Category Archives: Real Bride Style

Ross & Zena’s Berowra Waters Inn Wedding

Written on August 10, 2011 by in Designer Wedding Dress, Modern Wedding Ideas, Real Bride Style, Real Weddings, Wedding Ceremony Ideas

When Zena and Ross chose the romantic location of Berowra Waters Inn for their wedding, it was to share their love of fine food and wines with their dearest family and friends. The secluded bush setting, accessible only by water meant that the wedding quickly became a 3 day affair, allowing the couple to continue celebrations, enjoying the company of their loved ones, especially overseas guests who had traveled for the wedding.

Zena found her perfect dress in Carla Zampatti, on the one and only day she spent looking for her dress:“I had in my head a pretty strong idea of what style I wanted (modern, catwalk-able)” My mum was really good with giving me her honest opinion (as always ‘yep, no, hate it, makes you look like a doile’) and when we found my dress in pewter 5 minutes before the store was closing after trying on every other dress available, I knew I just had to ask if Carla could make it in white. It turns out that she had made her sample to this dress in ivory with a much longer train than the pewter dress I tried on. Things were going my way! I bought it right away, had that sample tweaked and had my dress. Tick!”

Zena’s bridesmaids, her sister and dearest friend, also wore Carla Zampatti, creating an elegant monochromatic colour scheme, perfectly complemented by the white and yellow calla lilly blooms.

The balcony of the Inn provided a picturesque setting for  Zena and Ross’s heartfelt nuptials as well as giving guests, and groom Ross, the perfect standpoint to watch Zena and her Father arrive in The Elsie May, a stunning wooden River Ferry that had guests commenting that she looked like a Danish Princess.

Later today, Ross & Zena’s modern wedding reception, with its black, white and yellow colour scheme.

Photography: Michelle Fiona Photography

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Sally & Fraser’s Romantic Rock ‘n’ Roll wedding

Written on July 28, 2011 by in Real Bride Style, Real Weddings

Sally and Fraser’s gorgeous Rock ‘n’ Roll/Romance theme came about by combining the vision each of them had for the day. “I wanted a whimsical romantic wedding with vintage and handmade elements. Fraser wanted a big rock and roll party!” explains Sally.
Clearly in love and delightfully laid back, case in point- Sally’s concern was for the comfort of her bridesmaids so her only request was to pick a dress they loved in the colour blue, and to wear red shoes and Fraser joined the band for a few tunes at the reception.

      

From the bride: The story of my dress is a goody! I am a member of BrisStyle (Brisbane on etsy). One of the members is Jen of Jennifer’s Gift whose off the rack line was released around the time I was looking at dresses. I wanted an empire line dress with good lines. She has a gorgeous pink dress that I though could be adapted. I met with her and she was wonderful – very easy going, but also very flexible. I wanted my dress to be very special, so I picked up some vintage lace on our pre-honeymoon trip to Paris from a little antique market. Jen added the lace to the front of the dress. To add some fun she found me some polka dot tulle to peek out at the bottom like a petticoat! Jen was a dream to work with. Very positive and affirming in my nervous moments!

I poured over wedding blogs to find elements for the wedding that both Fraser and I would love (after all, it was his wedding too). We wanted brownies instead of a wedding cake, and Fraser wanted them to look like Lego blocks. His mum worked like a (storm) trooper to deliver the goods. At the 13th hour I added butterfly cakes to the wish list, and Marilyn made the most delicious ones ever! My mum, my sister and my bridesmaids decorated them the day before. It was a real labour of love! The little chicken decorations were a surprise on the day. Fraser proposed to me with a baby chicken, so this became a bit of a sub-theme at the wedding.

Initially I wanted to go to a market or florist with my girls to get our flowers on the day, but I ended up finding Green & Bloom via a wedding blog. Roberta is an amazing stylist, and again, a wonder to work with. I completely trusted her to make me a bouquet using local and in season blooms that were both eclectic and romantic. She provided! There was sea holly, seed pods, fluffy white proteas, and even sprigs of flowering basil! She also made the sweet prom-night corsages for my girls to wear on their wrists, and put together the boutonnieres with the paper roses I made for the guys. The flowers were really exciting!

I loved having my bestie come up from Tassie for the wedding. She recently had a baby boy, and I hadn’t met him yet. It was a rekindling of hearts the instant I saw her. We cackled away like a pair of hens! The best part was that she accidently locked me in my bedroom on the morning of the wedding, which really added one of those moments to the wedding day that you never imagine happening! I was so worried about what she would be thinking that I didn’t even get upset – I knew she would be upset enough for the both of us!

On the morning of the wedding Fraser and I got up early to share a moment together before the big day. We shared our secret handwritten vows with each other, so we wouldn’t cry later at the ceremony. It was really intimate and beautiful. We have been so much tighter since the wedding, although we have been living together for 4 ½ years!

Another wonderful moment was when we were off having our newly wed photos taken in the New Farm Park. We went to some twisted figs that we both loved and there was a group of fun people having a sneaky picnic. They toasted us with champagne and popped our favourite band on their ipod for us to dance too. Hooray for them! Another chance moment.

Photographer: NGG
Ceremony and Reception: Brisbane Powerhouse
Dress: Jennifer’s Gift
Florist: Green and Bloom
Paper Flowers & Decorations: D.I.Y
Catering: Zen Catering
Grooms suit: Roger David, vest by Jetta’s Nest
Jewellery: Jess of Epheriell, glass pieces by Hot Toffee
Music: iPod and band made up of friends

 

 

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Rachel & Luke’s Bali Wedding

Written on July 26, 2011 by in Real Bride Style, Real Weddings

Guests for Rachel and Luke’s Bali wedding knew they were in for a memorable weekend when a fun yet practical ‘survival kit’ awaited them in their hotels and villas. Traveling in from all corners of the world, 80 family and friends enjoyed a 3 day wedding festival, starting with welcome drinks at Sea Circus, while the wedding and next day pool party were both held at Villa Infinity Canngu.

 

     

Rachel walked down the aisle on the arm of her Father to a Ryan Adams song played by Danny, a friend of the couple. The stunning bouquet of hydrangea, roses, lisianthus, gardenias and gorgeous tropical flowers complemented Rachel’s delicate Amanda Garrett gown perfectly, adding to the romantic, summer vibe.

The newlyweds and their guests celebrated under the ribbon canopy, created especially to Rachel’s vision by Natalie at Beyond Events. The ribbons were the perfect accessory to the couple’s first dance to Crazy Love by Harry Manx while the groom’s band, The Longshots got the rest of the guests to their feet and dancing the night away. “Music means a lot to us and it wouldn’t have been a party if Luke’s band The Longshots didn’t play. We gave everyone tambourines as bonbonniere so they could join in” – Rachel


Garlands from Third Draw Down decorated the villa, and along with Rachel’s handmade fabric garlands, created a backdrop for the photobooth. Tags in a Gelato coloured tags adorned napkins, tied back to the invitations (featured previously here), continuing the theme.

And those Welcome bags that greeted guests? We have it on good authority that grateful guests put the Panadol and brightly coloured shades to good use at the Recovery Party the next day. Mints, Lucas pawpaw ointment and insect repellent were just as thoughtful touches while the itinerary kept everyone in the loop.

From the bride: Luke and I met at a friends New Years Eve party 5 years ago and have been inseparable since! Many of our friends live all over so we have travelled quite a bit together visiting them. It wasn’t until we’d been together for 3 years that we actually holidayed on our own to Bali – so it seemed fitting to take everyone back with us for the wedding! Luke took me by complete surprise when he proposed last May at his parents property in Berry, seems funny after that long together that it would be a surprise but it was a spur of the moment trip.
We honeymooned over two weeks on the Gili Islands and Alila Villas

Rachel & Luke’s Stylish Team
Venue: Villa Infinity Canngu, Bali
Invitations & Bonbonnierre: Zed & Bee
Wedding Planner: Beyond Events
Cake: Beyond Events
Backdrops & Garlands: Third Drawer Down
Photography: Briar Stanley from Sunday Collector and Richard Watson of Rich Bali
Wedding dress: Amanda Garrett
Brides’ shoes: Zomp
Grooms suit & Bowtie: MJ Bale
Grooms shoes: Bally

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Real Weddings: Rustic Barn Wedding

Written on July 19, 2011 by in Real Bride Style, Reception

Micheal and Lauren’s Vermont wedding, with its rustic styling and D.I.Y touches was a truly meaningful experience for the couple. Michael and Lauren planned every element together, ensuring that their wedding day was filled with meaning and authenticity.

The couple created a personalised wedding guestbook, with guests invited to leave notes of ‘love and congratulations’ on the pretty patterned cards of a roladex.
The unique touches continued with escort cards to direct guests to their tables, displayed in old window frames. Family photos framed the table, creating a meaningful vignette, honouring their loved ones.

Burlap runners, mason jars filled with loose floral arrangements and lantern centrepieces added to the rustic feel while twinkling fairy lights created a romantic atmosphere in the 100 year old barn.

Thank you Lauren and Michael for sharing your special day with us.
Floral Arrangements: Nancy Bishop Floral Designers
Reception Venue: West Mountain Inn
Invitation Designer: Paisley Quill and Night Owl Paper Goods
Wedding Dress: Amsale (Available in Australia at Angela Wilson)
Tuxedo and Mens Attire:  Cyberoptix Tie Lab
Thank you also to Two Bright Lights
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Real Weddings: Jamie & Billy’s Nashville Wedding

Written on July 5, 2011 by in Real Bride Style, Reception

Jamie and Billy celebrated their wedding day in style at the sleek, contemporary space of the Noah Liff Centre. The modern ceremony, with its understated chuppah and simple orchid flower arrangements was a stylish back-drop to Jamie’s stunning ruffle-neck wedding gown as well as a beautiful contrast to the elaborate wedding reception that followed.

With the sparkling chandelier as the backdrop, an elaborate space was created for Jamie, Billy and their guests to celebrate. Specialty lighting created an intimate atmosphere, enhanced with masses of flowers, ornate candelabras and decorative chargers. The real hit, apart from the bride hitting the microphone, was the lavish cake bar by Maples Cakes.
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Daily Wedding Inspiration: Colourful Wedding Bouquet

Written on June 10, 2011 by in Be Inspired, Daily Wedding Inspiration, Flowers, Real Bride Style

A sneek-peek from an exquisite country wedding we will be featuring next week. The bouquet is just too beautiful not to share!

Just some of the gorgeous flowers that created that riot of colour; Blue Cornflowers, hot Pink Roses, Lavender, Yellow Freesias and Camelia Foliage.
And yes, the glamorous bride wore black!

Photo credit: Cameron Spencer

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Polkadot Bride’s Favourite Bridesmaids Dresses & Moments

Written on May 31, 2011 by in Be Inspired, Bridesmaids, Designer Wedding Dress, Dresses, Real Bride Style

I am so thrilled to introduce a guest blogger this week while I am holidaying (Lake Como right now!) who is one of my favourite people on the planet. Ms Polka of Polkadot Bride is an inspiration to me both personally and professionally and is undoubtedly one of the best blogs around.

So, without further ado, Ms Polka shares some gorgeous bridesmaids frocks and moments.

I love it when I see a bride surrounded by her favourite girls – there’s a sense of mushiness, or warmth of heart and soul (which is what Polka Dot Bride is all about). Helping your bridesmaids look stunning, and their best selves is part of the fun of being a bride.

Anna and Danion’s Wedding
I must admit, floor length gowns are always a favourite of mine at a wedding and when I saw Anna’s choice of gorgeous floor length maxi dresses for her outdoor winery wedding, I was smitten! The vivid colours worked with hydrangea bouquets and the alternate colour for Anna’s made of honour added a little twist and gave the girls a cohesive look.
Photos: Nic Duncan

Charlie and Rich’s Wedding
If you’re getting married in an exotic location like Bali, I think you can have a bit of fun and splash out with your bridesmaids gowns. These fun red and pink bridesmaids frocks were made by Charlie herself the night before the wedding, and the fluffy tutu inspired skirts were the perfect touch for a tropical wedding.
Photo: Matt Reed

 

Ali and Jason’s Wedding
When Ali wed Jason on the south coast of New South Wales, her bridesmaids wore knee length white gowns and carried bouquets of hydrangeas and roses. I love the relaxed draping of the gowns. The fresh white is such a wonderful choice for a summer beach wedding.
Photo: SugarLove Weddings

Jaidene and Jaime’s wedding
Black, floor length gowns are always so incredibly elegant and for Jaidene and Jaime who married in a black tie wedding, these strapless numbers for Jaidene’s bridesmaids fit the wedding style beautifully. Each gown featured a ruffle and subtle pinstripe and the girls carried creamy and pink roses, which suited Jaidene’s own bouquet.
Photo: Matt Reed

Felicity and Scott’s Wedding
I love the yellow, fifties style gowns that Felicity chose for her bridesmaids when she married Scott. The fresh yellow worked in with their bouquets of billy buttons and daisies and were so fun at the Summer wedding of the couple.
Photo: I Love Wednesdays

 

Rebekah and Odyn’s Wedding
Rebekah dressed her bridesmaids in shades of nude and pink for her Maleny wedding to Brad. To add a personal touch, Rebekah sewed antique lace to match her own wedding gown and ribbons to each bridesmaid’s ensemble. The bridesmaids wore beaded necklaces and carried antique rose coloured bouquets, which matched the vintage feeling of the wedding.
Photo: Matt & Katie Photographers

 

Kate and Damien’s Wedding
Over recent years, there’s been a trend toward muted colours and neutrals, so I loved this bring spot of coral pink at Kate and Damien’s Port Douglas wedding. The colour reflects the tropical environment but the length and style tie in with the elegant formality of the wedding.
Photo: gm photographics

 

Mel and Matt’s Wedding
Mel took a fun personal route for her bridesmaids’ attire. With simple white singlets, she created fabric blooms decorated with pearls, buttons and beadings with the girls’ skirts in taupe with copper and green waistbands. The DIY style was reflective of the wedding itself with every element from hair accessories, personalised clutches to the brides shoes being handmade and hand sewn by the bride and groom.
Photo: Michelle Fiona Photography

 

Kate and James’ Wedding
Kate and James chose a nostalgic garden party feel for their wedding, and Kate’s bridesmaids wore floor length floral gowns (with different necklines) she found at a local chain store. The vintage style floral print set off the garden inspired elements of the day and Kate paired their gowns with simple rose bouquets.
Photo: J Roberts Photography

Lee Chin and Stevens Wedding

I always love it when a bride puts her bridesmaids in gowns that are so reflective of the entire wedding. Lee Chin and Steven held a Sydney wedding that paid homage to their Chinese heritage and Lee Chin’s bridesmaids wore rich golden gowns with red Chinese silk waist ties. The girls pinned succulents into their hair
Photo: Milk & Honey Photography

Thank you for such gorgeous bridesmaid inspirations Ms Polka! Tomorrow, Polkadot Bride’s round up of the Top 10 shoes for brides.

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Real Wedding Style: Lindsay & Parker’s Duke Chapel and Cotton Room Wedding

Written on May 17, 2011 by in Real Bride Style, Reception, Wedding Ceremony Ideas

The ornate features of the neo-Gothic Duke Chapel created a formal, yet beautifully atmospheric scene for the Lindsay and Parker’s wedding ceremony. Traditional with modern splashes of hot-pink and green, the North Carolina couple created a heartfelt yet fun day.

Pink lighting continued the theme whilst accentuating the beautiful exposed brick of the venue and creating an intimate atmosphere.

Photography: Vesic Photography
Caterer: Triangle Catering,The Cotton Room Durham
Reception Venue: Duke Chapel
‘Bride’ Coathanger: Etsy
With thanks to Two Bright Lights

 

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Real Bride Style: Kiri & Mitchell’s Sylvan Glen Wedding

Written on April 19, 2011 by in Real Bride Style, Reception, Wedding Ceremony Ideas, Wedding Styling

Kiri and Mitchell chose the beautiful surrounds of Sylvan Glen in Southern Highlands of NSW for their wedding day. Despite envisaging a relaxed outdoor ceremony, the weather was just not going their way.
But, taking it in their stride, they focused on what was important and the result was a heartfelt ceremony in front of their loved ones who huddled under umbrellas, thankfully laughing at the situation.

Kiri looked absolutely beautiful wearing ‘The Isla’, a stunning Johanna Johnson gown which she accessorised with a delicately beaded headpiece of french tulle, also by Johanna Johnson and a bright bouquet of roses and lotus pods.

Event styling team, She Designs created the intimate garden setting which despite the rain looked elegant and fresh.

While the rain fell, Kiri and Mitchell exchanged vows, with Kiri’s aunt officiating, adding to the personal feel of the day.

The stunning gardens of Sylvan Glen provided the backdrop for the wedding party photos, whilst stylish black and clear umbrellas where a necessary accessory!

Photographer Janine Kaye embraced the rain, capturing the most beautiful memories that the couple will treasure forever. I love the unique take on the classic ring shot below.

The picturesque homestead with it’s beautiful bush vista and twinkling fairy lights hosted an elegant reception and indulgent candy bar. The chill-out room featured family shots which added another personal touch to the day.

Thank you so much to Kiri and Mitchell for allowing us to share in their day as well as photographer Janine Kaye.

Venue: Sylvan Glen
Dress, wrist cuff & Headpiece: Johanna Johnson
Florist: Carla Hart
Stylists: She Designs
Photographer: Janine Kaye

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Real Bride Style: Rachel & Dan’s Milton Park Wedding Reception

Written on April 5, 2011 by in Real Bride Style, Reception

Rachel and Daniel loved the idea of a french provincial style wedding reception with a classic black, ivory and dusty rose theme with a modern twist. The wish-list also included lots of candles and flowers in the reception room and a breathtaking venue with extended gardens. Milton Park was the answer.

Cake designer Faye Cahill designed the 3-tier black and ivory cake to complement the colour scheme. Pearlised champagne icing with a black ribbon trim, finished with a bow and beautiful vintage  buckle. The lace detailing matched Rachel’s dress while ivory sugar flowers completed the look.

Delicate crystal fragrance bottles were a special gift for each guest, the crystal complementing the venues chandeliers

The dessert table featured decorative apothecary jars filled with traditional sweets and lollipops.

Vintage style birdcages filled with an abundance of Spring flowers made for stunning centrepieces and decorations around the room, bringing the beautiful floral gardens of the venue inside.

Rachel, Daniel and their guests celebrated well into the night with dancing becoming a very serious business!

Rachel and Dan spent their first 5 weeks as husband and wife with a trip of a lifetime to Dubai, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France and Fiji.

The Wedding Style Guide
Bride’s dress: Karen Willis Holmes
Bridesmaids dresses: Briony Leigh Bridal
Venue: Milton Park
Cake: Faye Cahill
Bonbonnierre: Crystal fragrance bottles
Photography: Nerida McMurray

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