Okay fact: it's hard to narrow down all of the categories in our annual 'best of' roundups. But harder than hard - almost impossible, in fact - is selecting just 20 dresses that represent the absolute amazingness that our fashion-forward brides bring to the table each year. I swear, 2014 has been the most difficult choice yet, because so many of our real weddings showcased an incredible, on-trend, super-flattering and often original take on current bridal fashion, making each bride look like a movie star. From illusion lace and portrait backs (and boy, was this ever the year of beautiful lace!), to soft colour infusions, statement backs, shoulders and sleeves, and beautiful accessories - as well as some one-of-a-kind standalone creations - SouthBound Brides had it ALL going on. The result is not only a gallery of gorgeousness from SA's top designers (and the world's, hello Vera Wang!), clever brides and talented family members, but a collection of inspiring and stylish ideas for brides-to-be. Bravo, brideys, bravo. And to make it extra special, I've let those very brides describe each creation and how they chose it in their own words.

Georgie says: "I bought my wedding dress in Sydney after looking at a few places. I wanted something elegant, relaxed and straight down. As soon as I tried on dresses at Johanna Johnson I knew they were exactly what I was after. Their service, advice and help made the whole process so easy and enjoyable." This gorgeous gown was also GABY'S FAVOURITE.

Robyn says: "Working in fashion and having made a few wedding dresses before, I knew this was going to be a challenge - just too many options! I was very lucky to find inspiration after 'not wedding dress' shopping. I found the shape I wanted, sketched up a few options and it all came together. I created the pattern and, knowing where my talents do not lie, handed it over to an amazing lady Tanya Dimitrova who sewed up the Moroccan silk I chose with expert skill! The dress really came to life when I hand stitched the beautiful French lace I got from a boutique mill, Darquer. It worked out exactly as planned."

I made a range of appointments at various different dress-hiring and dress-making places - afterwards, I realised that my ideal dress did not yet exist and so I compiled a short description of my perfect dress as well as a few pictures taken at the fittings and sent it to a few dressmakers to see if their quotations matched my budget. And that's how I discovered my dressmaker, Zani Denton - who also happened to be our photographer's wife. She did it as a last favour to me as she no longer makes wedding dresses."

Tembakazi got to wear not just one beautiful gown but two to her two-part traditional & western wedding - so of course, we had to include both! The second, by designer Terrence Bray, included a subtle hi-lo hemline, illusion lace, a glam boat neckline and ostrich feather detailing, reflecting the Eastern Cape location of both weddings.

Bridget says: " Jessica says: " When I got engaged, I knew exactly the gown I wanted, and so the challenge for me was finding someone who could bring my vision to life. After meeting with Julia Ferrandi, showing her my dress idea and seeing her giddy excitement over it, I knew that she was the one to bring it to life. I didn't have a single doubt or concern along the way, I knew my dress was in the safest hands. From the fabric and lace shopping to every single fitting, it was a surreal dream come true. The dress was EXACTLY how I imagined it to be." Stella says: "I've been in love with a dress since I was 16 years old. A timeless, feminine, elegant and beautiful dress; perfect in my eyes and I knew it would have me feeling like a real life princess. It's one that made my jaw drop to the ground the very first time I saw it. It is timeless, feminine, elegant, beautiful. It is simply perfect. So when I got engaged, it only took me about two weeks to decide on AND buy my dress!" I've always know that I wouldn't get married in a typical wedding dress so it was the best surprise to walk into Lunar at 44 Stanley on my way out to lunch with friends and see my perfect wedding dress hanging in the store. I chased Matt out the shop very quickly while I enquired if it was for sale and made an appointment for the next day to try it on. It was very simple, flowy and pretty which is my style so it made the decision very easy to make and I felt completely comfortable in the dress."

Claire wore such an unusual and beautiful ruffled blush dress - sheer romance with her husband's traditional kilt!

Haloise says: "My knowledge on weddings was zero - I had to ask for a lot of advice from friends and the internet helped tremendously! I couldn't find many choices for winter wedding dresses, but I had a few ideas and asked a seamstress to make it for me. Putting all those inputs together, I had a gown!" Haloise's nude lace creation was this year's PINTEREST FAVOURITE.