Location: Melbourne, Australia
Setting: Ceremony – balcony; Reception – ballroom
Season: Spring
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
The number of guests: 110
Wedding theme/style: Classic elegance with traditional Chinese elements.
Emily and Eduardo’s journey began in February 2019 with a spontaneous Tinder date on a lively Melbourne weekend. What started as casual afternoon drinks morphed into an evening filled with dining and bar-hopping, turning what was supposed to be a brief meet-up into a marathon date that neither wanted to end.
The lovebirds grew closer and closer until Eduardo finally decided to propose to Emily in a unique and adventurous way. So he took her to an escape room, which was a new experience for both of them. The room was designed with puzzles and riddles that required teamwork and critical thinking. These were qualities that Eduardo and Emily had developed through their relationship. Finally, they solved the last puzzle in the previous room, and a mechanical pedestal rose from the ground, revealing the ring box. Eduardo asked Emily the big question, and she happily said, “Yes.”
Emily and Eduardo wanted their wedding to be a fusion of their personalities and cultural backgrounds. They chose a theme that blended minimalism, elegance, and traditional heritage. The couple aimed for a sophisticated and clean aesthetic that emphasized quality over quantity, which was reflected in the grand, historic venues they chose: the Melbourne Town Hall and the George Ballroom.
Sash, the founder of Collections Photography, took the day’s photographs. His work combines timeless elegance and refined editorial finesse, creating a visually captivating experience that touches the soul. Sash is gifted in weaving narratives rich with love, emotion, and boundless energy. To describe it in more detail, he calls it artistic photojournalism that encompasses documentary storytelling, raw emotions, natural candids, intimate moments, and timeless portraiture. He achieves this by letting things happen naturally and providing minimal direction.
On the morning of Emily and Eduardo’s wedding, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and serenity as the couple prepared for the day they had been dreaming of. The bridal preparations were a beautiful blend of modern elegance and deep-rooted cultural traditions. Amidst the whirl of getting ready, there was a poignant pause for a love letter from Eduardo.
The Chinese tea ceremony connected Emily’s present to her heritage. This ceremony was a meaningful expression of respect and gratitude towards the elders in the family. Emily, dressed in a vibrant red cheongsam adorned with golden embroidery symbolizing luck and prosperity, presented tea to the elders. The ceremony took place with a tray featuring a finely crafted teapot and cups, adding a traditional aesthetic to this heartfelt exchange.
Every aspect of Emily’s bridal look captured the essence of the wedding’s theme—classic, elegant, and timeless. Emily’s wedding dress was a masterpiece of design, featuring a plunging V-neckline that added a modern twist to the traditional bridal look. The gown was adorned with delicate, sheer cap sleeves and intricate floral lace detailing cascading down the flowing skirt, creating a romantic and ethereal effect.
Complementing her stunning gown, Emily wore a classic long veil that fell elegantly from her hair. Her hair was styled in a soft updo, with wisps framing her face. Emily held a bouquet of lush white peonies, adding a luxurious and vibrant touch to her overall appearance.
The bride’s makeup featured natural tones that enhanced her features with a soft, glowing finish, embodying her natural beauty. Subtle eye makeup and a gentle flush of color on her cheeks complemented her joyful smile, making her look effortlessly radiant.
The choice of location for the first look—near ornate archways and classic architectural details of Melbourne Hall —provided a perfect backdrop that mirrored the elegance of the occasion’s solemnity. The historical features of the building gave their wedding story a sense of permanence and grandeur, making it feel like a princess story. Sash meticulously captured the magical moments of the couple’s adornment as they saw each other in their wedding attire.
At Emily and Eduardo’s beautifully orchestrated wedding, amidst the elegance and joy, one special VIP guest captured the hearts of everyone present—Paddington, their beloved puppy. Paddington, dressed in a charming bow tie, brought joy and warmth to the celebration.
The wedding ceremony took place on the balcony of the Town Hall. It provided a stunning view of the bustling city, making it a perfect backdrop for the ceremony. The arch created by white roses, hydrangeas, and cascading ivy was unique and created a serene oasis, making the wedding a memorable and one-of-a-kind experience. It framed the couple as they exchanged their vows, creating a romantic and luxurious ambiance.
The reception was held at the historic George Ballroom in St Kilda. It was a remarkable celebration that seamlessly blended classic European architectural elegance with vibrant traditional Chinese elements. A spectacular traditional Lion Dance performance accompanied Emily and Eduardo’s arrival. The lively and energetic dance featured dancers in colorful lion costumes, moving rhythmically to the beat of drums. This performance symbolizes good luck and happiness and provides a lively start to the evening.
The venue, known for its Renaissance revival style and Baroque influences, provided a stunning backdrop for the evening’s festivities. High ceilings, ornate detailing, and majestic windows exuded timeless elegance. The decor was meticulously chosen to enhance the venue’s architectural beauty while incorporating modern touches. Each table was adorned with elongated floral arrangements that ran down the center, creating a continuous stream of natural beauty. The choice of white flowers, soft greenery against the crisp white tablecloths, and classic wooden chairs added to the overall minimalist yet elegant theme. Strategic placements of candles in glass votives provided soft, romantic lighting that enhanced the intimate ambiance of the reception.
At their wedding reception, the newlyweds took a heartfelt moment to greet their guests with a touching speech. Standing before their family and friends gathered in the beautifully decorated venue, they expressed gratitude and joy. The couple shared their happiness and excitement about beginning their new life together and concluded the speech by popping champagne bottles into the glass tower.
Emily and Eduardo’s vision was to create a timeless yet personal, elegant yet welcoming celebration that reflected their journey together. They achieved this by careful planning and focusing on what truly mattered to them, making their wedding a perfect reflection of their love and heritage. Their wedding day was a beautiful beginning to their new life together, surrounded by the people they loved in a place that beautifully mirrored their past, present, and future.
Advice from the couple:
• Focus your time and energy on things that you believe will matter in the long run, like 10 or 20 years from now. When choosing vendors for your wedding, ensure you feel a connection or a vibe with them. They will spend considerable time with you, including the lead-up to the wedding, and can play a precious role. Remember that things may go differently than planned on the wedding day. Learn to let go and not stress because it has already happened. It’s too late to prevent it, so adapt where possible.
PHOTOGRAPHER Collections Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Luca Zarik | VENUE Ceremony: The George Ballroom, Reception: The Melbourne Town Hall | FLORALS The Willow Branch | GOWN Atelier Wu, Raffaele Ciuca | MUAH Suzy Sela, Miss Jaye | SUIT Black Tie | STATIONERY The Belle Press | MC Sam Navagero | CELEBRANT Tottie Gold Smith | COUPLE Emily, Eduardo | MUSIC Vivid Strings
