Alex and Amanda

Styled shoot or real wedding? You’d be forgiven for thinking that Alex and Amanda’s black tie wedding in Sydney was a styled shoot from the picture perfect, well, everything… the luxe boat, free-flowing Champagne, Sydney harbour backdrop, classic P Johnson suits, the most darling little flower girls and the stunning couple themselves! It’s Black Tie Month on Polka Dot Bride in May and we are so excited to be launching the month with this exquisite black tie real wedding held at McKell Park, Darling Point and Catalina, Rose Bay.

Words by Amanda and Alex / Photography by Ryder Evans

Alex and Amanda met at a mutual friends Melbourne Cup Day BBQ.

They tied the knot on 17th Nov 2017 Sydney. The style of the day was “simple, classic & fun.”

Alex and Amanda’s daughters, Marlowe (left) and Gisele (right). 

Amanda’s dress is from Houghton NYC. “It was the 3rd dress I tried on – all I knew was that I wanted a simple dress – not too bridal.”

Makeup and hair by @bynormie.

Alex and his groomsmen wore P Johnson. “We wanted the perfect fitting classic black tie suit and no one does men’s tailoring better than P Johnson.”

The bridal party… Amanda had her “Man of Honour” by side, while Alex’s younger brother, Matt, played the honourable role of best man to Alex.

Amanda’s Man of Honour (above).

The Best Man (above).

The ceremony took place outside at McKell Park, Darling Point. The highlight of Alex’s day was “seeing Amanda walk down the aisle with our eldest daughter Gigi holding her hand.”

The reception venue, Catalina in Rose Bay (above). 

“Jardine Botanic was the florist – she had the best floral arrangements on her Instagram page – I let her decide on all the floral styling, with my only request that it be kept minimal and soft.”

The DIY details… “I (Amanda) designed all the stationary, welcome boards, and neon sign for reception.”

The boat after the ceremony was pretty fun, we rode around the harbour and had some much needed Champagne.”

Favourite photo… “Alex & I at the alter and I’m holding Gigi (Marlowe is missing from the photo unfortunately).”

Vendor appreciation… “The wedding celebrant Melissa Soncini was awesome. I also loved Jardine the florist and Chris the manager at Catalina’s was the BEST!”

Here at Polka Dot Bride, we are fully in favour of guests (and brides) embracing polka dots, like the lovely Mars Wheeler here wearing By Johnny. 

Guests having a good time (above). 

Parting words for engaged couples planning their wedding… Amanda says “It’s cliché – enjoy your wedding day it goes way too fast.”

Ms Zigzag says: Thank you to Amanda and Alex for sharing your exquisite day with us. I was personally fortunate enough to be a guest at this wedding and I can concur that the day was just as fantastic as it looks in these photos. We wish them a very happy ever after! Thanks also to Ryder Evans for sharing your work with us. 

About the Photographer Ryder Evans: My style is all about documenting your day as it unfolds. I want to capture YOU. Your most authentic, joyful, spontaneous, awesome, madly-in-love, YOU photo. Honest moments between you and your partner, family and friends – ones you might not have even known were there. The hilarious, silly, unscripted, teary moments and everything in between, so that you can look back on your wedding day in 5, 20, 50 years time and be taken right back.