GRACE + NICK - Breathtaking Ballroom

Grace and Nick's wedding was held in one Melbourne's most charming of venues, The George Ballroom.    Nestled in the heart of St Kilda, the heritage-listed ballroom exudes a timeless charm, capable of transporting guests to a centuries-old European palace the moment they step inside.

With its polished timber floors, ornate ceilings, distressed walls, and well-considered lighting, The George Ballroom is a masterpiece of restoration - a credit to the hard work of Damm Fine Food Co, who also manage the venue. Every detail of the space speaks to its rich history, while also providing a breathtaking backdrop for modern celebrations.

On Grace and Nick’s wedding day, the ballroom's inherent beauty was elevated to new heights, thanks to the creative talents of Wild Flos and Poni Studio. Known for their ability to transform spaces into works of art, the teams curated a ceremony setting that was nothing short of exquisite. Hydrangeas and roses in shades of blue and cream, carefully arranged alongside an abundance of candles, helped to create a serene and romantic atmosphere, while rows of perfectly placed ghost chairs gave a sense of formality.

Capturing every moment of this extraordinary celebration was the talented team from Lost In Love Photography. Their ability to immortalise the elegance and beauty of weddings is nothing short of exceptional.

Grace looked so very elegant in her Sassi Holford gown as she entered the ballroom alongside her proud parents.  While Hey Jack performed Adele’s Make You Feel My Love, her parents lifted her veil, embraced her and then smiled as she took Nick’s arm and walked the remaining steps of the processional.

After carefully arranging Grace’s cathedral-length veil, I took my place alongside her attendants and shared a few light-hearted relationship stories. I also highlighted a few of the personal qualities she and Nick bring to their partnership.

Vows and rings were exchanged and then, to an almighty cheer, the newlyweds sealed their status with a kiss.

Guests saved their congratulations and ventured across the road to LOLA St Kilda for drinks and canapes while the room was reimagined with the same meticulous attention to detail.

Grace and Nick, your wedding was a perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication, a day where every element came together to create a truly beautiful experience.

Thanks for inviting me into your lives to prepare and present your ceremony… and for the many laughs shared along the way. What a wonderful ride.

LOVE NOTE

“…Sally is such a beautiful, humorous, genuine and captivating celebrant. Sally ensured the entire process from start to finish was seamless, and her communication is second to none.

She has the ability to engage the audience whilst simultaneously putting her couples at ease. The delivery in her ceremonies is unmatched. Sally is beyond what we could have hoped for in a celebrant.”
— Grace + Nick

Celebrant: Sally Hughes // Photographer: Lost In Love Photography // Venue: The George Ballroom // Venue Management & Design: Damm Fine Food Co // Floral Design: Wild Flos // Planner & Stylist: Poni Studio // Videographer: Luca Zarik Films // Music: Hey Jack // Grace’s dress: Blue Bell Bridal & Sassi Holford // Nick’s suit: MJ Bale // Make up: Maddi Nichols // Hair: Hair by Caroline // Jewellery: Anton Jewellery

JULIA + KIT - Midweek Micro

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

When Julia and Kit shared their vision for their wedding with me, it was clear: they wanted a relaxed and joyous gathering where family could come together, enjoy good wine, delicious food, and lots of laughter. Their wish was for a celebration that truly embodied the spirit of Melbourne, and I couldn't have been more excited.

On a sunny Wednesday afternoon in Autumn, Julia and Kit and about twenty of their nearest and dearest gathered at the Melbourne Supper Club to enjoy wine, canapes and lively conversation. About half an hour later, as the final song in their pre-ceremony set played, I invited guests to replenish their glasses and gather near while Julia and Kit took their places before the iconic arched window.

Julia and Kit chose a micro ceremony, preferring not to delve deeply into the story of their relationship. However, they did allow me to share a few significant and amusing moments, which helped create a ceremony that was both personal and interactive, mirroring their easy-going and sociable natures.

What truly stood out during the ceremony was the range of emotions that swept through the intimate gathering. There was an overwhelming sense of happiness, but also deeply moving moments that highlighted the love and connection within this small group.

After heartfelt and humorous vows were exchanged, Julia and Kit’s scene-stealing son kept the laughs rolling with some off-the-cuff commentary and his unique style of ring presentation.

Julia and Kit were keen to include a further three children in their ceremony. When we discussed their ages and comfort levels I suggested that they be the ones to declare them married. I was confident that it would add a sweet and memorable touch to the proceedings.

Though I was ready to step in if needed, I knew after my pre-ceremony pep-talk that they’d nail it. They did.

After one of the funniest certificate signing sessions I’ve ever known (awesome banter Leanne and Leigh!), I closed the ceremony with a toast to the newlyweds.

As their guests refilled their champagne glasses (their celebrant included), Julia and Kit took to the streets of Melbourne for a photo session with the talented Julieanne Perara. They later rejoined their adult guests for a long lunch, their favourite pastime, bringing a perfect end to a perfect day.

Reflecting on Julia and Kit's wedding, I'm reminded of why I love being a celebrant. Their day was a beautiful blend of love, laughter, and genuine connection—a true celebration of family and togetherness in the heart of Melbourne.

Congratulations Julia and Kit. What a joyous and heartfelt celebration that was. Thank you for placing your trust in me to prepare and present your ceremony. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you and your lovely family. xx

LOVE NOTE

“Sally is an exceptional Celebrant. She is engaging, funny, warm and thoroughly organised. She made sure that all the admin happened seamlessly in the background which took a lot of pressure off us and was greatly appreciated. ⁠⁠

Where her real value lies, though, is in the personal touch she offers and the ways she helped us plan and run our ceremony. She has a wealth of information available that helped us with our vows, and the order of ceremony - as well as great recommendations for photographers, florists and other service providers which we used. ⁠⁠She also helped with practical, logistical things such as furniture placement, where to stand and how to best put on our rings to ensure the best photos, patiently coaching the kids involved in our ceremony on their roles and lines… it really felt like she went way above and beyond expectations to ensure the day went exactly as we wanted it to. ⁠⁠

She then delivered the most heartwarming, humorous and fun ceremony we could have hoped for. She was warm without being cheesy, funny without stealing the show, flexible and adaptable and a lot of fun. She even went so far as to dress so as to match our autumnal theme.

⁠⁠We feel very lucky to have found Sally and don’t think there’s anyone who could have done a better job of making our day so perfect. ⁠⁠Thank you Sally, we are forever grateful.”
— Julia & Kit

Celebrant: Sally Hughes // Photographer: Julieanne Perara Photography // Venue: Melbourne Supper Club, Managed by Spring Street Events // Julia’s Outfit: Scanlan Theodore // Julia’s bag: Kit’s Suit: Calibre // Flowers: The Road Stall

Ten Years a Celebrant!

On this day ten years ago the Attorney General’s Department saw fit to approve my application to become an Authorised Marriage Celebrant. Ten years ago? Geesh! That time has flown!

Since the 27th of August 2009, I’ve hitched almost 600 couples, I’ve helped others renew their vows, I’ve named babies, I’ve seen marriage equality achieved (hallelujah!) and I’ve seen trends such as mason jars, L.O.V.E letters and sand ceremonies come and go. I’ve seen the rise and rise of Tinder hook-ups, Instagram hashtags (and couple name generator apps), floral arches and ceiling installations, festoon lighting, neon signage, unplugged ceremonies, first looks and non-traditional ceremony venues like bars, distilleries, cellar doors and art galleries. I’ve mentored dozens of celebrants and I’ve won a few awards along the way, but most importantly, I’ve forged trusting relationships with many wonderful couples and close friendships with many industry folk.

I have loved working with happy couples and meeting proud and emotional parents. I have loved making people laugh and watching them cry. I have loved solving problems, dressing up, visiting beautiful venues, and observing talented creatives work their magic. I’ve always appreciated having the best seat in the house.

And so, to anyone who has hired me, recommended me, reviewed me, followed my socials, photographed or filmed me, thank you. To those of you who have spent too much time with me in photo booths, chatting on Messenger threads or carving up dance floors at industry events, sorry (not sorry).

And to my wonderfully supportive husband, thanks for holding down the fort on weekends, for always offering to pack and unpack my equipment from the boot and for having wine, vegetarian pasta and a listening ear at the ready when I return home from ceremonies and insist on reliving every moment.

2029 here I come!

Sal x