Cufflinks above Collins Street
Our morning at the Grand Hyatt started high above Collins Street, with Tony’s suits hanging in the window and the city and parkland spread out behind them. The rings, cufflinks and cologne went onto the sill first, because those details are easiest to photograph before anyone is rushing. Then the groomsmen took over, one on the bow tie and another on the cuffs, while we caught Tony alone by the door in black and white. Five wrists came together for a watch photo, and the guys lined up against the glass. A big hotel window works like a huge soft light, so we kept them side-on to it.
Orchids, roses and blush pink
Vivian got ready in the hotel’s Diplomatic Suite, where her mermaid gown hung in the corner window above the river. Her bouquet of white orchids, pale pink roses and bright red blooms rested on the tulle, and three golden rose pins waited in their box for her hair. A bridesmaid did up the long row of buttons at the back, and a loved one leant in close for a final touch to her waves. Then her four bridesmaids arrived in blush and dusty pink, all bouquets and giggles, and family members came by for a hug before we headed out into the city.
Under the stained glass
Before the ceremony we took the whole party to the NGV on St Kilda Road. In the Great Hall they lined up on the red carpet under the stained-glass ceiling, a frame that only works when everyone stands still and looks up for a beat. On the escalators, with coloured glass sculptures below, the party spread along the rail. Vivian and Tony leant into the bluestone walls, then we found the Water Wall. Standing them inside against the glass, with daylight behind, turned the falling water into a glowing curtain. Outside under the arch, everyone walked towards us arm in arm.
Plane trees in Carlton Gardens
Carlton Gardens came next. Vivian and Tony stood on the lawn in front of the ornate fountain, the white tiers echoing her ruffled train. Then we moved into the avenue of plane trees, where autumn leaves had covered the grass in gold and brown. The groomsmen crowded in around the couple for a cheeky frame, and the bridesmaids spun their dresses through the leaves. Vivian led Tony across the lawn by the hand and turned back to laugh at him. Under that canopy the cloudy sky was soft and even, which is exactly the light we hope for when a big party wants natural smiles.
A guitar on the portico
At Melbourne Town Hall the ceremony was set out on the portico above Swanston Street: a red carpet, rows of red chairs and tall arrangements of pampas grass and blush flowers between the stone columns. A singer with an acoustic guitar played as the guests found their seats. Inside, in a heritage room with a gilt mirror and a grand piano, a bridesmaid gave Vivian’s veil one last fluff. Out on the balcony Tony laughed with the groomsmen while we worked the edges of the portico, where the open sides let soft street light in under the cover of the roof.
Her dad and a happy tear
The bridesmaids walked the red carpet one by one, and Tony waited at the balustrade. Then the tall doors opened and Vivian’s dad walked her out onto the portico. Tony wiped his eye while the groomsmen grinned behind him, and we stayed on his face for those few seconds. Her dad shook Tony’s hand, and the celebrant joined theirs. Vows went into a microphone, the ring slid on, and the kiss brought the whole balcony to its feet. At a white table they signed the register, a bridesmaid added her signature as witness, and their hands rested together on the certificate.
The marble staircase
Back inside, guests swept Vivian and Tony into hugs in the wood-panelled hall. Then we brought everyone onto the grand marble staircase for the big group photo. Stairs are the best gift a photographer can get for a crowd: every row stands a step higher, so every face is seen. Out on the portico we worked through the family groups between the columns and pampas grass, and Vivian burst out laughing with an older guest in a floral jacket. The last portraits looked down Swanston Street, with the Gothic spire of St Paul’s Cathedral rising behind them.
First dance in the Courtyard
The reception came home to the Grand Hyatt, in The Residence. Guests mingled in the lounge, played with the photo booth props and listened to a live band. Pairs from the bridal party made their entrance through the glass doors, then Vivian, now in a second gown with gold lace, came in on Tony’s arm while the little ones clapped. Their first dance was in the glass-walled Courtyard, under real trees, with family close all around. They cut a gold and white cake set beside a tiny teapot and cup, then stole a kiss beside it.
Toasts at the lectern
Dinner was in a long room with tall windows looking across to a church spire, the tables set with roses, orchids and handwritten menus. Glasses went up for the toasts, and speeches came one after another at the lectern, each one bringing a fresh round of laughter. We visited every table for a photo, a part of Grand Hyatt Melbourne wedding photos that families treasure for years. To close, Vivian and Tony spoke together. She held the microphone and he wiped his eye again, which felt like the perfect bookend to the moment on the portico.
