The Big Group is one of my favourite event companies. It’s a Melbourne based company run by Bruce and Chyka Keebaugh. Chyka has the most amazing sense of style and so you know anything you’ll come across with The Big Group will be fresh and innovative.

The Big Group cater to a wide array of venues – from your home to highly sought after city venues like the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.

The Big Group is renowned for their amazing events- anyone who has been lucky enough to be a part of one of their catered spring racing carnival marquees would certainly agree the name they have made for themselves is well earned.

The Big Group can help you with everything from floral design to staff to styling. The team will work with you from day one – discussions, ideas and imagination all provided with unique and fresh angles.

They have a huge array of products for you to access as part of your event with them – vintage glassware, centerpieces and lighting are all resources they can provide – it’s only limited by your (and their) imagination! They’ve thought through the little details and work with you to create the whole picture.

The Big Group

http://www.thebiggroup.com.au

info@thebiggroup.com.au
38 – 40 Cubitt Street
Richmond VIC 3141
Ph: 03 9429 0910
Fax: 03 9429 0920

The post The Big Group appeared first on Polka Dot Bride.

I really, really love bringing in different elements to your day to personalise it – using different chairs, beautifully coloured linens (oh how I love coloured linens!) even something as simple as cut crystal glassware or coloured glassware can completely change and freshen up the look you are trying to create.

Stylish Sydney brides – a new hire company has opened it’s doors to the public so rejoice in a new supply of delicious, gorgeous accessories, props and goodies to help you style your wedding day. The Hire End was founded by the talent behind The Style Salon (the newer incarnation of old favourite Angels Dreaming).

The Hire End allows you to select your hire items right from the website. There’s a look book dedicated to showing you interesting ways to use the range, a team of stylists on board to help you pull your storyboard together (free for every hire) and the items? They’re delivered to the venue (and can be delivered interstate on a case by case basis) and can even be picked up after the event.

Different pieces are so worthy of exploration if you’re overwhelmed at how to infuse your personal style and bring your look together- one little element might make all the difference.

Crystal glassware, French Glassware

Moroccan votive

Natural linen Tiffany chair cover over Taupe Tiffany Chair, ivory linen Tiffany chair cover over Taupe Tiffany Chair

Crystal frill candlestick, crystal carafe

White ceramic bud vase

Footed crystal bowl

Crystal bud vases

Images via The Hire End

The post Stylish Event Hire From The Hire End appeared first on Polka Dot Bride.

These gorgeous hand painted cake toppers from The First Snow caught my eye this week!  What a pretty finishing touch to your wedding cake – a custom painted banner to pop into your cake?

Designer Darah hand paints your names onto the topper before converting it to a digital file and printing the design on high quality matte cardstock. Darah can customise the colours to suit your own wedding style and will even work with you to create custom invitation suites. Imagine that pretty floral styling weaving it’s way from the first save the date (complete with gold foil perhaps?) your wedding invitations to the table numbers and of course the cake!

The cake toppers, as well as wedding stationery (and the sweetest ‘will you be my bridesmaid’?) cards are available from the The First Snow Etsy store.

The post Creative Cake Toppers From The First Snow appeared first on Polka Dot Bride.

Interpretation of one space in many ways is one of my favourite things. You might remember we recently shared Relaxed Summer Wedding Ideas  a few months ago. Well today we’re back at the same venue – Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel again with the same photographer, Milque Photography & Films but a completely different look thanks to stylist Claire Delmar.

Using her own props and a deep indigo and navy with silver colour palette, Claire turned the space into something completely different and it’s just brimming with modern Autumnal wedding ideas.

Autumnal tones of eggplant and browns are added to the sideboard with fresh bread and plums placed upon wooden boards. Beurré Bosc pears sit in black net baskets and piles of luscious grapes are piled upon silver stands.

Vessels in different shapes and textures hold foliage and blooms in tones of white and green. I love the beautiful textures chosen – ferns, olive branches and hydrangeas all feature heavily throughout the shoot.

I think the element I love most in this setup are the indigo and charcoal toned table linens. The darker blues add such a modern look to this setup when paired with the dark edged stationery, the berries and the silver flatware.

Berries are one of my favourite additions when it comes to texture with wedding floral arrangements and berries work wonderfully in Autumn especially in complementing indigo hues.

Navy blue plates are combined with clear and green glassware. White and navy carved candles with a botanical print table runner finish off the look.

The finishing touch on the mantle – mercury silver frames left empty with silver cups. Greenery spills from a nearby silver vessel next to a carved navy candle. The combination of elements, texture and colour lift this styling to something modern and sophisticated.

The post Modern Autumnal Wedding Ideas appeared first on Polka Dot Bride.

When I first saw these bright and colourful images from much loved home-wares designer Bonnie & Neil I fell in love. The beautiful bold colours, the floral garlands, the sherbet coloured chairs, the mismatched plates. The entire setting can be so easily replicated for a wedding – bold bright, abstract patterns and colours with plenty of bloom filled touches!

The shoot, which showcases the brand new Bonnie & Neil South Pacific Collection captured by Armelle Habib and styled by Heather Nette King perfectly blends rich turquoise with cranberry,  soft sherbet pink with green, blue and yellow and watermelon pinks with hues of Summer. The styling never looking tizzy or over the top, grounded by the natural linen tones of the raw materials.

Designers Bonnie Ashley and Neil Downie are continually inspired by their backgrounds in floristry, art, textiles, furniture and set design creating everything from unique screen printed linen cushions, wall tiles, to ceramics and bedding. My favourites? The tablecloths and runners (such a fun and bright addition to the tables at your reception!).

The post Colourful Tablescape Inspiration From Bonnie & Neil appeared first on Polka Dot Bride.

I love the colours in this modern summer wedding ideas shoot from Byron Loves Fawn and The One Day House. This Summer shoot is all about clean lines, simplicity and an abundance of colourful, trailing floral arrangements.

The duo took a simple garden setting and adorned it with white benches and an angular, white arch for the couple to say their “I do’s”. A taupe aisle runner and wooden signing bench and table bring the look back to its natural surroundings, while the floral arrangements. A simple vase on the table and a colourful arrangement on just one corner of the arch make for a colourful celebration.

For the reception, a pale grey table linen is complemented by grey crockery vases, lime-washed style wooden chairs and clear glassware. Hints of black and deep tones are added through vases and place cards which are juxtaposition against bright blooming floral arrangements with added pineapples!

The finishing touch? A stationery suite of black and white, something that for Summer is completely unexpected, yet in this setting works with it’s relaxed, hand-lettered calligraphy.

The post Modern Summer Wedding Ideas appeared first on Polka Dot Bride.

These beautiful blue bridal ocean portraits caught our eye recently with their stunning ethereal feel. That stunning blue and silver gown and that bouquet work so beautifully with their surroundings.

Our dream team of photographer Little Black Bow Photography, florist Miss Adams Florist, gown designer Tarese Klemens, makeup artist Steff Matheson and model Kerrie Anne Peterson teamed up to create a shoot that was inspired by a poem by Tyler Kent White.

“I will always love you,
like the ocean love the shoreline;
in gentle waves
in violent waves
in rising tides
from sinking moons,
I will always love you”

The ocean set the scene for a gown and bouquet with bohemian, dreamy styling, the dramatic oceanside setting playing up the romance and beauty of the details.

The post Beautiful Blue Bridal Ocean Portraits appeared first on Polka Dot Bride.

I love a gorgeous wedding sign and in recent years, it seems they are popping up at every wedding. Another way to stamp your own personal style on your wedding day, wedding signs are a brilliant way to welcome guests, give information such as your wedding hashtag or itinerary, guide guests in the right direction or simply encourage them to get on the dance floor! Today we’re rounding up 35 wedding signs to guide the way. Click on through!

The post 35 Wedding Signs To Guide The Way appeared first on Polka Dot Bride.

With Spring here it is definitely the time for outdoor celebrations and this fun gold & purple rainforest inspiration shoot is filled with lush details and plenty of colour and certainly gorgeous enough to set you on the inspiration path for your own tropical celebration.

The Queensland based team of photographer Kyle Richardson Photography, Adorn Event Hire, Gowns of Elegance, Gathering Events, Gold Wedding Hire,  Elly Hartley Designs, Carol Saintpierre and Sami Cuff‘ took to beautiful Queensland venue Bundaleer Rainforest Gardens 

Stylist Amanda of Adorn Event Hire who conceived the shoot, along with styling the decor and florals for the day notes, “I wanted to do an outdoor shoot that was fun, colour filled, relaxed but still elegant and pretty. The inspiration came from cushions of all things, and our handsome peacock (aptly named Reginald after my late Grandfather – he liked to dress up all suave for the ladies haha). The vibrant colours of the watercolour floral cushions carried over to the colourful florals in the asymmetrical bouquet with royal blue ribbon ties to match Reg.”

Amanda’s resident peacock (Reginald) was the star of the show with copper furniture, gold cutlery (from Gold Wedding Hire) and purple glassware  complementing the tropical inspired ferns and dreamy watercolour styled stationery from Elly Hartley Designs. The caravan bar from Gathering Events whipping up bright and colourful cocktails that set the scene for a beautiful outdoor garden celebration.

The post Gold & Purple Rainforest Wedding Inspiration appeared first on Polka Dot Bride.

With pink quartz the Pantone colour of the year, the Polka Dot team decided to celebrate by weaving the classic, gorgeous colour  through four different bridal looks (chic minimal, beautiful bohemian, classic elegance and luxe black tie).  A rose quartz wedding inspiration shoot to inspire your own day – no matter your wedding day style!

We were so lucky to be joined by Polka Dot Bride readers Rodrigo and Daniella who volunteered to be our “bride and groom” for the day (and how beautifully did they do? Thank you so much Rodridgo and Daniella!

Photographers Captured By Pavel were led by Ms Filigree (Katherine Eleyce ) at Sydney University’s Host Co which worked out to be the most stunning backdrop for our four looks.

Form Over Function styled four different bouquets and boutonnieres for our bride and groom and Amy Chan worked her magic to create four different hair and makeup styles for Daniela.

Daniella and Rodrigo dressed to the nines thanks to Calibre, Perfect Day Bridal, Chic Nostalgia, Wendy Makin, Pronovias, Demetrios, Badgley Mishka, Freya Rose,  The White Collection, Roman and French and Samantha Wills.

I can’t wait to show your even more of this shoot – we’ll unveil each of the hair and makeup looks with step by step tutorials very soon.

Our first look “chic minimal” was all about clean lines and modern styling. Amy Chan used soft pink shades paired with bold lips to add a touch of glamour.

Our bride, Daniella wore a modern Chic Nostalgia gown from Perfect Day Bridal with a sweetheart illusion neckline. For a touch of sparkle, the simple white bridal shoes by Badgley Mishka from The White Collection were encrusted on the heel with crystals. A simple bracelet with just one crystal from Roman and French finished the look.

For the floral touch,  Alicia of Form Over Function created a simple bouquet of pale pink arum lilies. The blush shade with apple green stems tying in beautifully to the minimal styling.

Our groom, Rodrigo wore a smart deep blue print suit from Calibre. Named the “Windowpane” suit, the royal blue colour with the square pattern detail worked back beautifully with brown shoes and a single arum lily boutonniere.

We decided on a beautiful boho style for look number two! A gorgeous long sleeve lace  Wendy Makin gown has a beautiful relaxed, but so very elegant vibe to it. Form Over Function styled a very loose and bohemian inspired sheath bouquet of cherry blossom branches, arum lilies and pink blooms.

Amy Chan swept Daniella’s hair into a low bun for this look, letting some of her hair hang loose to frame her gorgeous face.  A half choker, hairpiece and crystal band added a touch of sparkle to the look – all by Samantha Wills.

We added blue (to honour the beautiful tones of serenity blue) to Rodrigo’s style with a jacket, pants and shoes from Calibre. The blue chambray linen of the blazer paired with ecru chinos gave the look a fresh feel while still looking smart and so very dapper.

A classic wedding is always a favourite – there is after all a lot to love about tradition! For this look, we, of course, started with a dapper tuxedo from Calibre for Rodrigo complete with a black bow tie!

Daniella wore an off the shoulder lace sleeve gown by Pronovias from Perfect Day Bridal  who also added  the classic wedding veil. The long lace sleeves and off the shoulder shape to Daniella’s ballgown was given an extra special touch with the waist bow detailing. Sparkling drop earrings from Roman and French were the only jewels needed.

Amy Chan swept Daniella’s hair into a higher, sleeker bun for this look with soft pink makeup – finishing off with rosebud pink lips, while Alicia of Form Over Function created a beautiful rose quartz bouquet with the prettiest pink ribbon combining fluffy pink peonies with blushing bride, proteas, and delicate astilbe. I love that the different textural blooms were used as an alternative to the classic single bloom bouquet.

Everyone adores a little luxe black tie and of course, continuing with Rodrigo with his dapper Calibre tuxedo, we dressed Daniella in a sparkling beaded gown with silver sequins and an illusion neckline from Demetrios – which is, of course, the essence of luxe! Daniella added heels by Badgley Mishka from The White Collection.

I adore the  classic pale pink rose bouquet by Form Over Function. But this one? It isn’t your standard rose bouquet, the long stems on the roses giving a sense of glam sophistication.

Amy Chan styled Daniella’s hair and makeup into a beautiful bun with swept curls and a sparkling hairpiece from Roman and French (who also created the fun beaded clutch).

The post Rose Quartz Wedding Style Inspiration appeared first on Polka Dot Bride.

I love the drama of bold back and this black botanicals wedding inspiration shoot – the team creating a look that centred around rich deep tones of black, raisin, green and of course the glamour of gold.

A raw wood table is decorated with a simple black-footed vessel holding a cascading deeply toned arrangement. Tall taper candles in shades of marsala and black light the way, deep blue crockery is decorated with chic calligraphy place cards and the sweet touches of fresh fruit tying it all together in an expected addition.

Photographer Kylie of Just For Love Photography & Film teamed up with Just For Wedding Photographers, Coco & Confetti, Figgoscope Curates, Bella Bloom Floral Designs, Cake Alchemy, Coco Bride, Begitta Bridal  and  Bella Brides at Little Mountain Studio.

Kylie tells “We loved creating interesting layers throughout the shoot, from the textured ripped paper invitations to the pops of jewel tones throughout the florals, this shoot whispered minimalist grunge meets urban romance in a fun & delicate way.”

The post Black Botanicals Wedding Inspiration appeared first on Polka Dot Bride.

It’s no secret that one of the most loved colours of the year just so happened to be that much loved metallic – copper and today’s shoot, paired with the gorgeous sweet tones of peach, luscious greenery and a modern waterside location do nothing to dull it’s sparkle.

With the modern, waterside backdrop of  Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel , Photographer Amy MacKay teamed up with stylist  Zahli & Shieke  and florist Scribbly Gum Lane to create a modern wedding setting of peacock chairs, gorgeous greenery garlands and copper details – right down to the copperleaf cake by Paper and Poppies. 

Sheree from Zahli & Shieke explaining “We kept the tones earthy with whites, browns and peach flowers amongst the luscious greenery. A hint of rose gold added a feeling of opulence to the overall styling. We imagined guests dressed to impressed in a relaxed setting in the Sunset Room, sipping on cocktails and dining with the finest menu. We brought the outdoors in. Natural, raw elements were included with plenty of foliage from Scribbly Gum Lane, gypsy feathers and hand painted stones. The rose gold vases and candles brought a luxurious touch to the enchanted luxe styling, along with the amazing copper foil cake made by Paper & Poppies.”

The post Peach & Copper Wedding Ideas appeared first on Polka Dot Bride.

Inspired by poetry, today’s wedding inspiration, titled “Enigmatique” is all about the beauty of modern romance with a distinctly feminine twist.

Photographer Amanda of  Peppermint Photography was behind the lens, explaining her inspiration as “The vision I had for Enigmatique was a muted collection of cinematic stirred and inspired frames, each spilling with ardour and mood. Subtley Avant Garde but distinctively feminine, and enthused to create a kind of visual poetry, with the images weaving into a brilliant story of enigmatic souls and old-world romance and charm.”

With the stunning backdrop of Brisbane’s Mous Magazine headquarters as the backdrop, our models Josephine Adeline and Britt Pukallus dressed in beautifully detailed gowns by Gwendolynne and  White Meadow.

Continue reading Enigmatique Romantic Modern Wedding Inspiration

The rolling landscape of  Emu Bottom Homestead was the quintessential setting for today’s shoot of Australian country wedding inspiration.
Our team, lead by Laura of Laurel & Grace the team created a simple look, guided by beautiful jewel-toned floral arrangements and little touches of fun to inspire a country celebration.

Behind the lens was Amanda Kilbourn Photography  capturing our bride (Hayley Augustt), dressed by Anna Campbell in an elegant long sleeve lace gown.

Continue reading Australian Country Farm Wedding Ideas

If there was ever a wedding inspiration shoot that was utterly enchanting, might I suggest this one of modern secret garden party inspiration might just be it?

From the bright neon lights by Neon Poodle to the towering plants from Pop Up Gardens, the carefully crafted paper blooms by Paper Fleur Designs and real ones by Foxglove Flora, it was all about bringing the outside in to create a party worthy of a modern storybook.

Continue reading Modern Secret Garden Party Inspiration

The beauty of ballet is one I hold close to my heart. Beautiful tutu skirts, pretty in pink toe shoes, the grace of moving with your body to create such beautiful shapes is one of the most beautiful art forms.
The romance, then, sets the scene for beauty when it comes to weddings and today’s ethereal ballet inspired wedding inspiration shoot, the most stunning blend of the movement of ballet with the grace of handmade and natural elements.

Continue reading Ethereal Ballerina Wedding Inspiration

If there is one way to celebrate The Black Tie Issue, this celebration of dramatic black tie wedding inspiration juxtaposed with the raw, dilapidated setting will simply give you an entirely new angle on the classic dress code. Rich burgundies (that velvet jacket!) and the golden hue of candlelight, dress up in an ambience that is full of dark moodiness.

With photographer Becky van Straalen Photography set to capture every detail, stylist Beautiful Weddings Australia teamed up with stationer Studio B Couture, cake designer The Sweet Society and floral stylist  Miss Popsy at the raw venue of  Fort Lytton National Park.

Continue reading Dramatic Black Tie Wedding Inspiration In A Raw Setting

If bridal shower’s pretty pastels are completely not your thing, then today? We have the most beautiful treat for you. A bridal shower that ditches tradition and adds bright, beautiful tones, scrumptious, delicious sweet treats,  and stunning floral styling.

With photographer Nerida Phelan Photography, stylists  Betty May Vintage Hire worked their magic with their own hire pieces to create a gorgeous high tea setting, complete with beautifully styled bar cart for tea, a table of delicious cake and of course, the all-important champagne and punch!

Continue reading Bright & Bold Modern Bridal Shower Editorial

When it comes to Italy, there is so much beauty that is easily translatable to an Australian celebration and the dream team behind today’s editorial certainly know how to show off the Italian magic,

Under the guidance of Tweed Coast Weddings, our content creator, Figtree Pictures worked to capture planning of the magic at the beautiful Osteria. The gorgeous look styled and executed by Ivy & Bleu made the most of the garden setting, styling a  magnificent olive branch arbour, for the ceremony, which was topped with vintage filament globe lighting by AVIdeas.

Continue reading Beautiful Italy Inspired Wedding Editorial At Osteria

Minimal styling within a modern setting is so sought after at the moment, and tody’s editorial brings to life pared-back beauty and effortless style in a way that celebrates not just the beauty of a season, but the magic of the transition, of old becoming new, of green becoming brown and all the in-between.

Set at the raw industrial venue of 40rd Event Warehouse, our dream team with photographer Joey George behind the camera, alongside cinematographer Luca Zarik (scroll for the film!), captured a collaboration that was driven by the change of seasons, it’s musings “simplicity meets soft seasonal tones and textures to enchant the senses, warm the heart and honour the magic of that special day” inspired a fresh take on trans-seasonal inspiration.

Continue reading Seasonal Dreaming Wedding Inspiration