Polka Dot Bride » Blog News

Vendor of the Week – Ann Dally JC, Civil Marriage Celebrant

Polka Dot Bride — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:00:45 +0000

Good morning Dotties! I can hardly believe we are in our first full February week! We have plenty of inspiration in store for you this week- including kicking off some very special posts on our specialty blogs! But first, let’s kick start the week with our Monday morning tradition and showcase one of our wonderful members of Ms Polka Dot’s Directory!

So let’s start our week of with a fantastical, talented vendor, a spotlight on a member of Ms Polka Dot’s Directory

The directory has welcomed in a brand new year with new photographers, florists, cake bakers, musicians and even venues! We work really hard to make sure our vendors are fantastic at what they do and understand that Polka Dot couples are particularly special!

Our Vendor of the Week this week is Ann Dally one of the fantastic Civil Marriage Celebrants in our Directory. Ann Dally is a professionally trained marriage celebrant (she’s even vice president of Australian Marriage Celebrants Incorporated) and with a long history in everything from modelling to public speaking, she has a wide array of talents which are just right for officiating the most important ceremony of your life. Ann is commited ot making each and every ceremony fun and interesting- so there will be lots of laughter and nothing stuffy!

To get to know Ann a little better, we asked her five questions in five minutes -

What is your favourite after five drink?

Well chilled champagne with crushed fresh strawberries.

Your favourite weekend getaway?

One of the many beautiful B&B’s in the Blue Mountains with my hubby. Sadly don’t get the chance too often as my weddings are my priority and most are on the weekends!

Favourite restaurant?

Basils at Marsfield – scrumptious fresh lobster and scampi – Yum!

What can we find you eating for breakfast on a Sunday morning?

Bacon, scrambled eggs, snags and croissants – naughty but soooooo nice.

Your favourite wedding story?

An Awesome Moment as a Marriage Celebrant……the cool Fairytale!

I have married many amazing couples, some love stories would make the perfect movie script. This is one of them………let me share…………..
Turn the clock back in time – a young man, along with his family fled to Australia from Poland in the mid eighties when the solidarity movement caused a revolution and the subsequent downfall of the communist government followed. He was torn away from his sweetheart – for the first time in two years – there was no time for “goodbyes” – they completely lost touch – both devastated. She was 16, he was 17.

The groom, after working extremely hard here in Australia and saving all he could, returned to Poland in the 90’s to search for his love and when he arrived at her small village was told she had left a few years prior after marrying. Broken-hearted, he returned to Australia, convinced he would never see her again.

A few years later, out of the blue, an old friend from Poland visited him here in Sydney. In conversation the friend told him that the marriage of the girl had ended a couple of years ago, no children were forthcoming, and she had divorced and was now studying architecture at university in Poland.

After a few phone calls to Poland he was convinced he could and would find her again.

He was on the first plane he could catch to Poland!

He waited for her at the university gates. Apparently the scene that took place was of the “Hollywood Fairytale”. As she walked out of the gates this particular day he recognised her and approached her with trepidation – his heart was pounding. When she realised who he was, they threw their arms around one another and just wouldn’t let go! He swung her in circles! They had two weeks to rekindle their relationship – it was, they both told me – just the most amazing thing to happen to them. The groom proposed, she said a definite yes and he then had to return to Australia to apply for a fiancé visa to bring her to Australia.

The wait was long and painful but I finally conducted their wedding with Sydney Harbour as their backdrop – the tears flowed. Only 8 guests attended but it was one of the most moving ceremonies I have ever written for this exceptionally special couple – I felt so privileged that they shared their love story with me.

To have the pleasure of actually performing their marriage and declaring them Husband and Wife was an honour I will never forget. Starting them off on their new journey in life is about as good as it gets.

I wouldn’t trade being a marriage celebrant for the world!

Visit Ann Dally’s page to find out more about our Vendor Of The Week. Ann Dally JC CMC is a member of Ms Polka Dot’s Directory

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

Friday Roundup

Polka Dot Bride — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:00:59 +0000

Photo by Photo Factory Bali from Sarah and Mark’s Bali Destination Wedding on Polka Dot Honeymoons

Around the Polka Dot blogs this week -

On Polka Dot Wisdom Sharon Naylor share some more words of wisdom in asking your wedding vendors for flexibility.

Surprise weddings – a whole lot of fun on Polka Dot Wisdom

Make the cutest felt ring cushion on Polka Dot Made from Nat of Dear Little House

Pre nuptial agreements – yes or no? by Sarah on Polka Dot Weddings

And wouldn’t we all just love a destination wedding in Bali – see Sarah and Mark’s on Polka Dot Honeymoons

Around the wedding world this week….

If you are yet to enter our Jemma Kidd makeup kit giveaway, there’s still time! You could win one of ten Backstage kits (valued at $54.94 each) with a few easy steps. Check out the blog post to enter.

Melbourne photographer Erin King has started 2012 with a brand new website and packages to match her new look! Erin not only specialises in weddings, but she has a passion for pet photography! New Zealanders take note: Erin frequently returns to New Zealand to capture kiwi brides so she’s one to check out! Check it out here.

It’s time for Wedding Gifts Direct to launch their February promotion! Register with Wedding Gifts Direct during the month of February and receive a FREE* KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer valued at $795, OR a Le Creuset 28cm & 20cm Round French Oven valued at $928, OR a Stelton Kontra Fruits & Salad Bowl valued at $285! Check out the website to register.

A new year is the time for new websites and Hannah Millerick is another photographer who has launched her fresh new site! Check it out here.

David Henry Photography are running a special Valentine’s Day competition! The winner will receive a David Henry Photography “Sweethearts” Photography session plus a print or prints and a disk of images. Check out their Facebook page for details on how to enter to win!

Victoria brides! The Peter Rowland Wedding Showcase is coming up and have generously offer us five double passes (valued at $20 each) to give away! The Peter Rowland Wedding Showcase will be held on Saturday, 18th of February and will not only show off the exclusive range of Peter Rowland venues, but also their preferred suppliers – photographers, florists, even entertainers and decor suppliers. Marrieds to be will be able to enjoy champagne and delicious Peter Rowland treats as they discover the showcase and the venues Peter Rowland has to offer.

The venues themselves are spectacular. They include NGV International, Melbourne Museum, Persimmon at NGV International, Port Melbourne Yacht Club, Flemington – The Event Centre, Rippon Lea Estate, The Chapter House and Gardens House at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The Peter Rowland Catering Wedding Showcase will be held in the Touring Hall, Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton from 10am to 3pm. Admission to the showcase is $10 with all proceeds donated to Ovarian Cancer Australia. To book or for further information, call 03 9825 0092 or email weddings@peterrowland.com.au.

To win one of five double passes to the Peter Rowland Wedding Showcase, simple leave a comment on this entry letting me know your favourite wedding venue and why you love it! The five most creative answers will win!

The winner will be chosen by the Polka Dot Bride team and will be informed by Polka Dot Bride. Entrants must be able to attend the showcase on February 18th, 2012. If no contact is made by February 17th 2012, the prize will be reallocated to another contestant. This prize is not redeemable for cash. Entrants must be aged 18 or older. This competition is a game of skill; no chance enters into deciding the winner. No late entries will be considered. This Competition closes 16^th February 2012 5pm Australian Daylight Saving Time.

Finally! Our film of the week! This stunning Melbourne wedding is just so, well Melbourne that I had to share it to round out our week! The White Tree shot this St Kilda celebration of Jason & Kate and everything about it is stylish, glam and Melbourne!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

Vendor of the Week – Encore Media

Polka Dot Bride — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Tick tick, is that the sound of another Monday morning? Why I believe it is – I can hardly believe we have hit February already and yet here we are! The month of love!

So let’s start our week of with a fantastical, talented vendor, a spotlight on a member of Ms Polka Dot’s Directory

Out Directory is filling it’s pages with hair & makeup artists, celebrants, stationers, venues and even wedding planners. We’re always hunting down vendors who match the style and vision we know you have, so turn the pages, click the link and you’re sure to find somebody who suits your vision!

Click here to view the embedded video.

This week’s Vendor of the Week is Sydney cinematographer Encore Media If you’re looking for a cinematographer with a dry sense of humor, who will make you laugh and giggle but capture your day in a beautiful moving format, Troy is your man. Not only is he unobtrusive, but his videos tell the real story of the day. From the speeches, to the stolen glances – they even have the ability to do same day edits so you can show the story of your day during your wedding reception (such fun!) Encore Media focus on telling your story in a way that is all about you two.

We asked Troy from Encore Media five questions in five minutes.

What is your favourite after five drink?

Not a huge drinker but am certainly partial to a James Squire Golden Ale every now and then. It is not unheard of that we occasionally bend the rules and open one before 5 on the odd Friday afternoon.

Your favourite weekend getaway?

Weekend? What’s a weekend? On a rare occasion that we have a weekend off I love nothing more than a trip to NSW country or Hunter Region with my wife and 3 kids.

Favourite restaurant?
Any authentic Japanese Izakaya (bar). Something about the combination of food, drink and atmosphere makes it feel like a home away from home.

What can we find you eating for breakfast on a Sunday morning?

Bacon, egg, cheese, tomato and avocado on toasted Turkish bread. Even more delicious if prepared by someone other than myself.

Your favourite wedding story?

I am a bit of a hopeless romantic so enjoy stories of how people first meet. Over the years there have been a huge variety of beginnings from internet love, high school sweethearts, work colleagues and more. However my favourite is of a recent couple who first met when they were in kindergarten and even had photos of them playing together. They then went their separate ways during their schooling years only to meet up again purely by chance on a European tour with friends. Obviously a spark was lit, one thing lead to another and they ended up getting married.
Of all the people and places in the world, for this couple to meet so young then meet again 20 years later makes me believe in destiny more and more.

Visit Encore Media’s page to find out more about our Vendor Of The Week. Encore Media is a member of Ms Polka Dot’s Directory

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

Friday Roundup

Polka Dot Bride — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:35:16 +0000

Photo by Justin Hill of Dekuji Photography from A Winter Evening In Melbourne

Phew! I feel like I’m getting into my groove against this week. how about you? Are you still enjoying Summer (or winter, snow snow snow!) or are you wishing you were back on lazy long holidays?

Around the blogs this week -

Pascale of custom jewellery website StyleRocks shares her tips for the grooms on how to choose the best wedding ring for you

Are you a bridesmaid to be? Celebrant Robyn Pattison shares her wisdom on how to be a brilliant one on Polka Dot Wisdom

Amy Nelson-Blain shares infinite wisdom about engagement shoots (as well as sharing a beautiful one she filmed) also on Wisdom

Check out this free downloadable for your photobooth from Alicia on Polka Dot Made

Scott and Kasie surprised their closest loved ones by turning their son’s naming party into a surprise wedding! Kasie tells the story (and shares the photos!) on Polka Dot Weddings

Miss T (now Mrs B!) finally shares her professional wedding photos to conclude her journey on Polka Dot Weddings! What a beautiful couple Buzz and Miss T make!

Real bride Karen reviews the Jemma Kidd Backstage Makeup Kit On Polka Dot Weddings (Here’s how you can win one!)

Sharon Naylor shares wisdom about choosing the right location for your honeymoon on Polka Dot Honeymoons

Around the wedding world this week..

Wedding Gifts Direct are offering a special competition which might just take care of your wedding day jewels! Sign up with Wedding Gifts Direct for the chance to win a custom designed wedding pearl piece of jewellery, up to the value of $200. All you need to do is sign up before the end of February, email us their best Valentine’s Day story (info@weddinggiftsdirect.com.au), and the best story will win!

*Terms & Conditions for Polka Dot Bride Promotion: A minimum of $499 excluding electronic or electrical products, Wishing Wells, Experiences or specially sourced products must be spent on your gift registry for you to be eligible to receive the free gift. Gift cannot be exchanged for any other item or for cash. The winner will be able to custom design their piece of Wedding Pearl jewellery, which cannot exceed a retail value of $200. Gift will be delivered together with the gifts bought off your wedding registry. This promotion is valid for all weddings registered with Wedding Gifts Direct through Polka Dot Bride between 20th January and 29th February 2012.

Savvy Brides bid adieu to 2011 with a grand opening party to celebrate their brand new store! Sending off beautiful pre loved gowns to brand new homes, Savvy Brides new salon in Double Bay allows you to try before buying! Check out the website for more.

Sydney florist Petal & Pod have launched their brand new website. As sweet and as stylish as can be, the new website features extensive galleries with plenty of beautiful blooms to swoon over. Check it out here.

UK Photographer Jessica Roberts is giving away a free photography package to one lucky Australian couple. Jessica is heading to Australia next year and would love to shoot an Australian wedding or two!

The prize includes:

Pre-wedding shoot (if possible)
Full wedding day coverage
Fully edited high res disc of images
Optional Kiss Wedding Album $600 (2/3 off the full retail value)
Private online gallery

For full details on how to edit, check out her blog post.

The Langham Hotel Melbourne has launched their brand new weddings website to assist couples in planning their wedding day at the venue. The website features information on all of the hotel’s wedding packages, real weddings that have taken place at the hotel for inspiration and a regularly updated wedding blog.
The Langham are also holding a wedding showcase on Tuesday February 28th from 6.30pm. Register via the website

Our video of the week is this sweet mem proposal video that has been making the rounds. it’s so sweet, so funny and so emotional. Proposals always make me cry!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

Happy Australia Day! (Why Australian Weddings Are Awesome)

Polka Dot Bride — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:02:20 +0000

With Polka Dot Bride being all about everything Australian, I want to celebrate Australia Day today with a look at why I love Australian weddings so much! The team and I are taking the day off (as is the Australian way after all!) to spend with our families, but I’ll be back tomorrow again!

I love the backdrops of mountain ranges…

Photo from Cara and Bruce’s Wedding by York Street Wedding Photography

The browns of freshly sown fields…

Photo from Kimberley and John’s Wedding by Jonas Peterson

The golden light of tropical Islands…

Photo from Amanda and Brett’s Wedding by Lisa Michele Burns

Of beautiful country houses, their stories hidden inside…

Photo from Domonique and Nick’s Wedding by Stephen Henry Photographics

To icons that are recognisable world over…

Photo from Katie and Stephen’s Wedding by SugarLove Weddings

and rolling hills of golden, sun dried grass.

Photo from Sayuri and Luke’s Wedding by David Robertson