I know this is a wedding blog. But every now and then it’s nice to throw in non wedding things that give a little lift. This was read out to me again last week and I realised how much I like it.

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann c.1920

Time for another mixtape! This one is all about the processional. I’m a big fan of wordless songs for this but only included two today!

Here are some ‘different’ choices for your walk down the aisle, different eras, different tempos and a different feel to each. I hope it inspires something for you! (I had to include "At Last" By Etta James, these days it’s almost a crime not to!)

"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

I was excited to see Definitely, Maybe because Aussie expat Isla Fisher stars in it and I wanted to see her somewhere else than the shores of Summer Bay!

Although a romantic chick flick, Definitely, Maybe was enjoyable for it’s real moments. Isla Fisher has been quoted as saying she likes the movie because there are no perfect characters and she’s right- Definitely, Maybe is realistic, every character has their flaws and there isn’t a ‘golden girl’.

The way the story is told provides some light relief and a point of interest to differentiate it from other romantic comedies. Ryan Reynolds played his role surprisingly well. The movie also features child actor Abigail Breslin (of Little Miss Sunshine), Elizabeth Banks and Rachel Weisz.

The winding mystery of the story is entertaining, with the moments after the romantic ‘foot pop’- the awkward silences, the tears, the anger all written in. Which at least tries to break the ‘happily ever after’ Hollywood cliche!

A great movie for a lazy night in!

Definitely Maybe gets 3 out of 5 dots!

We’re in the final hours of our Sydney’s Ultimate Wedding Planning Party competition! Entries close today at 5pm! Enter now for your chance to win one of two double passes worth $100 to a champagne filled event with wedding experts and Bobbi Brown gift bags!

Check out the link to enter

Don’t forget if you’re in Sydney (or feel like a few days away!) enter the Sydney’s Ultimate Wedding Party giveaway!

You could win two tickets valued at $100 to a great night out where you’ll be spoilt with champagne, canapés, a Bobbi Brown gift bag and talks and displays from some of Australia’s leading wedding vendors including Bride To Be Magazine, Planet Cake and gm photographics.

Visit Polka Dot Bride’s Win! page for more information on how to enter. Competition will close Friday, 14th of March at 5pm!

Be creative and have some fun!

Blogger Pia Jane Bijkerk has come up with a great concept called ‘Where The heart is’ since Polka Dot Bride is all about the love I thought I’d share it with you!

Heart from janoid’s flickr

To quote Pia

"my heart wanders: a collection of subtle hearts in special spaces will be a collective book project where ANYONE can enter a work. You do not have to be a professional photographer or artist, just have an eye for beauty (and a heart too!). While I’ve been roaming the blogosphere and meeting my blogging neighbours, I’ve noticed some great unearthed talent out there amongst you, and I would like to think this project might inspire you to try your hand at producing something for this collective project. With the ultimate goal to publish a beautiful hand held book, the concept is based on our favourite things: design, interiors, nature, love, lifestyle and beauty. It will be a collection of subtle hearts from all over the world."

Photo by Petrina Tinslay from F8 Photo Library 

So what can you enter? Here are the criteria:

It needs to include a heart shape of sorts

It needs to be handmade or ‘found’ by you

It needs to mean something to you, or displayed in a space that means something to you, that has your heart in some way.

It needs to be photographed in a space - so if it is an object that you have made, it needs to be photographed in an interesting space - not necessarily a plush-deluxe room, but just a space (it can be inside or outside, but preferably inside)

It needs to be subtle, not loud and overbearing - but inviting and gentle. Remember the ‘where’s wally?’ books? Well think of that as a guidance. Imagine looking at an image and trying to find where the heart is in it.

The image needs to be a certain size and quality to be able to be published - I will write up the dimensions needed in coming posts.

Here are the Q & A for the competition.

I think this could be a beautiful project to get involved in! Where have you found unexpected hearts?

Some might say this is a total chick flick. Personally? I took poor old Mr Polka Dot along and was glad to have him there at the moments where I was, well really glad he was there!

PS I Love You is based on the novel by Cecilia Ahern. It’s a movie about love and loss which will have you sobbing (did I just admit that?) and laughing.

An amazing cast with Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler, Lisa Kudrow, Harry Connick Jnr, James Masters & Jeffrey Dean Morgan made this movie a must watch for me!

While some critics have labeled it a ‘Mills & Boon without anyone touches of reality’ and have slammed the treacle sweetness and fantasy of the movie. But PS I Love You hit me hard with some real, raw moments and things that I could relate to.

The movie broke up the sadness with enough laughter, eye candy and romantic fantasy to make it a well rounded flick! But then, I am a romantic at heart!

PS I Love You gets 4 out of 5 dots!

Style Me Pretty is running a contest to see who come up with the best DIY idea.

Send in five photos of your best handmade wedding creation plus a how-to guide and sources to abby at style me pretty dot com by December 15th to get a chance at winning a $US100 gift certificate to the online store of your choice!

To read more check out Style Me Pretty

After the intensity that was the 2007 election, I think today calls for a bit of brain numbing fun!

Wedding Dress Creator is an online program which lets you create your own wedding dress- create the bride that looks like you and then get designing! Choose a neckline, sleeves and more. You can then choose the ‘colour accents’ so you can get an idea of how your gown might look

Wedding Dress Creator lets you print off your design which means it’s great to take with you to dress appointments or stick with all your other wedding notes