MELANIE & BEN’S WEDDING

Melanie and Ben were married on Friday 26th of September at Quat Quatta, a magnificent historic home in Ripponlea, Melbourne. This was my first Melbourne wedding, and I must admit I was quite apprehensive about photographing a wedding in unfamiliar territory… in the big city. Gee, I sound like such a country bumpkin, but I do feel so safe working in Bendigo and surrounding areas that I know well. Once I actually met Melanie and Ben the week before though, all my fears just faded away. They’re just the sweetest couple, and I found their level of excitement regarding their up coming wedding and their enthusiasm about the photography irresistable. One look at Quat Quatta’s website helped my decision also. The old house is absolutely stunning! Besides, it was well and truly time for me to spread my wings, broaden my horizons and finally shoot in Melbourne . I could not have started with a more beautiful wedding….

We began the day photographing Ben and his groomsmen getting ready in a gorgeous old home in St Kilda. 

 

 We then moved on to Ben and Melanie’s home, where Melanie and her bridesmaids were getting ready. Taking photographs during preparations is one of my favourite parts of the day. By scheduling plenty of time I have the opportunity to to capture images of  the bride getting ready, all the beautiful details, and still have plenty of time for relaxed, artistic portraits of the bride .

Melanie with her beautiful bridesmaids and her darling little neice.


Melanie was breathtakingly elegant in her Elizabeth de Varga gown. The natural window light and divine drapes made this window box an ideal spot to take photographs.





I’m just in love with this ornate metalic mirror. I’m sure I remember Melanie saying she bought this mirror especially for her wedding photographs. I’m really not sure if she was joking with me or not!  Either way, I LOVE this mirror.
Melanie arrived at Quat Quatta in absolute style, in an immaculate vintage Rolls Royce.  
The wedding ceremony.

Some images of the newly married couple, taken inside Quat Quatta.

An intimate moment between Ben and Melanie. This is the view from the balcony in the main room. Leadlight windows, ornate plaster, spotlights and filtered daylight combine to make opulent colours and gorgeous light.


The grand view from the outside of Quat Quatta, a truly amazing venue.
We all moved on to St Kilda, starting at the famous old Palais Theatre.

I just couldn’t photograph a wedding in St Kilda without getting a few images in front of Luna Park!

Then we moved on to St Kilda peir. At this stage it got really windy. I thought poor Melanie was going to freeze or blow clean away. We took her veil off before it blew out to sea! She never complained once about being cold, though it was obvious she was freezing, and Ben was also keen to forge ahead. An absolute pair of troupers, making me even more determined to capture fantastic images for them, despite the dreadful weather.
Oh my… that light! I have never taken photographs on the coastline before, but often dreamed of doing so. This was my first time, and I was thrilled with the light. Now I want to move to the coast!




We finished up back at Quat Quatta for Ben and Melanie’s reception. I was very keen to take some images at night in the old house with video light, to create romantic, vintage inspired portraits.

I had a brilliant day, shooting in gorgeous historical and iconic locations, surrounded by some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. The entire wedding was so classy and elegant, just like the couple who got married that day. Thank you Melanie and Ben, for the amazing experience of meeting you, being part of your wedding, and the honour of being your photographer.