Photo by Malia Johnson Photography
Anne & Jay
This fun Cockatoo Island engagement shoot from Weeligoh Photography is a beautiful one. The juxtaposition of the industrial backdrop, the sweeping harbour views and the love story all melded together creates for a gorgeous story. They kick off their story. “Jay and Anne met as university students while attending a youth group in Adelaide. Their blossoming relationship was put to the test early though with Jay having to return to Malaysia and Anne moving to Melbourne for work. Yet they pulled through it all and come March, will celebrate what is the start of an exciting journey ahead right back where it all began….in good ol’ Adelaide. ”
“Anne loves Jay’s quirky, mostly lame sense of humour and his ability to make her laugh at the silliest, most mundane things in life. Time spent with Jay is never a dull moment for Anne and most of all, she loves his selflessness and willingness to go the extra mile when it comes to her. Jay loves Anne’s generosity and selfless heart. The way she always puts the needs of others above herself and her willingness to always provide and give her best to those around her holds a special place in his heart. He also loves that he’s found someone that laughs at all his jokes, no matter how bad they are.”
“The engagement itself was a pretty funny story. Months in the planning, Jay flew all the way from Malaysia to Sydney in secret, conspiring with Anne’s best friend. Together, they convinced Anne to fly to Sydney from Melbourne to spend her birthday weekend, without any idea that Jay was also in Sydney ready to surprise her. Jay surprised Anne in the middle of the street, before whisking her away to a romantic dinner at Aria, one of Sydney’s top restaurants. Never a fan of the conventional, Jay opted not to propose then, but to wait till breakfast the next day. The next day they headed for The Boat House, a quaint rustic eatery out in Palm Beach, New South Wales on Sunday, 15th April 2012. He then set up the camera under the guise that “they didn’t have enough pictures together on holiday” and suggested that they took some pictures to commemorate the occasion by the beautiful seaside scenery. Then, so nervous that he opened the box the wrong way around, Jay got down on one knee and proposed. She said yes!”
“Jay was tasked with doing the research for the engagement shoot and while browsing the internet and asking Sydneysiders about their recommendations, he stumbled upon Cockatoo Island. Cockatoo Island is a relic of Australia’s convict penal past, boasting an immaculately well preserved shipyard, which was at its time, Australia’s largest. Jay, who is a sucker of history and heritage sites was also pleased to discover that Cockatoo Island was awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. After browsing pictures of the island and discussing it with Anne, the couple were excited at the opportunity to do an industrial/urban-styled theme for their engagement photos as they felt that it allowed them to have a unique look for their photos. ”
I love a fun garland – they’re a quick and easy way to turn a plain wall, or bare roof into something festive, sparkly and fun. These chic garlands from Etsy seller Le Petite Fest caught my eye with their sparkle, their whimsy and work so well for big or small weddings. Owner of Le Petite Fest, Allison is an architect and loves creating! She uses everything from maps (how fun for a travel infused wedding or a destination celebration) to grocery bags, glittery card, tissue paper and everything in between.
Each garland is handmade, with Allison making use of scraps by upcycling everything she can. The garlands can be customised to suit your own personal length preference.
Images by Le Petite Fest
Lisa & Viktor’s Swedish Castle Wedding Photo by Therese Winberg
Perhaps it’s all of the Swedish crime novels I’ve been reading lately, with their moody, descriptive tones and icy-cool settings, or perhaps it was the wedding above that did it – but I’m suddenly racked with the desire to head over to the Nordic region and get all film-noir on myself! The shades of white and grey, with pops of green and brown I just can’t get enough of. And I usually hate the cold! It would also be probable that the gentleman of the region wouldn’t be too hard on the eye also… But I digress!
This week has flown by in a flash, so if you missed anything (be it Swedish castles or DIY magic), then here is a complete roundup from the week that was!
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.Real Wedding – Jane & Scott’s Intimate Hunter Valley Country Wedding 2.Real Bride Advice – Inspired Words – Heidi 3.Blogger Bride – A Glass of Bubbles with..Kate from Drop Dead Gorgeous Daily 4.Real Bride Journey – Karine & Jason’s 10 Year Anniversary Celebration 5.Real Bride Journey – Hamish & Cassandra – The Dress 6.Desperately Seeking – April
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.What Would They Know? – Mark Angus of Adelaide Wedding Speeches2. Expert Advice – Do We Really Need an Order Of Service? 3.Expert Advice – Less Is More In Styling 4.Expert Advice – What to Wear To A WEdding When You’re Not A Guest - The Photographer 5. Expert Picks - Top Ten Close-up Makeup Moments
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.Etsy Roundup – Hair Accessories 2. Tuesday Type – Baldione 3. DIY Tutorial – Steampunk Groom’s Accessories 4.Cocktail Friday - Emporium Hotel Cocktail Bar’s Summer Blush 5
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.Honeymoon Destination – A Singapore Wellness Escape for Your Honeymoon2. Real Wedding – Lisa & Viktor’s Swedish Castle Wedding3.Polka Dot Travel Lounge – Deana from Creative Holidays
This week on Polka Dot Groom
Polka Dot Groom is dedicated to all things groom. Inspiration, advice and style for the Australian groom.
1.Wedding Transport – The Mighty Muscle Car 2. Groom Fashion - Essential – 4 Things To Know About Pitti Uomo 3. Real Groom Style – Lenny
Get some colour and joy into your weekend at Pomp & Splendour‘s Pop Up Shop this Saturday at Make Your Day Styling! Head over to 14 Sparta Place, 459 Sydney Rd, Brunswick for gorgeous blooms and great ideas from these lovely ladies!
Melbourne based company C2 Video has merged with established Sydney based brand White Designs! This is an exciting move for Sydney couples to have access to the best of both worlds! For more information about the merger, have a squiz at a sample of what C2 will bring to the Sydney Wedding industry
StyleRocks will be participating at the David Jones Bridal Expo in Sydney on the 4th & 5th May.
This ties in with us releasing some new bridal jewellery, taking the number of combinations to…over 3 trillion.
We also have an amazing offer for the weekend for any purchases made at David Jones! Spend $300, receive a further $100 to spend at StyleRocks. Spend $600, receive $200, etc. The smart bride will buy her - and his! – wedding rings, and be able to deck out the bridesmaids in jewellery, at no further cost!
Libby & Scott’s Sweet Southern Highland Wedding Photo by Jeremy Beasley
Ms Herringbone has found some time in her week to contribute to a fab US Wedding website, BridalGuide with tips from our lovely Australian brides! Check it out here!
To finish up a frantic week, I couldn’t help but throw in this genius stop-motion photobooth video by Boothalicious, direct from Caroline & Adam’s Yarraville Winter Wedding. Love it!