Nathalie & Ben, Margan Winery – Broke, Keegan Cronin

POLKA DOT BRIDE FEATURE – I can hardly contain my happiness at getting a mention in this feature of Nathalie & Ben’s fabulous winery wedding. Olé Olé.

“Our celebrant was Julie Muir. She’s a beautiful charismatic Irish woman who told our love story so with much sincerity, charm and humour. We also wrote our own vows. It was so moving to hear each other’s heartfelt vows for the first time on the day. It was really emotional for both of us and for our guests. It’s a moment in time I will cherish forever and a clear highlight of the day for us.”

 

Photographer: House of Lucie | Florist: Mimosa: Floral Design Studio | Venue: Stonehurst Cedar Creek | Hair & Make-up: @Laraseddon_mua (Insta) | Signage: designme_hannah

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Jenita & Tyler, Stonehurst Cedar Creek – Wollombi, House of Lucie Photography

I married Jenita’s brother a few years ago so was delighted when she got in touch to ask me do her wedding. That officially makes me their ‘family celebrant’! I’ll be expecting the call for the baby naming too, when they get there!

Jenita & Tyler met 7.5 years ago at a party. To settle her nerves, Jenita drank a few too many vodkas. (We’ve all been there!) It worked for a bit. Herself and Tyler had plenty of laughter and banter from the word go, until….she threw up in front of him. Her friends intervened, dumped her in the shower and then took her for some Chinese food which revived her. Tyler wasn’t entirely sure what to make of Jenita’s antics but he’d enjoyed their chats and so thankfully, he decided not to write her off entirely.

They share the same values, laugh at the same things (case in point: Adam Sandler), and agree on the important stuff, like if they are ever lucky enough to stumble across Sofia Vergara, she will happily be accepted into their relationship as a second wife!

Their hopes for the future are to have many more adventures together, going down the coastline to South Australia, getting every beach, look out, 4×4 track and sunset along the way.

I loved working with these two adventurous souls: they oozed relaxed vibes and have great personal style. The couple wanted a relaxed, authentic and romantic wedding which they definitely achieved by carefully selecting their vendors.

For starters, they chose Stonehurst Cedar Creek in Wollombi as their venue. The ceremony was down by the creek which totally set the scene.

Check out all their styling and clothing choices. The men were the epitome of fine country dressing wearing tan chinos with braces, brown boots and akubras.

The women’s dresses and their flowers were from the most beautiful palette of peaches and cream and soft pinks. The florist created a show-stopping arbour. I’ve seen more than my fair share and this is definitely my current favourite. I spy roses and orchids and lots of other wonderful exotic elements.

It was my first time working with the incredible photographer Khara from House of Lucie. What a talented babe. Her forte is shooting adventurous couples in beautiful places in a natural and modern way.

You can tell by the photos that this was a vendor + couple match made in heaven, FOR ME and everyone else who was involved. I’ve nothing but love for these legends.

 

Photographer: House of Lucie | Florist: Mimosa: Floral Design Studio | Venue: Stonehurst Cedar Creek | Hair & Make-up: @Laraseddon_mua (Insta) | Signage: designme_hannah

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Nano & Andrew, Gunners Barracks – Sydney, Folk & Follow

I’ve been wanting to write about Nano and Andrew’s incredible wedding for a long time. It was so fabulous that I wanted to do it justice, and in worrying about that, paralyzed myself from writing. It’s true that ‘perfection is the enemy of excellence’.

So, as we approach their 1st anniversary, I decided to write, something, ANYTHING, to not let the milestone pass. It’s a bit like the wedding thank you cards – you have a full year to send them, before it seems rude, right?!

Nano & Andrew had a bi-lingual ceremony because Nano aka Juan is from Spain and although his English is flawless, he had a big Spanish contingent fly in for the wedding. It wasn’t fully half-half: it was more of a well placed sprinkling of Espanol so that all guests felt included. In truth, the love they displayed on the day transcended any language barriers. The emotion was palpable and the love was felt by all the guests, whether they understood the words or not.

The guests were greeted by Mike Rizk, a talented Spanish guitarist. Nano’s father who is a poet, wrote a poem for his son and his partner all about love, which was read in both languages on the day and had everyone in tears.

There was lots of laughter too. I made sure of that. I knew the guys’ friends could take a joke so I pushed against that boundary and they responded as I’d hoped. It’s a skill that I am constantly developing, to balance the meaning and the humour.

I have to talk about the style! When the stylish Sydney-set meets the glamour of Spain, you know it’s going to be a feast for the eyes!! The guests followed a suggested colour palette of blue. The boys themselves were dressed to impress but sensibly wore shorts.

After careful consideration, we changed the position of all the chairs to create a semi-circle instead of the traditional rows. I had a sense that it would make the ceremony more inclusive and intimate, and I believe it was one of many contributing factors that allowed the good vibes to flow on the day.

I want to thank photographers Folk & Follow for the sensational photos. The back-lit view of the ocean while gorgeous on the day is extremely hard to photograph but you’d never know it from these photos. In fact, Folk & Follow took my favourite photo of 2018: myself and the boys laughing out loud during the ceremony. It epitomizes everything that I hope to achieve as a celebrant.

My aim is to be able to build my rapport with my couples to a point where the ceremony truly is a collaboration. This wasn’t just a transaction of services. Ours was a meeting of the minds and hearts. We were aligned in our values and our vision for the day. It was their openness and trust that allowed me to be my best self on the day.

Los amo a ustedes dos hermosos humanos xoxoxo

 

Photography: Folk + Follow | Venue: Gunners Barracks | Florist: Tulipanna | Cake: @thecookandbaker | Musician: @mikerrizk | Hair: Matteo Capellaguzzi | Outfits: M.J. Bale+ Suitsupply

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Fiona & Jonathan, Ben Ean – Pokolbin, Lightheart Media & Photography

Fiona & Jonathan’s wedding was colourful, bold and creative….just like the couple themselves.

Check out the colour explosion! Red, red and more red with a smattering of pink!

Red is the color of love, passion, and romance so it’s surprising that more couples don’t chose it for their wedding day. This is a great example of how to nail this colour combo.

You can feel the warmth, energy and vibrancy of the day emanating from these incredible photos. It was so difficult to narrow them down to this selection, but Facebook wouldn’t let me upload anymore! Enjoy!

Venue: Ben Ean | Dress: Peter Trends Bridal Australia | Flowers, Styling & Design: Peonies Boutique Weddings | Photos & Video: Lightheart Films & Photography | Hair: Michelle Jackson Hair & Style | Makeup – MJ Pro Makeup | Signage: Just Peachy Invitations & Event Stationery | Cake: Mel Rose Cakes | Cars: Princess Car Hire

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Renae & Graeme, Mindaribba House – Tocal, Woodland Creative

Vintage Glam Amazing-ness!!!!!

That’s how I’d describe Renae and Graeme’s wedding. This wedding was definitely a highlight of my 2018.

Renae describes Graeme as an ‘old soul’. He is honest, trustworthy and loyal. He understands her and she knows she can rely on him. Graeme admires that Renae is an independent and able woman. She is courageous, adaptable and very beautiful.

Who says it’s only the bride that can arrive in style? Graeme, a car enthusiast arrived in a green 1971 HQ Holden Kingswood. Graeme bought it when he was 19 from a 92 year old man who was the only owner. Renae and Graeme had their first date in it.

Renea arrived with a bang in a 2017 Ford Mustang V8 that Renae’s step-father owns.

The flower styling was like nothing I’d ever seen before. The flowers made such a statement and tied the romantic theme together wonderfully. I saw the florist spend hours opening up the Colombian roses to dramatic effect.

This venue has shot straight to the top of my favourite’s list. It’s an old manor house that is absolutely stunning inside. It has an old-world glamour to it. And it has a pool! I wonder if anyone ended up in it later that night?!

Congratulations to this beautiful on the arrival of their first child.

Photography: Woodlands Creative Photography and Film | Florist: Wild Romance and Renea’s mum Sharon | Venue: Mindaribba Weddings

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Brittney & Matt, Hunters Quarter – Pokolbin, Muse Photography

Britt & Matt wanted a fun, light-hearted, personalised ceremony.
They wanted no fuss or stress. They weren’t focused on every tiny detail going to plan. What was important to them was that everyone felt relaxed and in the moment. The couple and the guests were fully present. My words floated into the air and landed with the desired effect, ensuring everyone laughed and cried.

 

⁠Photographer: Muse Photography | Venue: Hunters Quarter | Bridal Shop: Belles and Beaux Bridal | Dress Designer: Stella York | Suits: POLITIX | Hair & Make-up: Totally Fab

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Emma & Lucas, Stanley Park – Fullerton Cove, Ben Howland Photography

Emma & Lucas met at a mutual friend’s 21st birthday which was a thrift shop themed party. Emma made quite the first impression on Lucas in her sexy red dress that she had bought from the Salvation Army for $10. Emma remembers thinking how friendly Lucas was, and how patient too. She dragged him around the party trying to find her missing drink and he didn’t complain.

They got married in am emotional ceremony at Stanley Park. Lucas starting crying as soon as the music started and the emotion rippled through the crowd, starting with the mums and then spreading until everyone was reaching for a tissue. There was a good mix of laughs in there too. I always remind the couple that the most important thing on the wedding day is to ‘feel the love’ and they definitely did that.

They got married under the Morteon Bay fig tree which was decorated with a large swatch of white fabric- simple and very effective.

Emma’s sister Gabby read one of my favourite readings: a poem by Rebecca W. I had it at my own wedding too. I love the powerful line ‘I do not need you, I choose you’.

It is with you that I experience
the wonders of the world It is with you that I triumph
over the challenges in my path It is your partnership that will lead me
to the fulfillment of my dreams It is your friendship that guides me
as I grow and learn It is your patience and wisdom
that calms my restless nature

It is through you that I know my true self

I do not take you for granted,
I cherish you I do not need you
I choose you I choose you today in witness
of all the people who love us I choose you tomorrow
in the privacy of our hearts

I choose you in strength and weakness

I choose you in health and sickness

I choose you in joy and sorrow

I will choose you, over all others, every day
for all the days of my life

Huge thank you to Ben Howland for capturing the feeling on the day. When I look at these photos it brings back so vividly all the emotions and the vibrant colours of the day.

Photographer: Ben Howland | Brides’s dress: Lisa Le Bridal & Formal | Hair & Make-up: SILK Hair & Beauty Bar | Bridesmaid dresses: SHEIKE, Lulus, Showpo | Suits: David Jones | Flowers: Groom’s sister Phoebe Tacon | Venue: Stanley Park

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Kathryn Shane, Hickson Street Lookout – Merewether, Newcastle, Stories with Mel Photography

Kathryn & Shane got married at the stunning Hickson St Lookout in Merewether. It’s a spot I go to regularly with my husband and we take visitors there all the time because it’s got the WOW factor.

I reckon it’s the longest and possibly the most treacherous aisle in Newcastle though. The bridesmaids did well to avoid a fall on the steep decent to the arbour.

Shayne once described Kathryn to me as a beautiful raven-haired women that looks like Princess Jasmin from Aladin. I reckon he was spot on! She was an absolute vision of gorgeousness when she appeared through the trees with her father Craig.

Karthryn’s brother Max played ‘Wasn’t Expecting That’ by Jamie Lawson acoustically on his guitar as they walked down the aisle.
Shane is an army guy. He is generally level headed but he even he got a bit emotional when he saw Kathryn.

After the ceremony, the guests partied at a another iconic Newcastle venue: Merewether Surfhouse. This wedding certainly showed off Newcastle’s finest to all the Queenslanders who attended.

 

 

Location: Hickson St Lookout, Merewether | Wedding Dress: Martina Liana | Hair: ISABELLAHAIR | Make up: Aleisha Ford _ Florist: Little Willow Floral | Videography: The White Tree | Signage: @lani.and.luna (The bride’s own company)

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