Elegant Pink & Gold Wedding at 12 Apostles Hotel by Tasha Seccombe

Today’s wedding really has it all. An absolutely breathtaking Cape Town location (12 Apostles, caught between sea, mountains and big blue sky), sweetly sophisticated African-inspired details (including gorgeous stationery, a marimba band, and a biltong bar – love!), and crazy gorgeous florals from our favourite ladies at Green Goddess. Dieter and Daniella met in another iconic Cape Town location (the Waterfront) and decided to seal the deal with their familes and friends with one of the best views in the country (and in my opinion, the world). From their elegant gold and pink palette, to the dreamy beach portraits, to a darling gold-touched cake, and not forgetting Tasha Seccombe‘s beautiful pictures, it’s the perfect mix of classic and contemporary with a healthy helping of homegrown.

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Fabulous Floral Couture

It’s been such fun having a month dedicated to ‘couture’ on SBB (and it’s not over yet, because there’s more to come until the end of the week), and this whimsical, fantastical shoot demonstrates why. Fashion should be fun. It should be bold, and a statement, and cool and daring and beautiful, but it should definitely always be fun. A place to try out ideas and challenge boundaries, and excite the senses. That’s why I love today’s feature. Inspired by the work of Susan McLeary of Passionflower in the US, it goes beyond carrying artistic arrangements of flowers or even wearing real flowers in your hair, and turns florals into actual fashion and jewellery – surely the ultimate statement piece for an organic bride. Led by photographer Lauren Pretorius, in collaboration with some of our favourite local creatives, including Green Goddess flower studio and Janita Toerien, it’s a celebration of fresh ideas and gorgeous greens. And if you think this isn’t something that could translate from editorial to real weddings, be sure to read Coral of Green Goddess’ low-down on how usable floral jewellery really is for your big day and beyond.

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Robyn Roberts Collection 2016

Over the years here on SBB, we’ve featured a lot of real weddings and gorgeous wedding dresses, but the days that there’s a Robyn Roberts gown on the books, are always special. One of SA’s top bridalwear talents, Robyn’s gowns walk that perfect line between modern and romantic, contemporary and whimsical, and make brides feel both like supermodels and princesses on their big day. Honestly, I’ve never met a Robyn Roberts dress I didn’t love, and so I’m absolutely delighted to be sharing the brand new collection exclusively on SBB today. These gowns are ah-mazing – bang on trend, but oh so wearable! According to Robyn, the idea was to create a range of dreamy dresses with a modern edge. Textured effects were created by layering multiple ethereal, whisper-soft fabrics, and focusing on back details and soft, comfortable skirts. The colours vary from crisp white to creamy ivories and rich blush undertones – swoon! And not only do we get to bask in all the fashion glory, but we also get to enjoy some drop dead gorgeous florals from our faves at Green Goddess flower studio as well. Told you it was a special day!

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Timeless Blush Wedding at Kleinevalleij by Lauren Kriedemann

Romantic Wedding Ring

I don’t know what it is exactly that makes a wedding sing “timeless” and “classic” and “elegant”, but whatever it is, Nikki & Robbie’s has it in spades. Of course, it has a lot to do with the beautiful elements they chose for their big day – a super romantic lace wedding gown for Nikki, groomsmen in tuxes, bridesmaids in blush, and a reception hall decked out in lush white flowers that trailed off the tables in graceful garlands (oh my gosh, not to mention Nikki’s glorious bouquet – masterfully put together by our faves at Green Goddess flower studio!). But this wedding has bags of personality too, from the Portuguese traditions they incorporated, to the vintage cars that delivered the wedding party to the church and reception, to the delicious ice creams and oversized Jenga that entertained guests during cocktail hour. And, my fave, a garter that was made from the bride’s grandmother’s dress. Every detail was thought about so carefully, and while the style is classic, it has Nikki and Robbie all over it. Capturing it in her gorgeously romantic style, is photographer Lauren Kriedemann.

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Rustic Jewel Tone Wedding at Roodezand by Wrensch Lombard

A while back, I created an autumn inspiration board in beautiful jewel tones, and our friends at Green Goddess flower studio got in touch to say that they loved it, and that they just happened to be working on a wedding using a similar palette. Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to see it! And when Tina & Kevin’s relaxed, rustic, navy, olive and russet autumn celebration popped into my inbox a few months later, it was everything I imagined. Rich, jewel-toned decor, a boho lace wedding dress, amazing florals (of course!) and beautiful pics by Wrensch Lombard. But here’s something I only found out when I read Tina’s story – this fabulous fete took its style cue from a suit! Which just goes to show, inspiration is everywhere, and when you find an element for your wedding that you love, you can totally build on that element to create a colour scheme and design that you adore.

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Colourful Yarnbomb Wedding at Langkloof Roses by Katherine Newman

Some weddings land in my inbox and I feel like an elegant symphony should be playing when I open them. For others, it’s more like a carnival band, and those celebrations full of colour and life always make me smile just a little wider! Today’s is one of those – Kelly and Kieran’s big day has that delicious laid-back feeling of a summer afternoon, with one element more common in the colder months: wool. From the most adorable crochet bunting to table numbers, yarn makes its appearance, bringing a sense of brightness and playfulness. This is underscored beautifully by the flowers, which were created by SBB faves Green Goddess flower studio – I just love the magic these ladies create! Kieran and Kelly (who looked particularly gorgeous thanks to another SBB fave, Ida Webster) seem like such a lovely couple – you can sense that special bond in the way they laugh together in all their photos. They also completed the questions together, so you get both groom and bride’s perspective on the big day, which I love. And finally, let’s not forget to mention that these beautiful pics were taken by Katherine Newman, who captured all of that colourful, smiley goodness in her images. Strike up the band!Read More

James Bond Spectre Wedding Inspiration (Video) by Vizion Photo

It’s been so much fun sharing this James Bond styled shoot, just in time for the release of Spectre (which I am amping to see, aren’t you?) Part I with its colourful Day of the Dead inspiration, sleek and sophisticated Part II. There’s one last little installment to share with you this afternoon, courtesy of Vizion Photo. We’ve generally featured their photographic work before, but today we get to share a video they put together to go along with Debbie Lourens‘ images from this shoot, and it is so worth a watch! Then finally, because we love you, we’re also including one last ‘scene’ from the editorial story put together by the styled shoot team, where James and his Bond girl go shopping for jewels at Uwe Koetter. And why not? After all, diamonds are forever ;)

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James Bond Spectre Wedding Inspiration (Part II) by Debbie Lourens & Green Goddess

James Bond is back in action! Everything he touches turns to excitement! (Or maybe it’s just that I finally got to quote the Goldfinger poster on my wedding blog, woo!) As you can gather, I’m a huge Bond fan (including having rocked a Bond theme for my 21st birthday party), so a new film is always cause for excitement, and even more so when it comes along with some dangerously beautiful, thrillingly gorgeous wedding inspiration. Tomorrow sees the worldwide release of Spectre, and to celebrate, we finally get to share Part II of this 007 editorial from Debbie Lourens and Green Goddess flower studio. These ladies and their talented team have pulled off not just one but three drop dead amazing looks – and you don’t get much more Bond girl than a helicopter flight in a couture dress decked with flowers. Eat your heart out, Ursula Andress. (In fact, all of the Gavin Rajah creations in this shoot are breathtaking!) And while it’s unlikely the real Bond would ever marry again (first wife? shot on wedding day), there’s no harm in dreaming about what it might look like. Glitzy, elegant, and of course a bit cheeky. SO – scroll away… AND there’s more, because we’ll be sharing a seriously cool video this afternoon, along with a bonus ‘scene’ we’re calling Diamonds Are Forever. Yup, you know you want to see it. In the meantime, let’s get shaken and stirred (and don’t forget to check out the Day of the Dead-style Part I).Read More

James Bond Spectre Wedding Inspiration (Part I) by Debbie Lourens & Green Goddess

There are days as a wedding blogger when something lands in your inbox and you think “HELL yes, this is why I do this job”. Today’s editorial (from a rockstar team including SBB Directory members Green Goddess and photographer Debbie Lourens) is one of those, and I’ve so been looking forward to sharing it with you! Not only is it inspired by the latest James Bond film, Spectre, which has its UK release today, but it’s also only the first part of this gorgeous collaboration (you’ll have to wait until next week for that – and for the film!). Oh, and did I mention it’s based around the Mexican festival of the Day of the Dead, which takes place at the end of October? Word is that Spectre opens with a scene at this festival, so it was the perfect place for our team to start their Bond fantasy. Bright colours, gorgeous stationery, and a Day of the Dead-inspired mask… plus, of course, a glamorous bride and groom to be. And just wait until you see Part II! Be sure to check in next Thursday – it will be worth the wait, I promise!Read More

Moroccan Magic Wedding Inspiration by Illuminate Photography

Boy do I ever have a gorgeous editorial for you all today! Thanks to Tabitha Mee at Illuminate Photography and her talented team, we’re transporting you to the sands of Morocco for a styled shoot that’s as beautiful as it is inspiring. In fact, it’s almost easy to forget that it was shot in Cape Town, and not high in the Atlas mountains, amid citrus and walnut groves, and flat-roofed hamlets.  I absolutely love a touch of Moroccan style (which also happens to be perfect for a boho wedding theme), and with a mix of shiny brass, warm earthy tones and pops of orange from pincushion proteas, berries and kumquats (as well as a dreamy Robyn Roberts dress), I’m in heaven. This would be such a gorgeous colour scheme for a wedding – the florals created by our faves at Green Goddess flower studio would translate beautifully to a reception table, not to mention the sheer romance of a little desert breakout area beneath the stars. Sigh. And pass the mint tea.Read More