We are so excited to be introducing a fabulous new series that focuses on the weddings of women behind some of our favourite blogs! Blogs are a big part of our lives over here at Polka Dot central, and we have invited some fabulous female bloggers to share a (virtual) glass of bubbles with us, and tell us all about their own wedding day. What a lucky bunch we all are!

You will hear from some amazing women as they relive their own wedding adventure and offer advice and inspiration, with the added benefit of hindsight!

Our first blogger requires little introduction, with her much-loved blog, Fat Mum Slim, inspiring women all over Australia with fantastic recipes, shared thoughts, experiences and, of course, the photo a day challenges. We are so pleased to be chatting to Chantelle Ellem about her favourite memories from her wedding day. I loved hearing about her gorgeous day, and who wouldn’t enjoy a surprise harbour cruise?

Tell us about your Wedding!

We got married in October 2005, at Lindesay House at Darling Point. I didn’t want a normal wedding, but more of a celebration or party. We were surrounded by 80 friends and family, as we said “I do”.

We did a few things differently, I had my two sisters and brother in my bridal party and my husband had four mates. We had canapés in the garden, and my sister sang for our cake cutting. My least favourite part of any wedding is waiting while the couple head off for the formal photos, so we skipped that part just having casual shots of us at the party {wedding}.

 What was your most memorable moment (or moments!)?

After the speeches had finished, I stepped up and let everyone know that we were taking them on a surprise cruise on Sydney Harbour. Lindesay House is beautiful, but they don’t allow music {well, not loud music} so we decided the best solution was to take everyone on a cruise on the harbor for the rest of the night. The wharf was only a few metres walk from the house, so we all headed down.

 

If you could change one thing, what would it be?

I don’t think I’d change anything. It was a really great night. Well, the celebrant did call me by the wrong name so I’d probably remind her what my name was before starting!

Who are your favourite vendors?

We did most of it ourselves, but I really loved my flowers. They were by Pollen Flowers.

What advice do you have for others planning their wedding?

It’s a very special day, but don’t get caught up in it all. Remember what’s important to you, and that while it’s mostly about you – it is about your loved ones coming together too. So every know and then step back and consider others as well. It’s sure to stamp out any Bridezilla behavior!

I also love to tell friends getting hitched to make sure you steal as many moments as possible with your husband. I loved doing that.

We can’t thank Chantelle enough for sharing her memories with us, and we hope that you enjoyed our “backstage pass” to this popular blogger’s romance! Head over to her lovely blog Fat Mum Slim to follow Chantelle’s further adventures!

Photos by good friends Rowe Timson and Sheree Swords.