My typical weekday begins at 9:30am where I go through on average 12 inquiry emails from brides/grooms-to-be overnight. I check the clients wedding albums & print status on my supplier’s website I have ordered. Then I head to the post office to mail DVD folio packages for my clients.

The bulk of my work is sorting and culling through an average of 1800 photos per wedding. This can take as long as 4 hours. I then set aside the editing process for the next day so I have fresh eyes.

The rest of the day is taken up with album design, invoicing, paperwork and occasionally I upload a selection of wedding photos on Facebook for my eager brides to have a sneak look.

In the evenings at 6pm I will begin seeing my appointments. I meet 3 – 4 couples per day and will wrap up by 9pm.

At an event, I shoot an average 8 hours per day. Depending on the season and event the day might start early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and maximise the natural light. I begin coverage at the bride’s and/or groom’s residence an hour before the ceremony right until the end of reception around 11:30pm – midnight.

Occasionally I’m asked to do all day coverage for big weddings which can means an 15 hour shoot. Most of these are Chinese & Vietnamese weddings with the traditional tea ceremonies before midday as well as the door games played by the groom before seeing the bride. Weddings like these are usually packed with so many activities time flies quickly.

I have also been fortunate to have been asked to work on interstate and overseas weddings. I will usually fly in at least 2 days before the wedding to meet up with the couple before their big day and scout the location in advance.

One of the benefits of working from home is that I love cooking and creating fresh meals. Depending on how heavy my workload is I either eat on my desk or enjoy my lunch on my leafy balcony with the neighbourhood lorikeets.

As much as I love wedding photography, I also have a passion for food and still life photography. During the quiet winter wedding season I often collaborate with chefs food and still life stylists to create projects to shoot. This is a great way of working together as we help each other out in enhancing our portfolio and get a hands-on experience. I am always looking out for emerging chefs to work with, on a cookbook project of mine.

Ms Polka Dot says: Lucy Leonardi gives us a tiny glimpse today of her daily life. We love that she is so passionate about food – my other passion (after Polka Dot Bride of course!)

Lucy Leonardi completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the College of Fine Arts UNSW in 2003 and further honed her skills at the Australian Centre of Photography. Lucy seeks to capture the true essence of a wedding, from the important moments of ceremony to the subtle moments of emotion that occur throughout the day.

Images by Lucy Leonardi

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We’re delighted today to have one of Queensland’s most talented stylists Kristy of Imbue Weddings, We’ve worked with Kristy for a number of years and it’s been such a joy to watch her grow and evolve her styling concepts! Today she lets us in on her secrets!

Please tell me about yourself and your background?

I started out in visual merchandising, interior design and floristry. I have a love of vintage treasures and anything French provincial. It’s a little obsession actually!

What inspired you to get into the wedding styling industry?

I had the idea for Imbue Weddings when my own brother was planning his wedding and the lack of really stylish and bespoke options was astounding! Wedding flowers had always been a favourite of mine but I had dreamt of doing something more creative. From the very first wedding I had the pleasure to work on, I was hooked! The combination of beautiful details, the flowers, the dress and the emotion behind the whole day just gets me every time.

What sets you apart from other stylists?

I really listen to the couples own styling ideas but I also have my own well defined loves and these find their way into my designs all the time. It’s when this personal style merges with the couple’s ideas that a one of a kind event is created. My style is pretty eclectic and varied. I guess you could say – a mix of French provincial, vintage with light rustic touches and airy coastal all with a relaxed sophistication and a contemporary edge. Because we use a lot of vintage and antique items our weddings will always have that very unique element to them.

How do you keep on learning and evolving?

I always keep things “out of the box” by putting unexpected things together – pairing colours I haven’t seen together before, mixing styles and textures for new looks. And my clients keep me evolving because they are all different.

How do you keep your product fresh and different?

It’s hard not to use the same products for every wedding because I do fall in love with all my pieces. But in the same breath I am a sucker for anything new. The next couple that walks in my door and starts showing me all their images of inspiration will be my next source of inspiration. They keep things fresh because they are always different and always have such amazing ideas. It’s part of the fun finding and sourcing new products to create the look that they are chasing.

How do you bring out the unique personality of each couple in each wedding that you style?

I ask that from the very first meeting my clients bring as much of their inspirational material as possible. These range from everything and anything! I’ve had clients bring in old photographs of movie stars on their wedding day, a shell or a feather, magazine clippings, fabric samples, even wallpaper! I also ask them a lot of questions. It’s not just about what flowers they like or what they enjoy as a couple but it’s also about the less obvious details. If someone says they love a picture in a magazine I ask them what it is they like, whether they like that fabric or would prefer something with more or less texture, if they prefer the greyer shade of the lilac or would like it pinker.

With every wedding needing to be seamless and unique how do you not run out of ideas, where do you look for inspiration when you’re stuck?

Blogs, blogs and more blogs! I have my set of favourite designers around the world and I am always looking to them for inspiration as well as the blogs which show all the current trends and news from the industry.

What facets of the wedding do you cover in your different packages: Complete Planning, Complete Styling and Partial Styling?

Our complete styling package involves pretty much everything from the design proposal to booking everything in, your layouts and follow-ups as well as on the day set up. Partial Styling is for someone who already has a well defined style they are after and just need some assistance and set up. The complete planning package involves all your planning aspects like invitations, hair and makeup, transport to name a few as well as the logistics side of things like your timelines and schedules as well as budget management.

What do you think is the most common aspect of a couple’s wedding that is over looked when they style their own wedding?

I couldn’t say that there is a one aspect that couples overlook. I would say there are big picture people and there are details orientated people. If you are one or the other it will be obvious on the day. There will either be a good layout and a lack of genuine details or almost too much detail and a lack of cohesion tying it all together. So it’s very important to figure out which one you tend to be and try to remember to do the other as well.

What is your number one tip for prospective marriage couples?

Hire a planner. They really are worth their weight in gold. They take all the stress out of the planning experience and you can focus more on the fun stuff. There are so many good planners in Australia.

What do you love about Australian weddings?

They are so unpretentious and heartfelt. You can always tell an Australian wedding because it always seems to have this little bit of rawness to it that stands out.

5 things a couple must get right for their wedding day?

In terms of styling: colour, feel, texture, lighting and layout.

Where do you see your business evolving to in the next few years?

Hopefully we will continue to attract the brides and grooms to be that we have been who are just so creative with their ideas and are some of the loveliest people! If things just keep going as they are I’d be very happy. But there is talk of a flower garden in the near future as well so that we can provide brides with all those flowers and foliages that are hard to get and unusual.

Thank you for joining us today Kristy and sharing a little of your wisdom! You can find out more about Kristy at her website Imbue Weddings.

Images from Imbue Weddings.

What Would They Know?, Wisdom | Comments 3

If you’ve been reading Polka Dot Bride and Polka Dot Wisdom for any length of time, you’ll know I love seeing what happens behind the scenes of the beautiful imagery that passes through my inbox. Well Karen Willis Holmes was lovely enough to share some behind the scenes images of her recent silver shoot (which we featured on Polka Dot Bride on Monday).

Intriguing isn’t it? To see how a scene looks outside of a perfectly crafted photo?

Photos from Karen Willis Holmes

Behind The Scenes, Wisdom | Comments 2

There’s designers in the Australian bridal industry that have been creating designs for such a long time that they’ve become a foundational part of the industry. To me, Wendy Makin is one of them- Wendy has been designing for 30 years and has produced some amazing, award winning gowns in that time. it’s such an honour to have Wendy join  us today on Polka Dot Wisdom to share a little about what makes her so successful!

Please tell me about yourself and your background?

This year represents 30 years in the Bridal Design industry for me. I started with a company, Dundee Fashions, who were arguably the first company to make Ready to Wear Bridal gowns in 1981 as a junior designer and by 1984 I was Head Designer and Patternmaker. In 1993 the Directors of Dundee retired and my husband Geoff and I bought the forward orders and some machinery and started Wendy Makin Bridal Designs.

What inspired you to get into the bridal design industry?

I was making cloths for my dolls at 6 so it was always my dream to be a fashion designer. The first company I applied for a job with was Dundee Fashions and they happened to be a Bridal Wear manufacturer. It was fate more than design and I’m so happy to have had that opportunity and couldn’t have wished for a better side of fashion to be in.

What sets you apart from other bridal designers?

I think my less is best design philosophy. I like to let the fabrics design the gown rather than try to make something what it doesn’t want to be. I also think that my production and patternmaking background have been a big help with the fit of the garment as well as the quality of workmanship that our team produce.

You’re often praised for your ability to provide an extraordinary fit for a bride, how difficult is it to flatter different figures?

It’s actually not that difficult. If you assess a brides figure shape and find the gown that flatters that shape then you’ll make a very happy bride. I always look for a gown that enhances a brides best features.

How do you choose the fabrics and laces used in your Couture collection? Quality, quality, quality. The quality of the fabrics and laces used in a gown is really obvious and if you try and cheat by using a cheaper lace and “blinging” it up…it shows.

What prompted you to launch the BellaDonna line?

The BellaDonna Collection was born out of an ever decreasing pool of qualified tradespeople here in Australia. When we started we made everything in Australia but as our workforce aged and retired we found it almost impossible to replace them so our workroom team slowly dwindled. We realised that to survive, let alone grow, we had to start a business relationship off shore and hence the BellaDonna Collection. It also gave us an opportunity to offer gowns at a lower price point.

How did your “Ready to Wear” bridal dress collection come about?

Ready to Wear are basically our simpler popular Couture gowns made in slightly different fabrics and techniques so that they can retail at a slightly lower price. A number of our good retailers were asking for this and that’s what drove the label. It’s been a really popular decision with both retailers and Brides to Be.

Where do you look for inspiration when making a new design?

Fabrics and Brides-to-Be inspire me. I’m afraid I’m not one who looks at a golden shiny beach with its turquoise blue water and become inspired to design a gown. I’m much too practical for that. I see a design in the way a piece of fabric I buy drapes or sparkles or working with a Bride to create her individual look from my existing styles. This to me is designing.

How do you keep your product fresh and different?

I’m constantly on the look out for new fabrics and laces. My network of suppliers are very attune now to what I look for and are constantly sending me samples they think I might like. I also work with a couple of suppliers on specific beading styles on laces or fabrics. We do travel to the UK and Europe to look at developing trends there and we have an association with a US company were we exchange ideas plus my team are always providing good ideas and inspiration. This all keeps me excited and enthusiastic about my collections.

You have been named Australia’s number 1 couturier in the National ABIA poll?Where to from here?

That is an award for service which we are very proud of but also very humble about. That award was voted for by the Brides and we are very conscious of the tremendous regard with which they must hold us and we constantly strive to uphold that and to improve on it where we can. I also recently won the Supreme Award at the Queensland Bride Design Awards which was also a tremendous honour but we are always aware that tomorrow is another day and you have to keep striving to do better every day.

You often incorporate colour into your designs, do you think a dress needs to be primarily white to be considered a wedding dress, or do modern dresses have to be accountable to tradition at all?

It’s funny you should mention that. In the Queensland Bride awards recently I entered a red wedding gown. It didn’t win anything but I suppose it shows my commitment to pushing boundaries. I don’t see wedding gowns having to follow traditional styling anymore. A bride will wear what she feels suits her personality and if that’s a full silk ball gown on the beach or a little short lace number in red in church then so be it.

What are 5 things a bride must consider when in the market for a wedding dress?

1. Give yourself time so you aren’t limiting your choices.
2. Choose a gown that flatters your figure and don’t be pushed into buying what someone wants you to.
3. Choose a Designer or Bridal Boutique who you feel comfortable and confident with. If you’re being told you look beautiful in everything…it’s time to leave.
4. Choose the right undergarments.
5. Always bring your shoes to your fittings!!

Where do you see your business evolving to in the next few years?

We want to continue to make Brides to Be beautiful and to strive to give them the best quality design, make and service that we can. If we can continue to do that then our customers will decide where we will evolve.

Thank you for joining us today Wendy! You can find out more about Wendy’s designs or find the stockists of the Wendy Makin line by visiting the Wendy Makin website.

Photos from Wendy Makin

Tags www.wendymakin.com.au | What Would They Know?, Wisdom | Comments 1

A Save the Date Card or Wedding Invitation is one of the first pieces of stationery that your guests will receive and most importantly it will convey the theme and style for your entire wedding day. The style and design will indicate to your guests what to expect on the day. A wedding invitation lets your guests know if the wedding is going to be a formal event, an intimate gathering of close family and friends, a casual and informal affair, or anything in between.

Before jumping head first into this process it is worth taking a step back to consider the appropriate etiquette for your wedding stationery which will in turn help the day’s events seamlessly follow on from one to another with no hiccups allowing you and your guests to relax and simply enjoy the day.

So here are a few of my suggestions on wedding stationery etiquette to start you off on the right path:

Do consider sending out Save the Date cards. These are particularly appropriate if you are having a destination wedding as it will give your guests the time to organise leave from work, flights and accommodation etc. You’d kick yourself if you thought that more of your lovely family and friends would have come to your wedding if only they were given more notice.

Simplicity Wedding Collection

Do send an invitation to everyone that will be attending your wedding. You can’t leave people out, such as your family or close friends on the basis that it is obvious they will be coming.

Delightful Dahlia Wedding Collection

Do always send your wedding invitations out at least one month prior to your wedding date. Even this is cutting it a little fine and you should ideally send them out at least 6-8 weeks before. This allows your guests to plan accordingly for the big event!

Classic Monogram Wedding Collection

Do ensure that you wedding stationery communicates all the details about the day’s proceedings. Times, locations, directions and maps all help to save confusion on the day. If you are having a destination wedding it may well be helpful to include the location details of hotel accommodation in the local area as well as transport information if needed.

Regency Wedding Collection

Do write exactly who you are inviting, onto your wedding invitations. Rather than putting Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Family, it is wise to consider exactly who you are inviting from the family. For example, you may not wish to have very young children at your wedding and so it avoids writing ‘no children allowed’ which is a big no no! This way you are tactfully expressing who is invited and who is not. This allows the guests to make arrangements for babysitting of the younger family members if that is what you wish. Obviously if  ‘the more the merrier’,  put every family member’s name down.

Vintage Circus Wedding Collection

Do proof read your wedding invitations before they get printed. Even get someone else to go over them as well with a fresh pair of eyes as you’ll be devastated if they come back with typos.

Embellish Wedding Collection

Do remember that your wedding day is all about fun and family. Make sure that your wedding invitations reflect the tone and style you have set for your wedding day in both design and the level of formality of wording.

Peonies Wedding Collection

Do always include return postage on your RSVP card. It is something that guests still expect and it is not the place to try and economise.

Regency Wedding Collection

Do include first name and surnames on your place cards. This saves so much confusion for your guests when they arrive at the reception and they are trying to decide where they should be seated. Inevitably you will get duplication of first names and you don’t want these poor souls to be walking around wondering whether they have the right seat or not!

Starfish Wedding Collection

Do always send out Thank You Cards to your guests no more than 6-8 weeks after your wedding day. These can be personalised with your guests’ names, however the wording inside should really be hand written and personal to sincerely show your appreciation.

Lovebirds Wedding Collection

So as you can see there are a few things to consider when thinking about your wedding stationery. However, it’s not difficult and when done properly you’ll certainly reap the rewards. Good Luck!

Ms Polka Dot says: Ellen from mini Moko Designer Stationery has given us some well thought out advice for getting your wedding stationery just right. Just follow her advice and you won’t go wrong!

Ellen says: Our extensive wedding collections include a family of twelve products to choose from, ranging from Invitations and RSVP’s through to Place Settings and Guest Seating Charts. Within each collection, all stationery has been designed around a single, continuous theme ensuring your guests received the best impression of your wedding from the first moment they receive their Invitation through to receipt of a Thankyou Card at the end.

Furthermore, should you desire something truly unique for your event, we also offer a custom design service to make your day even more special.

Images from mini Moko Designer Stationery

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