Bec and Joel

Gosh I want to be a guest at today’s wedding – I’m not sure whether it’s because it feels like it was held in a  giant ‘hold’ of Mother Nature with the deep valleys and mountains surrounding it, or because of Bec’s infectious smile and the obvious laughter and joy of the guests and newlyweds, or whether it’s purely because I would possibly stalk every wedding I could, just to revel in that magical moment.. why yes I think today’s wedding is the perfect panacea for a Wednesday afternoon.

Our newlyweds met at university while living in college together.

Today’s photographer is John Benavente– I love the vibrancy and joy John captures. He somehow makes the life of the image shoot through the screen!

Bec wore a Mariana Hardwick gown with shoes Misano. Bec’s wedding day look was styled by Julie Bell.

Bec walked down the aisle to “A Pixie Lott cover of a Kings of Leon song: Use Somebody.” Abode Flowers styled the floral arrangements.

Bec and Joel were married at Bush Bank Bed and Breakfast Kiama. Bec explains “We had the ceremony and reception at the same venue. The ceremony was held in the garden overlooking the ocean and our cocktail reception was held in a marquee with tables spilling out onto the lawns. Guests enjoyed punch when they arrived and drinks and canapé’s following the ceremony.”

Celebrant Kerry Fair married the couple.

Bec describes the wedding day as “A relaxed day full of love, laughter and lots of dancing!”

The couple made a few fun elements for their day, Bec made the invitations and a few small reception decorations, while Joel made a swing which was hung from the huge Morton Bay Fig tree.

One of Bec’s favourite moments was the photographs. “Getting our photos with the bridal party was full of laughs. Climbing over fences and jumping over streams reminded me of being a kid again.”

Bec’s bridesmaids wore floor length navy bridesmaids gowns from Natasha Millani. Joel and his groomsmen wore suits from Marcs.

The cake was made by Gerringong Bakery.

For the music of the day, Bec says, “A friend of ours was the DJ who played a selection of songs we put together, along with a lot of requests!”

Bec’s mum and bridesmaid made a personalised touch for the guests, Bec explains. “My Mum and one of my bridesmaid’s Mother put together wish bones, which Mum had been collecting since my sister and I were little girls. They were they painted silver with a ribbon tied around them and handed out to the guests during the speeches so they could make a wish on behalf of the bride and groom.”

Bec and Joel performed the bridal shuffle, much to their own amusement. Bec recalls “We had the best intentions to learn some basic dance moves for the day but didn’t quite get round to it. Instead we rolled out a few of the oldies that we’d practised in the lounge room over the years!”

Congratulations Bec and Joel! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us today on Polka Dot Bride! Thank you also to John Benavente for sharing today’s photographs!

Photos by John Benavente