Kyle & Dani

While I love every project that comes my way, I don't often get relative creative freedom.  When I first met Dani, she had no idea of what she wanted for her wedding dress.  After looking at a couple of dresses in my studio as well as considering various fabrics we came up with a design that left plenty of room for creativity.  I was particularly excited as her dress-to-be included a number of my favourite elements ... raw silk, pleats, texture.

The final outcome suited Dani perfectly.  Her unique dress suited her tiny frame and down-to-earth, friendly, happy personality.  The look and feel of Dani's dress also worked beautifully with the venue setting, the  picturesque Bee Eaters Farm in Nelspruit.

 

 

  Photographer: MLM Photography

While I didn't get to know Kyle, I loved spending time and working with Dani and I think that MLM Photography took some wonderful photos that reflect the quirky nature of this beautiful couple.  You can almost feel the love just by looking at these photos.

Which is your favourite picture?

Love,
Sam *

What's it gonna be?!

Ooooh!  I have the most gorgeous mint silk Charmeuse and beaded tulle to work with for a client ... what's it gonna be?!

Photo by me

I'll keep you posted ...

Happy weekend folks!

Love,
Sam *

Featured Supplier: Kathleen Barry Bespoke Occasion Jewellery

Kathleen Barry has been creating a beautiful range of bespoke jewelry for nearly 10 years.  During this time Kathleen has also run her own bead studio, including beading classes, and she released her book "Bead Projects" in 2007. 

While Kathleen's range of jewelry is extensive (think bridesmaids & mother-of-the-bride/groom), I'm particularly wowed by the pieces created for brides.  The range includes bracelets, necklaces, earrings and various hair accessories.  While there is a ready-made collection for sale in Kathleen's Etsy store, the beauty of her business is that she can custom make for a client as well.  Your wish is her command!  And this she does regularly, much to the delight of her beautiful brides.

Go take a look at Kathleen's Facebook page or her Etsy shop

Kathleen's easy going and down-to-earth manner makes it easy for brides to explain their dream accessories for their wedding.  It is her creativity, attention to detail and the ability to visualise the outcome, though, that ensures that she has a range of products that are unique and truly beautiful.  Products that reflect her pure passion!

A personal favourite is the release of Kathleen's Vintage Lace collection.  What is your favourite?

Love,

Sam *

Albert & Verousce

I absolutely love these pictures from Albert and Verousce's quirky wedding.  They added soo much personality to their wedding held at the Pepper Club in Cape Town city centre but my favourite touch is the gift that Albert gave to Verousce on the morning of their wedding ... a dragonfly brooch (symbolizing good luck) which she pinned to the centre front of her wedding dress.

Photographer: Lauren Kriedeman

A bright and happy wedding ... just as it should be!

Love,
Sam *

Emerald Green Moodboard

Hello! Did you have a good holiday period? Hopefully you're feeling refreshed and ready to face a new year with gusto. I'm looking forward to this year for a number of reasons. One of my goals is to pay more attention to this blog and I plan to introduce a couple of new regular features, one of which is mood board inspiration...

Towards the end of last year Pantone announced that their colour for 2013 is Emerald Green. I personally love the various shades of green and thought we could start this year off with inspiration for an Emerald Green Wedding.

Photo Credits: Watercolours; Bridesmaids; Birds; Veil; Palm; Succulents; Bow tie; Flower; Lights; Hair Comb; Shoes; Invite; Tiered Dress; Bride & Groom Shoes; Isle

Whether using heavy influences of green or just touches of emerald accents, the colour provides a rich contrast to shades of white. For more emerald inspiration please visit my Emerald Wedding Pinterest board. And I have two additional boards which provide some inspiration for wedding dresses as well as ideas for wedding accessories.

So, what colour did you use or what colour are you using for your wedding theme? I'd love to hear!

Love,
Sam *

Sparkle on...

I think that it's safe to say that Most Girls Love Sparkle.  The attraction seems to be there from birth.  And every wedding needs a bit of sparkle.  I love this idea of sprinkling some glitter/sequins down the aisle ... spread the love!

Photo Credits: 1. Jefra Linn | 2. KT Merry

I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Love,
Sam *

Mikhail & Charlene

Beautiful Charlene chose a ball gown wedding dress, detailed with lace and ... purple.  The stark white of her dress worked soo beautifully with the shade of purple she chose.  

I think Charlene made a wonderful choice in allowing her bridesmaids to choose their own dress style, while using the same fabric/colours.  Her bridesmaids could feel comfortable on the wedding day and still have a dress they would wear after the event.

While Charlene looked like an absolute princess on her wedding day, her fun side showed when she donned her purple gumboots to have some 'rough 'n ready' shots taken.

Photographer: Warren Nelson

I particularly love the contrast of the shots in the hollow old tree ... lace and tulle vs gnarly old bark.  Which is your favourite photo?

Love,

Sam *

Gerhard & Mariaan

Oh my goodness, Mariaan's beaded lace was beautiful!  The perfect amount of sparkle without being to glitzy and fairly weighty (owing to the numerous beads) which  provided a gorgeous drape.  Mariaan chose a warm, deep champagne satin to line the lace and the final result was quite simply stunning.

Photographer: Lindie Kuhn

Mariaan's sister was the photographer at the wedding ... very special!  Lindie also took some beautiful 'dress' shots, which I appreciate.  Thank you Lindie!

Mariaan's dress was made for her to hire so I have it back in stock and it is available for purchase or hire.

Now, a bit of wedding-dress-colour isn't for everyone.  I love the contrast of the sash and the satin-covered buttons at the back of the dress.  I also think the choice of colour shows the detail of the lace beautifully.  Would you/did you include some colour in your wedding dress?

Love,
Sam *

Ryan & Diane

Ooooh, I loved working with Diane, a happy-go-lucky, down-to-earth, surfer-chick.  However, Diane wanted a 'poofy' dress made from chiffon and lace.  The bodice was draped with chiffon and the chiffon layered skirt had a beaded lace trim at each hem.  The skirt train hooked up so that Diane could have a more dramatic look for the ceremony but could still be totally comfortable for the reception.

 Photographer: Brenda Grobler

The reception was held at the Suikerbossie Restaurant in Hout Bay.  Unfortunately, Diane couldn't have any pictures taken at the beach because of the weather but she still got some amazing shots.  

Don't you love the last two fun-shots?  I don't think Diane's mom could believe her ears when her daughter told her that she was going to be wearing flops as her wedding shoes!  Heehee, love it.

Love,
Sam *

Gerhard & Angela

Angela and I went shopping for the lace for her dress together.  It didn't take long before Angela fell in love with a beaded lace.  (Another perk of my job ... watching fabric 'speak' to people!)  

Angela also enjoyed a 'destination' wedding ... in George at the Far Hills Hotel.

I love the gray satin under-bust trim and the delicate detailing of the lace scallops around the neckline.  What do you think?

Love,
Sam *

Roniet

Roniet was another bride that had the difficult task of planning her wedding from a distance (the UK).  Thank goodness for willing family members to make the process a bit easier!

Roniet had tried on some wedding dresses in London so she had a pretty clear idea of what she wanted.  A very relaxed bride that was fun to work with.

Photographer: Ian Mitchinson

Roniet's dress had a small train and she opted for a cathedral length veil.  I love a dress that has detail at the back and the additional length created that extra 'Wow' for the ceremony.

Lots of happiness!  And, don't you think that there's a distinctly Mediterranean feel, despite the celebrations being held in sunny South Africa?

Love,
Sam *

Featured Supplier : Anella Wedding Shoes

"Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world." Marilyn Monroe.  Hanel from Anella Wedding Shoes is certainly on her way to doing just that.  Well, in South Africa anyway. 

Hanel has put together the perfect collection of bridal shoes to suite both the bride and the whole wedding entourage (mother of the bride, bridesmaids and flowergirls).  Offering a range of styles and heel heights, Anella shoes are both comfortable and stylish.  Add to this the fact that you can dye them in an array of colours, either for your wedding day or for additional use afterwards, and you've got a sure winner.

'My' brides that purchased from this range of shoes couldn't believe how comfortable they were and there are many testimonials on the Anella website to back this up.  

Below are a few of my favourites from the range ...

Anella Wedding Shoes

In addition, Anella offers ballet pumps in satin or leather in any colour for children and adults.

It is no surprise that this year Anella Wedding Shoes won the Bridal Shoes category in the ABIA awards. Congratulations!! A well deserved award.

Sadly, after months (sometimes even years!) of preparation your wedding day shoots past faster than one cares to imagine.  Considering the comfort of your shoes for this important day is vital.  You want to be able to remember all the little details of your wedding ... not all the little details of how pained your feet are!  Is it worth sacrificing good looks for comfort, though?  I think that Anella has been able to marry looks with comfort in a very stylish way.  What do you think?

Love,

Sam *

Love is Enough

Ok, so the innitial attraction to this picture was, yes, the sparkle.  There's always room for more! 

However, the caption is very succinct.  I have long been a fan of an old group that sings a song "All you need is love" because no matter what you are experiencing in life, no matter what hardships you're going through and no matter how bad you may feel about yourself ... if you have the love and support of someone special, you're going to be ok.

The other side of the story is that when times are going well, when you're full of ideas that need to be shared and when you're experiencing something new and special ... yep that's right, it's all even better when you can share this with someone who loves you.

Being loved and loving in return gives you the energy and motivation to keep going or get going.  Love makes you happy.  Love is enough.

Do you agree with this caption?

Love,

Sam *

Victoria

Victoria had the most amazing aura about her ... she had such a gentle, quiet but confident way and was taking life's challenges in her stride.  At the time, Vic was living in London, planning a wedding to take place in Cape Town, South Africa and preparing to immigrate and join her husband in Australia!  Add to this the fact that she wasn't able to see her fiance for long periods of time.  Everything worked out beautifully, though, as you can see in the photos below.

Photographer: Greg Lumley

Vic's dress was made from silk satin with an overlay of draped silk chiffon.  I love the simple silhouette of the dress with the subtle detail in the draping.  I'm also a big fan of the low back.  What's your favourite part of this gown?

Love,
Sam *

Anthony & Krista

Krista chose white taffeta for her gown with a pleated bodice and full, dramatic skirt with pickups and a train.  Krista was all about the sparkle ... we decorated the bodice with multitudes of little Swarovski crystals and she wore crystal jewelry and hair accessories.

Photographer: Gavin Whithers

I love the simple spaghetti straps with cross over back.  Are you a 'strap'  person?

Love,
Sam *

Aage & Ingrid

What a stylish wedding on soo many levels.  Ingrid planned everything down to the finest detail (including hand embroidered handkerchiefs for the men of the bridal party and an extremely decadent sweets table).  

To start, her wedding dress was quite unique.  Ingrid's fishtail dress was made up of swirling panels, accentuated with smokey crystals.  The crumb-catcher neckline was a noteworthy detail in its own right.  And those shoes (Errol Arendz) just added the extra stamp of personality and style that was so distinctly Ingrid.  The colours for the outfits of her retinue were also quite dramatic.  Her three bridesmaids wore different styled dresses made from black chiffon.   

Photographer:  Lizelle Lotter

Venue:  Clouds Estate

Don't these photos conjure up nostalgic feelings from a bygone era?  Ingrid and Aage certainly make a gorgeous couple!

Love,
Sam *

Chas & Nadine

Well now, this wedding was particularly Special! Chas is my 'little' brother so it was a great privilege to make Nadine's dress. Nadine knew exactly what she wanted and managed to source the fabric for her dress when shopping with her mom.  Happy days!

And some dress shots ... Nadine chose a thin organza ribbon for the side, bodice lace up which introduced a bit of colour.  We also hand made flowers, incorporating a little of the fabric used for the bridesmaids' dresses as well as some of the embroidered organza used for the bodice and skirt.

Chas and Nadine had some of their pictures taken at the beach, before the reception.  I love these fun shots and splashes of colour from the little changing huts.

Finally, I need to include some pictures of the bridesmaids and little helpers.  I loved the splash of cerise to brighten up the fairly neutral tones of the attendants' outfits.  And, I really think my little kiddies look too cute!

These beautiful photos were taken by Seagram Pearce

I really enjoyed the trip down memory lane as I went through the photos.  The photographer really captured some beautiful expressions as well as 'moments'.  It was a beautiful wedding ... and Nadine is a Wonderful sister!

What did you think of these photos?

Love,
Sam *

Ralph & Tana

I love corded lace and Tana chose this type of lace for the bodice of her dress. We used an unbeaded lace and added a scattering of crystals to bring some life to the lace. As Tana and Ralph were also getting married in the middle of the Cape Town winter we made some full length fingerless gloves to help keep her warm!

Photos by Evert Theron

Tana was such a down-to-earth, happy bride. I really enjoyed working with her. And, Tana and Ralph made a really cute couple, don't you think?

Love,
Sam *

Hendrik & Faye

What a whirlwind! Faye was living in London, getting married in the Seychelles and I was making her dress in Cape Town.  I didn't see Faye as often as I would normally see a bride but Wow! What fun! Seeing as it was going to be a beach wedding, Faye wanted a short dress and she chose a style with a fitted bodice, flaring from the hips into a full skirt. Layers and layers of bias cut organza created amazing texture. The satin sash just finished it all off, not to mention the Jimmy Choos!

Doesn't this setting look soo idyllic?

Love,
Sam *

Ian & Gillian

Making Gillian's dress was interesting ... Ian and Gillian are ballroom dancers and Gillian wanted a dress with a removable train that she could dance in! She chose a simple silhouette with subtle crystal detailing around the neckline and at the top of the detachable train. The bright white of her dress contrasted beautifully with the purple dresses she chose for her bridesmaids.

 

Don't you think the venue was beautiful?

Love,
Sam *