Edwina and Ben

Classic, romantic weddings never go out of style and today’s wedding of Edwina and Ben, who married at the university where they met is nothing short of a classic romance story.

Edwina tells of how they met. “We met at Sydney Uni in our first chemistry lecture”.

Photos are by Welsch Photography who captured the classic romantic style of today’s wedding beautifully.

Edwina and Ben held their ceremony at The Great Hall, The University of Sydney the very same place that the couple first met! The couple chose their 12 year anniversary as their wedding date.

Edwina walked down the aisle to Handel’s ‘Arrival of the Queen of Sheba’.

The weather was beautiful for their wedding day. Edwina recalls, “We were so worried about the weather as rain was forecast. The day before was very wet and on the morning of the wedding it was overcast. We were certain it would rain on our day. Luckily the weather cleared in time and the whole day was sunny. The weather held until just after we got to our hotel suite that night and then it started to pour. We stood at the doors to the Juliet balcony watching the rain and thinking how lucky we were to have had such a wonderful wedding day, and all with the sun shining on us!”

The couple even revisited that chemistry lab that held the story of their first meeting.

The reception at The Tea Rooms At QVB followed the classic style of the wedding. Edwina notes “The Tea Room staff were highly professional and accommodating.”

Faye Cahill styled the cake and Edwina’s sister designed the stationery and invitations, Edwina explains “My sister did all the graphic design work, designing the invitations etc and even a monogram as a theme for our wedding.”

The wedding was styled by Raymond Ware, The Styling Company. Petals with Passion created the floral arrangements. Each guest received a customised matchbook from Mi Bride and Groom.

Congratulations on your marriage Edwina and Ben! Thank you for sharing it with us! Thank you also to Welsch Photography  for sharing today’s images!

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

1. Edwina and Daniel
2. Carol and Chris’ Romantic Sydney Wedding
3. Amanda and Andy’s Romantic Elegance Wedding

Image by Bret Salinger Photography via Tips For Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies

Happy Friday Dotties! What a week it has been! I know I say that every week, but really, this week has proved just a little crazy! How was your week? What did you get up to? This is what we were doing…

This Week On Polka Dot Weddings

Polka Dot Weddings is the blog where real brides write about their weddings and share their experiences. Inspiration abounds so click on each image to read more.

1.Shoe Crush Sunday – Rocking Red Inspiration board 2.Classic Cream Wedding In The Woods 3.Wedding Dress Shopping Disasters 4.French Inspired Vintage Maleny Wedding 5.Wedding Guest Etiquette 6.Join the conversation on Polka Dot Hot Spot. Today’s topic is bridesmaid politics!

This Week On Polka Dot Wisdom

Polka Dot Wisdom is a treasure trove of advice, news and wedding planning tips! Written by wedding professionals you could almost plan your whole wedding by following this, the wisest of all blogs! Click on the images to read more.

1.Roderick Ng from Master Slave talks about inspiration, trends and more 2.Donna from Le Bonbon shares her vendor favourites 3.Real Wedding Planning Journey – How The Professional Do It 4.Tips for Planning An Outdoor Wedding Ceremony 5.The Wonderful Little Workshop in Western Australia Wedding Planning Workshop.

This Week On Polka Dot Made

Polka Dot Made is your source for all things handmade including weekly DIY projects to make for your wedding or engagement.

1.On Etsy Roundup a selection of autumn cake toppers 2.The perfect font for your calligraphy styled wedding stationery 3.DIY Chalkboard Table number tutorial 4.Ms Lace’s take on the bloody mary – Morocco Mary

This week on Polka Dot Honeymoons

The wedding is over, the dust has settled and now it’s time to get away from it all! Find resort reviews, inspiration and real honeymoons every week on Polka Dot Honeymoons.

1.Melynda and Tim’s real honeymoon in Queensland 2.Vanuatu holiday snapshot taken by Mr Polka Dot 3.Land Diving In Vanuatu

This week on Polka Dot Groom

Polka Dot Groom is dedicated to all things groom. Inspiration, advice and style for the Australian groom.

1.Navy groom styling inspiration 2.Real groom style inspiration 3.Real Groom Simon share his wedding day memories

Around the wedding world this week….

Chanele Rose Flowers & Event Styling  have launched their brand new look! Fresh and elegant it reflects the gorgeous work Lina and her team complete! Check it out here.

Cancer Council Victoria is holding a raffle to raise funds for their cause Entitled the Wedding Package Raffle, entrants can go into the draw to win a special wedding package consisting of

• Wedding dress (replica of Kate Middleton’s) made by Raffaele Ciuca and valued at $10,000
• Flower Temple voucher valued at $500.
• Dijana Risteska Photography voucher valued at $500.
• Ab Fab Cakes voucher valued at $300.

Call 1300 65 65 85 to snap up one of the 400 tickets at $30 each. Check the website for terms & conditions and more information.

Image by Rebecca McLean

This Sunday May 27th, Seppelt Winery is hosting a Wedding Expo between 11am and 3pm.

The Grampians is fast becoming one of Australia’s biggest destination wedding locations so here’s a chance for you to meet and greet the region’s top wedding vendors – from venues, photographers and celebrants, to florists, beauticians and musicians. Plus you’ll get to experience the historical grandeur of one of the country’s oldest wineries, Seppelt. Refreshments available. More information can be found at Seppelt Weddings, Functions & Accommodation or by calling (03) 5361 2204.

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

1. Friday Roundup
2. Friday Roundup
3. Friday Roundup

Let’s get our hands dirty Dotties! It’s time for another Polka Dot Hot Spot (if you have a suggestion for Polka Dot Hot Spot just contact us!)

It’s often said that weddings bring out the best and worst in people and nothing makes my stomach drop more than problems with bridesmaids. From that every first excited moment of asking, to the last hug goodbye- it’s such an involved role, not only for the bride but also for the bridesmaid.

I’ve seen many friendships fall out at weddings (which saddens me greatly) and many confused expectations. One bridesmaid rants that the bride excepted her to pay for everything, leaving her feeling a bit worse for wear, another bride is upset because her bridesmaids weren’t able to help her with any wedding plans. So I suppose it all comes down to expectations. From the get go making it clear what you, as the bride expect and what you, as a bridesmaid can do.

What have you done with your own bridesmaids (or if you’re a bridesmaid, the bride!) How are you handling the expectations of each other? If you had some confusion, how did you deal with it?

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

1. Polka Dot Hot Spot – The Groom
2. Polka Dot Hot Spot – Family Dynamics
3. Polka Dot Hot Spot: Your Greatest Lessons

Simon married Felicity in an elegant Melbourne wedding on a warm summer’s day.

Simon’s tuxedo and French cuff shirt were from Arthur Galan. Simon’s tie was covered in tiny polkadots with the added touch of skulls to add a touch of individuality. His tie and scull cufflinks were from Alexander McQueen.

Simon says, “Everything ran like an expensive Swiss watch….except for forgetting my belt, leaving the rings in the hotel safe and having to get my speech printed again…..”

Photography by Joseph Koprek

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

1. Inspired Memories: Henry
2. Inspired Memories: Damien
3. Inspired Memories: Geoffrey

Mr Polka Dot took a beautiful snapshot on a trip to Vanuatu which he shared here… and if you’re like me then the image in your head of Vanuatu is one of flowers in your hair, sarongs, crystal clear waters and cocktails. So what the heck is this guy doing?

It’s called land diving and basically it’s bungee jumping but with vines. During the months of April, May and June, there is a ritual that takes place in the southern part of Vanuatu in which men jump from 30 metre high towers with vines tied to their feet. The ritual is said to be performed to ensure a good harvest. The vines are at their most elastic at this time of year ensuring that they don’t snap. Quite important really.

The ritual which is ages old and is called the “Nagol” or “N’Gol” was brought to the Western world’s attention when David Attenborough and a BBC film crew captured it on film in the 1950s. Queen Elizabeth travelled to Pentecost, Vanuatu in 1974 to witness the ritual. Tragically, a man died during this ritual as it was performed too early in the year and the vine gave way.

Today, it’s a very popular tourist attraction and if you fancy checking it out, you can get more information here.

Photography via Vanuatu Travel

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

1. Holiday Snapshot – Efate Island, Vanuatu
2. Tamanu on the Beach – Vanuatu
3. Real Honeymoon – Vanuatu