After our last Polka Dot Bride mix-tape, I wanted to end the week with some romantic tunes to help ease you into the weekend. This time, I thought I’d tune into some of our featured bride’s first dance choices. From the romantic, to the happy, to the different- we’ve showcased it all! Here’s a little inspiration for your own day- I’ve linked each song title to a version of the song, so all you have to do is click to listen!

Bel & Dodge Photo by Sayer Heffernan

“We danced to “Love Me Tender” by Norah Jones, in an open part of the courtyard, under a big tree, fairy lights. By that point of the night I had ditched my shoes, so it was a barefoot waltz – which for those who know me well, know how appropriate that was! The videographer even got a great close up shot of my bare little toes in his highlights reel. After our waltz, and half way through the dancing with the rest of the guests it started to rain, but I think that only added fuel to the fire! We all had too much fun busting a move with the rain sprinkling down.”

Natalie and Shayne Photo by Lakshal Perera

“We danced to “Bob Marley and Lauren Hill’s Turn Your Lights Down Low”, not the most usual song choice, maybe a little sexy but it has always been ‘our song’, since Shayne first put it on a mix-CD in 2001.  We did a modified Rumba we had been working on which didn’t go exactly to plan but was fun and touching all the same.”

Rowan and Michael Photo by Natalie McComas

“We danced to Al Green, ‘Let’s stay together’. It was the only dance of the reception – we didn’t have a dance floor because we just booked part of the restaurant.”

Sarah & Stewart Photo by Feather + Stone Photography

“We used the lyrics from our first dance song on the front of our invitation (We could fly, you and I, on a cloud – ‘Kissing’ by Bliss). We also incorporated ‘A journey of the heart’ throughout our stationery which are also lyrics from the same song.”

Hayley and Dene Photo by Mint Photography

“Our first dance was to Jack Johnson’s ‘Better Together’ . We did our first dance on the deck below as our guests cheered us on from the balcony above. Never dancing before we amazed ourselves with our how well a few youtube dance lessons in the living room could transform into something incredible, we did dips and spins and shared a laugh as we moved around the dance floor without tripping over each other (much to the surprise and delight of our family and friends), we were quickly joined by friend and family to dance the night away with a little bit of something for everyone.”

Lexie & Will Photo by Dan O’Day

“Our first dance was to “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol, and one of the most memorable moments of the evening. We were so focused on each other that for a few minutes, it felt like we were the only two people in the room.”

Aleks and Aaron Photo by John Benavente Photography

“The first dance was to ‘Spend my life with you’ by Eric Bennet and Tamia which was a long time favourite of the bride. We could not help but sing to each other throughout the dance.”

Leah & Gerard Photo by Todd Hunter McGaw

“We danced to ‘Sail Away’ by David Gray on the balcony of the cottage.”

Libby & Harley Photo by Amanda Thorson

“Our first dance was Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers. I collect vintage records and it is one of my all time favourite love songs.”

Lindsay & Tim Photo by Natasja Kremers Photography

“We danced to “Everything” by Michael Buble…it was great fun but also a bit nerve-wracking – we had learnt a routine  which involved lots of lifting and twirling, and could have gone horribly wrong in lots of places…luckily it all went fine and we’re pretty sure we heard lots of ‘ooohs’ & ‘ahhhs’ from our family and friends…”

Claire & Steve Photo by David Robertson

“It was impromptu, to our favourite song “Collide” by Howie Day and everyone joined in, turning the first dance into a celebration of bringing families and friends together.”

Emelia and Anthony Photo by Pobke Photography.

“It was to ‘Arithmetic’ by Brooke Fraser, we made sure the bridal party, parents etc came up pretty quickly to take the attention off our dancing. It was really difficult to move around in my dress.”

Mish and David Photo by I Love Wednesdays

“We’re both huge music lovers and as such don’t have “our” song, as we have about a thousand we both love and adore that remind us of special moments shared, some not ideal/appropriate for a first dance. The night before we were still um-ing and ah-ing over the first dance song – we had a list of about 10 we both loved. But we managed to cull it down to 3 and had a little boogie in the lounge room to work out which one suited our dance style (which is a mash up of waltzing, twirling and dips – no real structure, just going with the flow), long story short – we ended up dancing to Maroon 5’s version of Frank Sinatra’s The Way You Look Tonight.“

Kimberley & John Photo by Jonas Peterson

“We ended up dancing to the song that was to be the church entrance song – an acoustic version of “Hysteric” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It turned out to be the most perfect song. We were encouraged to get up on stage for the dance and even though everyone was watching, we honestly were completely lost in that moment”

Olivia & Nathan Photo by Luisa Brimble of Serendipity Corner Photography

“Nathan chose Coldplay’s ‘Til Kingdom Come and as he asked his new wife to dance after his speech and as the guitar strums started my tears started rolling  – I was a hopeless dancer but loved every second shuffling around the dancefloor laughing and crying together.”

 

What did you dance too or are planning to choose for your first dance?