Happy Monday dotties! Did you have a lovely weekend? February is almost at an end which means, we’re almost headed into Autumn weddings!

So let’s start our week of with a fantastical, talented vendor, a spotlight on a member of Ms Polka Dot’s Directory

Kicking off our Monday with our shout out to our Ms Polka Dot’s Directory Members! We have wedding caterers, wedding photographers, wedding hair & makeup artists, wedding florists, wedding entertainers and so so many more. We’re just so happy to work with advertisers who really understand the polka dot vision and want our readers to have the kind of wedding they really want!

Victorian couples! Photography by Brent Lukey and Donna Bennetts is proudly our vendor of the week! Photographers Brent & Donna have a wide range of photography experience- including editorial and they’re incredibly familiar with iconic Melbourne venues like Circa, The Prince (so they know all the best locations!). They have a background in film making and have been working in the industry for 10 years. The images they produce are clean, no fuss shots and with their editorial background- there’s plenty of giggles and unexpected moments!

To get to know Brent a little more, we asked him five questions in five minutes.

What is your favourite after five drink?

Pinot Noir, but before 5 I don’t mind a Mountain Goat Pale Ale.

Your favourite weekend getaway?

The beach – usually the Bellarine Coast, Victoria.

Favourite restaurant?

Recently I had a great meal with my family at a cute Italian restaurant called the ‘Little Red Kitchen’ in Bellingen, NSW. I wish I lived closer.

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

Croissants

Your favourite wedding story?

Recently, I shot a wedding on a farm in Gippsland in Victoria. Amazingly, the ceremony was on an island, in a lake, and the reception was in the adjacent goat paddock. The farm was stunning with generous rural vistas, haysheds and tree lined dirt roads. The weather was sunny, maybe too bright and sunny but I like full sun in wedding photos, it has a great Australian look.
So, the sun was out, the bridal party were on the island, it’s gorgeous, they kiss and exit over a little bridge and there are people all over them, it’s beautiful madness and I’m busy. This is a great time to take photos, it’s full of life and moments, and life and moments work best in wedding photos. I notice it’s getting dark, I look up, see the darkest clouds ever and think ‘it’s going to rain big time’! I grab the couple, explain the situation, we make some shots in the field with the rural view and then it rains, and rains, and rains. It’s so wet and windy that the band stops playing and everyone has run for cover and is sheltering in tight groups.
Sounds like a disaster, but it’s not, it actually brings people together. The guests are forced to interact, they are talking and making friends. Eventually we squelch our way to the marquee, it’s muddy under foot, we are dressed up and damp, hair has frizzed, but the energy is electric – everyone is smiling, chatting, drinking and making the most of the situation, the festivities rage all night. A great and memorable wedding for all. I love this story because it proves that a great wedding doesn’t have to be a ‘perfect’ wedding. On the day, go with the flow, and make the most of whatever happens.

Visit Photography by Brent Lukey and Donna Bennetts’ page to find out more about our Vendor Of The Week.  Photography by Brent Lukey and Donna Bennetts is a member of Ms Polka Dot’s Directory