Illustration by unraveleddesign

First column: otta dress ~ www.anthrologie.com, thin brown leather belt ~ www.nancybird.com, wood cluster bracelet and necklace ~ www.elkaccessories.com.au, tribute leather sandals ~ www.net-a-porter.com

Second column: wedding venue scene ~ www.onelovephoto.com, wedding invitation ~ www.minimoko.com.au, Lemon meringue image ~ www.weddingstyleguide.com.au, wedding bouquet image ~ www.snippetandink.com

Third column: embossed black bag ~ www.nancybird.com, spring racing clutch bag ~ www.nancybird.com, twin purse ~ www.nancybird.com

Lastly, here is Nancy Birds Facebook page for some great deals!

Thanks to my lovely friend Shannon McDonald who happens to be an amazing photographer for the beautiful pictures.

I apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. Please do not hesitate to email ellen@minimoko.com.au if you have any concerns or queries.

Row One: Candy Stripe Wedding Invitations by mini Moko Designer Stationery, Wedding bouquet taken by Kate Headley Photography on the The Brides Cafe, Marie Bridesmaid Dress by Quail Bridal, Art deco 4.20ct cushion-cut diamond ring with sapphires (yes please!!) by 1st Dibs

Row Two: Vintage Wedding Gown found on Junebug Weddings, Wedding venue details taken at Doltone House, Chanel Nail Polish

Row Three: Tuxedo on Martha Stewart Weddings, Get away Car photographed by Drew B Photography, Wedding Cake by the Hip Hostess, Candy Stripe Wedding Invitations by mini Moko Designer Stationery

Shannon’s photographs are more than just pictures. They are a celebration of relationships. As an artist and mother she understands the bewildering ride of family life including the tears, tantrums, joy, laughter and everything in between. And she often sees all this and more on a shoot!

See what a recent bride had to say:

“Oh Shannon. Really. What can I say. Each time I see more photos of our wedding I am speechless by how utterly beautiful each shot is. I feel truly blessed to have had you as our wedding photographer. Your love of the photographic craft shines so brightly and I can only say to others “run, don’t walk” to book you for any special event they may have.” Caroline

What I love most about the photos taken at this wedding is that you can see that the bride and groom are completely at ease with Shannon, their love shines through. It’s a beautiful intimate wedding and my, isn’t the bride stunning. I am truly looking forward to seeing more wedding photography from Shannon. See her website for more stunning work www.shannonmcdonald.com.au

And now for a few snippets of what Shannon gets up to in her down time:

1). What’s your favourite way to relax at the weekend?

Uh, we have a very active 3-year old boy so relaxing is not really on our radar at the moment! Weekends generally mean family time so we take trips to parks, playgrounds, museums, cafe’s, hang out with friends, grab the Saturday Age somewhere in between and maybe enjoy a shandy or two once the little guy is in bed.

2). Favourite restaurant?

Uh, see above! Restaurants and 3-year olds are no fun for anyone. What I am dying to do again though is Melbourne’s Restaurant Tram. It’s probably not one for the foodies but it’s so much fun watching Melbourne’s amazing views slide past your window whilst you wine and dine with your favourite people. Hilarious.

3). What book are you reading at the moment?

I’ve just started Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. I also always have ‘At Work’ by Annie Leibovitz on my bedside table for a quick burst of inspiration at night.

4). What did you last go and see at the cinema?

Black Swan. I went with a group of girlfriends and we frequently winced at each other in the dark.

5). What is your favourite wedding story?

Probably my own! The dressmaker finished the dress hours before the wedding, my husband’s ring got left in the limo, one bridesmaid had drunk one-and-a-half bottles of champagne before we even got to the ceremony (bad boy), and I felt nauseous all night … probably from too much stress. Apart from all of that we had friends and family fly in from all over the world to celebrate with us in a gorgeous little cabaret bar in South Melbourne and that meant everything to us. And, although our wedding day was a bit shaky, our marriage is as solid as rock and that’s the most important thing.

Thanks Shannon, it’s been awesome!

‘Lovebird Weddings is a boutique wedding planning & styling agency specializing in beautiful, inspiring and original weddings based in Noosa and the Hinterland regions of Maleny and Montville.

Our professional styling service provides brides with custom-made colour and design palettes and inspirational mood boards helping to bring your wedding vision to life.

We offer brides bespoke handmade furnishings for their day. Our fabric designs are made with much love.

Our extensive range of quality decor and furnishings has been sourced from reputable suppliers locally, nationally and internationally. We have a comprehensive range of furniture for ceremonies, sit down receptions and cocktail parties in Coastal, Vintage, Garden Party styles.’

So go on, check out their new website – it is gorgeous!!

If you haven’t heard of Lisa Eldridge before here is a little insight,

‘Lisa Eldridge has become one of the most highly regarded make-up artists on the international beauty and fashion circuits today. Her signature look, best described as a fresh, flawless skin and an understated modern approach to beauty, has made her indispensable to supermodels, celebrities and magazine editors alike.

Lisa has been plying her trade as a make-up artist for no less than 20 years. Highly professional, well respected and recognised internationally for her talent, she has been based in Paris, New York and LA and is currently resident in London.’

The first video is on some very useful bridal make-up tips to set you off on the right foot:

to follow on there is this great video on a classic bridal look………try it out! You can’t go wrong with a classic look as Lisa emphasised in her Bridal Tips video.

and finally a lovely Summer Rose Bridal Look….have fun experimenting!

I know I’ll be referring back to Lisa’s website for everyday looks and lots more too – such a great resource – enjoy peeps!

Row One: Autumn Leaves wedding invitations by mini Moko Designer Stationery, Wedding Bouquet via Snippet and Ink Blog, Black and White Photo by Leigh Miller Photography, Boutonierre byViolet Designs

Row Two: Cassandra wedding gown detail by Karen Willis Holmes, Yellow and Grey Pumps by J.Crew, Cassandra wedding gown detail by Karen Willis Holmes

Row Three: Bridesmaid dress and meringue via Wedding Style Guide, Wedding Venue scene by One Love Photo, Flower girl by via Martha Stewart Weddings, Autumn Leaves wedding invitations by mini Moko Designer Stationery

‘Girl Friday Weddings are located in Sydney and Melbourne (and will happily travel!) From helping our couples to decide what type of wedding they want to doing all the end-to-end planning (if they really don’t want to coordinate any of it themselves), we’ll take over as much or as little of their wedding plans at any stage of the process. Girl Friday Weddings can help in two areas. Our planning packages are a convenient way to allow our event managers help out only where needed in the lead up to the day with the more tactical components. Our on the day coordination packages are ideal for couples that really don’t want to spend all their time, energy, and money planning a wedding and don’t intend on being both bride and event manager on the day itself.’

Images 1 & 2: SOHO Images

Images 3, 4 & 5: Cameron Bloom Photography

Images 6, 7 & 8: Essence Wedding Photography, Dario Gardiman

And here is a sneak  peek into the world of Sarah when not working for Girl Friday Weddings:

1). What’s your favourite way to relax at the weekend?

When I’m not at an event working, I usually love to spend the weekend with a bit of good food, wine and a lot of banter with great company.

2). Favourite restaurant?

My favourite local restaurant is Sapporo. Call me a big udon noodle but I have a soft spot for Japanese. Otherwise Buon Ricordo is always fabulous for a carb splurge and their signature dish is to die for.

3). What book are you reading at the moment?

Seth Godin – Small is the new big. Clever man, and I look forward to reading through the rest of his work.

4). What did you last go and see at the cinema?

Toy Story 3. Yes sad I know, I need to get out more and find a better babysitter.

5). What is your favourite wedding story?

My parents. They were long distance sweethearts, one lived in QLD and the other in NSW. They only met half a dozen times or so in person, and wrote each other in between before they became engaged & married a few years later. Thirty seven years on, and the brood has grown to three kids and 6 grandkids (and one more on the way). They love their family, and each other.