How to Plan a Wedding That Feels Like You

At Polka Dot Wedding, we’re all about love stories that feel personal, grounded and full of heart. So when one of our favourite Melbourne celebrants, Hester Brown, told us she was launching Love + Local, we knew it was something special.

Founded by Hester of Hester Mary Marries and Mardy Bridges of All My Wednesdays Photography, Love + Local is about creating micro weddings with maximum care. It brings together brilliant local vendors to craft beautiful, intimate celebrations that reflect the people at the heart of them. Equity, inclusion and accessibility are central to everything they do, and this shoot, created to mark their official launch, celebrates all of that in full colour.

Set at Holmes Hall in Moonee Ponds, a local venue that is fully accessible with gender-neutral bathrooms, the team handpicked vendors who align with their values and bring the fun. You’ll spot florals by Whimsy Frank, a delightfully offbeat cake by Good Good Cake, hair by the eco-conscious Earth to Betty, content captured by Weddings by Jack, and a gorgeous gown from Moonstruck Bride, all wrapped up in bold colour and real joy. The models are Lili and Sabrina, friends of Hester’s and a couple she had the honour of marrying a few years ago.

As you read through Hester’s reflections on building a wedding that truly reflects you, we hope you feel the same magic we did. This is more than a styled shoot. It is a love letter to community, creativity and care.

For many people, a wedding is considered quite a traditional event. Increasingly, though, I have couples come to me expressing an interest in something else.

Lots of loved-up pairs are keen to preserve the significance of a “big day”, the emotion of the moment and that sense that what they share is worth celebrating. But what’s the best way to do that as a modern couple in a cost-of-living crisis?

If you ask me, it’s worth digging a little deeper into what you truly want for your wedding.

During my years as a celebrant, I’ve seen weddings change quite a lot.

I’ve seen winter weddings grow in popularity and days of the week picked over weekends, allowing for greater vendor availability and better budget options for couples.

I’ve seen couples begin to celebrate by holding many smaller events across multiple days, with wedding day venues ranging from the family property to a fave pizza place.

None of these things I find remotely negative; in fact, it is my firm belief that you should categorically do whatever you please with your wedding day.

It’s this freedom to choose that has changed weddings for the better, made them more unique, accessible and even affordable.

You don’t need “the perfect wedding” to have an absolutely stunning celebration of connection.

Maybe you love the traditional elements of a wedding – renting cute cars and ordering a big white cake may be right up your alley. If that’s you, go for it!

Or maybe, as one of my gorgeous brides did earlier this year, you’d rather jump out of an ornamental cardboard cake and be the sweetest thing at the reception yourself. Personally, I’m all for that, too!

Maybe many of the long-held traditions don’t really suit you or reflect your values, in which case, toss them aside and focus on what is the most authentic to you.

Not a fan of flowers? Swap them for a sparkly backdrop, or get married in a garden where they grow naturally around you. Or you could downsize – two beautiful bouquets might be all you need.

And this might be controversial coming from a marriage celebrant, but you don’t even have to get legally married at all to celebrate yourselves. Maybe “marriage” isn’t for you, but you want to bask in the glory of the love you share – do it! Throw that party and get dressed up, or write love letters with your partner and share them privately.

Lean into what you adore and away from what makes you feel uncomfortable. If you don’t want to spend your money and time on something, maybe you don’t have to.

Nothing makes me happier than seeing couples embrace not just their loved ones, but themselves when planning their day.

So, in the most genuine way possible, how can you make your wedding (or not wedding) day a true reflection of your partnership?

My top tip is to surround yourself with friends and vendors who want to understand you, not just your vision.

Yes, pick the photographer whose photos you adore and who fits your budget, but ask yourself if you can see the two of you in those photos. Do they fit your personalities?

And make sure that your photographer makes you feel comfortable, makes you laugh, and sees you as you are. After all, they are going to spend a huge amount of time with you on what is such a special day.

Pick a celebrant you love. There are so many of us out there that there is truly the right person for every couple.

A calm celebrant might help you to relax if you are prone to stress, while an extroverted celebrant might fill the room if you don’t love being the centre of attention. A gloriously nerdy celebrant might share your passions and become a friend for life.

Choose with your values and keep your priorities front of mind – if you want a casual feel, a raucous party, a fairytale romance or anything in between, then steer your ship that way.

And if it all seems like too much, elope! Take your love on the road and make your moment as intimate, personal and free as you like.

There is no one, right way to get married, and I honestly couldn’t care less about the “ideal” wedding.

All I care about is that you have YOUR ideal wedding, and the way to do that is to capture yourselves in it – your priorities, your values and your personalities – and make the decisions about your day from the heart.