Stella and James

Sometimes a wedding just comes along that has a lot of “Oh that looks fun I wish I was there” or ” Oh I bet that bouquet smelled amazing” or even “oh gosh I want to dance with those people, they look fun!” which for me really is almost every wedding, but today’s has a relaxed, funky vibe to it that I know you will love and that sense of just being swept up in the party? Well I know you’ll love that too!

Today’s photographs are by Matt Reed who captures such beautiful candid moments- stolen kisses, romantic dancing, guests laughing. Every time a wedding from Matt lands in my inbox I know I’ll be transported back to that day- and I love it.

Stella and James were married at The Gap Bluff Centre, Watsons Bay. Stella says “We did it all at one venue so the guests didn’t have to move from place to place and this worked really well for us, it was one big celebration”.

Stella walked down the aisle to “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” by Procol Harum.

Stella wore shoes from Midas while groom James wore white thongs. Vivian Reed officiated the ceremony. “James and I wrote our own vows and it was really nice to be able to share those thoughts and commitments with all our friends and family.”

To start off the vintage feel of the wedding, Stella wore a vintage  silk chiffon gown from The Vintage Clothes Store, Pitt St, Sydney. Her bridesmaids wore Zimmermann silk gowns. Stella and her bridesmaids had their makeup styled by Kate Limbrick.

One of Stella’s happiest memories is that her godfather was able to attend her wedding as the final celebration of his life.

Stella wore a floral wreath in her hair which was created, along with the bouquets and other floral arrangements by Alex at Maggie May Flowers. Stella says  “She used all white flowers with dark green foliage in mismatched crystal vases.”

Stella and James had vintage furniture (purchased from second hand auctions to help create the vintage feel the couple wanted) placed on the lawns and verandah for guests to enjoy. Stella recalls “Cat Raven did all the styling and her husband Brad ran the day”. The couple chose a  croquembouche from The Croquembouche Queen for their wedding cake.

Music kept guests entertained with Stella and James hiring Dax Golding on vocals with his band. D.j ettienne played later on in the evening.

A cake fight was just one highlight of the reception. Stella agrees “We had an awesome cake fight!”

Of their first dance, Stella says “It was embarrassing and really funny!”

Congratulations Stella and James! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us on Polka Dot Bride! Thank you also to Matt of Matt Reed Photography for sharing today’s photographs with us.

Photography by Matt Reed Photography