Laura and John’s Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

by

elegant circus inspired wedding37 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

Laura and John

I love the love story of Laura and John, it is beautifully sweet and the subtle circus inspiration running through the day (and mojito bar) appeals to the fun I love about weddings. Pair that with yellow socks and we have a winner!

Laura tells how they came to be. “We met in Kuala Lumpur in October 2007 (I was living there and John’s parents were living there and he was visiting from Perth with Ben. (Best man). It was very late and I was with my sister heading to a rugby match and John and Ben were just out. We ended up meeting and swapping numbers as they were there for another week and my sister and I were living there at the time.John and I just clicked and he extended his holiday and stayed on until he had to go back to the Oil Rig. I had never been to Australia before and had always wanted to visit. John asked me if I would like to visit on his next time off and I did. We spent 3 weeks together and when I had to go back to Kuala Lumpur it was sad and when we got to the airport he told me he loved me and he didn’t want me to be so far away and asked me if I would think about living in Australia and the rest is history.”

Natalija Brunovs- I Heart Weddings captured the fun, fresh wedding photos (so much colour and light!) that we’re sharing today.

elegant circus inspired wedding01 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

elegant circus inspired wedding03 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

elegant circus inspired wedding04 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

Laura says, “Our wedding was elegant with a fun circus theme in yellow, turquoise and white.” Laura and John hired Cathrin D’Entremont Weddings as their wedding planner.

elegant circus inspired wedding07 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

elegant circus inspired wedding09 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

“I loved how it all came together, and the look and feel of everything was perfect even though we didn’t have a rehearsal, I hadn’t had a makeup or hair trail, tried any food, desserts or cheeses, I hadn’t met some vendors and if I had met any of them it was 2 weeks prior and was really hoping it would all piece together and look good out there on the day, and it did. One of the best things about the wedding is how it all came together even though it was all planned from London. Only having 2 weeks in Australia before meant a lot of running around and it wouldn’t have been possible without Cathrin D’Entremont Weddings (my wedding planner).”

elegant circus inspired wedding08 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

Laura chose a gown by Pronovias while her bridesmaids wore pale yellow gowns by Monsoon.

elegant circus inspired wedding10 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

perth wedding06 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

The couple chose to meet before the ceremony, Laura explaining, “One of the best choices we made was to have a first look which was suggested by our wedding planner Cathrin. I think that we were all starting to get a bit nervous a couple of hours before the wedding. Having the entire bridal party meet in East Perth just before the wedding was great. I got to sneak up on John and as soon as he turned around I knew neither of us was that nervous any more. We managed to get some photos by our special tree that we carved our initials in years ago and have a couple of bottles of champagne and take some lovely photos of just John & I, Ben, Aaron, Briony, Naomi.”

perth wedding03 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

elegant circus inspired wedding17 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

elegant circus inspired wedding19 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

elegant circus inspired wedding20 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

perth wedding02 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

elegant circus inspired wedding11 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

Laura recalls, “I walked down the Aisle to Rainbow Connection by Weezer featuring Hayley Williams. It was all really pretty and everything was perfect and I was so calm. Then, just at the top of the aisle, I put my heel through the lining at the back of my dress haha! I tugged on my dad just and said ‘Stop! My heel is caught on the back of the dress’. It was quite funny and I had had a fair few glasses of champagne which had helped with the nerves. I think we managed to sort it out and pull it off quite well in the end. It was all OK and funny because I knew I had my dad. It was really emotional, a daughter can’t explain that feeling when they look into their eyes just as they give you away. ” Laura and John were married at Woodbridge House Guildford .

elegant circus inspired wedding13 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

elegant circus inspired wedding15 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

elegant circus inspired wedding14 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

elegant circus inspired wedding16 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

“For our group shot we decided to try something slightly fun that wasn’t us just standing there. We got 10 massive balloons which we gave to different people and took photos in front of Woodbridge House as we let them go.”

perth wedding04 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

perth wedding05 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

“When we were living in London John really wanted to get a hat from one of the traditional hat shops in London. He searched for ages for the hat and finally found it. It looked a bit like the one from The Blues Brothers. After the ceremony, at sunset, the photographer and videographer asked us to go to the jetty for some private photos in the sunset over the water.

John decided to get some photos in his hat so took it with us. As we just got to the end of the jetty I turned around to give John a kiss and as I lifted up my arms I knocked it and it fell down onto the jetty and rolled off into the water! We couldn’t reach it and I felt terrible. I knew how much he searched for that hat but he said it didn’t matter and we stood watching the sunset, on the jetty, drinking champagne, holding hands and watching it very slowly drift down the river, until it eventually went under and wasn’t to be seen again. It was really nice because the jetty was so far down no one else could see us and it was quite nice, just the two of us.”

elegant circus inspired wedding38 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

elegant circus inspired wedding39 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

Of their photographer, Laura says, “Natalija from I Heart Weddings did a fabulous job of capturing all the tiny details of our wedding and all the intimate moments. For the most part I hardly knew she was there so it’s been lovely to see the natural memories of our day. I’m very camera shy but I love the photos and how we’ve been captured.”

elegant circus inspired wedding22 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

The Black Truffle created the cake of cheese and table of desserts! Laura explaining, “We had a couple of cool aspects with the food like Cheese Wedding cake (which looked so cute) which then made up a huge cheese board with all sorts of condiments. We also had 18 really cool magnums of Moet which were wrapped to make them look gold. Lots of people were just drinking them by the bottle and using them as a prop for photos. Most of them now have homes in my friends’ houses as decoration or to hold a candles!”

elegant circus inspired wedding23 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

“Mary-Anne (my sister in law) helped me put together the pin wheels while we were staying down in Mandurah. It took all night, but once we got into the rhythm and got the technique down we managed to do them all. We had a few details at the wedding to give it that more laid back feeling fun. As it was more of a cocktail reception we wanted to keep people moving about around the dance floor and with fun things to do and look at.”  Flower Talk created the floral arrangements for the day.

elegant circus inspired wedding42 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

ROC Candy
 created custom rock candy for the wedding, Laura tells. “I made the party favours the morning of the wedding with my Briony (Maid of Honour) and my sister, Naomi (Bridesmaid’s). I had collected all the bags and ribbon myself and ordered the candy from Roc Candy in Perth. We just put the together that morning and I loved them. They did colour matching, so they looked really good. They tasted great too. We had passionfruit, just perfect .”

elegant circus inspired wedding24 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

elegant circus inspired wedding25 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

“We had a mojito bar which everyone LOVED. It’s probably Jon’s favorite alcoholic drink. We had enough supplies to make 320 mojitos and I don’t think there was much left.”

elegant circus inspired wedding26 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

elegant circus inspired wedding27 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

elegant circus inspired wedding29 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

elegant circus inspired wedding30 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

elegant circus inspired wedding35 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

elegant circus inspired wedding41 Laura and Johns Elegant Circus Inspired Wedding

For their first dance, Laura recalls “We danced to Earth Angel by Marvin Berry & The Starlighters (because it’s from Back to the Future and he loves all the movies…..And it’s just and awesome song). We didn’t really have and special dance planned. That would have made us much more nervous and we are much better at swaying. It was lovely.”

 

Congratulations on your marriage Laura and John! Thank you for sharing it with us! Thank you to Natalija Brunovs- I Heart Weddings for sharing today’s images!

Photographer: Natalija Brunovs- I Heart Weddings / Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Cathrin D’Entremont Weddings / Cinematographer: Derek Ho Urban Light Films / Bride’s Dress: Pronovias San Patrick "Berna" / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Groom’s Attire: Ozwald Boateng - London / Groomsmen Attire: Formal Wear Express / Bridesmaid Dresses: Monsoon / Hairstylist: Kassy Wong / Makeup Artist: Kassy Wong / Rental Furniture: Orielle / Drink Cannister Hire: Bride and Groom Store / Flowers & Balloon Table Displays: Flower Talk / Invitations & Stationery: Treehouse Keeper / Ceremony Venue: Woodbridge House Guildford / Ceremony Officiant: Graham Lambert / Reception Venue: Riverside at Woodbridge / DJ: Da Doo Ron Ron - DJ Crez / Favors: ROC Candy
 / Cheese, candy & desserts: The Black Truffle / Transport: Belle Classic Limousines

Cathleen Jia Bridal Inspiration

by

cathleen jia wedding gown inspiration01 Cathleen Jia Bridal Inspiration

Inspired by the vintage inspired bridal collection of Cathleen Jia, photographer Jessica Abby Photography created today’s styled shoot to show off the designer’s latest collection. Jessica remarks, “I took inspiration from Cathleen’s ideas behind her designs ‘Inspired by the romance of the 1920′s to the elegant screen goddesses of the 1950′s, and through seamless adaptation of this inspiration with modern style’.”

Teaming up with PS I Love You, Jeanette Maree, Samantha Wills, Vanee Pham of Babydolls Makeup Artistry & Esma Voloder, Jessica says, ” I aimed to create an elegant series that shone beauty and simplicity by keeping the surrounding area to a minimal. I was spoiled with a beautiful blue wallpaper and a 1920′s original lounge.”

cathleen jia wedding gown inspiration02 Cathleen Jia Bridal Inspiration

cathleen jia wedding gown inspiration04 Cathleen Jia Bridal Inspiration

cathleen jia wedding gown inspiration05 Cathleen Jia Bridal Inspiration

cathleen jia wedding gown inspiration03 Cathleen Jia Bridal Inspiration

cathleen jia wedding gown inspiration06 Cathleen Jia Bridal Inspiration

cathleen jia wedding gown inspiration08 Cathleen Jia Bridal Inspiration

cathleen jia wedding gown inspiration07 Cathleen Jia Bridal Inspiration

cathleen jia wedding gown inspiration09 Cathleen Jia Bridal Inspiration

cathleen jia wedding gown inspiration11 Cathleen Jia Bridal Inspiration

cathleen jia wedding gown inspiration10 Cathleen Jia Bridal Inspiration

cathleen jia wedding gown inspiration12 Cathleen Jia Bridal Inspiration

Gowns & Hairpieces: Cathleen Jia / Photographer: Jessica Abby Photography / Flowers & Decor: PS I Love You / Clutch & Shoes: Jeanette Maree / Earrings: Samantha Wills / Hair & Makeup Artist: Vanee Pham of Babydolls Makeup Artistry / Model: Esma Voloder

Vendor of the Week – Sarah Alice Andrews Bridal Couturier

by

Good morning Dotties! Now before I kick off the post, can we please pray to the tech gods that I do not break anything this week? I was left with one tech item that I didn’t break last week and let’s be thankful I am an avid, meticulous fan of backing up your data! Onto a smoother week of tech free drama!

Monday morning tradition at Polka Dot Bride is to shine a spotlight bright on a randomly chosen member of our fab wedding directory, Ms Polka Dot’s Directory. But before we get into our randomly chosen vendor of the week, be sure to head on over and take a peek at some of our fabulous members!  We have fantastic celebrants, the most divine of wedding cake artists, hair & beauty, stationery & paper goods and so much more. We add new vendors every week and our members are always updating their portfolios with their best and freshest work. So take a moment to check it out!

sydney bridal couture sarah alice andrews Vendor of the Week   Sarah Alice Andrews Bridal Couturier

 Image 1 & 2 by Foster Photography Image 3 & 4 by James Bennett Image 5 & 6 by Uber Photography

Aren’t bridal designers amazing? I think I have seen every way a white dress can come to fruition and then, they come up with something else that I would never have thought of. Which is why I am happy to leave fashion design up to the professionals! Today’s vendor of the week is one such talent – Sarah Alice Andrews Bridal Couturier.

Designer Sarah kicked off her career by studying fashion design before working for some of the world’s leading bridal houses. Now based in Sydney, Sarah creates couture gowns that are all dreamed, designed and created in her Sydney studio. Each gown is a one off – brides are given the true couture experience with a private consultation where Sarah will work with you to design the gown & the numerous fittings until you are truly happy with the finished product. Sarah works with both Sydney brides and interstate brides and uses only the finest quality French silks and laces.

We asked Sarah from Sarah Alice Andrews Bridal Couturier  five questions in five minutes -

What is your favourite after five drink?

I love fruity cocktails (Grandma’s Bar has some favourites) and Japanese Peach or Grape Chu-Hi’s are great when I’m eating sashimi.

Your favourite weekend getaway?

I love road trips with my partner to the ocean in search of fresh oysters or somewhere green and mountainous with rainforest cabins. I take hundreds of photos of close up textures and details and later might use them as inspirations for fabric designs.

Favourite restaurant?

Niji in Kingsford (Japanese) or Essenza (Italian) in Surry Hills.

What can we find you eating for breakfast on a Sunday morning?

Home made pancakes or Yum Cha in China Town.

Your favourite wedding story?

I recently designed and created my best friend’s wedding dress! Cate and David met in Bangladesh but are both from Australia and they live on a sailing boat currently anchored in the Brisbane River. It really was a dream come true to create Cate’s wedding dress, but a huge challenge because it was a fairly informal wedding and Cate’s husband is such an extraordinary, down-to-earth person who wouldn’t want to see Cate dressed up in a typical wedding dress! So I wanted to create a gown that suited her style and brought all the elements of their wedding day together. I made Cate’s gown in silk cotton and guipure lace and she wore a huge Tasmanian peony in her hair. Her husband was blown away! Cate’s bouquet and head piece were done by a florist who is also a close friend of ours. It was wonderful to see so many friends involved using their unique talents to make Cate and David’s wedding so personal and special. (There were many tears from friends during the ceremony and speeches). The wedding was at a Sailing Club in Brisbane under a huge tree and their boat was anchored on the jetty just below. I think everyone started romanticising about living in a boat after that! (I sure did!)

Visit Sarah Alice Andrews’ page to find out more about our Vendor Of The Week. Sarah Alice Andrews is a member of Ms Polka Dot’s Directory

 

Snapshot Sunday – Silhouette

by

Noosa Sunset Snapshot Sunday   Silhouette

Photo by David Campbell Imagery

Polka Dot Bride Wedding and Bride Blog