, Rozanne and Hennie! All a perfect match. I love the simplicity of white lace against the wild succulents, and sweet DIY details like the bridesmaids’ wreath bouquets or the miles of pretty lace bunting made by Rozanne’s mom. But I think my favourite element is the oh-so-original (and oh-so-South African!) use of vintage wrought iron burglar bars as a base for hanging centrepieces. I mean, seriously. Burglar bars! It’s genius! And so pretty. There’s loads here to inspire, and with dreamy pictures by Aline Photography, it’s the perfect way to start your week.

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Lilac & Lavender Wedding Dresses

by gaby

Lace Wedding Dress by Luv-Luv

Lace Wedding Dress by Luv-Luv

*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

It’s official: lilac is the new blush! With bold Ultra Violet being the colour of the year and the bridal runways featuring some beautiful lavender and lilac gowns in the last shows, purple is definitely having a moment right now. And while I’m not always the biggest fan of bright purple, I am LOVING the softer shades of the spectrum on brides right now! It’s like blush, but a little more grown up and sophisticated, and it reminds me of fields full of lavender in Provence, or soft purple pastel blooms. SO pretty. We’ve rounded up 20 of our fave lilac and lavender wedding dresses from Etsy to inspire you.

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Whimsical Colourful Wedding at White Light by Jack & Jane

by gaby

This wedding is a delight, start to finish! A palette that’s like a breath of spring air (even though it took place in winter) – pastels and brights all mixed in like a meadow of wildflowers. A blush beauty of a wedding dress that’s as whimsical as they come, covered as it is with tiny butterflies (and if you’ve ever been into a butterfly house you’ll know what a magical experience that is, so I just love this idea!). Bridesmaids in glittering rose gold, an aisle lined with flowerpots, a groom in fashionable tweed, hanging flowers, watercolour stationery, bunnies…! Amy and Mark’s gorgeous big day had all of it and was filled with colour and love, right down to the shower of confetti that rained down on them as they took their first steps to music as husband and wife. The wonderful Jack and Jane were there to take these fantastic pictures!

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