Fuelled by a desire to spread more positivity after Australia's LGBTQ marriage plebiscite, Dee decided to combine her loves of writing, storytelling and being around love-filled celebrations by becoming a celebrant. From the very beginning, she has made it her mission to attract like-minded couples by showing up authentically as her full, proud, queer self online and in person.

With her vibrant presence, heartfelt spirit and firm belief that every wedding should be a reflection of the unique couple at its core, Dee is the perfect guide for today's chat on hiring inclusive, values-aligned vendors.

Dee shares her insights on:

• What inclusivity means in the wedding world, extending beyond LGBTQI+ representation to disabilities, neurodivergence, cultural backgrounds and more
• Red flags to watch for when vetting potential vendors' websites, marketing materials and initial communications
• Thoughtful questions to ask vendors to gauge if they will create an affirming atmosphere for your day
• Beautiful real wedding examples of couples who crafted ceremonies and celebrations authentic to their identities
• Practical tips vendors can implement to convey their inclusive practices
• How the wedding industry can continue evolving to better represent all couples

Whether you're a couple on your wedding journey or a vendor striving to be more inclusive, this candid conversation will leave you feeling empowered to plan with your values at the forefront. Dee's warm personality and wise perspective will have you nodding along in agreement and motivated to spread more positivity in this space.

Because at the end of the aisle, your vendor squad should excite and calm you - not cause any doubts about whether they'll honour every beautiful part of who you are.

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

 Custom Celebrations By Dee Instagram

Find Dee

On Polka Dot Wedding: Custom Celebrations By Dee

On The Web: Custom Celebrations By Dee

On Facebook: Custom Celebrations By Dee

On Instagram:  Custom Celebrations By Dee

On Pinterest: Custom Celebrations By Dee

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Nestled 2.5 hours from Melbourne, Mewburn Park marries historical buildings with beautiful country surroundings. With multiple wedding spaces, including a grand clear marquee, and on-site accommodation, it's an ideal choice for a weekend escape wedding. Julia's expertise makes her the perfect guide for navigating marquee wedding logistics.

In this chat, we discuss:

• The amazing history of the family-run Mewburn Park business
• Tips for selecting the right wedding venue
• The importance of vibing with your vendors
• Pros and cons of a marquee wedding
• Key considerations for a summer marquee celebration
• Creative ways to personalize the marquee's blank canvas

From understanding power requirements to preparing for weather contingencies, Julia shares her insights on merging your dream vision with realistic planning. We'll also cover coordinating with other vendors and personalizing marquee decor to craft a unique atmosphere reflecting your styles.

Julia offers a behind-the-scenes look at running a venue, highlighting special moments that make each event memorable - from the pre-ceremony excitement to the magic of the grand reveal. Learn how to create an unforgettable experience by finding the perfect setting and thinking through all the details.

Tune in for a practical guide to planning your marquee wedding at Mewburn Park's breathtaking venue, leaving nothing to chance.

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

Mrewburn Park Instagram

Find Julia & Mewburn Park

On Polka Dot Wedding: Mewburn Park

On The Web: Mewburn Park

On Facebook: Mewburn Park

On Instagram: Mewburn Park

On Pinterest: Mewburn Park

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

With over 15 years of experience, Girl Friday Weddings opened its doors in 2009. This award-winning Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane boutique wedding planning agency offers services ranging from full planning to day-of coordination. Founder Sarah Johnston has built the business around helping couples create their dream wedding, whether that's an intimate elopement or a grand affair.

In this episode, Sarah shares insider tips on how locking in a planner early on can be a game-changing move. She provides a behind-the-scenes look at the strategic decisions that elevate your celebration while keeping it budget-conscious. You'll learn Sarah's approach to assembling a dream vendor team and avoiding common pitfalls and overwhelmed feelings during planning. She also shares advice on crafting a wedding day that feels effortless, seamless and completely you.

In this chat, we discuss:

• The benefits of wedding planners
• What is an in-house planner vs an external wedding planner?
• How can you choose your wedding vendors wisely?
• The value of relationships in weddings How to beat overwhelm and prioritise what is important to you
• The wedding word budge myth
• How to make the most of your wedding budget and figure out what's important

If you're looking to better understand the role of a wedding planner and how they can help craft your perfect day, don't miss this episode

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

Girl Friday Weddings

Celebrant Kate

Find Sarah & Girl Friday Weddings

On Polka Dot Wedding: Girl Friday Weddings

On The Web: Girl Friday Weddings

On Facebook: Girl Friday Weddings

On Instagram: Girl Friday Weddings

On Pinterest: Girl Friday Weddings

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Fortunately, this isn’t an impossible problem. This month's guest, Dani Bartlett exemplifies our point that no one is truly “unphotogenic.” All they need to do is find the right photographer that helps them get comfortable.

Dani is the face,  the talent behind Melbourne-based wedding photography studio, Dani Bartlett Photography, providing wedding photography and family portraits for lovers of fun and colour.

In this chat, we discuss:

• How to not feel awkward posing for wedding photos
• What to look for in wedding photographers
• Balancing candid and formal photographers
• Completely candid vs guided candid photographers
• Games for candid photography
• Effective posing techniques
• Breathing fresh life into family portraits

Your wedding photos are treasures you only have one day of getting. You’ll probably look through hundreds of wedding photographers as you search for the right one. One way to help you is to look through their galleries. That way, you can get a clearer sense of the ins and outs of their work throughout the ceremony.

When you’ve chosen a photographer, communication is key. Meet with them in person, have dinner, and just chat to help you get to know them better and—importantly—feel more comfortable. How relaxed you feel with them allows you to feel more confident in front of the camera on your pre-wedding shoot and wedding day, and it’ll translate in the photos.

Ultimately, what’s important is to trust your photographer and have fun. Communicate what you want and trust their direction. They might throw a prompt or game at you to lighten your portraits. Go with the flow. Explore where the prompts take you; you’d be surprised at how lovely you and your partner look when you’re just relaxing and having fun.

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

Dani Bartlett Photography

Find Dani Bartlett Photography:

On Polka Dot Wedding: Dani Bartlett Photography

On Facebook: Dani Bartlett Photography

On Instagram: @danibartlettphotography

On Pinterest: Dani Bartlett Photography

Find Dani Bartlett:

On LinkedIn: Danielle (O’Halloran) Bartlett

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Steph is the Owner and Director of Nunu Designs, award-winning wedding florists passionate about making your event even better than how you imagined.

In this chat we discuss:

●      The difference between a wedding stylist and wedding florist 

●      Hiring the right wedding stylist and florist 

●      How to start the styling process

●      Bringing style and floral ideas to life

●      Budgeting for styling

●      Deciding the final look

●      Personalising a wedding’s style

●      Streamlining the styling process

Arguably, one of the most critical parts of a wedding is its look. Whether you’ve been thinking about what your dream wedding would look like since you were a kid, saved design inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram, or haven’t got a clue about flower pairings, a professional stylist and florist will help you bring your ideas to life.

It’s integral to build trust and a rapport with your vendor. Ultimately, it’s a collaboration between you and them. 

Meeting with the stylist, whether face-to-face or online, allows you to explain your thoughts in detail to help them make the best design decisions on your behalf. They can help you stay within your budget while maintaining the wow factor and personalisation of your wedding. 

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

Nunu Designs

Find Nunu Designs:

On Polka Dot Wedding: Nunu Designs

On Facebook: Nunu Designs

On Instagram: @nunuau

On Pinterest: @nunudesignsau

Find Steph Jordan:

On LinkedIn: Stephanie Jordan 

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

In this chat we discuss:

• How we each approached planning our own weddings
• The pros and cons of DIY weddings
• Planning your wedding together as a couple
• Wedding mission statements
• Protecting your emotional bandwidth
• The post-wedding comedown
• How to have fun while wedding planning

Weddings are a celebration of a couple’s love story, so it’s only right that both partners are involved in the planning process.

Before you begin, draft a wedding mission statement together. Write down and decide the most important aspects of your wedding. The mission statement will serve as your guide, allowing you to prioritize what’s essential and to compromise on what’s not. It also ensures that both of your wishes are reflected on your big day.

If you’d like, you can create a joint email address so that both partners are always in the loop about wedding planning. Attending meetings together is also a good strategy. Always be open and honest about how you’re feeling and the responsibilities that each of you can take on. It’s important to spend time together outside of wedding planning and to make time for self-care.

When things get too overwhelming, don’t be afraid to seek help. Delegate tasks to friends and family members who are willing to step up. Lean on your vendors because they can help lighten your mental load. Hire a wedding planner or give yourself more time, if that’s what you need.

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Lucas is the drummer and band leader of Orlando Combo, one of Melbourne’s finest jazz bands. The band regularly performs at the Australian Tennis Open, Australian Grand Prix, AFL Grand Finals, and of course, weddings!

In this chat we discuss:

• About Orlando Combo
• Orlando Combo's jazz wedding repertoire
• Setting the mood for the ceremony and reception
• Music for guests of all ages
• Building the ultimate wedding playlist
• The perks of live bands
• Rearranging songs for the wedding
• Lucas’ go-to song for weddings

Before you start building your ultimate wedding playlist, consider the flow of the day. For the ceremony, you can have instrumental music or music with lyrics. If you choose the latter, make sure the message of the song suits the occasion. Typically, gentle melodies work best during the processional and then it’s followed by more upbeat tunes during the recessional.

The volume of music is also worth paying attention to. Guests will want to mingle and chat at the start of the reception, so light music should be sufficient. The music shouldn’t be at full blast the whole time, because it can make the wedding feel a little one note (pun intended!).

The perks of having a live band like Orlando Combo is that they’re skilled musicians who can read the room and adjust accordingly. Couples can also ask a live band to reimagine personally meaningful songs so that it’s included in their big day. Song choice does matter, but how they’re performed definitely affects the crowd’s engagement and enjoyment.

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

Orlando Combo

What Would They Know? Lucas Evans of Orlando Combo

Find Orlando Combo: 

On Polka Dot Wedding: Orlando Combo

orlandocombo.com.au

On Instagram: @orlandocombo

On Facebook: Orlando Combo

On YouTube: @OrlandoCombojazzbandMelbourne

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Apart from being a wedding celebrant, Josh is also the author of The Rebel’s Guide to Getting Married. He and his wife Britt are the founders of the Elopement Collective, a team of vendors that create epic elopements in Australia and around the world.

In this chat we discuss:

• The history of wedding celebrancy
• The Rebel’s Guide to Getting Married
• Personalizing the wedding ceremony
• Overcoming stage fright
• Honouring your identity and story with unique elements
• How to deal with pushback from friends and family

To personalise your wedding ceremony, begin by reflecting on who you are and what you value as a couple. From there, pick out vendors who understand how to make your vision come to life.

Now, what you’d like to include in your ceremony is entirely up to you. If you feel like you have to incorporate non-traditional elements, go for it! There might be some qualms about it, but your family and friends will understand as long as you speak to them from a place of love.

Vows and readings don’t have to be flashy, they just have to be true. Some couples get stage fright standing in front of a crowd. To overcome this, choose the venue, time, and guests that you’re most comfortable in. You’ll feel a lot less nervous when you’re in right environment. Remember: the wedding ceremony isn’t about putting on a show. It’s about celebrating your union in the most authentic way possible.

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

Josh Withers
Elopement Collective
Understanding “The Wedding Tax” With Josh Withers

Find Josh Withers: 

On Polka Dot Wedding: Josh Withers Wedding Celebrant
withers.co/celebrant
On Instagram: @hellojoshwithers
On Facebook: Josh Withers
On LinkedIn: Josh Withers

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding
On the website: polkadotwedding.com
For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present

Tessa is the owner of Bridesmaids Only, your one-stop shop for wedding party attire.  With over 10,000 designs, they have a wide range of styles, colours, fabrics and sizes that cater to every body type. Their “Try Before You Buy” service is a godsend, allowing bridesmaids to try on outfits in the comfort of their own homes.

In this chat we discuss:

• About Bridesmaids Only
• Sensitive conversations with your wedding party
• When to start preparing wedding attire
• Who pays for wedding attire?
• Styling according to wedding theme
• Accommodating everybody’s preferences
• Future trends for wedding party outfits

Before you begin the shopping process, it’s important to discuss the budget and style preferences of your wedding party. Knowing all these details beforehand will make for a much smoother coordination of outfits. With that being said, allot around four to six months of preparation so you can have a good array of options.

There is no set rule for who should pay for the wedding attire. But generally, the bridesmaids and groomsmen purchase their own apparel that they are happy to keep in their wardrobes. If the couple insists on a certain style, they usually shoulder the costs for their wedding party.

When it comes to matching the wedding theme, a specific colour or fabric is a helpful starting point. Mixing and matching styles is another great option to accommodate multi-gendered parties. Never underestimate what flower bouquets can do to make a look cohesive!

Ultimately, each person will have their own taste. Respecting everyone’s choices so they can look and feel their best is key to dressing your wedding party.

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

Bridesmaids Only

Find Bridesmaids Only: 

On Polka Dot Wedding: Bridesmaids Only
bridesmaidsonly.com.au
On Instagram: @bridesmaidsonly
On Facebook: Bridesmaids Only
On Pinterest: @TheOnlyCo

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding
On the website: polkadotwedding.com
For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present

Rod Micallef, the director of Zonzo Estate, is here to talk about their humble beginnings as a restaurant and how they became one of the most booked wedding venues in Yarra Valley. Fun fact: Rod met his wife at Zonzo Estate and of course, got married there!

In this chat we discuss:

• Zonzo Estate's unique approach to weddings
• Zonzo Estate's restaurant, farm, and winery
• Advantages of having one venue for your wedding day
• Creating a network of trusted suppliers
• How to choose your all-in-one venue
• A seamless wedding day at Zonzo Estate
• All-in-one venue vs blank canvas space
• Styling the venue tastefully
• How Zonzo Estate stays on trend

Having a single venue for your big day isn’t always cheaper, but it’s a lot less work for everyone involved. Parking and transportation become non-issues since there is only one location. Guests can make themselves comfortable without having to think of a place to wait at until the reception. The couple isn’t rushed from location to location either, allowing them to go at their own pace. All in all, the day flows better and there are more opportunities for the guests and couple to mingle.

There are a few things to consider when choosing your all-in-one venue. Are there multiple sites? Weddings take a full day, and it can feel like a long day without a change of scenery. Ask about weather contingency plans and the overall flow of the ceremony and reception. Couples are also encouraged to meet the staff so they can gauge if they feel comfortable with them and their service.

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

Zonzo Estate

Vendor of the Week – Zonzo Estate

What Would They Know? Rod Micallef of Zonzo Estate

Find Zonzo Estate: 

On Polka Dot Wedding: Zonzo Estate

www.zonzo.com.au

On Instagram: @zonzoestate

On TikTok: @zonzo_estate

On YouTube: @zonzoestate

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding
On the website: polkadotwedding.com
For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

• The humble beginnings of Polka Dot Wedding
• The Polka Dot Wedding team
• Inclusivity in wedding blogs
• Changing the name “Polka Dot Bride”
• Polka Dot Wedding’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity
• How to be featured on Polka Dot Wedding
• The perks of the Polka Dot Wedding membership

Polka Dot Wedding was founded nearly two decades ago. Before the advent of social media, there weren’t a lot of online resources to turn to. Dorothy turned to blogging as means to share her love and excitement for all things weddings.

Dorothy has always been conscious of showcasing diverse stories. But it wasn’t until she read about Zee Scott’s experience of racism that led her to re-evaluate Polka Dot Wedding’s commitment to inclusivity.

To make a safe, shared space for everyone, Polka Dot Wedding’s efforts include removing offensive words and inappropriate imagery and adding subtitles, transcripts, and image descriptions on all applicable forms of media. With a monthly target to keep them accountable, the team actively seeks out stories that represent all kinds of ages, sizes, gender, and disabilities.

If you would like to submit a story, head on over to Polka Dot Submissions. For vendors who are interested to be a part of our directory,  join the Polka Dot Family here. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

Talking Business: The Juggle Of Businesses, Passion & Life With Zee Scott

The Polka Dot Wedding Diversity & Inclusion Statement

Polka Dot You

Polka Dot Featured

Polka Dot Made

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

In this chat we discuss:

• How Racquela and Michael met
• Racquela & Michael’s intimate first wedding
• Their second wedding at Kantara House
• Choosing wedding gowns
• Highlighting the venue’s natural charms
• Racquela and Michael’s wedding vendors
• How to adapt to unforeseen events
• Advantages of a nearby honeymoon
• Dealing with post-wedding blues

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

Folk Lane Photo
Elliatt
The Boys Studio
Bonnie Lass Films
Marry Me Sarah B
Sydney Flower Market
MB Apparel
SK Menswear
Kantara House
Brewbike
Honey-Belle Cakery
Red Soda Band
Kartik Kuna
Hey Sweet Peach
Creative Booth
Ervan Woo
Events to Adore
The Iconic
Rebecca Vallance

Read more of Racquela’s stories on Polka Dot Wedding: 

Racquela’s “How To Marry A Guy In 10 Days” Wedding To Michael
Racquela & Michael’s Perfect Dreamy & Stormy Wedding Day!
Racquela & Michael’s Honeymoon Tales in New South Wales
Pandemic Planning: A Love Letter To COVID Couples!
A Helpful Guide For The Post-Wedding Blues
Racquela & Michael’s Honeymoon Tales in New South Wales

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

 
Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

To help us make sense of wedding stationery, Natalie Reidy of A Tactile Perception shares her industry expertise. She is passionate about being creative with paper and stationery, providing a totally touchable experience for her couples over anything digital. When she's not designing, Natalie enjoys being at home with her partner, two children and two-step children, and baking something chocolatey in the kitchen!

In this chat we discuss:

• When to look for a stationery designer
• Different kinds of printing
• Planning a cohesive aesthetic
• Inclusions of a basic stationery set suite
• How to personalize wedding stationery
• 2023 trends for wedding stationery
• Eco-friendly wedding stationery
• Addressing and wording the wedding invites
• Other stationery to consider

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

A Tactile Perception

Find Natalie Reidy: 

On Polka Dot Wedding: A Tactile Perception

atactileperception.com.au

On Instagram: @atactileperception

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Kris McKee is a former nurse, and an independent florist with a strong focus on creating designs that are beautiful, original, full of personality, unique, and, most importantly, bring joy. She is also committed to creating florals with a sustainable focus that prioritizes the negative impact on our environment.

In this chat, we discuss:

• Why Kris became a florist
• How a nursing career shaped how Kris runs her flower business
• The sentimental value of flowers
• Understanding the language of flowers
• How to make sustainable flower choices for your wedding
• How bad is floral foam for the environment?
• Ways to reduce the environmental impact of your wedding
• How to have a wonderful flower display and still keep to your budget
• Tips for choosing a florist for your wedding
• Great ways to donate flowers after a wedding

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

Kris McKee Floral Design 

Find Kris: 

On her website: Kris McKee Floral Design 

On Polka Dot Wedding: Kris McKee Floral Design

Kris on Instagram: @kris.floraldesign

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Leo is a wedding photojournalist based in Melbourne. When he was just starting out, his documentary-style photography stood out from the mainstream approach of posed photography. Until now, he has a penchant for capturing candid interactions between couples and their guests.

In this chat we discuss:

• How to choose a photographer
• The photographer's role on the wedding day
• Different photography styles and treatment
• Lighting in different times and seasons
• How important is your wedding timeline
• Wedding photographer’s packages and hours
• Is a shot list necessary?
• Making portrait sessions stress free
• A photographer’s pre- and post-wedding preparations

Couples can look for photographers on Google and Instagram. Referrals from friends, vendors, and celebrants can also give you good leads.

A preliminary meeting with a photographer will give you insight on their personality and shooting style. Do you prefer candid or posed photos? Do you prefer romantic lighting or a moodier aesthetic? Do you get along well with him or her? These are all important factors to consider.

On the wedding day itself, a professional photographer should ideally provide reminders to the couple and keep track of the timeline. Couples don’t have to provide a shot list, but it would be helpful to communicate if they want to document specific guests and moments.

A photographer’s work doesn’t end after the wedding and reception. They have to back up their files and then send highlights that the couple can share. Bear in mind that post-processing images may take up to a few weeks to finish.

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

Leo Farrell Photography

Find Leo Farrell: 

On Polka Dot Wedding: Leo Farrell Photography

www.leofarrell.com

On Instagram: @leofarrellphoto

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

• How to come up with your marriage mission statement
• Finding vendors with the same values
• Managing unsolicited advice and your guest list
• Incorporating culture, religion, & tradition
• Creating less formulaic, more intentional moments
• Staying mindful on your wedding day
• Wedding planning is a joint effort
• Reducing the environmental impact of your wedding

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

Red Eclectic
Less Stuff - More Meaning
Wedding Footprint Calculator

Find Kat Wray:

On Polka Dot Wedding: Red Eclectic
www.redeclectic.com.au
On Instagram: @redeclectic

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding
On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Zee’s love for sweets and performing led her to become a baker, MC, and marriage celebrant. Admittedly, she doesn’t get to sleep much¾not because of work, but because she can’t contain her excitement for life!

In this chat we discuss:

• What it’s like to run several wedding businesses
• Managing burn out
• CRM tools & automation tips
• Being a trendsetter, not a follower
• Being a BIPOC woman in the Australian wedding industry
• How businesses can convey genuine inclusivity
• What's next for Zee Scott in 2023?

It’s easy to get caught up in trends, especially in the wedding industry. Instead of copying what’s in, Zee sticks to her own unique style. She advises other entrepreneurs to be confident in their value proposition and identity.

As a Black business owner, Zee also shares tips for how businesses can be more inclusive. The first step is to examine your marketing materials and language. Update them and collaborate with different communities. Keep on educating yourself, whether through self-study or through a consultant.

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

Zee Scott on Polka Dot Wedding

Zee Scott

17hats

Zapier

Find Zee Scott: 

On Polka Dot Wedding: Zee Scott

www.zeescott.com

On Instagram: @zeescott__

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

She’s been in the biz for 16 years, carefully handcrafting custom jewellery for special occasions. Her grandfather owned a jewellery store, so Jasmine’s love for gems and trinkets started at an early age. In fact, she went to trade school right after high school. Jasmine describes her pieces and signature style as “timeless, but with a contemporary edge”.

In this chat we discuss:

• Customizing an engagement ring
• Ready-made vs custom jewellery
• How to choose the right jeweller
• The four C's of diamonds
• Sourcing ethical jewellery
• How to surprise your partner with a ring
• Remodelling rings
• Matching engagement rings and wedding bands
• Proposing without a ring

Where does one begin in choosing an engagement ring? To start, it’s a good idea to put together a mood board of styles that you and your partner like. Oftentimes, a common theme will stand out that will help narrow down your choice.

Some people prefer picking out a ready-made piece because they can immediately try it on. With custom rings, you can be very detailed with how you want it to look. This is why it’s important to work with a jeweller that shares the same aesthetic preference as you, and whom you can trust.

If you’d like to remodel an old ring, the jeweller will first have to examine if the material is suitable. Whichever option you go for, keep in mind that an engagement ring can someday become a beloved family heirloom that you’ll want to keep for generations.

Find Jasmine Fraser Jewellery: 

On Polka Dot Wedding: Jasmine Fraser

www.jasminefraser.com.au

On Instagram: @jasminefraserjewellery

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Although Serge found himself servicing weddings by accident, he has grown so fond of them that couples make up the bulk of his clientele. He’s been doing this for over 40 years now, and seeing such powerful emotions during weddings never fails to make him feel fulfilled.

In this chat we discuss:

• What to consider before booking entertainment
• Setting up the vibe with music
• Coordination of your wedding music, right down to the songs
• Customizing the first dance song
• How wedding music has changed over the decades
• Getting people to the dance floor

Whether you’re thinking of booking a DJ, comedian, dancer or musical act, check your venue for any restrictions. Some venues have policies regarding the volume or type of music you can play.

As for your entertainment provider, it’s crucial to know if they have a backup plan. In case they are unable to make it, they should be able to arrange for a replacement on short notice.

Wedding music really sets the tone for your celebration. Serge recommends playing upbeat songs during cocktail hour and dinner to keep the mood light and fun. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have romantic songs! Slow tunes work best at the start of the reception, rather than towards the end if you want to keep the party going.

Ultimately, couples should get to play their favourite songs. Guests will flock to the dancefloor if they’re also enjoying the music, so don’t forget to consider them too!

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

DJ:Plus! Entertainment

What Would They Know? Serge Olivieri of DJ:Plus! Entertainment

Find DJ:Plus! Entertainment:

On Polka Dot Wedding: DJ:Plus! Entertainment

www.djplus.com.au

On Instagram: @djplus.entertainment

On Facebook: /DJPlusEntertainment

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Amy Franks is a DIY expert who owns a graphic design (Crumpet Club) and event party business (Make Parties). Her aim for her DIY projects is to bring bright, beautiful, and full colours to her pieces be it crafted papers, streamers, and many more creative pieces to represent not only the occasion but the personality of the person at the heart of the celebration.

In this chat we discuss:

• How Amy & Malen's story began, including the proposal
• Their pre-wedding celebration "FranksFest"
• The DIY decorations that symbolised Amy and Malin's relationship
• How Amy decided what to DIY herself and what to hand over to the pros
• How Amy and Malen decided on their wedding day attire and style
• Amy's rave reviews of her vendors
• Advice for couples planning their own DIY days

Links Mentioned:

Amy & Malen’s Colourful & Handmade Wedding In Melbourne

The Line

Fourside Events

Twelve South Bridal

MJ Bale

Mister Zimi

Peggy & Finn

Brooke Clarke

Sugar Republic 

Bangin Hangins 

Tanya Voltchanskaya

Find Amy: 

Amy’s Instagram

Crumpet Club

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

 
Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

This is why we have Lauren Davie with us today, to help us steer clear of catering disasters. Lauren is the sales and marketing manager at The Farm Café, the exclusive wedding provider at Melbourne’s Collingwood Children's Farm.

In this chat we discuss:

• Booking a caterer on a budget
• Family-style feast or cocktail reception?
• Qualities of an experienced caterer
• Managing portions and different dietary requirements
• Menu tasting by The Farm Cafe
• How to pair drinks with food
• Availability of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Setting up a champagne tower

Most couples will have a specific budget for catering. Some vendors are more affordable than others, and there’s often a reason for that. The difference in food quality, portion, and service are not always obvious, which is why attending menu tastings can be helpful. 

To avoid complications, book a caterer that can supply both food and drinks. An experienced caterer will know how to pair the two, as well as provide enough portions for your guests. In Lauren’s experience, she notes:

“Anyone who's done a few weddings will know how important obviously, the drinks are. And if they haven't made that association of it running out, it's generally a sign. Maybe they're not concerned, maybe they haven't thought about it. Or maybe they don't have the experience you're looking for in a caterer.”

Couples should communicate early on what’s important to them. Guests’ dietary requirements and any feedback should be conveyed so the caterer can plan and adjust accordingly.

 Links & Vendors Mentioned:

What Would They Know? Lauren Davie of Catering by The Farm Café

Collingwood Children’s Farm

The Farm Café

Find The Farm Cafe:

On Polka Dot Wedding:  The Farm Cafe

farmcafe.com.au

On Instagram: @farmcafe_weddings

On Facebook: The Farm Cafe

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

From the ceremony, venue, music, down to the attire, Molly and Malcolm’s wedding was 100% their own. In this chat, they shared all the intimate details of their nuptials and how their chosen vendors fulfilled their vision of a dramatic and moody wedding.

In this chat we discuss:

·       How Molly and Malcolm first met

·       Molly and Malcolm's engagement story

·       Deciding on a wedding theme

·       How they booked the Old Melbourne Jail

·       Their special ceremony that made everyone cry

·       Unique music arrangements and party favours

·       Finding and trusting your vendors

·       Communication while wedding planning

As a self-proclaimed quirky couple, Molly and Malcolm knew their day would be nothing like the usual cookie-cutter weddings. Instead of doing things for tradition’s sake, they were intentional about each aspect. Since they were funding their wedding themselves, there was no pressure to conform to other people’s standards. 

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

Molly & Malcolm’s Moody Candlelit Wedding At Old Melbourne Gaol

Showtime Event Group

Botanics of Melbourne

d’Italia

Review

Georgia Verrells Photography

Dave Le Page Photography

Bagpipes by Robert Crozier

Torte by Mirjana

Suzi Zutic 

Find  Molly & Malcolm: 

On Instagram

Molly @molly_jean_

Malcolm @cassingles

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Kirsten (she/her) is a full-time wedding photographer based in Orange, New South Wales. She's had five years of experience shooting couples across Orange, Blue Mountains, Mudgee, Bathurst, and the central west. Her photography style is an extension of her personality: candid, relaxed, and very natural. She loves the outdoors and she is an absolute pro at capturing photos using natural light.

In this chat we discuss:

• All about Kirsten's hometown of Orange, New South Wales and why you're going to fall in love with it
• Advantages of a country wedding
• Wedding photography in natural light and scenery
• Arranging transportation for guests
• Finding the right country wedding vendors
• Perks of sourcing local vendors and materials
• Availability of country wedding venues
• Guest accommodation, information, and activities
• Other amazing places to consider for a country wedding

Country wedding vendors may not be as abundant, but they’re certainly just as talented as the ones from the city. By supporting local, you have access to produce, flowers, and wine that are unique to the region. It’s a complete farm-to-table experience that you can’t get anywhere else.

Links Mentioned:

The Polka Dot Wedding Country Issue

Polka Dot Wedding Directory

Book Orange

YourStay

Stayz

Collits Inn

Tonic Restaurant

Waldara Farm

Find Kirsten:

Kirsten Cunningham Photography on Polka Dot Wedding

Kirsten Cunningham Photography

On Polka Dot Wedding: Kirsten Cunningham

On Instagram: @KirstenCunninghamPhotography

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Joel is a seasoned wedding photographer at Ava Me Photography for seven years now. His interest in photography began when his first child, Ava, was born. On Facebook, people complimented pictures of his daughter. From then on, he started learning how to work the camera, eventually finding his niche in wedding photography.   

In this chat we discuss:

• Joel’s start in wedding photography
• Building and managing client relationships
• How to capture candid moments
• Wedding day tips for photographers
• Business reflections during COVID-19
• Advice for wedding vendors & businesses

Joel’s photos always turn out amazing because he’s able to build strong bonds with  couples. How does he do it? He shares, “During my meetings, there's no pressure tactics or anything. It's just this nice casual chat about their wedding day. And that's how we start.

Besides continuing the conversation, you're always trying to touch base with clients. And if they do touch base with you, just to give them as much information as possible. Then there's other things such as pre-wedding shoots that you do. And they're probably the most important ones, because the pre-wedding should really help couples see how you work, get to know you a bit more, and just see that dynamic of a couple photographer and how it's going to work on their wedding day.”

Links Mentioned & Find Joel: 

Ava Me Photography on Polka Dot Wedding

Ava Me Photography Website

Ava Me Photography Facebook

Ava Me Photography Instagram

Ava Me Photography Vimeo

Studio Ninja

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Sian and Gavin's love story is the stuff of dreams. Not only did they get married on Gav's grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary, but they also pulled off a seemingly impossible wedding midway through the pandemic.

In this chat, we discuss:

• How Gavin and Sian first met
• Gavin and Sian's engagement story and how Gavin made the proposal as unique as possible
• How Gavin & Sian decided on the details and vendors for their beautifully romantic wedding day
• Wedding venue accessibility checklist
• Tips on how to find the perfect gown, especially if you're in a wheelchair
• The benefits of asking questions when planning a wedding
• How to successfully host an accessible wedding
• Do's and don'ts for an accessible wedding

We hope you enjoyed and found this episode helpful! We’d love for you to share on your socials and tag @polkadotwedding and help us grow our listening community.


Links & vendors mentioned:

Sian & Gavin’s Romantic Blush Farm Wedding

Top Tips For Making Sure Your Wedding Is Accessible (From Those Who Know!)

Planning A Wedding With A Wheelchair

How To Make Your Beach Wedding Accessible For All Your Loved Ones

Bellingdale Farm

Lola’s Wildflowers

David Webber

Figtree Pictures

MJ Bale

Susan Ogg

Strictly Bridal Dance

Find Sian & Gavin:

On Instagram:

Gavin @gclark91

Sian @sianyc23

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Robin started InStitchu with James Wakefield in 2012. At that time, they were looking to build their wardrobe of suits for their corporate jobs. It was rather difficult to find a good-fitting suit that was within their budget. From that experience, InStitchu was born to fulfil the need to provide affordable custom-tailored suits.

In this chat we discuss:

• Finding your own personal style
• How to personalize your wedding attire
• Suiting up for hot and cold climate
• Memorable custom outfits by Institchu clients
• Alternative suiting options
• Institchu’s Perfect Fit Guarantee
• Planning a cohesive dress code for wedding parties and guests
• Tips for a comfortable wedding day

We hope you enjoyed this episode! We’d love for you to share on your socials and tag @polkadotwedding and help us grow our listening community.

Find InStitchu: 

InStitchu

On Polka Dot Wedding: InStitchu

On Instagram: @InStitchu

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Ami is the director and lead coach at Craft Coaching & Development. Her practice is focused on helping individuals adopt a purpose-led business model. As an entrepreneur herself, she knows exactly what it’s like to feel burnt out and lost in business. With 15 years of coaching experience, she uses science-backed techniques and tools to empower her clients to make a positive impact in the world.

In this chat we discuss:

• What is burnout?
• The difference between coaching and clinical therapy
• How to recover from burnout while servicing clients
• Understanding your burnout response
• When to continue, quit, or pivot the business
• Tips to prevent downward spirals

Although burnout seemed like a rather serious topic, our chat was a joy and full of insights.

Find Ami:

Craft Coaching & Development

On Instagram: @craftcoachinganddevelopment

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Ava is a lawyer who works in financial services and probably the epitome of a corporate millennial, she shares that ‘millennial work memes get me through my work week not gonna lie!’.

Ava and Ash got married in May 2021 and just celebrated their first wedding anniversary. 

It was so lovely to have Ava share her experience with us on the podcast.

In this chat we discuss:

• How a four day Hindu wedding celebration works
• How they started their planning and colour palette
• What cultural elements they kept in their celebrations
• And what modern personal touches they included
• Ava’s tips for couples planning a Hindu or cultural wedding
• And Ava’s tips for vendors looking to support couples planning an Indian or cultural wedding

Links Mentioned: 

Ash & Ava’s Colourful & Joyous Hindu Sydney Bayside Soirée!

Polka Dot You

Submit Your Story

Abhishek and Ananya

Doltone House

Eden and Bell

Zola

Canva

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

As part of this podcast we want to bring you helpful conversations from our vendors that will help demystify the wedding planning process and support you to have better experiences with your vendors.

In this ‘Vendor Wisdom’ chat, we discuss:

• What is a wedding run sheet?
• Why do you need one?
• Who should create it?
• Is it a rulebook or a guide?
• What things should be considered when creating one.
• Who should keep an eye on the run sheet on the day?
• And what do you do if the timings all go sideways!

Want to buy your own run sheet template? Check out our shop!

Find Vanessa:
On Instagram: @wedeventcreators
On Facebook: /TheWeddingAndEventCreators
On her website: weddingandeventcreators.com.au

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

As well as sharing wonderful weddings we also want to drop in a few chats about the business of weddings, so for our third episode Dorothy (she/her) is joined by Celebrant Robyn Pattison to talk business

Robyn is a Celebrant, MC, Wedding Pixie and all-round sparkle-spreader. She’s been in the industry for about 13 years (eek) and still hasn't lost her bounce and enthusiasm for storytelling.

In this chat we discuss:

• How it’s too exhausting (and disingenuous) to pretend to be something you’re not
• The importance of finding your people as a wedding vendor
• Breaking the rules and doing things your way
• Bringing joy to ceremonies and weddings
• How to work out if a couple aligns with a vendor
• Why learning the languages of the couples & their families is important to her
• And how connection beats perfection, every time

We hope you enjoyed this episode talking business! We’d love for you to share on your socials and tag @polkadotwedding and help us to share the podcast with more people.

Find Robyn:
On Instagram: @rpmarryme
On her website: robynpattison.com.au
On Polka Dot Wedding Robyn Pattison Marriage Celebrant & Wedding MC

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Peta also has a huge passion for perfume (and other cosmetics tbh). She graduated with first class honours in marine science from the University of Queensland and is now studying her masters, working full time in the environment sector, and making TikToks of course! Peta started her TikTok in lockdown to overcome the mind-numbing boredom. And to this day she is still mucking around and having fun while loving being able to review and test so many wonderful products and provide recommendations for her audience!

In this chat we talk about:

• How fragrance creation actually happens
• How to take care of your fragrances
• Why fragrances are such personal preference
• How to choose a wedding scent
• How to use a scent as a special part of your wedding
• Other ways to incorporate scents into your wedding day

Links & vendors mentioned:

Peta Marine on Tiktok

Professor Perfume

Nearly Nose Blind

Jo Malone

Jo Malone Fragrance Experience

Mecca 

Scent Australia

Diptyque

Maison Margiela Replica

“APRÉS” Ellis Brooklyn 

 “By The Fireplace” Replica 

“Under The Lemon Tree” Replica 

“Whispers In The Library” Replica 

“Haze” Who Is Elijah

“Philosykos” by Diptyque

Find Peta:
On Instagram: @petamarine
On TikTok

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Will is 27, originally from the UK. He’s been in Australia for three years and works in marketing. Will and John fell in love with Australia while travelling and love the diversity and inclusivity in Sydney. Will enjoys working out, spending time with friends, watching the sunrise and long walks. He also loves interior design and anything creative and is currently loving furnishing our new apartment. Will and John love travelling and hope to travel even more now that we are able to again.

In this chat we discuss:

• How Will & John ensured their day felt relaxing and not constrained by time
• Their approach to choosing vendors
• Why they chose their suits first when planning their wedding
• How they found LGBTQIA+ friendly vendors
• Will’s advice to the wedding industry on making things more LGBTQIA+ friendly
• Plus Will’s tips on planning a day that is uniquely yours.

Will shares, ‘Do it your way. Honestly, don't worry about anyone else. Just do it exactly how you want to do it. You know, weddings cost a lot of money, a once-in-a-lifetime experience and just don't be restricted by those wedding norms and just use the vendors that you know, and trust and you'll have a great day.’

We hope you enjoyed our very first episode! We’d love for you to share on your socials and tag @polkadotwedding and celebrate the launch with us.

Links & vendors mentioned:

Will & John’s Intimate Wedding On The Sydney Harbour Bridge

BridgeClimb

Park Hyatt Sydney

Merchant and Green

Black Velvet Sydney

Etsy

Across the Forest

AHW Studio

ABC by Brad

Find Will:

On Instagram: @willburton.au
On TikTok: @willburton.au


Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

Wedding pro? Join our membership here.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.