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

Must Have Bridesmaid Pics

Bridesmaids in bridal party robes and bridesmaid sashes playing with balloons happily

When I was planning my wedding, there were many “traditions” that my partner and I decided to drop. But the traditions I absolutely could not let go of, were those moments spent with my besties, my Bride Tribe. The champagne breakfast, getting ready for the big day together, walking down the aisle and making sure we all had a proper dance-off after the formalities were done! So many memorable moments to be had with your Bridesmaids and capturing them is essential. So here’s some of our favourite Must Have Bridesmaid Pics!

Bridesmaids and Bride clinking their champagne before wedding
Pic by So Rosie Photography
Custom Glassware by The Bridal Box Co

Pop the Champagne!

It’s so easy to forget to eat enough (aka at all) during the day of your wedding, so make sure you and the Tribe have a breakfast together. We might be biased, but we believe a champagne breakfast is the best start to the day!

Bridal Party in matching pjs

Robes and PJs

If you don’t have matching pj’s or robes are you even a wedding party? It’s a sweet, coordinated touch to get ready together looking like a team! Not sure where you can find beautiful white or blush cotton bridal party robes? *Hint* Click Here.

Finishing Touches

An absolute classic shot – the Bride Tribe gathered around to adjust their hair, fasten the Bride’s buttons or add that necklace as a finishing touch to her look. It’s a pic that positively shouts they’ve got your back and support the Bride endlessly on her big day. Definitely a must have bridesmaid pic!

Exchanging Bridal Boxes

We might be showing our bias just a little bit again, but we absolutely adore those snaps taken of gift exchanging! Whether during the wedding prep morning or thank you’s being delivered during the reception, we love to see the love shared and the looks on your loved ones faces as they receive their custom keepsake gift!

Bride and Bridal Party Bumble and Bloom florist

Showcase Those Florals

Chances are you’ve spent a lot of time planning your bridal bouquets – picking colours and styles and I bet they look absolutely incredible! Give them a little piece of the spotlight, while you capture the bridal party looking like perfection!

bridesmaids gathered around bride laughing and having fun
Pic by Jeremy Budiman

Candid Laughter

What camera? Hopefully, your photographer is the kind that puts everyone at ease, especially when you’re not used to being followed everywhere by that paparazzi while hanging with your friends. Because the candid smiling, laughing and having a blast with your people makes for a timeless shot filled with love.

bridesmaids having fun in brides veil

Let Yo’ Hair Down!

Maybe you’ve got a photobooth for the reception, or a few lawn games for the cocktail hour, whatever the fun plans are, make sure you capture a moment with your bridesmaids being a little silly or crazy. It’ll highlight how much fun your had together on your big day!

Rustic Farm Styled Shoot

vibrant red and pink bouquet by Blooms by Bridie resting on a Bridal Box Co wooden swing

On a beautiful Winter’s day, about an hour west of Brisbane, we joined a team of amazing wedding vendors to create some magic inspo in our stunning rustic farm styled shoot.

bride posing with bouquet
So Rosie Photography

Located in picturesque Dayboro, Queensland, Two Rivers Farm is a family owned venue full of character and dreamy country scenery. Bordered by Lacey’s Creek and the North Pine River, this rustic farm is full of charm, chickens and a boisterous Marema puppy, Maggie. We just knew this was the perfect backdrop for capturing a love story!

Our models Emily and Alf brought the chemistry to this styled shoot – because they weren’t just a couple for the camera, but lovebirds in real life too! Emily is dressed in a beautiful When Freddie Met Lilly gown and hair and make up glow up by Facial Beauty Brisbane.

This stunning renovated farm was styled by Memorable Memories Events and adorned with vibrant florals from Blooms by Bridie. Captured perfectly by the amazingly talented Chalk Photography and So Rosie Photography (credit noted under each pic). Being a beautiful outdoors shoot, we had to include our stunning custom engraved wooden swing! If you love it, click here to order yours!

Enjoy our rustic wedding inspo! And remember to check out these incredible vendors:

Photographers: @chalkphotography & @sorosiephotoweddings
Venue @two.riversfarm
Florist @bloomsbybridie
Bridal Gown – @whenfreddiemetlilly
HMUA @facialbeautybrisbane
Styling @Memorable_Memories_Events
Bridal Box & Swing: @thebridalboxco
Bridal @em_a_leee
Groom @alfredmusicau

Inspo: Elopement at Bilam-Belle Bliss

elopement at bilambelle bliss shoot

This year has been a tough one for gatherings and getting together with all our friends and family for celebrations! It feels like wedding planning has been a minefield, with constant updates to restrictions and what can be included in our dinner and dancing plans! One solution to navigating restrictions (or even just the planning headaches that can often come with weddings) is an elopement! Elopements aren’t just “running away to get married”, they are an intimate moment created between you and your partner – where you can come together and be officially married in your dream location. One of our absolute favourites was this elopement at Bilam-Belle Bliss!

elopement shoot bilam-belle bliss
Flowers by Lolas Wild Flowers

Located in the gorgeous surrounds of Bilambil on the Tweed Coast, Bilam-Belle Bliss boasts beautiful tropical surrounds and absolute serenity. We partnered up with some of our favourite local wedding vendors to create this little elopement inspo.

gift box wedding styling
Our Bride and Groom gift boxes on display

This beautiful column style gown with delicate lace detailing and illusion bust is by our friends at Helena Couture Designs. Completed with a gorgeous bohemian-style headpiece adorned with floral details and those soft, draping details that perfectly complement the sweep of the dress’s train.

The navy hues spotted in the Groom’s attire and bouquet arrangements are carried through to the table styling by Emerald Aisle Events. Embracing the gorgeous greenery surrounds, styling was in keeping with the environment while adding some golden accents to natural wooden elements and crisp white runner matching the intimate, graceful feel of the bridal attire. Floral features by Lola’s Wildflowers provide the perfect finishing touches.

Please enjoy some of these other gems captured from our Elopement at Bilam-Belle Bliss. Our other superstar vendors include:

Venue Bilam-Belle Bliss // Concept & Styling Emerald Aisle Events // Photography Bulb Creative // Dress and Headpiece Helena Couture Designs // Hair and Makeup Lisabette Makeup // Florist Lola’s Wildflowers // Furniture Hire Arctic Fox Furniture Hire and Styling // Stationery Ray Meets Rose // Bridal Boxes The Bridal Box Co. // Cake Bake Boss  

Inspo: Tropical Wedding

vibrant zesty brides summer

Summer is almost here and we are ready for those sunshine days and warm party evenings! When it comes to weddings the Summer possibilities are endless, but one of our favourite themes: Tropical Wedding! I’m thinking cocktails, bold colours and a whole lot of party!

wedding gifts boxes tropical inspo

Teaming up with some incredible vendors, this inspo shoot brought serious Tropical wedding vibes to life with a vibrant and bold colour palette made of fruits and bold floral arrangements! And we absolutely could not forget the delicious Passion fruit and Coconut cake!

tropical wedding cake

Showcasing their Curve Collection, White Lily Couture adorned our gorgeous Brides in flattering and feminine gowns proving that every bride, no matter her size, will feel absolutely stunning, empowered and ready to celebrate their wedding day full of laughs and love.

bride wedding confetti

See below for more Tropical Wedding Inspo and the vendors who created this incredible shoot!

Location: Ancora Weddings
Photographer: Bulb Creative
Hair & Make-up: Rachael Harris
Dresses: White Lily Couture
Styling: The Gold Coast Bride
Florals: Clara Jean Events
Cake: Milk and Honey Cake Creative
Furniture Hire: Memorable Moments
Neon Signage: Neon Republic
Models: Stacey McGreggor, Kate Cooper & Daisy Morgan

Shop our Bride Gift box HERE

Bride Advice: Keep Your Summer Wedding Cool

wedding icecream

A Summer wedding is simply stunning! The beach shots, the clear blue skies and the vibrant seasonal blooms make for amazing wedding pictures and chill vibes. Unfortunately, it’s also hot, muggy and can be super uncomfortable for your guests. So we’ve gathered some of our favourite ways to keep your guests cool while the mercury starts to rise at your Summer Wedding.

Hydration Stations

Keeping your guests hydrated is important in the heat and a hydration station can not only help with that, but double as a decorative piece at your summer wedding.

Program Fan

We love multi-purpose items and these programs that guests can use as fans is a genius idea! You bet your guests won’t be able to put them down!

Avoid the Squint – Sunglasses

We love our Grooms party sunglasses, but why not sunnies as favours for all your guests? Protecting your eyes is important in the Summer sun and your guests can be sun-safe, while looking stylish in their wedding favours

Ice Ice Baby

Our favourite summer tip *drum roll please* ICE CREAM! There are so many creative ways you can add some frozen refreshing treats to your cocktail hour: from ice cream trucks, frozen cocktails, ice blocks … ahh! It really is the best part of a summer wedding.

Bride advice: Fun catering options!

food truck wedding alternative catering options

 

Wedding guests don’t remember all the little details from your big day, just that they shared your love story for a day… but they’ll remember if the food was a hit or not! These days you don’t have to be stuck with the usual ‘chicken or beef’ options, you can express yourself and your love through your catering! Here’s a few of our favourite fun and alternative catering options…

Mobile barista

Okay… this is first on the list, because I am a coffee fiend! But this is a great idea, especially for morning weddings or ceremonies earlier in the day. Of course, then you can move onto espresso martinis for the evening celebrations!

Mobile bar

If your venue doesn’t have a bar or is happy for you to supply your own drinks, you might be stuck thinking that you’ll have to stock up on eskies and ice.  Not anymore! Is that a Kombi van filled with your favourite cocktails? Or a Chevy pumping your favourite tunes and pints? How about a perfectly adorable pop-up bar with fun and energetic attendants?

Food Trucks

We don’t know where this craze started, but we’re so glad it did! Specialty food trucks at your wedding put a novel twist to the usual catering options. Did you meet your spouse at a festival? Love a good wood-fired pizza, but also delicious banh mi? Then ditch the plated meals for a fun and casual feast!

The best part… there are also dessert trucks that can whip up the sweetest creations we’ve ever tasted! Speaking of sweets….

Ice cream cart

An adorable twist to the usual canapes could be an ice cream cart serving up your favourite gelato or soft serves. Amazingly popular option if you’ve got children attending, or thinking of having a Summer wedding!