Happy Monday Dotties! It seems sort of weird saying that as we edge ever closer to Christmas! We have some great Christmas content across the polka blogs coming up this week!

First up, as is Monday morning tradition, nod and a bow to the members of Ms Polka Dot’s Directory

Please take a moment and check out our awesome Directory members. We have fabulous Entertainment, Resources Catering and even Venues. Each and every week we’re becoming even more determined to fill the Directory with vendors who love to work with Polka Dot Bride readers, who love what they do, embrace the different and fill their life with work they are passionate about.

Our vendor of the week this week is the lovely Melinda of Sydney based Melinda Hird Photography! Melinda is passionate when it comes to photography, she loves that one image can mean so much. With a classic, clean style and plenty of passion, Melinda works all over Sydney and all wedding packages offer two shooters and most include a gorgeous album for your wedding photographs!

We asked Melinda from Melinda Hird Photography five questions in five minutes –

Favourite after five drink?

Fav after 5 drink is Jack Daniels and Dry… I know, it doesn’t sound like ladies drink but when Friday comes and I’ve finished work it’s a really nice treat.

Favourite weekend getaway?

Favorite weekend getaway is driving up to Shoal Bay at Port Stephens. It’s such a beautiful hideaway and the perfect place to unwind, relax and spend time on the beach or going for a walk looking at the gorgeous views.

Favorite Restaurant?

Quay Restaurant. I’ve only been there a couple of times for my anniversary, but it certainly is my most favorite.

What do you eat for breakfast on a Sunday?

Eating breakfast On Sunday is my favorite day to have breakfast as it’s quality time spent with my family. We eat Pancakes which my 2.5 year old helps to make (yes it gets messy but it’s all part of the fun!), along with big side dishes of a fruit and yoghurt!

What is your favourite wedding story?

I’m such a romantic so I really love them all, but my favorite one is of Juleen and Hendru. Their love for each other brings you to tears, literally, it’s that beautiful and strong. Juleen was always attracted to the tall, dark and handsome… Something that belongs in fairytales. She had travelled the world on numerous occasions and finally settled down back in Sydney. She is a gorgeous woman but never really found somebody that she could connect with properly. They say love comes by when you least expect it and this is another case where that is true. She was out celebrating her friends hen’s night and they all went to Salsa dancing class for some fun and that’s when Juleen meet Hendru. He was one of the 2 men teaching the Salsa Class. The attraction was instant and they began talking and getting to know one another more. They left for the night only wanting to know more about the other. Hendru didn’t waste any time and called her up. They began dating and the rest is history. Hendru is originally from Holland and really is her tall, dark and handsome man that she subconsciously waiting for, I’m sure. She had travelled the world only to have found her overseas man living here all along! Less than a year later they were engaged and they married in March this year. Theirs is a pure love and if you know them, you can see this and it makes you melt. Their wedding was held at the Hunter Valley. They dressed the reception themselves with decorations and things that were all pieces of them. It was just special with their creative pieces around the place. Everywhere you looked was a little story of them. The air was filled with so much love from everyone and I was welcomed into their family, which is always a lovely thing to be a part of. There was so much laughter and tears during the speeches, it was hard pressed to find a dry eye in the room! The rest of the night was filled with fun and dancing and of course a Salsa Lesson for all the guests too which was a great way of having the guest be involved with at the reception. To top it off, she’s actually due to have her baby this Friday and I’m really looking forward to meeting and photographing their special little bundle as well.

Juleen and Hendru

Visit Melinda Hird Photography’s page to find out more about our Vendor Of The Week.  Melinda Hird Photography is a member of Ms Polka Dot’s Directory