Sydney bride Sarah emailed me last month on the hunt for a barn.

Barn from Saltwater Farm Barn
She had come across this photo and was desperate to find something similar in NSW. Never one to turn down a challenge I searched high and low for an Aussie version of the barn to meet Sarah’s requirements (close to Sydney, allows caterers in, allows own styling etc)
In the search I did find many gorgeous venues, so hopefully one of them will suit Sarah (and hopefully she’s found and booked one by now!)
But in keeping with Sarah’s relaxed barn style look, I created this inspiration board for her. A rustic barn wedding with a touch of glamour.
Saltwater Farm Barn, Bouquet from Antony Todd, gown by Luci Di Bella, Gold Flourish Invite by Alannah Rose Stationery, wine and chandelier & welcome sign from brides.com, freesia boutonnière & escort cards from theknot.com, Interior from The Great Cask Hall
Victorian winery Foxey’s Hangout has introduced a service which will truly add a personal touch to your wedding!
Foxey’s Hangout sparkling creations
Foxey’s Hangout was started in 1997 by two brothers, Michael and Tony and is located on Victoria’s beautiful Mornington Peninsula in Red Hill. Michael and Tony have a background in fine dining and eateries having once owned Melbourne’s Les Halles and Garcon.

Michael and Tony at Foxey’s Hangout
Every weekend, the team at Foxey’s Hangout hold wine sessions where you’re able to create your own special blend of sparkling wine. Starting with research (i.e tasting) you pick your dosage (a mixture of sugar syrup and wine) and then select your bases (pinots, chardonnay’s and more)
Tasting and mixing until your get your mixture right, you’ll be able to creae your perfect blend. At this point Foxey’s Hangout will record your wine so they can recreate it for delivery.
Nothing better than toasting with bubbles you mixed yourself!
Foxey’s Hangout
795 Whitehill Road,
Red Hill, Vic, 3937
+61 3 5989 2022

That gorgeous dress Maya by Michelle Roth is now available at the following locations in Australia
Bridal House- Geelong - Phone # 03 5222 6272
Josephines- Mt Gambier – Phone # 08 8725 5952
The full length version (yes! there’s a full length version!) is called Michelle and will be available at Ferrari Formal Wear stores.
For international brides, I’m told the gowns are still available! Check the Michelle Roth website for stockists.
Leah’s bouquet inspires me with it’s unique textures, combinations and colours!!
Picture by US Photographer Jennifer Skog, Flowers by Karen of Grandi Flora
"Have you ever been at sea in a dense fog, when it seemed as if a tangible white darkness shut you in and the great ship, tense and anxious, groped her way toward the shore with plummet and sounding-line, and you waited with beating heart for something to happen?
I was like that ship before my education began, only I was without compass or sounding line, and no way of knowing how near the harbour was. "Light! Give me light!" was the wordless cry of my soul, and the light of love shone on me in that very hour."
Helen Keller
Anzac Day is the day Australians & New Zealanders remember our troops who who landed at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War 1. It’s also a day we think of past and current troops who have lost their lives while fighting for our countries.
They shall grow not old,
As we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them,
Nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun,
And in the morning
We will remember them.
Laurence Binyon (1869-1943), For the Fallen (1914),
Manolo For The Brides posted this great little makeover site the other day called Taaz (see her makeover here). Taaz uses real makeup colours from brands like Chanel, Stila and MAC to give you a whole new look.
I personally spent a few hours making up my own face and tried myself with cropped hair, red hair, cherry lips, green and yellow eyeshadow…there were many a few laughing fits to be had!
But on a serious note here’s a makeover of Kate Ritchie, who recently had her last episode air on Aussie TV Soap Home and Away after 20 years of playing Sally. I figure since it’s her big departure she’d like a new look!

here’s Sally (or Kate) before
After a quick wash of makeup and a hair rinse, I think Sally (or Kate) is ready for a post Home and Away adventure! (Apologies for the shocking makeover Kate!)
Thanks to LINews for the photo!
Australian company Spencer Lacy has the cutest lingerie perfect for your wedding night or maybe even a ‘because you feel like it’ treat.
After having trouble finding good quality pieces, the girls at Spencer Lacy set about designing their own. The range is fun and flirty but also practical. Their motto "bridging the gap between undergarments and outerwear… timeless and unique styling for everyday comfort’ says it all.
You can shop online or buy through one of their stockists.

I love this shot from Chloe & Alan’s wedding by James Day. There’s something a bit mystical and grunge about it but it’s totally glamorous.