Jodie & Stew

Over the years of writing Polka Dot Bride, I have really come to understand the magic of outdoor weddings. Something about beautifully dressed guests dancing under sparkling festoon lights, the faint hum of music in the background sets up for a lifetime of golden memories and this chic outdoor Margaret River wedding, complete with icy cold Aperol Spritz cocktails served en masse, will whisk you away to dream of balmy Summer nights.

Folklore Photography captured the magic wedding of Jodie and Stew, who met through a mutual friend after they both returned to Perth after time working overseas in the UK some nine years ago.

The day started with friends, with Jodie choosing Peggy Sues Parlour & Amore Makeup to style her hair and makeup. “My talented girlfriend, Bee Rizzi of Peggy Sues Parlour did myself and the Bridal party’s hair. It was a lot of fun and really special having her involved. Lots of laughs and a pretty cruisey morning getting ready!”

The bride chose a simple slip style gown from Grace Loves Lace. “I wanted something effortless, timeless and understated. I’ve never been one for the traditional style wedding dress and wanted something that reflected my everyday style – simplicity.” She tells, adding  “It was incredible to wear, buttery soft and comfortable. During the reception I changed into another outfit by Grace Loves Lace – The Saint high waisted, silk palazzo pants with a lace body suit and white leather choker. It was a lot of fun and extremely comfortable also!”

With nieces and nephews in tow, the bride walked down the aisle with her father to an acoustic cover by Marlon Williams of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.”

Jodie and Stew opted for a casual ceremony, officiated by Carla Paterson, the bride remarking “Stew and I wanted a really relaxed ceremony with not too much planned or rehearsed. We served drinks throughout (Aperol Spritz’s and champagne), wrote our own vows and Stew’s sister did a reading. It was a fairly short and sweet ceremony with laughter and a few tears, then we walked back down the aisle and straight up to the reception to start celebrating.”

From the bride’s sister making the cake, to the loan of festoon lights, and setup of the decks, the couple created much of their wedding setup themselves. Jodie explaining “Pretty much the whole wedding was DIY. Family and friends were an amazing help in the lead-up and it all came together perfectly. My parents made all the wooden benches and the wedding arbour for the ceremony. We spent weekends white washing and assembling them, and Dad also made the dance floor. We brought everything down on the back of a truck – all the benches, arbour, decorations, wine barrels, bar top, lighting and spent the day before and the morning of the wedding setting up.”

“During a trip to Bali before the wedding, I bought more than a dozen glass tall and geometric lanterns, which we scattered about the reception with candles. We borrowed festoon lights and equipment from our friend and all the boys (and girls!) helped set up the ceremony and reception the day prior and day of the wedding.”

Of special note in the vendor dream team, Jodie highlights Folklore Photography, celebrant Carla Paterson, makeup artist Amore Makeup and hire company Empire Events, noting “Such gorgeous ladies and were so easy and wonderful to deal with. Planning a wedding can be really hectic, especially when most of it’s DIY. But the ladies all had a really relaxed nature, nothing was a bother and everything went so smoothly with them all.”

Event Flowers Perth  created the bridal party bouquet with soft shades of sage and blush. Jodie explaining “I chose natives for the bouquets and buttonholes, specifically King Proteas for the bouquets.
I and some girlfriends brought Xanadu, gum leaves and extra king Proteas to dress the wedding arbour and aisle stands and I spent lots of weekends hunting for Pampas Grass around Perth to use down the aisle.”

Beautiful Margaret River property Gilgara Retreat  was chosen for the weekend celebration. “We had the ceremony and reception all on the same property. The ceremony was at the bottom of the hill under the willow tree and then we moved straight up into the reception on the grass in front of the homestead.”

The couple adored their photographer, “Where do I begin! She is absolutely incredible…..so easy to work with, was amazing with the kids, and made us all feel really relaxed.” says Jodie, adding “Michelle has such a unique style and captures some absolutely beautiful, candid moments. I can’t recommend her enough!”

Jodie remembers “The first dance was to ‘Coming Home’, by Leon Bridges. (Stew was in charge of music – that’s his thing, I have no idea in that area and he’s a bit of a romantic. He chose the most beautiful aisle and first dance song.)” 

A big congratulations and thank you to Jodie and Stew for sharing their wedding day with us! Thank you to Folklore Photography for sharing today’s beautiful imagery!