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Where Parenthood Met Romance: Kate & Mitch’s Port Stephens Wedding

02.07.26
Inspired Weddings Inspired Weddings You
Where Parenthood Met Romance: Kate & Mitch’s Port Stephens Wedding
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BY
Kate and Mitchell
PHOTOGRAPHY
Sarbo Studio
VIEW FULL PHOTO GALLERY
Story Snippets
Style
Classic
Coastal
Intimate
Setting
Resort
Waterside
Location
Australia
Hunter Valley
New South Wales
Season
Summer
The After Dark Issue

Weddings take on a special magic after sunset. Think city lights, candlelit tables, bold night photography, and unexpected moments.

This month, we celebrate all that’s moody, sparkling, and unforgettable.

The fun that only happens when the sun goes down.

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Dark romance is having a moment... and we're not j Dark romance is having a moment... and we're not just talking about the florals. ⁠ ⁠ As couples embrace candlelit receptions, richer colour palettes and celebrations that feel a little moodier, wedding cakes are stepping into the spotlight too. Think sculptural textures, deep-toned blooms, vintage piping and beautifully unexpected details that make a statement without feeling overdone.⁠ ⁠ In our latest After Dark Issue feature, Gina of @missladybirdcakes⁠ shares her favourite ways to bring a touch of dark romance to your wedding cake. Whether you're planning an elegant black-tie celebration or simply love a little contrast.⁠ ⁠ Tap the link in our bio to read the full feature and save this one if a moody wedding aesthetic is on your Pinterest board.⁠ ⁠ Photography: @danbrannanphoto⁠ / Florals: @ravenandtherose⁠ / Cake: @missladybirdcakes⁠ ⁠ [Image description: A two-tier white buttercream wedding cake with vintage-style piped detailing is adorned with dramatic fresh florals in deep crimson, ivory and plum tones. Red and white roses, burgundy foliage and a single purple bloom cascade across the cake, creating a striking contrast against the crisp white icing.]⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #TheAfterDarkIssue #AustralianWeddings #RealWeddings #EveningWeddings
“Don't sweat the small stuff. It’s cliché, bu “Don't sweat the small stuff. It’s cliché, but it’s true.”⁠ ⁠ What happens when you swap flowers for dramatic lighting, host your ceremony inside MONA's Void and finish the night with mini hot dogs?⁠ ⁠ Jo and Matt's Hobart celebration answered that question in spectacular fashion. ⁠ ⁠ See it now on Polka Dot Featured!⁠ ⁠ Photographer: @jonathanwherrett / Venue: @monamuseum / Ceremony Officiant: @rachael_calvert_weddings / Cinematographer: @lightnoisefilms / Bride's Dress: @alcalinebride / Groom's Jacket: @gucci / Groom's Bow Tie: @lenoeudpapillon / Bonbonniere: @haighschocolates / Fragrance: @lelabofragrances⁠ ⁠ [Image one description: Captured in a purple-and-blue light, the couple pose in a black void, looking off-camera.] The bride wears a silk white dress with puff sleeves and an A-line cut. The groom wears a Gucci jacquard smoking jacket and a bow tie.⁠ ⁠ Image two description: The couple stand in front of MONA's the Giant Ear, part of the Confessionals exhibit. The groom stands behind his bride as they laugh together, with his hands on her hips. ⁠ ⁠ Image three description: Sitting within a spotlight, the couple sign their marriage papers at their ceremony. Seated on a blue and gold love chair, the rest of the room is blanketed in shadows.]⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #TheAfterDarkIssue #AustralianWeddings #RealWeddings #EveningWeddings #ModernArtWedding #MONAWedding
Sydney couples: have you booked your wedding photo Sydney couples: have you booked your wedding photographer yet? If not, you MUST check out the beautiful work from the team at @lightheartwedding! ⁠ ⁠ If you’re looking for a photographer/cinematographer to not only tell your story but create beautiful visuals to SHOW your story, then you’re in the right place. ⁠ ⁠ Their goal? To give you the ability to relive the magic of your wedding for years to come. ⁠ ⁠ Our goal? To give you all the details you need to book the team! Find out more on the Polka Dot Directory – link in bio!⁠ ⁠ !! If you’re a wedding photographer, we’d love to get your work in front of fresh eyes! Head to the link in our bio to find out if a Polka Dot Membership is the next step your business needs!⁠ ⁠ [Image description: A couple stands at their altar in a church with a huge chandelier hanging above them, and a beautiful stained glass window in the background. The wedding party stands on either side of the couple, dressed in black suits and dresses. While the bride wears a low-back white gown with a long flowing veil, and the groom wears a classic tux with a white jacket.]⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #FeelGoodWeddings #AustralianWeddings #AustralianWedding #WeddingVendors #WeddingDirectory #WeddingWebsite #WeddingInspo #WeddingInspiration #WeddingBlogger
We’re always going to be drawn to weddings that We’re always going to be drawn to weddings that put people at the centre of everything, and Brad and David’s celebration did exactly that!⁠ ⁠ If you’re planning a wedding and looking for a reminder that the best celebrations are often the ones centred around connection, you’ll want to read this one.⁠ ⁠ Head to Polka Dot Featured to find their full feature now!⁠ ⁠ ⁠Photographer: @blackandcophoto / Venue: @thebethnal / Flowers: @demavi_weddings / Ceremony Officiant: @venitamanningcelebrant / DJ: @red_seven_group_entertainment / Hair & Makeup Artist: @elc_mua / Content Creator: @hercreativelens.wed / Wedding Cake: @cremeble / Groom’s Attire: @institchu⁠ ⁠ [Video description: short shots from Brad & David’s wedding flash across the screen as “Stand By Me” by Florence + The Machine plays in the background.]⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #FeelGoodWeddings #AustralianWeddings #BrisbaneWedding #RealWedding
“Make sure you plan together – you're a team! “Make sure you plan together – you're a team! Split the planning equally – it's both of your days after all!! In saying that, don't overplan the day and have the wedding YOU want, not the wedding that's trending.” – @hayleyamarlow & @vipergtsr⁠ ⁠ One of our favourite details from Michael and Hayley's whimsical wedding? How they planned the reception so they'd actually get to spend the night together... and eat the amazing food they'd paid for!⁠ ⁠ Add in a stunning green gown, vibrant summer flowers and plenty of DIY projects, and you've got a feature you'll want to bookmark.⁠ ⁠ Find the full story on Polka Dot Wedding now!⁠ ⁠ Photographer: @jacksongrantweddings / Venue: @jackalopehotels / Bride's Dress: @teutamatoshi / Jewellery: @sarahgardnerjewellery / Bride's Veil/Hair Accessories: @loefflerandall / Wedding Cake: @beurrecakes / DJ: @littlewolfentertainment / Flowers: @jolaverflowers / Groom's Attire: @peterjacksonau / Hair & Makeup Artist: @makeupbysophieknox / Invitations & Stationery: @hayleyamarlow / Ceremony Officiant: @stanbymeceremonies⁠ ⁠ Image descriptions can be found in the comments or alt descriptions. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #TheAfterDarkIssue #AustralianWeddings #RealWeddings #WhimsicalWedding
“Do not stress about the small things. Focus on “Do not stress about the small things. Focus on the food and the music!!! People will remember good food always.” – @adamatuassa ⁠ ⁠ A registry ceremony with seven guests, a cocktail party that kept going, and plenty of inspiration for anyone planning a smaller celebration. ⁠ ⁠ From the rich, earthy styling to the thoughtful fashion choices, Ada and Jarrod's wedding is proof that intimate doesn't mean understated. See the full feature on Polka Dot Featured now!⁠ ⁠ Photographer: @alexcarlyle / Bride's Dress: @chatsbycdam / Reception Venue: @genovesecoffee / Flowers: @moonmagicfloret / Wedding Planner: @thekuratedco / Wedding Cake: @therese.lum / Hairstylist: @avannaclairestudio / Makeup Artist: @anabelle_ussher_artistry / Musicians: @riversroad_ / Draping: @ss_draping / MC: @withlovemcjess / Content Creator: @socialsainte⁠ ⁠ [Image one description: This couple stand outside their reception space, with orange fabric draped across the doors. The groom wears a dark green suit with a white shirt and brown leather shoes, hands in pockets as he laughs. The bride wears a high-neck white tea-length dress with a bouquet of red lilies draped over her arm. She leans into the groom's neck, mouth open in a laugh.⁠ ⁠ Image two description: A close-up shot of the produce-focused decor in the couple's ceremony. Cauliflower heads nestle with florals, eggplants and a red cabbage. ⁠ ⁠ Image three description: The couple caught in a kiss, reflected in a geometric mirror on a yellow wall. They hold onto each other as the bride pops a foot. Green grapes sit in a silver vase in front of them.⁠ ⁠ Image four description: A close-up shot of the bride's lily bouquet, with a gold charm tucked into the white ribbon wrapped around the stems.]⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #TheAfterDarkIssue #AustralianWeddings #RealWeddings #EveningWeddings #ChicWedding #RegistryWedding
Creating atmosphere at your reception doesn't alwa Creating atmosphere at your reception doesn't always require elaborate lighting. Sometimes, the most effective styling choices are also the simplest.⁠ ⁠ For the After Dark issue, Taylor of the incredible @hueseeka team shares her approach to styling reception tables after dark, from layering candles to create warmth and depth, to designing tables that feel balanced, practical and beautifully considered.⁠ ⁠ You'll also find thoughtful advice on working within venue candle policies, avoiding common styling mistakes and making the most of your budget without compromising on impact.⁠ ⁠ Whether you're planning an intimate dinner or a large celebration, it's a feature full of practical inspiration for creating an evening your guests will remember.⁠ ⁠ Read more via the link in our bio.⁠ ⁠ Photography: @leahcruikshank⁠ / Styling: @storybookandco ⁠ ⁠ [Image description: An elegant outdoor wedding reception table is styled with soft ivory linens, white bentwood chairs and clusters of white hydrangeas and delicate seasonal blooms. Tall glass cylinder vases filled with taper candles create varying heights along the tablescape. Set against a rustic stone wall and surrounded by lush greenery, the neutral colour palette and candlelight create a timeless and romantic setting.]⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #TheAfterDarkIssue #AustralianWeddings #RealWeddings #EveningWeddings

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