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Candles, Mood and Magic: Styling Your Reception After Dark

14.07.26
Reception Wisdom Styling Wisdom Wisdom
Candles, Mood and Magic: Styling Your Reception After Dark
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BY
Taylor of Huseeka
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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Before your guests notice the flowers, they'll fee Before your guests notice the flowers, they'll feel the room. That warm, inviting glow, sense of intimacy and the atmosphere that makes everyone want to linger just a little longer. That's the magic of candlelight.⁠ ⁠ In our latest After Dark feature, Perth candle stylist Aimee Shadbolt from @lovedbylucyxo shares why candles are so much more than a styling detail. From creating depth and romance to making the most of your styling budget, she explains how thoughtful candle placement can completely transform the way your wedding feels.⁠ ⁠ Whether you're planning an intimate winery celebration or a grand ballroom reception, this guide is full of practical inspiration for creating an unforgettable atmosphere.⁠ ⁠ Tap the link in our bio to read more.⁠ ⁠ Photography: @normanyapphotography⁠ ⁠ [Image description: A luxurious wedding floral installation featuring cascading blush pink and deep burgundy flowers, complemented by glowing pillar candles in glass vases and rich burgundy draping. The installation is set beside a blush velvet chair beneath a timber-framed window.]⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #TheAfterDarkIssue #AustralianWeddings #RealWeddings #EveningWeddings
Celebrate your wedding in timeless style at @thegu Celebrate your wedding in timeless style at @theguildfordhotel!⁠ ⁠ Set in a 19th-century landmark building, the Vaudeville Room’s exposed brick walls, timber floors, and stunning arched windows create the perfect backdrop for your reception. ⁠ ⁠ Ready to make history? Head to the Polka Dot Directory to find out more at the link in our bio!⁠ ⁠ psst! If you’re a wedding vendor looking to boost your bookings – then a Polka Dot Membership might be the perfect thing for your business! Peek the perks at the link in our bio.⁠ ⁠ Photographer: @sunnydazelovers⁠ ⁠ [Image one description: This couple stand behind a Wild Turkey barrel with their cake sitting on top. Sparklers glow on either side of the frame, with pink and orange florals behind them. The couple cut into their cake in celebration with big smiles on their faces. The bride wears a strapless white gown while the groom wears a black suit.⁠ ⁠ Image two description: A shot of the exterior of the venue, with a "Guildford Hotel" sign in the centre of the building, lit up with external lighting.]⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #FeelGoodWeddings #AustralianWeddings #HeritageVenue #WeddingVendors #WeddingDirectory
“HAVE FUN and make it your own! Don’t do the b “HAVE FUN and make it your own! Don’t do the boring stuff if you don’t want to! Start your own traditions and make it unique to you and your partner!” – @jordernmcilwain ⁠ ⁠ Luke and Jordern's Austinmer celebration had a magnetic energy from beginning to end, with vibrant florals, confetti flying down the aisle, drag performances and one very special first dance performed live by their favourite artist: @rubyfieldsm8.⁠ ⁠ Read the full feature now on Polka Dot Wedding!⁠ ⁠ Photographer: @honeybearfilms / Wedding Cake: @Madebymeema / Cinematographer: @honeybearfilms / Ceremony Venue: Glastonbury Gardens / Ceremony Officiant: @kylie_marriage_celebrant / Styling: @be_designed / MC: @ruby.jubilee / Entertainment: @spacehorse / Musicians: @rubyfieldsm8 / DJ: @dj.loraform / DJ: @cherry.ripe.queen / Reception Venue: @wombarra_bowlo⁠ ⁠ [Image one description: ⁠Two grooms share a quiet moment together at sunset on a grassy clifftop overlooking the ocean. One groom, wearing a maroon suit, gently holds the other's face as they smile at one another. The second groom wears a green check blazer with dark trousers.⁠ ⁠ Image two description: ⁠A drag performer with bright red hair performs on a wedding dance floor beneath pink lighting. They wear a sparkling pink, red and white sequinned costume with lace detailing, long pink gloves, a matching choker and knee-high boots.⁠ ⁠ Image three description: ⁠The couple sit on a bench over some grass and in front of a teal brick wall. They can't take their eyes off each other as they rest their joint hands on the groom wearing the check jacket.⁠ ⁠ Image four description: ⁠A two-tier wedding cake in shades of peach, orange and hot pink sits on a white plinth. The cake is decorated with wavy piped buttercream, bright sugar flowers and pink icing details, with two small dog figurines wearing bows at the base. A cake knife tied with pink ribbon rests beside it.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #FeelGoodWeddings #FunWedding #AustralianWedding #RealWedding
Golden hour is beautiful, but there's something tr Golden hour is beautiful, but there's something truly unforgettable about the moments that come just after.⁠ ⁠ As the sky softens and the evening begins to unfold, a dusk wedding ceremony creates an atmosphere that's intimate, romantic and filled with magic. ⁠ ⁠ In our latest feature for After Dark, celebrant @julie_muir_celebrant shares why more couples are choosing to say "I do" at twilight, along with her expert advice on how to make the most of this enchanting time of day.⁠ ⁠ Tap the link in our bio to read the full article.⁠ ⁠ Photography: @julie_muir_celebrant⁠ ⁠ [Image description: A couple embraces on a rugged Australian beach at dusk, looking into each other's eyes beneath a vast pastel evening sky. The bride wears a flowing white dress with lace sleeves, and the groom is dressed in a white linen shirt and beige shorts. Warm sunset light illuminates the rocky shoreline and ocean, creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere for their twilight wedding ceremony.]⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #TheAfterDarkIssue #AustralianWeddings #RealWeddings #EveningWeddings
If your idea of wedding perfection involves incred If your idea of wedding perfection involves incredible florals, black-tie style, golden spring light and a couple who genuinely look like they’re having the time of their lives, today’s feature is for you!⁠ ⁠ Christian and Courtney’s @darlingtonestate wedding is filled with moments that feel both timeless and deeply personal. We loved getting lost in this one, and we think you will too. ⁠ ⁠ Head to Polka Dot Featured to see the full celebration!⁠ ⁠ Photographer: @simone_creative / Flowers: @franc_flora / Content Creator: @contentbycarmen / Hairstylist: @styledbykaila / Makeup Artist: @makeupbymelanie_ / Fabric: @tablelinencoperth / Accessories: @weddingtailswa / Menus & Stationery: @starfish_lane / Accessories: @vintagelettersau / Bridal Salon: @bridalbyaubreyrose / Groom & Groomsmen Attire: @institchu / Bride’s Dress: @oksana_mukha_official / Venue: @darlingtonestate / Ceremony Officiant: @loveactuallyau⁠ ⁠ [Video description: photos from Christian and Courtney’s wedding flash across the screen as “sweetly (71.78)” by jkl plays.] ⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #TheAfterDarkIssue #SpringWedding #AustralianWeddings #RealWeddings
“It’s your day! Do what makes you happy on you “It’s your day! Do what makes you happy on your wedding day.” ⁠ ⁠ Earlier this year, we joined Victoria and Marlon for their engagement shoot at the Waverley Antique Bazaar. Now they're back, and their @groweventspace wedding is every bit as charming!⁠ ⁠ Complete with pre-loved flowers, handwritten notes for every guest, a live illustrator, a cake topper inspired by their anxious pup and the two child-sized ties hidden beneath buttoned jackets.⁠ ⁠ See the full celebration now on Polka Dot Featured!⁠ ⁠ Photographer: @packing.light / Illustration: @angharad.nw / Venue: @groweventspace / Hair & Makeup Artist: @makeupby_lenna / Ceremony Officiant: @marriedbymiri_ / Bride's Dress: @luvbridal⁠ ⁠ [Image one description: A newlywed couple smiles at each other while walking in the rain holding clear umbrellas. The bride wears a flowing white off-the-shoulder gown and veil, while the groom wears a black suit with a white boutonniere. ⁠ ⁠ Image two description: The bride sits on the groom's lap, who leans in close as they smile at each other. A small table with drinks and a slice of their wedding cake sits beside them.⁠ ⁠ Image three description: The couple play rock paper scissors at their ceremony to decide something, both with huge smiles on their faces as they have fun. ⁠ ⁠ Image four description: The groom smiles at the bride and rests her arm around him, with tropical plants surrounding them.]⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #TheAfterDarkIssue #AustralianWeddings #RealWeddings #EveningWeddings #GreenWedding
Nature says hello to metallic materials in today’s volcanic feature!⁠ ⁠ Rather than competing with the rugged cliffs of Flinders Blowhole, @pearlbloom.events leaned into them, layering soft metallic fabrics, sculptural florals and reflective details that catch the light in all the right ways.⁠ ⁠ Tap through to our bio to see the full feature now!⁠ ⁠ Photographer: @olemonade.co / Concept, Design & Styling: @pearlbloom.events / Wedding Planner: @pearlbloom.events / Bride's Dress: @ahrow.bridal / Makeup Artist: @makeupbysl___ / Model: @rushali_pere / Model: @michael.mauro__ ⁠ ⁠ [Image one description: Two models pose on dark coastal rocks surrounded by reflective silver fabric. The front model wears a shimmering charcoal halter gown and holds a large metallic silver star balloon, while the second model sits behind in a dark embellished suit holding a matching star.⁠ ⁠ Image two description: A close-up shot of a model with soft bronzey makeup and a pearl-dotted face.⁠ ⁠ Image three description: Those models now hold mini disco balls as they gaze into each other's eyes against a void-like backdrop.⁠ ⁠ Image four description: A black-and-white portrait of two models standing beneath a transparent umbrella decorated with hanging mirrored squares.]⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #FeelGoodWeddings #AustralianWeddings #WeddingInspo #StyledShoot #MetallicWedding #CreativeWedding

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