Location: Melbourne, Australia
Setting: Ceremony – church; Reception – ballroom
Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
The number of guests: 130
Wedding theme/style: Timeless and classical Hollywood.
Melissa and Dean’s romantic story started in Melbourne, Australia, where they swiftly developed a strong bond. Their relationship deepened, and they soon became proud parents to a beautiful baby girl named Olympia. Dreaming of a wedding that reflected their romance, they embarked on a year-long planning journey. Initially, they hoped for a European destination wedding. Still, they found a perfect venue near home accessible to all their loved ones, especially their grandparents, who couldn’t travel abroad.
They married in an Orthodox Church in South Yarra, named after Saint Constantine, a name shared by the groom. “We frequently passed by this church in our daily lives, and the traditional aspect of having a church wedding was crucial to us as we both share the same faith. We needed to honor the importance of marriage and what it represents on a larger scale, particularly as we have a child together,” says the bride. Melissa and Dean’s nine-month-old daughter, Olympia, was the star of the day, and they were eager to capture many moments with her, especially since they missed out on a newborn shoot due to her early arrival.
Melissa and Dean’s wedding style blended timeless and classic Hollywood elegance. They chose a black-and-white color palette, keeping the details simple and beautiful. Inspired by icons Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, their wedding reflected a sense of sophistication. The aim was to create a wedding they could look back on in years to come and still find just as beautiful.
When the wedding day approached, Dean’s preparations were filled with anticipation. The groom looked stylish and refined, wearing a classic continental ivory tuxedo from Calvin Klein. His crisp white shirt, paired with a black bow tie, highlighted his sharp and elegant appearance. The look was completed with polished black shoes, adding to the sophisticated attire.
The classic black-and-white look complemented the wedding’s timeless Hollywood theme and matched Melissa’s stunning bridal looks, creating a cohesive and elegant appearance for the couple.
Dean’s groomsmen, all in sharp black tuxedos, shared a toast, raising their glasses to friendship, love, and the future ahead. The air was alive with the sound of traditional Greek music, creating a festive and sentimental atmosphere. The rhythmic beats of the drum and the melodic tunes added a special touch to the preparations, honoring Dean’s heritage and setting the tone for the day’s celebrations.
Melissa’s wedding morning was a serene and intimate affair, filled with moments of joy and anticipation. Surrounded by her bridesmaids and her precious daughter Olympia, Melissa’s preparations were as elegant and refined as the wedding itself.
The highlight of Melissa’s morning was spending time with Olympia. The mother-daughter duo shared tender moments, creating memories that will warm their hearts many years after. Melissa shared, “We had a little horror story before our wedding. Our daughter’s gorgeous organza silk dress was stolen from our home. It was very disheartening as I had envisioned her wearing it. I had to go then find another dress for her with only 24 hours before the wedding.” Despite this setback, Melissa found a beautiful replacement, and Olympia looked adorable in her white dress adorned with a bow that matched Melissa’s bridal gown.
The bridesmaids, dressed in classic black gowns, provided support and shared in the day’s excitement. The party looked cohesive and stylish, perfectly complementing her refined look.
Mel opted for soft, natural makeup that enhanced her radiant features. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, with a few loose curls framing her face, striking the perfect balance between sophistication and effortless beauty.
The bride’s wedding dress was a masterpiece. The stunning Vera Wang gown featured a sleek, form-fitting silhouette that highlighted her graceful figure. The fabric draped beautifully, creating clean lines that emphasized simplicity and refinement. The striking bow on the shoulder was a standout feature of the dress, adding a touch of dramatic flair to the classic design. The gown also had a captivating train that flowed seamlessly, enhancing the regal feel of her bridal look.
The back of the dress was equally impressive, with a low scoop and delicate buttons running down the spine. Melissa’s choice of this gown perfectly encapsulated the essence of their wedding: timeless, elegant, and beautifully understated.
The streets of Melbourne came alive with music, laughter, and celebration as the group made their way to the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. The music, a harmonious blend of Greek and Serbian influences, added a unique and festive atmosphere. The church, a place of deep significance for Melissa and Dean, stood majestically as the backdrop for this beautiful celebration.
As the guests gathered, the air was filled with excitement and joy. Dressed in their finest attire, friends and family eagerly anticipated the ceremony, sharing smiles and warm embraces. Melissa’s bridesmaids, stunning in their black gowns, held elegant bouquets of white roses, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The ceremony was a blend of tradition, emotion, and elegance. It began with the crowning, a significant part of the Orthodox wedding tradition symbolizing the couple’s unity and the beginning of their new life together. This sacred moment was both profound and beautiful, underscoring their deep spiritual commitment.
Melissa and Dean walked down the aisle, hand in hand, beneath the proudly waving flags of Greece and Serbia, symbolizing their rich cultural heritage and the unity of their families. Exiting the church, they were greeted by a merry crowd of family and friends, ready to continue the celebration of this beautiful union.
After the beautiful ceremony, Mel and Dean took a moment to relax and relish their newlywed status in the luxurious halls and suite of The Windsor Hotel. The grand staircase, with its intricate wrought-iron railings and plush carpeting, provided an elegant backdrop for intimate photos captured by the talented photographer Sofia Quint of Quint Photography.
Sofia expertly used the soft, natural light streaming through the large windows to highlight the joy and love between the couple. The room, with its vintage charm and luxurious furnishings, framed Mel and Dean in moments of quiet tenderness and laughter. The plush fabrics and tasteful decor of the suite added to the intimate and timeless feel of the photographs. The couple’s daughter joined them for some of the photos, adding a touch of family warmth to the elegance of the surroundings. As they moved through the hotel, Sofia captured their playful interactions and tender moments, creating a visual story that perfectly encapsulated the joy and love of their wedding day.
Sofia Quint‘s artistic direction continued to shine as she transitioned to black-and-white photography. The absence of color in these images intensified the emotions and highlighted the couple’s connection. The photographs captured serene smiles and deep affection between lovebirds, making it a moment of pure love and tenderness.
These black-and-white photos were a stylistic choice and a timeless addition to their wedding album. They capture the depth of their emotions in a classic and elegant manner.
The reception venue, Sophia at the Prahran Arcade, was grand and intimate, exuding a romantic and timeless charm that perfectly complemented the love shared by the couple. When the lovebirds first saw the venue, they immediately felt the rich history on its walls. It had a magical atmosphere and looked like a large European estate.
The setting was beautifully adorned with bows, candles, and understated floral arrangements, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The tables were elegantly set with white tablecloths, black ribbon-tied menus, and simple white rose centerpieces, enhancing the venue’s refined aesthetic. The long banquet tables and soft lighting created a cozy and inclusive dining experience. The decor reflected the couple’s taste and love, creating a breathtaking setting and unforgettable memories.
The excitement bubbled over as Mel and Dean prepared to join their guests. They knew this was going to be the night of their dreams! With a grand entrance, a brass band, and a champagne tower, everything was set for an unforgettable celebration of their love. They kicked it off with their first dance, and guests watched in awe, some with tears in their eyes, as the couple shared this intimate moment. The atmosphere was charged with emotion, and the love and joy were palpable.
As the evening went on, Mel changed into her second look, wearing a stunning gown from Rachel Gilbert that exuded glamour. The form-fitting silhouette and elaborate beadwork highlighted Mel’s elegance and grace, mesmerizing her every movement. The long sleeves and the deep V-neckline added modern fleur to the classic style, perfectly complementing the classic ambiance of the celebration.
The couple took a stroll through the historic arches and corridors. The venue, with its grand architecture and soft, ambient lighting, provided the perfect stage for these intimate moments captured by Sofia.
As the evening progressed, heartwarming speeches from close friends and family members added an intimate and personal touch to the wedding reception. The heartfelt speeches recounted memories and experiences, highlighting the couple’s enduring bond, love, and support.
After the kind speeches and cozy dining, the guests went to the dance floor in the separate ballroom, eager to celebrate the night away. Mel and Dean had booked a traditional Serbian brass band to help get the party started, and their lively tunes instantly filled the room with an infectious energy. The brass band, with its vibrant and spirited music, was the perfect choice to set the festive mood. As the band played, guests of all ages danced and celebrated joyfully.
Opting for a champagne tower instead of a traditional cake perfectly reflected the couple’s distinctive style and the extraordinary nature of their bond. This unforgettable evening, characterized by elegance, tradition, and heartfelt moments, will be remembered by all as a beautiful and unique celebration of love.
Advice from the couple:
• Not everything will go according to plan; just ignore the small stuff and enjoy your wedding day as much as possible. Be present and rock that dance floor with your guest!
PHOTOGRAPHER Quint Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Yaya Films | VENUE Sophia Prahran Arcade | STATIONARY Elle Creative Studio | DRESS Vera Wang Bride | BRIDE’S SHOES Jimmy Choo | TUXEDO Calvin Klein | EARRINGS Dior | RINGS Cartier
