Immaculate Conception Church, Hawthorn Wedding Photos
Bluestone Gothic on the corner of Burwood and Glenferrie roads, consecrated in 1869
Immaculate Conception is the Catholic church on the corner of Burwood Road and Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn, about six kilometres east of the Melbourne CBD. Built of rubble bluestone with freestone dressings in the decorated Gothic manner, it was consecrated and opened in October 1869 and is Hawthorn’s largest and earliest church. The spired bell tower was added in 1891, set off-centre at the north corner, and the church and its Manresa presbytery are recorded together on the Victorian Heritage Database.
Veri photographed Sharon and Daniel’s ceremony here, then took them across to St Kilda Botanical Gardens for portraits and on to Encore St Kilda for the reception. It is a common pairing: a church wedding in Hawthorn in the early afternoon, a garden or the bayside for photographs, and a reception back towards the city or the bay in the evening.
How to prepare for your wedding photos (without overthinking it)
Seven small things that make a real difference on the day — learned across hundreds of weddings. None of them involve practising poses.
In motion, unposed · FR 15A1. Be yourselves — that's where the magic is
You don't need to perform or worry about what you look like. The best photos come from real moments: a glance, a laugh, a shared breath. Let go a little — we'll guide when needed, and the best unfolds naturally.
2. Build buffer time into your timeline
A little breathing room between getting ready, the ceremony and couple portraits makes all the difference. It gives us space for spontaneous shots — and gives you time to soak it all in.
3. Choose locations that feel like you
A quiet lane, an open field, a textured wall — we love meaningful or interesting spots. Trust us to find great light, but if you've got a place you love, let's work it in.
4. Consider an unplugged ceremony
Phones can distract from the emotion (and your photos). Asking guests to be fully present makes for cleaner frames and a more heartfelt atmosphere.
5. Get ready in calm, light-filled spaces
Clutter-free rooms with natural light are a photographer's dream, and calm energy in the morning sets the tone for the day. Keep the space tidy — or assign a friend to do a quick sweep before we arrive.
6. Keep a drink and snacks nearby
Especially during portraits — hydration and a little sugar go a long way in keeping energy and moods high.
7. Trust the process
We've worked at hundreds of weddings and we're here to make you look and feel amazing. Trust us with the light, the angles, the pace — we've got you.
Photographing a wedding at Immaculate Conception Church
The nave is lit from a clerestory above the side aisles, so the light drops from high up and is soft on faces at the altar; I stay in the aisle and let the stained glass work behind the couple. Outside, the bluestone steps and the Glenferrie Road frontage give the confetti moment and the family groups a proper backdrop, though the corner is busy, so the groups stay tight to the doors. The gallery below is Sharon and Daniel’s wedding from this church through to Encore St Kilda.