Welcome back to the second part of Sarah and Steve’s celebration! I love the simple glamour of the wedding day, it’s so Melbourne!

After the “first look” and the photos in Melbourne city. The bridal party went their separate ways to the ceremony.

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Sarah and Steve had their stationery designed by and printed by PaperMarc printed on white pearl papers with smokey blue ink

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Sarah and Steve decided to hold their wedding ceremony at the Hawthorn Town Hall in a former courtroom. The venue held special significance for Sarah as a lawyer herself, as well as many of the couples family and friends practicing law.

Right before the ceremony. Sarah and her father shared a special moment. Sarah looked her father straight in the eye and told him she loved him and he said he loved her too. Her father squeezed her hand and said “Let’s do this”.

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Sarah walked down the aisle to “Whats Simple Is True (A Song For Winter)” by Jewel. The song was not only a nod to their winter wedding, but also poignant with its lyrics.

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Sarah and Steve’s mothers participated in a Celtic hand tying ceremony with the couple

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The over excited Steve slipped out his “I Do” a little too early.

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A champagne reception followed the ceremony, which allowed for Sarah & Steve to greet their guests, take family photos and for guests to mingle.

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Sarah and Steve hired Chameleon Events to assist with their day of coordination and ensure everything ran smoothly (and so that Sarah and her mother could fully relax!).  Once the group photo was taken, the newlyweds and their guests walked the short distance to Canvas Restaurant.

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Guests gathered on the outdoor deck (with plenty of heaters) for cocktail hour.

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The couple are devoted to gourmet food and wine and chose Canvas Restaurant for it’s amazing culinary delights (including duck – Steve’s favourite) and the relaxed restaurant atmosphere. They were able to serve an a la carte menu with duck for entree and main. Canvas also allowed them to serve their own Pinot Noir to accompany the duck and a friend’s sparkling wine to toast with.

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Sarah’s maid of honor’s mother has beautiful penmanship and wrote all of the guests names of the place cards and invitations by PaperMarc

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Each table was decorated with mirrors, candles and ivory flowers matching Sarah’s bouquet. Fat Tulip wrapped the centrepieces into small break apart bouquets, allowing female guests to take them home at the end of the night and save wastage!

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After dinner, the guests hit the dance floor to the tunes of DJ Craig Delmo. The newlyweds danced their first dance to “How Sweet It Is (To be Loved By You”) by Marvin Gaye, a choice they felt was reflective of their relationship. Their wedding rhumba was choreographed by Sarah’s friend who has ballroom dancing skill.

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Sarah’s most touching moment of the night was having two family friends come up to her and  Steve on the dance floor and say “Congratulations – we don’t know if you realise this, but the 7 June is our anniversary too – its our 35th today”. The wife then said “I hope you are as happy as we are in 35 years in time”. That brought a tear to everyone’s eyes!

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The couple chose a simple white cake from Ab Fab Cakes. Instead of a sit down dessert, Canvas served a roving dessert, allowing guests to keep their spirits up while dancing.

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After dragging Steve away from a comedic slow dance to “Strangers In The Night” with his best man, Sarah and Steve left the reception to the strains of “Thats Amore” by Dean Martin and their guests waving from the Canvas balcony, in a taxi, which took them 1km up the road to their own apartment where they spent their wedding night. The couple wanted the comfort of their own bed!

But alas, that top button meant Steve spent the beginning of his wedding night helping Sarah undo her 60 bobby pins and her top button- which he finally took to with his Leatherman!

Thank you for allowing Polka Dot Bride to share your beautiful wedding day Sarah & Steve! I wish you all the best for your many years of marriage together!

Photos by Clare Murray