Tag: wedding guide

Real Weddings: Catherine + Dylan

Catherine and Dylan, a bride and groom in a tender embrace on their wedding day

Catherine & Dylan’s Autumnal and Ethereal Wedding

Catherine and Dylan, a bride and groom in a tender embrace on their wedding day

Catherine and Dylan’s wedding was a celebration woven with threads of autumnal elegance and old-world charm, reminiscent of the opulent era depicted in The Great Gatsby, all set within the rustic embrace of a beautiful country bookshop. A stylish and heartfelt affair that featured in Polka Dot Wedding! Their love story unfolded against the picturesque backdrop of Bendooley Estate, a venue steeped in rustic allure, where every corner whispered tales of romance and enchantment.

The ceremony was a harmonious blend of rustic charm and timeless elegance, with the couple’s love for literature and champagne evident in every detail. From the intimate exchange of vows to the joyous celebration that followed, every moment was infused with the couple’s unique personality and style.

Bride laughing as she walks down the aisle in the rain and a bridesmaid is holding out an umbrella for her

Following the ceremony, guests were invited to partake in a cocktail hour nestled within the cellar door. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the estate, the festivities moved inside The Book Barn, where guests were greeted by a sight that evoked the grandeur of a bygone era. Tables adorned with lush floral arrangements by Emma Blake Floral beckoned guests to take their seats, their dark, creamy tones adding a touch of mystery to the enchanting ambiance. Above, ceiling installations dripped with wild yet classic touches, casting a dreamlike spell over the scene.
For Catherine, her gown was a reflection of her desire for versatility and elegance. She chose a stunning fit and flare dress from Karen Willis Holmes, its v-neck silhouette exuding timeless grace. For the ceremony, she added a Chantilly long-sleeved lace top, lending an air of ethereal romance. As the evening unfolded into a joyous celebration, she swapped it for a glittery belt, infusing her ensemble with a touch of fun and glamour.

a bride and her bridesmaids walking down the road away from the camera. Everyone is dressed in white, walking along a red-dirt road. All but one is turned away from the camera

No celebration would be complete without a decadent confection, and Catherine and Dylan’s wedding was no exception. The Cake Arcade crafted a masterpiece adorned with fondant figures of the bride, groom, and their beloved fur-baby, Bertie, a sweet tribute to their cherished companion.
Amidst the festivities, Catherine took a moment to express her gratitude to her mother, presenting her with a beautiful keepsake box as a token of appreciation for her unwavering support and love. It was a heartfelt gesture that spoke volumes of the love and bond shared between mother and daughter. We were so honoured to be a part of the love shared today.

An absolutely beautiful wedding, where Catherine and Dylan’s love story unfolded like the pages of a cherished novel, each chapter brimming with beauty, grace, and the promise of happily ever after.

Couple: Catherine + Dylan
Venue: Bendooley Estate
Photographer: All Grown Up Weddings
Video: With Heart
Gown: Karen Willis Holmes
Flowers: Emma Blake Floral
Cake: Cake Arcade

Bride Guide: Maid or Matron of Honour?

maid of honour wooden gift box with white ribbon and pink roses being handed between two women, one in a pink bridal robe and the other in a white robe

You’re getting ready to choose your Bride Tribe and your leading lady to stand up beside you on your big day. But does she earn the title of Maid of Honour or Matron of Honour? What’s the difference and does it matter?

Bride Tribe proposals are made extra sweet with our custom gift boxes. Photo by Elsa Campbell Photography

 Traditionally the title of “Matron” refers to the Bride’s honour attendant who is already married, whereas a “Maid” is unmarried. This role is often given to the Bride’s best friend or sister, though we’ve seen a bit of a shift from this norm to include the Bride’s mother or even a well-behaved, much-loved pet dog.

Can you have both a Maid and Matron of Honour? Absolutely! If you’re wondering how the bridal procession traditionally follows when both are in attendance – the Matron of Honour walks down the aisle first, followed by the Maid of Honour, who will stand closest to the Bride during the ceremony.

Our gorgeous Bride to Be with her closest girls. Photo by Poppy & Sage Photography. Flower crowns by Bumble & Bloom

These days, most Bride’s choose to simply use the title “Maid of Honour”, whether her attendant is married or not. If you wanted to avoid using the terms “Matron” or “Maid” altogether, you could simply opt for “Honour Attendant”. In times when the Bride’s honour role is given to a male, we’ve seen the clever introduction of “Man of Honour” given to him. Likewise for the Groom’s party, we’ve seen “Best Woman” instead of the traditional “Best Man”.

Of course, if your honour attendant has four legs, you might choose the title “Dog of Honour”. Just make sure they don’t steal the wedding cake!

Courtney & Aaron shared their big day with their furry family. Photo by Fig Tree Pictures

So what do you think? Will you stick to tradition when giving titles to your Maid or Matron of Honour? 

Whatever you decide, we have you covered! Our “Maid of Honour” gift boxes can be found HERE and you have the option to custom your title to suit whoever is beside you on the day… no matter how many legs they have!