Boston Bridal Shops

The palest of blues, at once pure and icey, yet soft and pretty.

Combine with whites of all shades from magnolia to pure white to cream

-       With soft latté and magnolia

-       With blues of all hues from marine to midnight to sky blue

-       With sea green, sand and mid blue

-       With sea green and midnight blue

-       With soft fern green and white and cream

-       With soft apricot and soft yellow

-       With milk chocolate and off white

-       With milk chocolate, magnolia and touches of orange

-       With pearl grey, magnolia and soft apricot

-       With soft sage green and teal

-       With pale lilac and touches of darker lilac, white

-       With touches of midnight blue and hot pink

-       With black and white

-       Metals in platinum or silver

-       An ice blue under-slip with a vintage lace overdress in off white or pale latté dotted with plenty of sparkle in silver threads or crystals

-       Think taffeta, silks, satins, shantung, chiffon for sheen and luxury

-       Coloured pearls in apricot, pearl grey, palest of pinks or natural

-       Peonies, hydrangeas, white blooms, dusty miller, flannel flowers, white tulips, roses in soft colours, lavender, dark purple or white berries, love-in-the-mist, snowdrops, muscari

-       Letter press invitations, or invitations featuring paper filigree cut outs

-       A simple setting of ice blue table cloths with glass vases filled with white blooms, silver flatware, white crockery, ice blue favour boxes filled with sugared almonds tied with a silver ribbon, silver candlesticks filled with pure white candles

-       Or change the plain blue cloth to a patterned cloth featuring an ice blue background with white and chocolate designs to add pizzazz

-       A magnificent white cake iced with blue designs or a tiered cake starting with a white layer at the top graduating through ‘barely there’ blues to a soft ice blue layer on the bottom, embellished with white design work

-       Ice blue cloths, silver or white candlesticks filled with soft lemon, apricot and white candles, peonies and roses in soft creamy yellows, apricots and whites, white crockery, white napkins piped in ice blue and tied with yellow and apricot bows

-       Go vintage with cut crystal sweet dishes, old blue tins, blue floral plates, fabric, bunches of tiny flocked velvet millinery flowers tied to candlesticks, napkins or favour boxes

-       Pearlised dishes, capiz shell garlands, pearl handled cutlery

-       White branches, fairy lights, paper or crystal snowflakes hung from the ceiling in clusters above the tables, a winter wonderland, a lace or faux fur cape

-       This colour lends itself to several themes – beach-y and casual with other soft colours, restrained and elegant – think black and white with ice blue, or the French court of Marie Antoinette – think luxurious, embellished, over-the-top

Cake from Martha Stewart Weddings, cravat from Formally Yours, gown from Amsale, Celestial necklace from ThePeachTree on Etsy

Melissa and Tom

A fun Sydney wedding for you today of Melissa and Tom who were teenage sweethearts! (Oh that always makes me smile!). It’s all about classic elegance today with a splash of gorgeous pink and plenty of candlelight!

Melissa says”We met in 2003 when I was only 16 and Tom was 18!  I was still at school while Tom had just started uni but we were inseparable from the moment we met – traveling from one side of Sydney to the other to see each other!  We moved out together in 2005, bought our first property in 2008 and got engaged later that year.  We are so lucky to have found love at a young age and are so excited for what lies ahead for us.”

Photos today are by the talented crew at gm photographics who provide endless inspiration in my inbox and capture weddings with such a sophisticated beauty to them.

Melissa wore a stunning ballgown from Steven Khalil while her bridesmaids wore floor length black gowns from Charlie Brown. A bouquet of pink blooms was styled by Sweet Art. Melissa says “My three bridesmaids, Mum and I stayed in a hotel the night before the wedding and I really enjoyed that time – I was so nervous but it was lovely having all the important women in my life with me at that time.  The morning of the wedding, I had my hair and make up done and was standing in front of a mirror in my dressing gown – I looked my maid of honour in the eye and we both cried – I couldn’t believe it was my wedding day!” Each bridesmaid received a vintage lace handkerchief (Melissa carried one too as her “something old”) as a gift.

Melissa and Tom were married at Knox Grammar School, she says “Knox Grammar School, being the school that Tom, his brothers and his three groomsmen went to, held a special place in our hearts.  It was fantastic being able to get married there”. Melissa walked down the aisle to traditional Scottish bagpipes, with her mother.

Melissa and Tom held their reception at The Tea Room, Gunners Barracks. Melissa says “We fell in love with Gunners Barracks the moment we saw it and knew we had to have our reception there! It’s such a breathtaking spot, overlooking the harbour and we loved the feel of the old army barracks – romantic and sophisticated – exactly what we were hoping for our wedding day!”

The three tier wedding cake was made by Sweet Art (who also made the wedding stationery and wedding flowers) and sat on the bridal table in front of a mantle filled with pictures of Melissa and Tom’s parents’ weddings. One of Melissa’s favourite moments was the speeches, “I cried with happiness during every single speech.  Tom’s Dad, my Mum, Tom’s best man and both Tom and I all gave speeches – they made me realise how lucky we were to be sharing this day with our friends and family and  I was so taken aback by all the lovely things everyone was saying!  My Mum’s speech in particular really touched me – she is quite shy and was so nervous about making a speech but she made me so proud!”

The first dance was a special moment for the newlyweds. “Tom and I had around 6 dancing lessons before the big day.  Our first dance was to ‘Amazed’, Lonestar and we had the full 4 or so minutes choreographed to the second!  We were so nervous on the day – we forgot a lot of the steps and we were counting 1, 2, 3, 4 the whole way through the song but I wouldn’t change a thing.  Our family and friends were so impressed by our efforts and I will always remember their cheering and clapping – it was a really special moment!”

The night ended with another of Melissa’s favourite moments of the day. “I loved the ride back to our hotel with my new husband.  It was so nice to share a quiet moment after such a hectic day – we looked at each other and kept saying ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ trying to get used to our new names!”

Congratulations Melissa and Tom! Thank you for allowing us to share your wedding day today on Polka Dot Bride! Thank you also to gm photographics for sharing today’s images with us!

Photos by gm photographics

Karina and Steve

A gorgeous, simple Sunshine Coast wedding this morning- the wedding of Karina and Steve! I love the simple style of this morning’s newlyweds and I think the backdrop of the Sunshine Coast (they had their photos taken at the rocks near Mooloolaba and up at Cotton Tree) capture the warmth of the Sunshine Coast and their newly married status perfectly.

Photos this morning are by Julian Beattie of Kariz Matik Photography. I could swim in the soft buttery light he has captured in these beautiful images, plus the joy in the faces of karina & steve and their loved ones shines pretty heavily through the natural captures he has mastered!

Steve wore a suit and shoes from Fletcher Jones.

Karina and Steve held their ceremony and reception at Ebbs Waterfront Dining & Cellar. Karina wore a gown from Hills In Hollywood and carried a bouquet by A Sculpted Leaf.

A three-piece string set (2 Violins & 1 Cello) played as Karina walked down the aisle.

Elegant Swing entertained guests during the reception- their Frank Sinatra like sound provided the perfect way for Karina and Steve to celebrate their first dance- they chose a Frank Sinatra tune!

Thankyou Karina and Steve for sharing your wedding day with us! Congratulations! Thankyou also to Julian Beattie of Kariz Matik Photography for sharing today’s images!

Photos by Julian Beattie of Kariz Matik Photography

Mel & Matt

Sydney has been having a run of beautiful weddings lately (so we need more wonderful submissions from South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory!) but I couldn’t resist sharing today’s gorgeous celebration of Mel & Matt. The sunshine, the spring colours, it seemed to fit perfectly today!

Mel shares their story “This is no ordinary schoolyard romance. Matt and Mel first met when they began working together as teachers at the same high school. There was an instant attraction and a deep friendship grew from that moment, however, it wasn’t until 7 years later that they took their relationship went to the next level. The rest is history.

On Mel’s birthday they travelled to Melbourne with a small group of friends to enjoy the Australian Open Tennis. After sending Mel out to buy a new dress with some girlfriends, Matt arranged for a surprise twilight seafood dinner at “Live Bait” Restaurant at Docklands. After a sumptuous candlelit seafood meal, Matt presented Mel with a special book that contained post-it notes spread strategically throughout stating “10 Things I DON’T Hate about You!”. Dessert was then followed by Matt rushing Mel into a taxi and it was straight off to the 88^th floor of Eureka Towers (the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere) and into “The Edge” (a glass cube platform which extends 3-metres out from the building!). By the time Mel had recovered from the height and turned around from taking in the amazing view of the Melbourne skyline, Matt was down on one knee and was popping ‘the question’.”

Photos today are by Michelle Fiona Photography. Michelle has a knack for capturing weddings in a beautiful and relaxed manner. Each thought our detail, sunshine filled moment or large enveloping venues are captured on Michelle’s camera in a way that gives a real sense of how the occasion played out.

Mel and Matt made a lot of the accessories themselves “We made the invitations, bridesmaids tops and skirts…All 6 of them (the girls were also given individual bags to match their outfits filled with essentials for the day), bridesmaid hairpieces, reception table decorations, shoes and order of service” Mel wore ballet flats from Witchery which she embellished herself.

Mel says “As a creative people we notice details so our wedding had lots of attention to detail. The decoration on the bridesmaid tops was repeated in the boys corsages, on the serviette holders and also on the top tear of the wedding cake. The colours throughout the day complemented one another and reflected our taste.” Mel and her friend Justine now operate together, creating gorgeous designs under their label Silkpin.

Mel wore a gown from Karen Willis Holmes while Erin Hall styled the flowers.

Mel and Matt were married at St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Newtown. Mel walked down the aisle to ‘To Have You’ by The Sundance Kids. Mel remembers how much she loved hearing the words “I Do”.

After the ceremony, the couple headed to Observatory Hill with their bridal party for stunning Sydney portraits. One of Mel’s favourite moments took place here “I loved sitting on a picnic rug with our bridal party at Observatory Hill sipping on champagne and breathing the whole day in.”

As the sun set, guests gathered at The Loft, Doltone House to celebrate!

Mel says “As soon as we walked into the Loft we fell in love with the space. It had the intimate and contemporary feel we desired for our wedding. We loved the beautiful exposed timber beams, the polished wooden floorboards and the amazing view. The service was top class. Very professional with a personal touch.” The three tier wedding cake was made by The Cake Studio.

Mel and Matt made their stationery together and carried their style through the rest of their wedding “Our invitations included a detailed image of a dandelion and were presented in a delicate soft pouch/envelope sealed with an aqua stitch. The dandelion image and aqua stitch also appeared in the order of service and on the table decorations (we collected dried agapanthias stems and grouped them together in vases of white flowers)”

Mel and Matt had an intimate first dance “It was magically sweet moment of slow dancing to “Magic” by Colbie Caillat with all our guests watching on from the second floor of The Loft.” another favourite memory includes Matt’s dad tearing up the dance floor!

A big thankyou to Mel & Matt for sharing their wedding day with us today on Polka Dot Bride! Congratulations! Thankyou also to Michelle Fiona Photography for sharing today’s gorgeous photographs!

Photos by Michelle Fiona Photography.

It’s a little different for us to do a Wednesday roundup, but there are some fun things I wanted to share with you today!

Suzi of Alannah Rose Stationery has launched her brand new website! Showing off even more of Suzi’s gorgeous designs, galleries, full stationery suites and even “The Rose Lounge” for sharing your favourite invitations with your family or receiving exclusive benefits, it’s Alannah Rose all grown up, tied up with a perfect black bow.

The Wedding List Co is holding master classes in Sydney & Melbourne on Thursday (9th September) night.

Running from 6.30pm to 8pm, each couple will be treated to fine wine and food while being spoilt with demonstrations from the experts! Melbourne couples will learn how to create master chef meals with a demonstration from Le Creuset while Sydney couples will participate in the appreciation and artistry of wine and how important it is the have the right glass with a wine tasting master class by Riedel. Each couple receives a free gift on the night so register on their website to attend.

Therte are lots of other events coming up soon, so check out our new look event calender to get the details.

Prior Engagement have officially launched their candy buffet online store. With absolutely everything you’ll need- from lollies, customisable labels, packaging and scoops, Erin ahs turned her online store into a one stop shop.

The Bendigo Art Gallery in Bendigo, VIC is about to host a brilliant exhibition of 200 years of wedding gowns. Featuring gowns from John Galliano, Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood and many beautiful designers in between, the exhibition will be White Wedding Dress: 200 Years Of Wedding Fashions will run from August 1 until November 6, 2011.

I love this gorgeous dessert table that Leonie from Happy Cakes in Townsville sent over recently. It’s a bit of a different twist to the normal dessert tables- this one was set up in front of the bridal table and is full of colour and homemade goodies.

Based on Jane’s inspiration board, Leonie created the table in blues, yellows and pinks. She made all the desserts (except the donuts) which were favourites of Jane and Vin’s=- even using some of Jane’s family recipes to create family favourites! A blue polka dot wedding cake was the finishing touch.

Photos from Happy Cakes