Karina & Luke

I love the Adelaide weddings that we’re showcasing (due to popular demand!) Adelaide is one of my favourite cities in Australia with it’s relaxed, laid back feel and Karina and Luke’s winery wedding has the same atmosphere.

Karina explains how she and Luke met. “A girlfriend from uni was having her birthday celebrations at her boyfriend’s house which happened to be where my groom also lived. It was a bunch of single uni girls turning up to a house full of single boys…chances of meeting someone that night were high!. My now husband was playing the guitar with his band mates in the back yard of their house and caught my attention. We chat, instantly hit it off and we have been together ever since. That was 5 years ago.”

Photographs today are by Event Imaging who have captured the romantic essence of the day.

Dare Hair styled Karina and her bridesmaid’s hair while Allure Hair & Makeup styled the makeup.

Karina wore a lace gown from Cinderella Bridal & Evening Wear  (08) 8373 7291) ” Julianna managed to turn my rambled ideas into the wedding dress of my dreams. It was simple yet beautiful, made entirely of stunning French lace. ”

The floral arrangements on the day were by Bliss Events. Karina says “I cannot brag enough about the amazing job they did in putting together the arrangements for the venue and also the bouquets. The flowers and table arrangements were more beautiful than I had ever expected. My bouquet was a beautiful arrangement of peonies, lisianthus, baby’s breath and David Austin roses mostly of white with a little latte and soft pink strewn through the bouquet. The bridesmaids had a smaller bouquet with similar flowers however they had mostly soft pinks and latte with a little white strewn through. They looked gorgeous against their cream dresses.”

Karina and Luke chose Bird In the Hand Winery for their wedding. Karina explains, “We had always thought we would have our wedding at a winery, so we checked out numerous wineries across Adelaide’s wine regions (with quite a few wine tastings later), but couldn’t find the venue that met all our needs. The groom’s family live in Woodside and so one day we thought it an idea to pop into this little winery in Woodside (Bird in Hand). We were instantly in love with the picturesque setting that oozed class but also had a relaxed vibe. The staff were incredibly helpful in the planning process and were willing to accommodate any ideas we had.
We had  roaming entrées in the outdoor garden whilst the sun was out and then moved into the barrel room for a sit down main and dessert. Turned out perfectly.”

Karina walked down the aisle to “An acoustic version of David Gray’s ‘This Years Love’ sung by our best man. My husband and his best man play in a band together and every time I hear him sing this song at a gig, I love it! So it was special to both of us that he played this song as I walked down the aisle.”

Of the day, Karina says “It was an amazing day when we got to share our love for each other with all of our beautiful family and friends…lots of fun, laughs and wonderful memories. ” Karina’s bridesmaids wore gowns from Wild Child Stylelab and added tulle under the skirt. The groom and groomsmen wore suits from The Suit Co.

Of their photographer, Karina says, “Pete from Event Imaging was amazing, the bridal party loved him and he made the process of having photos taken fun and relaxing. He captured the vintage/romantic theme we were wanting perfectly.”

Karina made the seating chart herself but most of the stationery came from UK stationer Ivy Ellen. Karina explains ” I had ordered the wedding invitations and order of service booklets from an online store in the UK called Ivy Ellen. I chose a vintage floral design that was gorgeous and different from anything I had seen before. ”

Karina notes “A lot of the decorations were made or sourced ourselves. My mother and I hunt through the thrift stores across Adelaide for vintage glass vases, lamp shades and photo frames which we painted for table numbers and blackboards. We sourced some gorgeous floral material and lace trim which friends made into serviettes for the day. They looked amazing! We made a table seating board ourselves also which stood on a large easel at the entrance. It all came together beautifully. I also made lace trim for champagne glasses given to each guest on the bus for the trip to the venue. ”

For favors, Karina says, “We made homemade Onion Jam ( a recipe from the groom’s family) and gave little jars with lids made up in various vintage floral materials to each guest. It took a lot of man hours to make, but they looked gorgeous and added a personal touch.”

The wedding cake was made by Heidelberg Cakes. Karina says “We had a five tier cake stand filled with individual cakes coated in white chocolate with fillings of either strawberries and cream or baci. Tiers decorated with beautiful flowers from Bliss Events matching those used in the bouquets. ”

Karina recalls “The highlight of the evening was without doubt the best man speech.  Our best man surprised us all by writing and singing a song as opposed to a speech. It was the most incredible speech I have ever heard with a standing ovation from the guests. Everyone still talks about it and we listen to it regularly!”

The couple hired the band The Last Broadcast to perform at the reception . Karina says “For our first dance we danced to ‘I shall be released’ by Bob Dylan. We are both not much of dancers so it was a very simple bridal dance.”

Congratulations Karina & Luke! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us on Polka Dot Bride! Thank you also to Event Imaging for sharing today’s images!

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

1. Karina and Nate – Polka Dot Wedding
2. Karina and Steve
3. Karina and David’s Elegant Melbourne Wedding

Morgan & Mitch

With bouquets of succulents and billy buttons, the vast winery landscape of the Clare Valley, the golden light and a giggling group of guests, today’s gorgeous celebration of Morgan and Mitch is a beautiful one. The couple met at a friend’s 21st birthday and that beautiful relaxed elegance, the feeling that only Australian weddings can embody, is in abundance at their wedding.

Photographs today are by Urban Safari Photography.

The bride and her bridesmaid carried bouquets of succulents and yellow billy buttons created by Robyn May Flowers.

Genna Trolio styled Morgan and her bridesmaid’s makeup.

Mitch and his groomsmen went for a relaxed style, choosing shirts from Country Road and pants from RM Williams. Morgan’s family home acted as a base for the weekend. She explains “My parents own a property not far from Leasingham called Penwortham Station, which is where the boys stayed before the wedding. The next day, Mum and Dad had everyone over for a ‘recovery breakfast’.”

Morgan and Mitch held their wedding at O’Leary Walker Winery, Leasingham. Poppies Flowers & Presence styled the event.

Morgan walked down the aisle to the acoustic version of Maps  – “Yeah Yeahs Yeahs”. Morgan explains “In May 2011, my Dad broke his leg severely in a car accident and spent the rest of the year learning how to walk again, and recovering from the surgery needed to repair the break. For a while there we didn’t think Dad would be able to walk me down the aisle without a walking stick. He worked so hard all year and was able to walk me down the aisle free of any aids. Better yet, we also got to have a lovely father/daughter dance!”

There were two special guests at the ceremony. Morgan remarks “Our dogs, Dudley and Desi, also attended the ceremony. They’re part of the family so we couldn’t leave them at home! They were also on the front of our invitations – Kate, who designed our invitations, had an artist she found on Etsy draw a ‘family portrait’ of the four of us. We’ve got a print of that framed at home now.” Rebecca Wilson performed the ceremony.

Morgan describes the wedding as “Original and unique with loads of fun and dancing!”

Morgan and her bridesmaid wore gowns from Betrothed. Morgan added shoes from Miss Gladys Sym Choon  and jewels from Miss Martini while her bridesmaid wore shoes from Raymond Poulton.

The first dance was met with rousing applause. Morgan explains “We danced to “The Girl” by City and Colour – the lyrics are so sweet and we both love the song. The first part of the song is slow and then it speeds up in the middle, so we got our guests up on the dance floor with us.”

Poppies Flowers & Presence  provided the styling and hire creating break out spots for guests and filling pots and vintage bottles with blooms.

Of their photographer, Morgan says “She was wonderful! I know Kate through her sister – she got some amazing shots and is very original. She also set up a photo booth for us which everyone loved. She made a slideshow of the photo booth photos after the wedding which we’ve watched so many times.”

In lieu of a traditional cake, the couple chose a cheese cake from Mercarto .

The reception was decorated with vintage bottles, suitcases and treats.

Morgan and Mitch had a few special touches to make the reception fun and different for their guests. Morgan explains, “The “cheese cake” was a bit different, and the photo booth was a great way to get pictures of all our guests. We also had bocce set up on the lawn outside.” Kate from Urban Safari Photography set up a photo booth inside for the wedding guests.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Congratulations on your marriage Morgan and Mitch! Thank you for sharing your story with us! Thank you also to Kate of Urban Safari Photography for sharing the images today!

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

1. Lauren and Mitch’s Relaxed Port Douglas Wedding
2. Morgan and Ryan
3. Morgan and Ryan – The Celebration

Kylie & Rob

Yellow is such a fun colour isn’t it? Kylie and Rob combined their love of yellow and all things retro and created a modern Adelaide wedding that is so much fun and a beautiful day to reflect on.

Kylie tells the story of her and Rob’s relationship. “We met through friends.  It was weird we had never met before we did, as we are in the same photo album on Facebook at a birthday party.  One day I was having lunch with my friend & she said you’ve got to meet Rob he’s having lunch with her partner down the road.  I didn’t want to be set up I hated the thought of being set up because I hadn’t had any good experiences from being set up. So I met him and straight away my friend said to Rob what do you want to drink and he said a soy latte- she looked at me and said “oh my god that’s the same as you!” Anyway after coffee and the boys having some lunch we parted ways- with me thinking he’s a bit of alright!!   My friend took my to Rob’s fitness studio where we saw each other again (under the pretense of seeing my friends photos!)

I hadn’t heard anything from my friend so after a couple of weeks I text her and said something like I wouldn’t mind seeing Rob again (totally not something I would do usually!) And she said come to the Original Bootcamp trial so I did and LOVED it.  The race was the next day and I was determined to do it. So I needed a partner to race with and two bikes.  This was not an easy feat to organise in one day!   So I text Rob and say I am going to do this race and get a reply I need to talk to you about something I’ll ring you in about 30mins.  So I’m stressing thinking what does he have to speak to me about??  He rang me and  said well there’s a problem if you participate in  the race because then you will be a client and I have a rule that I don’t date clients and I was gonna ask you out!!  Then he says well I didn’t meet you as a client so I guess it would be ok.  So I said you can ask me out! And literally we started dating since that day”

Photographs today are by Lia Healy. I love Lia’s clean captures, traditional shots with a relaxed twist.

Kylie chose a gown from Jenny and Gerry’s Bridal Centre  yellow heels from Zu  and jewels from Diva. Bride Kylie says, “Whilst we had a modern venue, cake, dress etc we balanced that with vintage touches.”

Kylie’s bridesmaids wore black dresses from Target with a bow tied around the middle created by Butterfly From Ashes. They paired their dresses with yellow heels from Zu and jewels from Diva.

La Bella Sposa styled the girl’s hair and makeup and Flowers by Rita created the floral arrangements.

Kylie and Rob held their ceremony and reception at The Adelaide Convention Centre. Kylie remarks ” It was awesome.  Our guests have raved about how attentive the waiting staff were.  We had a cocktail reception and people with food allergies also said their needs were met attentively.”

Kylie was walked down the aisle by her uncle to “Annie’s Song”  by John Denver. She recalls “I have always loved that song which is why I picked it.  Anyway as soon as it started playing my Uncle who walked me down the aisle said that it was the same song my Auntie had walked down the aisle to when she married him- I hadn’t known that!”

Kylie carried special family jewellery with her on the day. She notes “My Auntie lent me my Granddad’s rosary beads (which could be my something borrowed and something old) so even though he has passed on I felt like he was with me the whole time through the ceremony.” The couple were married by Carol Maxwell.

Rob wore a suit from Jack London and his groomsmen from Jenny and Gerry’s Hire.

Of their photographer, Kylie says “Lia Healy was our photographer.  We were having trouble finding a photographer as we had a short engagement 6 months however I always believe things come to you when you need them. All the photographers we had looked at on the net that we liked, their photos had been booked out 18 months ago! And I kept saying to Rob I don’t want to pay all this money for photos that I feel like I could take myself! Anyway my friend met Lia through work and when she found out she did wedding photography passed on her details to me. From the moment Rob and I saw her website we knew YES this is what we were waiting for photos that stood out to us.”

Kylie says of the day, “We made it ours- so we had a get to know you game at the start of the night, we did a slide show of photos in our speeches, my vows were light hearted and funny- it was just a display of us as a couple.”

The reception at The Adelaide Convention Centre had Kylie and Rob’s personal touch- starting with a retro inspired lolly buffet. Kylie explains “I bought glass jars from KMart and the Reject Shop, then I borrowed a whole heap from my florist who is also a friend- she had some really cool ones like big martini glasses.  The lollies I got from Campbell’s Cash and Carry. I bought clear noodle boxes from Wedding Wholesale Australia and printed off thank you stickers and stuck  them on.  I got a basket from Ned’s to put noodles boxes in.  I made a sign out of an old record from the Salvos and painted using a stencil ‘Lolly buffet’,  then I used a stand from and old frame and glued it on the back so it would stand up. I got some old frames from OARS Op Shop and used one to write some Lolly Buffet Rules of Etiquette- to give it a retro feel. I also made tags for the different lollies using Avery Labels and their design website. I then printed these out and stuck them on black card and tied yellow ribbon to them.” The couple also had a wedding cake from Cocolat.

A photo booth was another fun addition. Kylie says “We had Adelaide Photobooths at our wedding (they were awesome I must say) but I supplied all the costumes (you can hire costumes from them) but as I loooooove dressing up I had enough things.  I just purchased a few extra masks at cheapie shops.  I also put one of the frames I got from OARS Op Shop I just took the picture out from the middle.”

Guests received favors handmade by Kylie’s aunt. Kylie explains ” My Auntie Ann made all natural soaps as wedding favours.  She sent me her design made on publisher as labels and I just changed the font to fit with our wedding and printed them at home.  My Auntie then attached these to the soaps.  I used one of the frames purchased above to stick on the front of the basket I bought. ”

Somers Entertainment  provided a DJ for the reception. Kylie says “For our first dance, we didn’t want everyone look at us awkwardly waltz- just not our thing.  So originally I thought I’ll have the bridal party up there with us.  Then I thought after going to a wedding and watch the waltz I don’t want my bridal party feeling uncomfy dancing with a partner they have just met so I thought they can dance with their actual partners.  There were two people without partners so I organised my cousin to dance with her dad and Rob’s brother to dance with his daughter (our junior bridesmaid).  We danced to ‘Without You’ by David Guetta and Usher.  We had such a hard time choosing a song so we just went with a modern song we both like.  It’s weird, I’ve heard that song on the radio now and it’s really special to me now!”

Congratulations Kylie & Rob! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us! Thank you also to Lia Healy for sharing today’s images!

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

1. Kylie and Chris
2. Nikki and Matt’s Stylish Adelaide Wedding
3. Jo and Hugh’s Retro Melbourne Wedding

Nikki & Matt

What an elegant South Australian wedding I have for you this morning! Our groom looked dapper in white tie and the bride looked stunning in her sweetheart strapless gown when they wed at this beautiful mid twentieth century homestead.

Melbourne photographer Lucy Spartalis flew to Adelaide to capture the wedding and managed to capture the regal feeling of the day and what a day it was!

Nikki wore a gown from Liza Emanuele with Lisa Ho shoes. She made the bouquets with her bridesmaids using flowers from Norwood Flower Market.

Matt dressed up in  white tie. Nikki explains, “The dress code was cocktail / lounge but the groomsmen were dressed formally in black tie with the groom in white tie.” Matt wore a suit from Dresses and Drawers with shoes from Loake Elland Black . His groomsmen wore suits scoured from op shops and Ferrari Formal Wear.

Nikki and Matt met for photographs before the ceremony. Nikki says “I loved spending time with our bridesmaids and groomsmen as we prepared for the day ahead.”

The bridesmaids wore customised gowns from Liza Emanuele , jewels from Bowerhaus with shoes from Wittner.

Nikki and Matt were married by Dorinda Hafner. Nikki remarks “Dorinda Hafner was not only a celebrant, but a performer and was a highlight for the day. We felt privileged to have a community leader consummate our marriage in such an energetic and original manner.”

Nikki describes the wedding as “A celebration of our love with family and friends whom we love dearly.”

The couple did away many traditional wedding elements, including the cake! Nikki explains “Rather than have a traditional wedding cake we had 400 Loukoumades (from Greek Pastries) on silver platters”. The couple held their reception in a marquee on Carrick Hill gardens.

Music was important to Nikki and Matt- Nikki is a salsa teacher! The couple hired DJs  Pony Uptown and Hands Solo to play the tunes. For their first dance, Nikki recalls “I convinced the groom to take lessons. We wanted to have fun and get the party started with some lively Latin music ‘La Vida Es Un Carnaval’ by Celia Cruz.”

Congratulations Nikki and Matt! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us! Thank you also to Lucy Spartalis for sharing today’s images!

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

1. Nikki and Jon
2. Sofia and Alvin’s Stylish Richmond Wedding
3. Michelle and Jonathan’s Stylish Sydney Wedding

Al Ru Farm

I love the farm setting of Al-Ru located half an hour from Adelaide. It’s set on a cattle property and even has a b&b so the newlyweds can stay.  The converted barn is just right for a reception and has high pitched ceilings, modern polished cement floors and can cater to 80 guests sit down or 120 for a cocktail reception. Your ceremony can be held in owner Ruth Irving’s French inspired gardens beforehand too. Check out the Al Ru Farm website for more information.

Saltram Winery

Saltram Winery is located in the Barossa Valley and has gorgeous rustic style spaces for weddings. From the Grey Floor Function Room which was an old barrel room now complete with lime washed walls and a capacity of 100 sitting or 160 for cocktail functions to the Dolan’s Den Function Room which can seat between 40-50 or 80 for a cocktail reception and is just right for an intimate celebration. Check out their website for more.

Stoneyfell Function Centre

Stoneyfell Function Centre sits just on the outskirts of Adelaide, part of the Stoneyfell Winery.  The rustic style function area can cater from 55 guests to 350 guests. Established in 1858, the hall features exposed beams and beautiful chandeliers. Check out the website for more information.

Kingsbrook

A different kind of rustic, Kingsbrook has a stunning orangerie which is a beautiful space for a wedding. There’s gorgeous accommodation onsite and the landscaping is picture perfect. Visit the website for more details.

Glen Ewin Estate

Glen Ewin Estate is one of my favourite rustic venues in South Australia. They have two venues – the rustic one being The Pulpshed which can cater for 300 guests seated or 380 for a cocktail function. With massive ceilings, wooden walls and surrounded by gorgeous gardens, it really is a beautiful venue. Check out their website for more.

Golding Wines

Golding Wines, an Adelaide Hills winery features a huge sandstone barn which can cater to 150 guests seated or 250 for a cocktail style function. There’s a beautiful outdoor terrace perfect for pre dinner cocktails (or wine, obviously) plus plenty of room for your ceremony. Visit the website for more.

Olivers

Located in McLaren Vale, Olivers has a a beautiful homestead (perfect for the night before or of the wedding) and a chaff shed built in the 1850s complete with exposed brick walls and pot belly heater. The chaff shed can hold 60 guests but can be extended onto the verandah for 100 guests. Check out the website for more.

Longview Winery

Nestled within the Adelaide Hills, Longview Winery has a gorgeous barn style function room complete with exposed beams, open fireplaces and corrugated iron. The venue can cater between 70-100 people depending on your style of function though there are different areas available for your needs. Check out the website for more.

Pennys Hill

Pennys Hill, located in McLaren Vale have a number of rustic style spaces beautiful for a wedding – from The Stables complete with sawdust floor which caters to 110 people to The Gendey Room which can accommodate 90 and many spaces all highlighting the country winery feel of the property. The onsite restaurant receives rave reviews, plus you’re guaranteed pretty great wine! Visit the website for more information.

Howard Vineyard

The historic stone barn at Howard Vineyard, located in the Adelaide Hills can seat 120 guests or accommodate 200 guests for a cocktail reception. Check out the website for more.

Willunga Peacock Farm

Willunga Peacock Farm can seat 120 guests or cater to 150 for a cocktail style reception. The farm’s shearing shed and old stables make gorgeous wedding venues plus there is also a bed and breakfast on the property. Check out the website for more.

The Hundred Eaves

The Hundred Eaves is located on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The bush chapel onsite was built in 1862 and can accommodate up to 100 guests for a ceremony and can also be converted into a reception space seating 48 guests or 100 guests for cocktail functions. Check out the website for more.

Bird In Hand Winery

Bird In Hand Winery is a splendid place for a rustic style wedding with their barrel hall able to seat 350 or hold 600 for cocktail weddings. Dance with your guests after your vineyard ceremony amongst the gallons of wine underneath glimmering paper lanterns while enjoying wine grown just outside. Check out the website for more.

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

1. Rustic Western Australia Wedding Venues
2. Rustic Queensland Wedding Venues
3. Rustic Wedding Venues In NSW & ACT