Kate & Jono

You know I am a sucker for a good love story – it’s the crux of it all isn’t it? So I loved this engagement story shot by Niki Photography which tells the story of Canadian lovebirds Kate & Jono.

Kate kicks it off. “Jono and I met four and a half years ago when we both started working for the same Accounting firm in Vancouver, Canada. We worked in different offices at the start so only saw each other at work functions. As we began to socialize outside of work, we discovered our mutual interest in sports, particularly our beloved Canucks hockey team, a passion for outdoor adventure and skiing, and a shared love of travel. Our jobs allowed us to have some incredible experiences including a two year secondment to Melbourne. Our families were very supportive of the opportunity, especially the chance to come and visit us in Australia, and we’ve loved every minute of it. The most memorable experience was a ten day camping trek through the outback. We managed to survive snakes, flat tires, crocodiles and forty degree heat almost every day! ”

“Jonathan makes me laugh, every day. He has a way of capturing everyone’s attention and creating this energy in the room. I know that however I’m feeling, he will always make me smile.”

 

Jono says, “Kate would probably say that I love her blond curly hair, which is true, but that’s just one of the reasons I love her. She is the most caring, genuine and kind person I know.”

“We were at a family birthday a few years back and Jonathan’s cousin received a very nice Le Creuset cast iron baking dish. I really enjoy cooking and apparently made quite a big deal about how great I thought the gift was! Well it turns out I must have really made a big deal about it, as on Christmas morning, there was a lovely cast iron baking dish wrapped up under tree. As much as I love the fact that he remembered how excited I was about it, Jonathan learned a lesson about giving “domesticated gifts”.

“Jono proposed three and a half years after our first date on a beautiful winter evening in Melbourne. Unbeknownst to me, he had been planning to propose for some time but wanted it to be a surprise. An engagement couldn’t have been further from my mind as we went out to celebrate his birthday. He suggested we go for a walk along the water as it was such a beautiful night. The next thing I knew, he was down on one knee. After some happy tears, a lot of hugs and a moment to catch our breath, we went home to call our parents and share the good news. We knew we would wait to get married back in Vancouver but wanted something special to remember our time in Melbourne and our love of the city. Nicky couldn’t have made us feel more relaxed and comfortable, despite the sweltering heat! She took all of my ideas and gave us the most beautiful photos that I could have imagined. Now we have a beautiful keepsake of this fantastic city and a wonderful memory of our engagement.”

“We wanted our photos to match our personalities so went for a more relaxed and candid style. We also wanted to incorporate some of our favourite spots around the city where we’ve enjoyed spending time over the past year and a half. The botanical gardens are incredible and Nicky captured some beautiful moments among the gardens and along the River with the city in the background. A perfect way for us to celebrate our engagement and to remember our time in Melbourne.”

I love wedding venues that have a sense of individuality to them and this gorgeous Brisbane venue is just the ticket for today. Spring Food & Wine, located in Brisbane’s CBD has a huge emphasis on good food (which to me is awesome because good food can really blow guests away at a wedding!)

The venue can cater for smaller celebrations of 40 guests or huge cocktail gatherings for up to 150 guests. You can choose from the main restaurant space, the bistro, the courtyard or even the onsite cooking school!

Each wedding package kicks off with the standard wedding fare – white linen tablecloths, cake & gift table, five hour venue hire, a bridal retreat, dedicated wedding coordinator and function team, in house AV system and dance floor. Plus the special little extras like discounted accommodation, styling packages and menu tasting prior to the wedding. Spring Food & Wine is all about the flexibility, so every element can be tailored, added or removed to suit your own day, the emphasis remaining on fresh, season produce and treating your guests to a delicious feast.

The food is where Spring Food & Wine really comes in to it’s own. With a  huge emphasis on local produce, there are four different catering packages available (all with upgrades and additions to truly make it yours). First off, “The Social Soiree” a cocktail reception, provides guests with a selection of delicious sounding canapes like Noosa crab betal leaves with trout roe, saffron paella, chorizo & mussels, rice paper sashimi salad rolls along with an option of miniature desserts, wedding cake or cheese (the cheese, always the cheese!)

The “Diner Inspired Wedding”, an a la carte option is more traditional yet still downright delicious. Starting with canapes, guests then move into a three course meal which includes offerings like Noosa spanner crab, gazpacho & avocado, Byron Bay pork belly, garlic spinach & gribiche with desserts like chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream & peanut brittle.

Of course if none of the above suit what your vision includes, there’s the “Spring Inspired” option. Completely custom, this option allows you to pick and choose elements of what you love, devising the wedding reception that suits you. High tea? Brunch? Or even degustation?

The above photo and two below were captured by Milque Photography to emphasise the “rustic” feel of Spring Food & Wine. With the concept by Main Event Weddings; theming by Styled Events & flowers by The Butterfly Lounge, I love that it shows a completely different look to the venue using simple long tables and  fresh colours.

Spring Food & Wine can look after your styling working with local, talented wedding professional for floral arrangements, stationery, hire furniture and favors to create the look and style of wedding you want. Ceremonies can even be organised by the Spring team at the gorgeous nearby parks & gardens allowing you to have an all in one option (celebrant included!).

Elvyra & Denny’s Uluwatu Destination Wedding Image by Ever Motion Photo

An unintentionally Mexican-themed week has seen the patterned team at Polkadot Bride meet up for a lunch of tacos, guacamole and fabulous cocktails, in addition to the wonderfully colourful weddings featured on the blog and Mr Herringbone’s Tequila Chicken! How the Mexican stars have aligned!

We’ve had a lovely week losing ourselves in the warmth of gorgeous weddings, delectable DIYS and a heap of sage advice from our experts. So if you missed anything, or just want to re-visit the pretty pages, here’s a roundup of our specialty blogs.

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 Bride – Drown the Gown – Fiji Style 2.Real Bride Advice – Inspired Words – Chas  3. Real Wedding –  Luke & Kristy’s Western Australian Romantic Handmade Wedding  4. Real Wedding – Mia & Eben’s New Zealand Wilderness Wedding 5. Real Engagement – Michele & Eric’s Fringe World Engagement Photos 5. Polkadot Hot Spot – Guest Transport

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? – Catherine Stephens from The Lake House 2. Vendor’s Favourites - The Remote Resort 3. Expert Advice – Interior Design Your Wedding 

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 – Pearl Beaded Sashes 2. Tuesday Type – Rosabella 3. DIY – The Professionals – Jessica from Jekki Lu Handmade 4. DIY Tutorial – Homemade Pumpkin Pie 5. Cocktail Friday - The London Club’s Bohemian Mojito

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. Real Destination Review - Sundowners and Safari 2. Real Wedding – Elvyra & Denny’s Uluwatu Destination Wedding 3. Polkadot Travel Lounge – Suzelle from Travel Counsellors 

This week on Polka Dot Groom

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

    

1.Groom Style – Bespoke Shoes and Leather Bow Ties from Wootten 2.The Dish with Mr Herringbone – Tequila Chicken 3. Real Groom - Inspired Memories – Piero 4. Real Groom Style – Namha

Giveaway time! Miki.o creates modern and vintage inspired wedding invitations and stationery, with an online store bursting with a collection of fun, colourful and modern designs inspired by memories, travel, books, objects, nature and geometry.

And this month, Miki.o has a great offer for Polka Dot Bride readers!

For a limited time only, all Polka Dot Bride couples will receive 25% off all stationery in the miki.o online shop!

Simply enter the code P0LKAD0TBR1DE513 at the checkout for your discount.

Offer ends 30th June 2013 5pm Australian EST. Discount applies to orders of $250 or over. Offer is not redeemable for cash or credit.

Are you a budding photographer, or want to brush up on your skills? Then check out the lovely winter camera workshop with the talented Neiyo  in Melbourne this August! To find book your place and find out more, head to her website!

Calling all couples in Brisbane! The second Wedding School class of the year, hosted by The Wedding Collective, will be held at the fabulous Lightspace on Wednesday 12 Jun – and there are two pairs of tickets up for grabs!

It is an exciting night of planning tips and tricks to ensure Couples go straight to the top of the class! With special guest speakers from The Wedding Collective, this is sure to be a night of unmissable style and planning advice. Add to this divine canapes, delicious drinks and surprise entertainment, and you’ve got an event not to be missed!

To enter, simply leave a comment below and tell us, in 25 words or less “What are your most burning wedding questions you would like to have answered at the Wedding School?”

More for the Gold Coast brides! Sugar & Spice Events has just announced that Enamoured - A Winter Wedding Fair will take place on June 16!

With 30 fab exhibitors, amazing glam style plus professionals on hand to help you create the day of your dreams – you’ll find what you need at Enamoured. They are even giving away a WEDDING! All the details of the competition can be found on their website.

Circle of Love has hit Melbourne, and to celebrate, the lovely team are offering all Polkdot Brides a $100 discount off their wedding package!

Circle of Love provides a unique and luxury approach to outdoor wedding ceremonies, with a large portfolio of beach, garden and deck wedding ideas that brides will adore.

To enquire or book, send an email to tamara@circleofloveweddings.com.au or call on 0407 862 101.

The celebrations continue with the announcement from gorgeous stationer Alannah Rose that they have lowered their minimum order to 30 on most items (previously 50). This is particularly good news for couples having small and intimate weddings.The best part though – they are offering Polka Dot Bride readers free shipping on any order placed this week! Simply enter the code dotship on checkout!

A beautiful video to round out the week, with  the story of not just the wedding day itself, but of how the couple met. Courtesy of the good folk at Pepper Image.

Lydia and Steve

A beautiful garden wedding with beautiful soft colours like Lydia and Steve’s always leads me to dreamy classic wedding musings. Lydia and Steve celebrated with guests in South West Western Australia. University sweethearts their journey together has spanned many ups and downs and the momentous occasion of their resulting wedding is not something that is lost on me.

Lydia tells, “We met on the first day of university and became friends. Inevitably our friendship grew into more than “just friends” and we fell in love. We have been together since we were 19 years old, and have grown with each other through our travels around the world and through sharing many of the significant and memorable events that life brings with it.”

Photos today are by Natasja Kremers Photography who always captures light so magnificently and has a gentle, graceful feel to her photographs.

Lydia’s mother made both her daughter’s wedding gown and the pale blue bridesmaid gowns. Lydia remembers “When I began to search for ‘the dress’, I had a look in a few bridal stores, but didn’t find anything I loved. So, Mum offered to make it, and it all began! We spent many hours together designing the gown, fitting the bodice, applying lace and working on the finer details such as the veil, the buttons and the ribbon. It was such a joy to spend time with my Mum creating something that we both loved. The finished product was better than I could have ever imagined! ”

Lydia made the bouquets herself with the help of her sister, explaining, “My sister Gemma arrived in Eagle Bay two days before the wedding with a car full to the brim with buckets of flowers. With the help of my incredible bridesmaids, we put together all the ceremony and reception flowers, 10 buttonholes and 4 bouquets. By Friday night we were exhausted but satisfied. Despite the hard work, we still managed to fit in a few dips in the ocean, lots of laughs and champagne! ”

The wedding ceremony was held at a private residence in Eagle Bay. Lydia telling “We were married under the trees in Eagle Bay, a special place for us both, and where I took my first steps along the sand. Steve and his future father in-law spent several weekends landscaping the area for the ceremony under the watchful eye of the bride to be. My amazing sister-in-law Libby gave us so much help and practical advice when it came to planning our wedding. She helped us right from the beginning, designing the invitations, and all the way through to the big day, where she set up the ceremony and reception venues, and transformed our ideas into a reality! She was incredible and we can’t thank her enough.”

Lydia remembers “My Dad walked me down the aisle to Pachelbel’s Canon. It was such a special moment to share with him.”

Lydia says, “We had no idea how amazing our wedding day would be until we experienced it – nothing can describe the sheer joy of marrying the person you love in such a special place, surrounded by our beautiful family and friends. ”

Lydia remarks, “We really wanted to look after our guests between the ceremony and the reception, while we had some photos taken. After the ceremony we served afternoon tea, champagne and Simmos ice cream as a sweet treat before the buses departed for Aravina Estate for dinner, drinks and dancing.”

Aravina Estate, Yallingup was chosen for the reception, Lydia remarking “We fell in love with Aravina Estate the first time we visited and knew it would be a great place to celebrate with our family and friends. It is a little known, secluded winery in the depths of Yallingup, boasting a gorgeous slice of the surrounding forest and bush land. The gardens are maintained to an extremely high standard and we were lucky enough to have the magnificent hydrangeas on display. The friendly and attentive staff helped make our night one that we will always remember.”

“Almost all the other small details were handmade, with a lot of help from those close to us. We made all the stationery, table decorations, seating chart, bunting and the wedding favours, which were little jars of jam made by Steve’s Mum and Nan. We were overwhelmed by the amount of help offered by family and friends; we knew we had great support to call upon if needed. ”

For their first dance. Lydia remembers, “Our first dance was to Holocene by Bon Iver. I loved every second of it, it was an amazing feeling dancing our very first dance as husband and wife, under the stars during such a beautiful, perfect evening! After our first dance, the dance floor kicked off with a hand-picked song list of our favourites! We had so much fun, and really didn’t want to to stop at the end of the night!”

Congratulations on your marriage Lydia and Steve! Thank you for sharing your day with us! Thank you to Natasja Kremers Photography for sharing today’s wedding!