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.

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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

Wedding Day Regrets

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

If I had to do it all again, I wouldn’t change a single thing…

Yep, Kylie’s late eighties chart topper sprang to mind the moment I sat down to write this blog. While we know the pop princess wasn’t singing about her wedding day (insert sad face here), it’s something I hope you’ll sing from the rafters after yours.

When your big day is done and dusted and you’re sitting on a beach sipping mojitos and margaritas, reliving your celebration with your significant other, I hope you both agree that every single choice you made was spot on.  I’m pleased to say that this tends to be the case with almost every couple I work with.  Perhaps it’s because I attract easy going couples who trust me to do what I do best and who are open to advice. However, on occasion I run into married folk who tell me that if they had their day again, they might change a thing or two.

And so I thought I’d list the six most common wedding day regrets, as shared with me over the past decade..

1. We regret not hiring a videographer

Hands down, this is the regret I hear most. And for the record, it’s the only thing I would have changed about my wedding day. To be fair, when I walked down the aisle in 2006 social media wasn’t anywhere near as big as it is now. Insta didn’t exist, nor did those wonderful two minute highlight reels. Heck, Photoshop was a very expensive optional extra, so the hideous powerlines that feature in some of our portraits sadly remain. But I digress. My point is, back then we thought photography would be enough and relegated videography to the “if the budget allows” category.

However, if I could go back in time I’d make sure our wedding was filmed so I could show my daughters footage of their mummy walking down the aisle giggling, of their daddy’s voice cracking when we exchanged vows, of our friends singing musical theatre songs during the certificate signing, and of our guests carving up the dance floor before an eight piece swing band.

And so, if you can, compromise on your floral centrepieces, ditch the expensive cuff links, earrings and engraved invitations and hire a videographer. In ten years’ time, you won’t care about the styling as much as you will reliving the words, music and emotion during one of the happiest days of your life.

Chloe + Jake’s emotional exchange of vows at Mon Bijou. Captured by Jerome Cole.

2. We regret not hiring a professional photographer

Just because you’re a chilled-out, easy going couple who want a simple and low-key ceremony (you’re fab!), it doesn’t mean you should neglect having it captured professionally. Even though you both sound like you have your priorities in check, I bet you’ve splashed a reasonable amount of cash on outfits, hair and make up and I guarantee that you’ll be emotionally invested in your day. Whether you’re hosting a 150 person bash or opting for an intimate elopement, you’ll want great photos. So please, don’t ask a friend who dabbles in photography. Hire a pro!

Chloe + Jake at Mon Bijou ceremony. Captured by Jerome Cole. Wow!

When I hear, “We’re thinking of asking our friend to take the photos. He has a pretty good camera…”, I worry. Does your friend (let’s call him Larry) know how to work in poorly-lit venues? Does Larry know how ceremonies play out, and therefore where to quickly position himself during the key moments? Does Larry know not to take those cheesy mood-killing posed photos during the certificate signing, but rather, read the play during the ceremony and know when to photograph you and when to photograph the crowd? And let’s not overlook the possibility that Larry may not want to do it, but is too polite to decline your offer of working for several hours while everyone else is having fun. It’s a big ask. The pressure would be huge for a novice photographer. At least it should be.

3. We regret not having an unplugged ceremony

For the past decade I’ve found that asking guests to put their cameras, phones and other distracting devices away in order to fully participate in the ceremony has been a rapidly growing trend. The motivation is twofold; the experience for all present (the couple and guests alike) and the quality of the photos and footage.

Imagine walking down the aisle and not being able to make eye contact with some of your guests.

Imagine standing at the top of the aisle during the processional and having your view blocked by gran, who’s standing in front of you with a cheap digital camera, attempting to take a sub-standard photo. (I call it “aisle-creep” and it happens all the time!)

Imagine receiving your photos and discovering pictures that would have been amazing but for an arm or a selfie stick in the aisle, or a guest who’s looking at his/her lap, checking how good their iPhone photo looks.

Commit to 30 minutes of true guest interaction and to helping the pros do their best work. Guests can snap away for hours afterwards and hey, you can even pose with them!

All eyes are on Kristina at Stones of the Yarra Valley. Captured by Theodore & Co

No cameras in sight at Kristina + John’s ceremony. Captured by Theodore & Co

4. We regret having our ceremony outside… in Melbourne… in Winter.

This is closely followed by, “We regret having our ceremony outside… in Melbourne… in Summer.”

Doesn’t it sound like a recipe for disaster? OK, I’m being a tad dramatic, but given how reliably interchangeable Melbourne weather is at any time of year, please don’t just “hope for the best” when planning the biggest social event of your lives. If you know the mercury is going to hit 30 degrees, or if the chance of rain rain is high, please hire a marquee. Wishful thinking and half a dozen market umbrellas will not do the trick!

Better still, bite the bullet and move the ceremony indoors! All the hard work you and your celebrant will have dedicated to creating an entertaining and meaningful ceremony can be somewhat wasted when guests are distracted by a constant “Hurry up, I’m melting” or “Hurry up, I’m fuh-reeeeezing” thought. Looking out onto a sea of people with their arms crossed, trying to keep warm, or watching people apologetically walk away from the ceremony space to find shade is disheartening. I may need to cut parts of the ceremony if I feel I’m losing them, which would be a big shame.

Remember, guests will always remember how they felt during your ceremony. No one wants their ceremony to be remembered as “the one that was so cold we almost froze” or “the one where it was so hot, someone fainted”. Aim for a “that’s the best ceremony I’ve ever experienced!” feeling.

When ‘Plan B’ doesn’t cut it. Image by Jason Kaczorowski

5. We regret not thinking enough about our Plan B location.

It’s imperative that you know at the time of booking your ceremony suppliers whether your ceremony location and time could change if you revert to a plan B location.

Whenever I receive an enquiry for a ceremony in a Heritage Listed garden - the Carlton Gardens for example (where marquees are not permitted), i’ll always ask the couple to confirm their alternative ceremony venue and time. If you need to move your 3:00 PM ceremony from a public garden to your indoor reception venue, keep in mind that, no matter how much notice you give, the reception venue manager might not allow you and your guests onsite until they can accomodate you, which is usually from around 5:00 PM.

If you’re marrying outdoors in Melbourne, talk to your celebrant, stylist, musicians and drivers and find out how flexible they can be on your wedding date. Unlike photographers and videographers, who are usually booked for a whole day, they’re usually booked for an agreed time.

6. We regret not having a photo with you.

Look, I do try to jump in during the certificate signing or interrupt your post ceremony snaps, but sometimes the light is fading or the rain is coming and I can sense that the photographer needs to get on with his/her work. If you want a pic with your celebrant (or anyone not staying on after the ceremony), let them and your photographer know that it’s important to you. If it’s important to you, I’ll definitely hover until it happens. Just ask Daniel and Elisha.

Interrupting Daniel + Elisha’s post ceremony portrait session with Briars Atlas at Zonzo Estate.

Remember, wedding day regrets can be avoided when you have an experienced and forward thinking celebrant, a realistic attitude and great suppliers on your team.

If there’s anything you would have done differently on your wedding day, please comment below!

Sally Hughes, Melbourne Celebrant

For more wedding tips take a look at TRENDING - Rose Petal Recessionals

MADELEINE + DANIEL - Morning Micro

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

Madeleine and Daniel flew from Brunei to Australia to be married in the morning sunshine at Zonzo Estate in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. They spent time among the vines with their photographer Suzie Potter of London Ivy Collective and then married before a small group of family members and friends.  After their micro ceremony (and a quick costume change) the newlyweds made their way indoors to The Stables, a stunning light-filled space, to enjoy a celebratory lunch. 

Madeleine and Daniel’s low-key celebration was a wonderfully unhurried and intimate one. Further proof that micro weddings can be just as beautiful, meaningful and enjoyable as the large-scale variety.

Related Blog: What’s a Micro Ceremony?

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Celebrant: Sally Hughes for Signed and Sealed // Photography: Suzie Potter of London Ivy Collective // Ceremony Venue: Zonzo Estate // Flowers: Sugar Bee Flowers // Madeleine’s Dress: White Runway // Daniel’s Suit: Zara Man

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JESS + ROB - Glasshaus Nuptials

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

serendipity

ˌsɛr(ə)nˈdɪpɪti/    

1. the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

Jess and Rob met briefly while traveling through Europe.  Serendipitously, a year later they met again at a local football match.  The following week their paths crossed yet again at, of all places, at an ATM in the city and then, when Rob asked Jess to join him at a party the following week, they discovered that Jess was invited too.  And so it would seem that the universe was conspiring to unite these genetically blessed humans.

Jess and Rob were married at Glasshaus Inside in Cremorne - a garden nursery by day and event space by night, situated in a quiet street just off the hustle and bustle of Swan Street in Richmond.  It's a venue where fiddle leaf figs the height of giraffes adorn the walls and where ferns are suspended from timber ceiling rafters en masse.  It's one where the last rays of the afternoon sun filter through from directly overhead, creating magnificent opportunities for photographers and stylists alike. It really is a space unlike any other in Melbourne.

And so it made absolute sense that Jess, one half of the popular wedding photography duo  Flash 2 Flash Photography, and her Rob, chose this unique space to be married.  It also came as no surprise that they assembled a team of industry superstars; I Got You Babe & Co,  Belinda Fitzpatrick Events , Enriched Productions and Made With Love Bridal, to style, co ordinate and capture their day.

Jess and Rob's ceremony was informal, interactive and often humorous... oh and rather loud too (especially when their well-meaning Celebrant delivered a recap of their vows - a recap that several guests interpreted as a double entendre!)

Their reception followed nearby at Rupert on Rupert, another non-traditional wedding venue, where funny speeches, dancing and some clever DIY wedding dress alterations ensued.

Love Note…

“We had seen Sally in action a couple of times and knew we had to have her as our celebrant.  We even based our wedding date around Sally’s available dates. I know I can be a stress head at times but I knew I was in great hands with Sally as she is so professional in every way which put my mind at ease.  We couldn’t recommend Sally more highly as she tailored a fun, personable and relaxed ceremony to suit us”

Jess + Rob

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Celebrant: Sally Hughes

Photography: I Got You Babe & Co

Videography:  Enriched Productions

Venue Styling, Florals & Event Co ordination: Belinda Fitzpatrick Events

Ceremony Venue: The Glasshaus

Reception Venue:  Rupert on Rupert

Jess' Gown: Made With Love Bridal

RENATA + NICK - A Wedding of Distinction

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

Meet Renata, a Director at Weddings of Distinction, a premiere wedding and special events company based in Melbourne.  I’ve seen Renata style and manage some epic events, so I knew that when the time came for her to marry her Nick, their celebration would be beautifully styled and managed with the precision I have come to expect from WoD. I knew Renata and Nick would bring together a very large team of Melbourne’s most sought after suppliers too, industry professionals I very much admire.

And so you can image how thrilled I was when Renata and Nick asked me to conduct their marriage ceremony at The Glasshouse in Melbourne. 

Not surprisingly, Renata and Nick decided to do things a little differently to the norm.  They wanted the transition between ceremony and reception to be a seamless one and so decided that the spaces would be one in the same.  They envisaged a formal and traditional ceremony, one that would incorporate humour, theatricality and elements of their Russian and Greek heritage.  I couldn't wait to get started.

While guests enjoyed pre ceremony cocktails and canapes, Renata and Nick met for "first look" photos at the stylish Crown Towers.   

They then made their way to The Glasshouse together and waited in their bridal suite for their guests to enter the room.  When the doors opened, allowing family and friends to be seated at their tables, I lost count of the number of "oohs and aahs" I heard.  The room looked nothing short of spectacular.

Before 200 guests, all seated in the round, Renata and Nick stood under a magnificent suspended floral chuppah (which, to the delight of the crowd, slowly descended from the ceiling as Renata entered the room) to celebrate a relationship that came about as a result of a Groupon voucher, a rather persistent matchmaker and a touch of Facebook stalking.

Not withstanding the jaw-droppingly beautiful floral arrangements, the many crystal chandeliers and candles, the perfectly placed table settings in gold and crystal, the cigar and cognac station, the champagne and dessert bar, the chilled vodka carts, the fantastic live music, the exceptional sound and lighting design, the motorised ceiling installation and the highly courteous and impeccably dressed staff, it was the love between two people and the strong sense of celebration in the room that impressed me most that evening.

Renata and Nick, thank you for inviting me to play a role in your big, fat, theatrical, romantic, joyful, loud and utterly beautiful Russian / Greek wedding. I wish we could do it all again (says the person who didn't spend countless days and nights planning it!).

Celebrant: Sally Hughes

Photography: Warrenphotography

Videography:  C2 Films

Venue Styling: Weddings of Distinction, Lulu Bird

Venue: The Glasshouse / The Big Group Melbourne

Decor: Weddings of Distinction, Place Settings, Complete Function Hire, Harry The Hirer, Dann Event Hire

Sound & Lighting - Prolight and Sound

Ceremony & Reception Music: Rumours Band

Cars: Always Classic Cars

Renata's Gown:  Leah Da Gloria

Renata's Make Up: Beauty By Julie

Renata's Hair: Frankie Salon

Nick's Suit: Hugo Boss

OLIVIA + NATHAN - Kisses in the Rain

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

Liv and Nath shared their very first kiss in the rain.  Six years later, in the Italian Garden at Coombe Yarra Valley, history repeated itself (fortunately to a far lesser degree) as they shared their first kiss as Mr and Mrs.  

When Liv arrived at the beautiful Yarra Valley estate and stepped outside her black Mercedes wearing a Pallas Couture gown, I wasn't the only person to gasp.  She looked absolutely breathtaking.  She beamed as she stood with her bridesmaids, dressed in classic white, excited to be marrying the man she had known for over a decade.

Liv, her proud father Vincent and six attendants entered the Italian Garden to Little Buster Brown's evocative rendition of Angels by XX.  Vincent warmly embraced his beautiful daughter and future son-in-law before Liv and Nath together walked toward the magnificent green hedge.  They stood before a white screen (made by the Father of the Groom), artfully decorated with the classic combination of white and green flowers and foliage by Sugar Bee Flowers.

And so began Liv and Nath's romantic, sentimental and joyous marriage ceremony. It was a ceremony that honoured family and friendships and the very deep love and respect they have for one another. We sighed and laughed interchangeably as I told the story of a friendship that began in their teenage years, the bond that was strengthened during university study dates and the romantic relationship that they were destined to realise.  The story of Nath's well planned Royal Botanic Gardens proposal was particularly well received.  It was a proposal which included both a surprise performance by an acoustic duo the moment Liv said, "Yes", and photographer friends hiding in bushes.... until an oh-so-excited Nath outed them!

Midway through Liv and Nath's ceremony distant rumblings of thunder sounded and spectacular bolts of lightning pierced through the clouds.  Fortunately, we only experienced a few drops of rain so decided to continue as planned.  Liv and Nath exchanged vows and rings; rings that were contained in a wooden box carved by Nath's Nunnu, blessed by immediate family and brought forward by a rather charismatic Best Man!  And then, to a tremendous cheer, Nath and Liv were declared to be husband and wife.

Given the likelihood of rain, we decided to move the marriage certificate signing to a sheltered area after the ceremony.  While guests happily made their way to the cellar door for canapes and refreshments, the bridal party, parents and grandparents gathered under the canopy of tall trees to witness Liv and Nath's final step toward newlywed status.

Liv and Nath, the relationship you have is so very special. Your kindness towards one another and the importance you place upon family is clear to all.  It was an honour to share your day with you. Congratulations Mr & Mrs L. 

Celebrant: Sally Hughes

Photography: Beck Rocchi Photography

Venue: Coombe Yarra Valley

Flowers: Sugar Bee Flowers

Chairs: Feel Good Events

Screen: David, Father of The Groom (Contact me if you'd to hire it.  I'll connect you!)

Musicians:  Little Buster Brown

Olivia's gown:  Pallas Couture

Nathan's suit: Herringbone

SHAN + PAUL - Love, Laughter and Pineapples

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

When my dear friends Shan and Paul asked me to conduct their wedding ceremony I was truly humbled.  Not merely because Shan's a very popular and well respected Celebrant at Cloud9 Celebrations, not merely because I knew that the who's who of the wedding industry would be there, but because of the beautiful people they are. 

Shan and Paul are compassionate, generous and thoughtful souls - the type of people who delight in  surprising loved ones with unexpected and quirky gifts and helping those less fortunate than themselves.   They're also fun and active - the outdoorsy type who can dive and surf like pros.  In short, they're impressive people.

Shan and Paul envisaged a structured, yet fun and casual ceremony, one that would celebrate their deep love and respect for each other, their close relationships with family and friends, reflect their love of the beach and their personal passions.   

It came as no surprise that they chose the rooftop of the beachside Encore St Kilda for their ceremony.  With palms and pineapples, green turf and blue skies and a bridal party in royal blue and eye-popping orange, the rooftop was completely transformed into a colourful oasis.

As I recall Shan and Paul’s ceremony, I can’t help but smile.  It was simply wonderful watching my dear friend and fellow celebrant assume the role of bride.  Shan happily trusted in her suppliers and simply enjoyed the day as it unfolded around her - something I know we both urge our couples do.  

She looked absolutely radiant in her exquisitely beaded One Day Bridal gown and when she entered the rooftop to No One Knows’ rendition of 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow', the crowd collectively gasped. Paul, who cut a very handsome figure in his royal blue Briggins suit grinned as his bride walked the white carpet on the arm of her proud father.  The two most important men in Shan's life shared a private moment, before Paul offered Shan his arm and led her into position by the stunning tropical arbour created by Botanics of Melbourne.

Flanked by a bridal party of ten, Shan and Paul stood hand in hand as I shared the story of their new year’s eve meeting at Train Trak Winery, their first impressions of each other, their long distance courtship and Paul’s perfect proposal at their favourite stretch of beach. I shared the qualities they’ve come to admire in each other, their shared passions and their hopes for their future - zinc smothered nippers and grommets included.

As very proud Wish Granters for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, Shan and Paul invited their special friend Josh and his sister Mia to share their thoughts on love and marriage.  With observations such as "Love is sharing… like when there is only one ice cream left and you let the other person have it....even though you really, really wanted it.  Love is patient….like Paul plaiting Shan's hair everyday in Bali so it didn’t get knotty in the surf”, the adorable duo brought smiles to every face and reduced quite a few people to tears.

After a romantic exchange of vows and rings Shan surprised Paul with a beautifully written speech. Following the line “...you can’t stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf them”, she presented Paul with a custom made Al Merrick surfboard - a board that would, moments later, double as their signing table.

To the loudest of cheers, Shan and Paul embraced in the warm afternoon sunshine and together walked down the white carpet to greet their large gathering of guests. 

Celebrations continued on the beach side terrace below as the newlyweds were whisked away in a Kombi to spend some time together on the sand. 

Congratulations to the #latestpairofjeans!  Shan and Paul, thank you for the honour of composing and conducting your ceremony and for the honour of your friendship.  May you continue to surround yourselves with love, laughter and pineapples... today, tomorrow and forever. xx

Watch the highlight reel by C2 Video - Today, Tomorrow & Forever


Celebrant: Sally Hughes
Photography: Red Butterfly Photography
Videography: C2 Video
Ceremony Venue: Encore St Kilda
Floral Styling (Ceremony and Reception): Botanics of Melbourne
Shan's Dress: One Day Bridal
Suits: Briggins
Bridesmaid Dresses: Seduce
Ceremony Musicians: No One Knows
Reception Musicians: Soltribe
Cake: Cherrytree Bakehouse
Car: Kombi Celebrations
Other Ceremony Suppliers: The Wedding Zone