Simone and Simon

Brisbane is making my heart swell at the moment – there has been so much pitching in, so much help to clean up and get the city back on board. So when a wedding as delightful as this one comes along, I can’t wait to show it off. A Brisbane of old yes, but Brisbane is fighting back and shining again. Simone and Simon had such a lovely wedding. A traditional church ceremony followed by photos by the river and a reception full of celebration. The touch of polka dots in Simone’s dress are icing on the cake!

Simone explains how the couple met. “We met at university but it wasn’t until after uni when some mutual friends brought Simon along to my housewarming party that he asked me out. It was quite funny initially getting used to having pretty much the same name!”

Photography this fine Tuesday is by Julian Beattie of Kariz Matik Photography. I love the rawness of Julian’s work, the candid moments and the stylish captures.

One of Simone’s favourite memories is her polka dot wedding dress! it was created by Darb Bridal Couture and Simone says, “It was so feminine and it was the only day I will ever be able to wear such a big gown!” Her bridesmaids wore lilac gowns from Zimmermann. Sebastian Mirciov of Brisbane Market Flowers styled the bouquets while the girls had their hair and makeup done by The Powder Room. “The Powder Room did natural hair and makeup for Bride, Bridesmaids and Mother of Bride – we still looked like us but just more glamorous!”

Simone and Simon were married at Churchie Chapel, East Brisbane . Simone says “Simon and his father went to school at Churchie so to get married in their chapel was very special to him and his family. It was decorated with candles and flowers and the boys choir sang the hymns.”  Simone walked down the aisle to the traditional bridal chorus by Wagner.

The ceremony was not without it’s funny memories! “Something you would only see in a movie – the best man forgot the rings but they arrived 15 seconds before the priest announced them!” Simone recalls.

As night fell, guests gathered at The Strand at Rubgy Quay to celebrate. The venue sits on the river and allows guests to take in sweeping views of the Story Bridge.

Simone loved spending time with Simon during their dance lessons and having one on one time where their only focus was each other. She says “Our first dance was ‘Happy Together’ by the Turtles, a song from the 1960’s which was an upbeat and fun song which our singer Nick Hollamby (from band Elegant Swing) put a Michael Buble swing feel to. We ‘attempted’ to dance the foxtrot to the song and swished around the dance floor and finished with a dip!”

Congratulations Simone and Simon! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us on Polka Dot Bride! Thank you also to Julian Beattie of Kariz Matik Photography for sharing today’s images!