I have always admired the success of today’s guest. She’s invented a unique product which has been featured all over the world. Each piece is handmade and each piece has something really special about it. Today we’re joined by Caroline Colom Vasquez, the lady behind Paloma’s Nest.

Tell us about yourself. Were you always a creative person, even when growing up?

Most definitely, I have always been a creative type. Sometimes that meant taking art classes, other times it meant painting murals on my bedroom walls! I have always been an “artist,” for as long as I can remember.

I grew up in Mystic, Connecticut, a tiny New England town situated on the Atlantic Ocean, bursting with architecture, history, and old things. I moved to Austin, Texas -a vibrant city full of music and art- to go to University. It is here that a met my husband and we have since settled here permanently.

The quality of your ceramic ware is beautiful. Where did you learn your craft?

Thank you! I did study Ceramics while pursuing my degree in art and design at university. But the development and refinement of my personal techniques and “trade secrets” are all self-taught. Practice, practice!

Where did the initial idea come from?

The brand Paloma’s Nest came from my desire to share my work with a broader audience. Being based online, I was able to reach that audience and “curate” my own shop. Through the internet, I suddenly had all of the tools of branding and marketing at my fingertips, making it easier to tell the story I tell with my designs. Paloma’s Nest (“Paloma” meaning “Dove” in Spanish) embodies a range of emotions and connotations relating to peace, joy, gratitude and more. Creating work that inspires my audience to commemorate an occasion -and the emotion connected to that occasion- is what I enjoy the most.

What made you decide to pursue this creative idea, rather than pursue a more ‘conventional’ career?

I have always had the entrepreneurial spirit in me. I don’t think it is something you necessarily choose to do with your life. More, it chooses you- and you are never satisfied until you commit to making it your art your life!

You have an eye for the simple and stunning. What inspires you?

My love of history fuels my commitment to crafting items of heirloom quality. Seeing pieces passed down from generation to generation- through families or towns or communities of all kinds- inspires me to create simple and timeless designs that will remain strikingly beautiful for many years to come. I don’t do “trendy”- unless trendy is something that will still look good in 100 years.

Can people commission particular pieces from you?

All of my designs are available in custom texts and even custom motifs. Custom/ bespoke work is a big part of what I do at Paloma’s Nest.

I provide extensive design services for events, such as favors & bonbonniere, place cards & escort cards, signage, and more. I also work on a commission basis with restaurants, boutiques, and individuals looking for specific decor or home goods.

What do you love about creating these pieces for brides?

I love being part of such a beautiful celebration. I craft my pieces with the utmost pride and care, knowing that it will be looked upon as a special keepsake for years into the future. Knowing the emotions and memories that can be held in one small piece of art is a huge deal for me.

What is your number one tip for brides?

Follow your bliss! The day only happens once and should be a true reflection of you as a couple. Plan your budget based on the things that are the most important to you and will be the most memorable once the day has passed.

Thank you for joining us today Caroline! You can check out more of the gorgeous Paloma’s Nest creations by visit the Paloma’s Nest website.

Calli of Calli B Photography sent over this a little while ago where she collaborated with Events By Design and Mondo Floral Designs to style a mock Noosa beach wedding setup.The girls have styled this gorgeous beach side wedding with   fresh, rustic details. I can just imagine the bride walking down the aisle in her bare feet.

These creamy wooden chairs look superb decorated with strings of shells. The cream and beige cushion cover immediately makes the ceremony on the beach become a little more formal while not losing the dreamy beachside feel. Brightly coloured starfish in reds and whites laying in a basket on the sand make for a pretty accent.

Interesting textures always catch my eye- I love how each guest might receive a bamboo fan with a pretty tag and creamy pink rose. Elegance from the summer heat. The “altar” is decorated with soft, gauzey fabric- always delightful blowing in the wind and making such a focal point against the beige of the sand.

One of my favourite new things at weddings are lounge areas. I love the idea of sneaking off for a sneaky chat and respite with a friend while the dance floor is thumping. This bamboo chaired paired with it’s patchwork cushions creates a sort of boho beach vibe don’t you think?

Textures galore! The girls always use the prettiest details- beautiful crockery in shades of cream and muted turquoise, bamboo fans laid on linen place mats. Wooden numbers paired with tealights in glass jars.

Forget chair covers and ties- these strings of shells are understated and elegant and still very beachy! The tables are topped with creamy roses, mismatched linens and shells in all sizes and colours. No ironing required- the crinkles just add to the cosy feel!

Photos by Calli B Photography

I’m always really interested to know about the logistics and legalities behind the most important part of the wedding day – the ceremony. So today’s featured expert, Robyn Pattison is going to share a few things about her experience as a marriage celebrant!

Tell me about yourself? Where are you based?
I’m 35 years old, and I have two little boys. I studied journalism at university (so handy for writing my ceremonies). I live in Ryde, Sydney and I travel all over Sydney to help my couples marry.

What influenced your decision to become a marriage celebrant?
I was always the girl who helped at weddings – I styled the lot – handmade invitations, table decorations, colour schemes, everything. Weddings were always going to be my thing. I absolutely love a party, so becoming a marriage celebrant was a great way to surround myself with happy, gorgeous people celebrating the most romantic moment of their lives. There aren’t many young celebrants, either – it just made sense, and I’ve never been happier. Best job in the world. (I feel like a fairy godmother with a magic wand!)

What inspires you? How do you keep your ideas fresh for each wedding?
I always fall a little bit in love with my couples! They are all so different and I love it! I spend as much time as I can with each one to really find out what makes them tick. Trying to make sure that every single couple gets their perfect ceremony keeps the experience new for me every time. It’s so much fun, I never get bored. I’m 10% nervous and 90% excited before every ceremony begins.

Do Australian brides and grooms have a distinctive style?
What I love about my job is that I meet all kinds of Australians. Aussie born couples, Chinese, Malaysian, Vietnamese immigrants who have made Australia their home, English holiday makers, South American travelers – all sorts. What delights me is that all of these groups honour me with the responsibility of marrying them in the style that respects their heritage and embraces their future. Distinctive? Distinctively different.

Do couples request a standard ceremony or are they more inclined to want an individually tailored celebration from you?
I write a personally tailored ceremony for every single couple I meet. There is nothing worse for your guests than coming away from your wedding feeling like it was the same as the last one they went to. It has to be all about you. After all – the ceremony itself is the reason for the whole celebration.

What other celebrations do you perform?
I love commitment ceremonies and vow renewals. These are every bit as romantic and special as a legal wedding – mainly because there are no legal aspects – it all comes from the heart. I can write and perform a ceremony to honour anyone, at any stage of their life.

What is your number one tip for brides and grooms?
Relax! It’s your big day, don’t rush through it, don’t stress about it. The most beautiful brides are the happy ones who just enjoy every minute and run with it. A beautiful dress makes you look great, but a smile is the ultimate accessory.

If money were no object, how would you style your dream wedding? How would you, as the marriage celebrant, celebrate this sort of wedding?
Where do you start? Pick a spot by the beach, tropical climate, sunrise, candles twinkling as the sun overtakes them, a beautiful dress but barefoot, a breakfast banquet, served under a frangipani and orchid strewn marquee, celebrations that go all day. Send a wreath of tropical flowers out to sea, or give fresh floral leis to your guests. Most of all – make it fun!
A beach wedding has to embrace the environment, the sound of waves crashing is the perfect backdrop to gentle reflection. Keep the words simple, write and speak your own vows. Early morning is the most peaceful time of any day – it is fresh and new, and full of beginnings. Readings and poetry should reflect these feelings.

What are your favourite wedding celebration ideas?
I love celebrations that combine cultural traditions with modern Australian traditions. One of my couples made their vows in each other’s native languages. Each had to learn to speak the other’s language, so that when they heard the other’s vow, it was even more special to them – it had been a real effort.

What do you love about Australian Brides?
No bridezillas! All of my brides have been divine. Friendly, lighthearted, beautiful girls with style AND a sense of humour.

What should brides start with when they come to you to start the planning process?
Tell me the date and the time you wish to marry. Let’s have a chat about what you want. Ask me anything at all. I’ll help. Visit my website to get a feel for who I am – I love my work, and I want my brides to enjoy the whole process – we are going to be spending a bit of time together, so it’s important that we “click”. And book early.

What was your most memorable wedding moment?
A tiny private ceremony that I performed with a couple and two witnesses in February. Waves crashing at sunset on South Head. Almost no formal ceremony, more like a series of events. The bare-chested groom recited a native American chant, the bride sang a Hawaiian song. We had a period of silence in which bride and groom stood heads and hands together, looking into each other’s eyes, while the rest of us cried! They did their vows in whispers, hands on each other’s hearts. Gobsmackingly romantic. Never to be forgotten.

5 things a bride must get right?
1 Her sense of humour. So what if a flock of cockatoos fly overhead in the middle of the ceremony? It doesn’t change a thing. Wait, laugh, then keep going.
2 Her friendship. Be kind to your bridesmaids. They are your best friends, they want to make you happy, and you want to keep them for life.
3. Her sense of self. Plan a ceremony and a wedding that reflect the sort of people you are. If you are friendly, relaxed and informal, then that is the way your ceremony should feel, and that is the style of celebration you should aim for.
4. Her mood. So long as she is happy – everything will be perfect! Don’t stress about the little things.
Oh, and 5. Her timing.
It’s really awkward when a bride is so late that the guests start asking the groom and the celebrant if she has cold feet, and whether or not she is coming. Grooms are nervous enough while they wait – don’t make it harder on him!

Thank you for joining Polka Dot Bride today Robyn! You can find out more about what Robyn does via her website!

I love anything that brings light to a wedding – fairy lights, candles and lanterns. Lanterns add a special magic to a wedding reception or party. There are so many cost effective and simply beautiful, lanterns and they can be such a stunning feature at your wedding.

Photo by NK Photography

Photo by Millie Holloman from Salt Harbor Designs

Photo by Mi Belle Inc

Photo by Apertura

Photo by Michael Norwood

Many paper lantern ‘balls’ hung from the ceiling in differing sizes, disguise a less than attractive ceiling and add a glow to even large venues. Try having an electrician connect them to dimmer switches so that some can be brightly lit and some glow softly. Try finding paper lanterns made from flame retardant paper for extra safety. String paper lanterns from tree to tree or around an outdoor area.

Photo by Emilie Inc

Photo by Leigh Miller

Photo by Elizabeth Messina via Kiss The Groom

Moroccan lanterns with their patterned metal and coloured glass will look great with a bright and rich palette. The cut metal will throw beautifully patterned shadows onto surfaces.

Photo by Jonas Peterson

Photo by Natalie Moser Photography

Photo by Jennifer Skog

Homemade lanterns made from sand weighted paper bags and tea lights, or from old glass jars, can be hung from trees, gates, line pathways or edge a pool. Silk covered Chinese lanterns, or small metal lanterns on stands could be added to your table décor.

Photo by Next Exit Photography

Photo by Grazier Photography via Style Me Pretty

Photo by Angela Higgins Photography

Photo from Fete NY

Lanterns are especially beautiful on or near water where their reflections will be magnified. Chinese float lit water lanterns on ponds. A handy person could fix stands in a lily pond each topped with a lantern – the candle glow they cast will be magical.