It’s no secret I love styled shoots.  I love designing and creating them, and I love hearing what inspires you about them.  I love seeing their ideas and details incorporated into your own weddings.  But most of all, I love sharing them.  And today I have a particularly special shoot to share from blogger Gaby of SouthBound Bride.  Gaby is not only one of my biggest supporters (thanks Gabs!), she’s also pretty much the Queen of South African wedding pretty!

As well as sharing pretty ideas and advising brides about their weddings, Gaby has more recently added another string to her bow by creating a series of styled shoots with a distinctly South African flavour.  It’s my pleasure to share with this beautiful shoot, photographed by Cheryl McEwan, inspired by the rustic romance of the French countryside, and Cape Dutch farm style.  I am so in love with the farmhouse-style cheese table, a delicious savoury alternative to the dessert table trend which still looks sweet and pretty!

Gaby explains the inspiration behind the shoot ~

The look was originally inspired by French country style and Toile de Jouy. The fabric is so pretty, without being overpoweringly feminine, and it was evocative for me of long sunny afternoons in the Provence countryside. The whole idea really came together when I found our venue (Langkloof Roses), which has lovely French-influenced decor. I loved the exposed brick in the chapel and the billowing white curtains on the Roman veranda, as well as the surrounding fields full of roses – it was the perfect complement to the style I had in mind.

The dark blue of toile works beautifully with rose and off white, so that was the basic palette – perfect for a classic summer wedding. The look is soft, natural and a little playful, using French touches such as garlic as an accent, for example, or providing guests with a cheese spread instead of a dessert table.  The whitewashed background and the open sides of the veranda provided light and space. The dresses in the shoot were all from Elbeth Gillis, and they’re incredibly romantic – our hair and makeup artist, Sanmarie, teamed them with chic updos and makeup that was a cross between Audrey Hepburn and Audrey Tatou. All of it is stylish without being fussy – laid back enough for your guests to relax and enjoy themselves but special enough for a wedding celebration.

The key elements for the tables were the toile table runners against classic white linens. We complemented these with low arrangements of roses in heavy urns, coloured glass and white crockery. Extra texture was added using denim napkins and wooden boards for under each place setting, and porcelain animals and birds added a touch of whimsy. The stationery was also key – Canvas Stationery Boutique created a gorgeous suite using our colours and incorporating the toile, and we also used laser-cut lettering from Doodles. For the cheese table, we made use of bell jars of varying heights and sizes to add visual interest, and a variety of artisan breads and cheeses, with chalkboard-inspired signage. Heart paper bunting added to the festive atmosphere, and olive leaf accents continued the continental feel. The desserts were a highlight for me – a tray of patterned biscuits that were almost too pretty to eat, and a subtle, romantic cake design from Nelle Cakes. I also loved the flowers – we worked with both a billowy baby’s breath bouquet (ideal for bridesmaids) and a beautiful hand-tied rose one for a rustic touch (both from Flowers in the Foyer).

Inspired to create your own toile-inspired day? If only I could do it all again…

Find more rustic wedding inspiration here

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Suppliers Photographer: Cheryl McEwan // Styling: Gaby Frescura for SouthBound Bride // Venue: Langkloof Roses // Invitation suite: Canvas Stationery Boutique for The Invitation Gallery // Lasercut stationery: Doodles Laser // Dresses: Elbeth Gillis // Flowers: Flowers in the Foyer // Cake and biscuits: Nelle Cakes // Hair & Makeup: Sanmarie // Decor & Props: In Good Company and Doodles Laser // Additional Decor: Woolworths (glasses, napkins), Loads of Living (‘amour’ letters), @Home (bell jars), Mr Price Home and Langkloof // Artisan Bread & Cheeses: Fairview // Model: Simone