With summer well and truly upon us (or is it? There seems to be a distinct lack of sunshine and plenty of rain lately!) this “Endless Summer” inspiration shoot shot by Shutter & Lace Photography and organised by Savor the Moment Wedding Planning pulled together a team of talented wedding professionals to create an inspirational shoot. Packed full of ideas to inspire your own summer wedding celebration.

Lillie Brennan of Shutter & Lace Photography, talks us through the gorgeous shoot. “Given a simple concept board and the theme of “Summer with a 50′s twist” our vendors set to work to design and create an inspiration shoot that was colourful, fun and celebrated weddings in summer. The shoot was organised by Nikki Ruddle of Savor the Moment Wedding Planning, based in Brisbane.” Rosamund House & Wedding Gardens provided the most gorgeous backdrop for the shoot.

“The amazingly designed layered invites from Leaky Boat Design is the perfect way to set the tone of your wedding day. The invites, RSVP and gift registry cards are an instant hit of colour and funky prints with the typography giving a subtle hint of 50′s style. Not stopping at just the invitations, Bernie from Leaky Boat incorporated the prints and colours throughout most of the styling. The layering of prints and colours was used on the toffee apple place settings, bunting, jam labels and even the pinwheels that cascaded down the 3 tier cake by The Flour Girl. Getting your stationery designer involved in your decorating also is a great way of personalising and adding consistency to your styling.”

“The bouquet, buttonhole and flowers for the table were selected to complement the vintage chic styling of the shoot through an eclectic selection of blooms, foliage and pod elements. The mix of soft lacey peonies, roses and lisianthus in peaches and pinks, along with the more structured elements of Lotus Pods, succulents and dusty miller in browns and grey greens, and mustard coloured billy buttons created a romantic yet chic palate for the florals.” The floral design was by Green & Bloom Wedding Flowers.

The gowns were sourced from Element of Style Bridal & Formal Wear. “As the temperature rises – it’s the perfect opportunity for hemlines to follow – the gorgeous tea length wedding gown with its sweetheart satin bodice and tea length tulle skirt, was angelic and had the vintage appeal we were looking for through it’s 50′s inspired silhouette.

The boat neck bridesmaid dresses in their fresh colours and matching tea length hems complimented the short wedding gown perfectly and lent themselves well to the theme we were aiming to achieve. The perfect options for the modern bride wanting a breath of fresh air for her wedding. The dresses were complimented perfectly with layered pearl and crystal jewellery from Australian designer, Lisa Daniels Design.”

“The gorgeous ‘Lynette Day Designs’ headpiece was borrowed for the shoot from Sarah Dickens of SMD Weddings Blog. Sarah wore the piece on her own wedding day and when Nikki from Savor the Moment mentioned she was on the hunt for a vintage inspired headpiece, Sarah knew it would be perfect!

The 1950’sinspired bird cage veil is stunning with its attention to detail and came together so well with the choice of gown for the bride. “It was fabulous to be a part of this photo shoot and see the veil used again, it broke my heart to to think it could be sitting in a box for a lifetime” – Sarah. Each hairstyle was different and was chosen to compliment each of the girls individually – the bridesmaids wore timeless up do’s – whilst the bride’s hair was styled with the headpiece in mind.” Michelle West Airbrush Makeup Artist styled the model’s makeup while Lucie Grevell of Bella Brides styled the hair.

“ The assorted vases, bottles and beverage decanter used in the shoot form part of the hire and styling range also available from Green & Bloom Wedding Flowers. The original 50′s furniture pieces are the photographer’s own and just goes to show you don’t need to look far to find that perfect feature piece – ask around to family and friends – I am sure everyone has a grandparent, aunt, friend of a friend who owns something similar and would be more than happy to lend out for your big day.”

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

1. Summer Days Inspiration Shoot
2. Afternoon In The Garden Wedding Inspiration
3. Beach Bohemian Wedding Inspiration

1. Laurent-Perrier’s Curvée Rosé, with Gift Box 2. Red velvet cupcake from The Cupcake Bakery 3. 2012 Artist Heart Pendant from Georg Jensen 4. Red roses in white tin from Flowers Vasette 5. Large heart chocolate box from Chocolarts 6. Heart ring from StyleRocks

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1. Valentines Day Sweet Treats – Stationery

Tamar & Glen

There’s only one thing better than a country wedding and that’s a country wedding where the bride wore polka dots. Oh yes! Today’s wedding not only has the sweetest couple who embraced their wedding planning with the sweetest touches but oh my, Tamar’s tea length polka dot wedding dress? Well that, my friends, is deliciously divine.

Tamar tells their story. “Our paths first crossed quite a few years ago when we met through a guy that I was dating at the time. Years later, when we were both attending the same church, we hit it off. We got together only a month before I was leaving for London for a year, and Glen was also about to leave for the Philippines for a year to work with a mission organisation. So we spent our first year as a couple primarily on skype or the phone. I have to say it was a great way of really getting to know each other, because you’re forced to talk!”

Photography today was by Brooke Holm of Lace & Bowties. Brooke has captured such honest, beautiful photographs that really feel like the intimate beauty of the day. Tamar and Glen had a wedding movie shot by Chris Schoenmaker.

Tamar put together her own bouquet with the help of family members. Tamar explains ” My sister-in-law and I selected the flowers from the Rocklea Flower Markets and then my bridesmaids and sisters-in-law helped put the bouquets and table arrangements together the night before the wedding. ”

Tamar had her gown made by a dressmaker, who also made purple bridesmaids gowns for her.. She remarks “My dress was inspired by a wedding dress that Audrey Hepburn wore in Funny Face. I drew loose drawings and had it made by a dear old lady called Mrs Mabley.  The silk polka dot organza, and dupion silk were ordered from Gardams.” Tamar finished off her dress with a brooch from mysweetmuse.

Tamar and Glen chose  Henzell’s Chapel, Mt Pleasant for their wedding ceremony. Tamar remarks ” We couldn’t have asked for a more picturesque venue. We said our vows in Henzell’s Chapel, a sweet little stone chapel on private land that the family had built for their daughter to get married in 16 years ago. The property is so well maintained, and we enjoyed the sweet country air.”

Walking to the ceremony was one of Tamar’s favourite parts of the day . She explains “One of my favourite moments was walking along the grass with my parents on each arm, and as we reached the entrance to the chapel, our guests let out a big cheer! It was so spontaneous and natural, and it felt so wonderful that everyone had really come with a spirit of fun and joy.

I walked down the aisle to ‘Never Had Nobody Like You’ by M. Ward. This song instantly put a smile on everyone’s faces and set the tone for the day.” Tamar’s father, brother and friends all performed songs during the ceremony.

Tamar and Glen put special touches into their ceremony to celebrate their beliefs. Tamar explains ” During the ceremony, we washed each other’s feet as our first act as a married couple. It was probably the most moving part of the day. Oh the tears! For us, it was such a special way that we could imitate Jesus’ example of servanthood in our relationship. Glen and I really wanted our day to honour God and all that he has done in our lives, so we designed our ceremony in a way that reflected that. It was such a special time, and there were lots of tears (the good kind!) “

Tamar, a graphic designer loved the chance to be creative for herself. ” I am used to trying to please my clients, so it was lovely to finally be my own client and create things that only had to please us! Some of the things we made were the flower girls’ pin wheels, silk roses for hair clips and decorations, the bridesmaids corsages and clutch bags, invitations, and order of service fans. “

Guests were able to celebrate after the ceremony, Tamar notes “We really wanted the day to reflect us and not be traditional for tradition’s sake. We wanted the day to be relaxing and enjoyable for everyone, so we tried to design all the little details around that, for example we set up tea and scones and some picnic rugs at the ceremony venue so people could relax and put their feet up afterwards.”

One of Tamar’s favourite memories was seeing the day come together.  “I loved seeing all our hard work pay off, and watching everyone enjoy all the little details that we organised. It felt like such a reflection of us, and not just a copy and paste of other weddings. It was such a thrill hearing everyone talk about how much they enjoyed our day in the weeks and months afterwards. ”

Of their photographer, Brooke says “Our photographer Brooke Holm did such an amazing job. Brooke’s ability to capture the honesty of the day was outstanding. We’ve ended up with an album that sums up the emotion of the day so well.”

Tamar and Glen hired a vintage FJ Holden from FJ Classic Hire. Tamar recalls ” One of our favourite memories as a couple, is hanging out with the bridal party after our photos had been taken. There we were in the middle of nowhere, leaning on our gorgeous 1950’s FJ Holden and listening to some fantastic 1950’s music playing on a little stereo. We felt like we were back in the day!”

Tamar and Glen celebrated with guests at Mt Pleasant Community Hall. Tamar explains “Our reception was held in the community hall just down the road. We spent two days decorating the hall, and hanging lights. It was exhausting, but so so worth it.”

The tables were long. Tamar recalls “At the reception, we set up the tables in a big U shape which increased a sense of connection, and made it feel like a big communal feast.”

Tamar admits her biggest DIY project may have been a little ambitious. ” The craziest one – I whittled the little birds that sat on top of the cake. That alone took 2 days and my hands were so sore afterwards! My mum did an amazing job sewing the napkin rings and hessian table runners, and my mother-in-law lovingly sewed the order of service fans together.” The couple’s cupcake wedding cake was made by Coochie Cupcakes. “For dessert, we filled up a table with home-made sweet treats and put our cup cake tower in the middle. It was a feast for the eyes and our tummies! I wish I could go back in time and taste everything again.”

Guests dined on good, old fashioned, scrumptious food by Blue Banana Catering. “We had a relaxed gourmet BBQ for dinner, and Blue Banana hit the hungry spot! Their level of service was fantastic, and our guests were raving about their food.”

The couple hired swing jazz band The Calibre Cats. Tamar says ” They were SUCH a highlight of the day. We loved seeing everyone’s faces light up as they began to play. Their music is so contagious and full of joyful energy .One of my bridesmaids and her husband wrote such a fun song for us called “Collide”. We had been going to swing dance classes just before the wedding, so we pulled out a few moves (a little unco-ordinatedly) and danced along to it for our first dance.”

Congratulations Tamar and Glen! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us on Polka Dot Bride! Thank you also to Brooke Holm of Lace & Bowties for sharing today’s images with us!

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

1. Bel and Dodge’s Eclectic Hinterland Wedding
2. Lauren and Joshua’s Australian Country Wedding
3. Catherine and Stephen’s Country Winery Wedding

To help you with your own Valentines Day plans, whether big or small, filled with sparkly objects or sugar laden goodies, I’ve come up with three gift guides to spark your imagination!

First up is stationery, because there is nothing more fun for me than choosing the perfect Valentine’s Day Card (or print!)

1. Butterflies: My Valentine Card from Kikki K 2. Love You The Longest of Time Letterpress Print from Bespoke Press 3. Love Ya Card from Little Jane St 4.  Like A Blank Loves Blank Card by The Hungry Workshop 5. Old Tom Foolery I Love Every Inch Of You Card from The Notemaker 6. Elvis Valentines Print from Raw Art Letterpress

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

1. Alannah Rose Stationery Valentines Day Competition
2. ABC Of Weddings: S Is For Stationery
3. Alannah Rose Stationery Winter 2008

Rachel Gilbert’s Autumn Winter 2012 collection is a feast for the eyes and the senses. From sparkling, glittery adornments to fresh hues of navy, tangerine and melon greens.

There’s plenty of beautiful options for the bride who is a wanting a little more casual kind of wedding gown and the bridesmaids who want to wear something super stylish. I think the gorgeous Isadora gown (above) might just be my favourite with the sparkles that glitter and gleam as you move.

Rachel’s coloured gowns make a fine choice for bridesmaids (or the bride who wants to wear colour, the tangerine number above would make such a gorgeous statement!)

 Photos by Rachel Gilbert

Want More? Check Out These Posts:

1. Rachel Gilbert
2. Rachel Gilbert Spring Summer 2010
3. Bridal Market Fall 2012